Darnester L. Nora
Darnester has dedicated the last 30 years of her life to the education of young children and the support of families. Her extensive background in working for the Department of Defense (Air Force, Marine Corps., and Navy) groomed her into a polished professional. Under the Department of Defense, she served in such positions as School Age Coordinator, Training and Curriculum Specialist, Lead Training and Curriculum Specialist, Center Director, and Child and Youth Program Director.
It was in 2008 that Darnester decided she wanted to impact the development of young children throughout the State of Louisiana. This vast undertaking would require the cumulative efforts of the knowledge and expertise she gained from the DOD. Thus, Darnester set out on a business venture of her own, Spring Ridge Academy. In this venture, Spring Ridge Academy became the first-ever Four Star Child Development Center in the City of Kenner. Under the state’s previous rating system, Spring Ridge Academy joined the elite ranks by becoming one of the two Five Star Child Development Centers in Jefferson Parish. More recently in November 2018, Spring Ridge Academy under the current rating System, CLASS achieved the first five star rating in Jefferson Parish.
Furthering her quest on impacting lives, she is also a CPR/Red Cross Instructor, CDA PD Specialist, My Teaching Partner Coach, CLASS Reliable and Train the Trainer for Infants, Toddler and Pre Schoolers, Jefferson Parish Core Leadership Representative for Early Learning, Louisiana Pathways Trainer, and a former NAYEC Validator having accredited over five different sites.
Her quest has led her down a path which crossed local and state officials alike. Throughout the state she is well-known. One needs only to say, Darnester or Mrs. D, and the connection is made. Finally, she embodies her business slogan: “Loving Care When You Can’t Be There”.