Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Samantha Lightle

Fort Myers,USA

Summary

Results-driven professional with extensive experience in early childhood education, leadership, and a growing interest in corporate roles within Bright Horizons. Proven ability to manage and lead teams, develop strategic initiatives, and build organizational growth. Deeply interested in global education, military partnerships, and corporate systems. Passionate about making a meaningful impact and contributing to the success of Bright Horizons. Born and raised in Germany, started career in early childhood education at a NAEYC-accredited center on Ramstein Air Base. Holds an MBA from FGCU, and a BA in Family Studies from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, with study abroad experience in Bamberg, Germany, and London that enriched understanding of global education. Extensive travel throughout Europe and the UK has provided valuable insights into diverse educational systems and cultures.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Center Director

Bright Horizons
12.2021 - Current
  • Directly collaborate with clients both on-site and via video meetings to ensure smooth center operations, adhering to budgetary plans and upholding Bright Horizons’ core values and mission.
  • Develop and manage comprehensive annual budgets in collaboration with the Regional Manager and Finance Department, monitoring monthly P&L reports to keep end-of-year finances below budget.
  • Effectively address accounts receivable issues, revamping the Center’s Payroll Deduct system and establishing personalized payment plans with parents, achieving zero accounts receivable balances.
  • Maintain accurate financial records using Bright Horizons’ computer financial system and oversee tuition payment collection.
  • Implement efficient labor management systems to ensure optimal staffing levels, including staff scheduling and promotion guidelines.
  • Lead staff recruitment through targeted outreach, screening, interviewing, and hiring processes in collaboration with Talent Acquisition.
  • Utilize progressive counseling and document disciplinary actions in accordance with EEOC, federal, state, local, and company guidelines.
  • Focus on special marketing efforts during key enrollment periods and maintain ongoing marketing efforts to sustain enrollment.
  • Meet specific enrollment targets and goals, maintaining active waiting lists to swiftly fill available slots and maximize enrollment opportunities.

Health and Safety Director

Bright Horizons
05.2021 - 12.2021
  • Acted as Director during the Center Director’s absence, contributing to overall business operations, including finance, HR, marketing, and public relations.
  • Developed a comprehensive responsibility chart with the leadership team, fostering focus and motivation among team members.
  • Managed staff hours and compensation using Time Express, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Business Manager

Bright Horizons
01.2020 - 05.2021
  • Spearheaded the management of business, computer, and communications functions within the center, ensuring smooth operations and efficient processes.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive payroll deduction spreadsheets, reports, and allocations, guaranteeing accuracy and adherence to financial guidelines.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational skills in creating, organizing, and administering weekly and daily staff schedules, optimizing staffing efficiency and maintaining proper coverage.
  • Consistently embodied the values and HEART principles of Bright Horizons, fostering positive interactions with visitors, families, staff, and clients.

Administrative Assistant

Bright Horizons
08.2018 - 01.2020
  • Developed and implemented a Self-Tracking Spreadsheet for Child Files, effectively notifying users of upcoming or overdue paperwork deadlines.
  • Managed the organization and operation of the center's communications and marketing system, consistently portraying a positive image of the company and the center within the community.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality regarding center business and consistently demonstrated professionalism when interacting with visitors, families, staff, and clients.
  • Prioritized the safety and supervision of children at all times, meeting the physical demands of the position to ensure their well-being.

Infant Teacher

Bright Horizons
10.2016 - 08.2018
  • Provided a safe and nurturing environment that encouraged children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.
  • Planned and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum.
  • Ensured safety and supervision of children at all times by fulfilling critical health and safety duties.
  • Complied with mandated reporter requirements as outlined by state regulations, actively promoting the well-being and protection of children under care.

Food Service Worker

DECA Commissary
11.2015 - 05.2016

Streamlined sandwich bar preparation, and baked goods display
Maintained sanitation, organization, and safety of work space
Provided quality customer service and communication

Program Assistant

Child Development Center, CDC
10.2009 - 11.2015
  • Supervised thorough care, age-appropriate development, and safety of children
  • Collaborated with team members to develop curriculum, packets, and a program environment that promoted positive interactions
  • Assisted in preparing the center for NAEYC accreditation, and trained teacher on NAEYC requirements and policies

Education

Master’s - Business Administration

Florida Gulf Coast University
Estero, FL
12.2023

Bachelor of Arts - Family Studies

Samford University
Birmingham, AL
05-2009

Skills

  • Children Development, Safety, and Programming
  • Staff Management / Development
  • Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher
  • Problem-solving expertise
  • Compliance knowledge
  • Business management expertise
  • Collaborative team development
  • Effective public speaking
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Clear and concise communication skills
  • Staff scheduling

Accomplishments

  • Developed advanced Excel tools to streamline center operations, including automated scheduling templates and a proactive file tracking system that flagged upcoming and overdue documentation.
  • Selected by leadership to present at multiple Divisional Conferences, recognized for strong communication skills and creative contributions to branded materials and internal engagement.
  • Led a successful transition from arrears to advance tuition payments, collaborating with families and regional leadership to implement a streamlined system—resulting in consistent zero accounts receivable at the center.
  • Recognized for creative leadership and innovation, frequently sought out to design branded materials, presentations, and communication tools that enhance engagement and reflect Bright Horizons’ values.

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
German
Limited Working

Interests

  • Strategy Games
  • Music
  • Theater
  • Travel

Timeline

Center Director

Bright Horizons
12.2021 - Current

Health and Safety Director

Bright Horizons
05.2021 - 12.2021

Business Manager

Bright Horizons
01.2020 - 05.2021

Administrative Assistant

Bright Horizons
08.2018 - 01.2020

Infant Teacher

Bright Horizons
10.2016 - 08.2018

Food Service Worker

DECA Commissary
11.2015 - 05.2016

Program Assistant

Child Development Center, CDC
10.2009 - 11.2015

Master’s - Business Administration

Florida Gulf Coast University

Bachelor of Arts - Family Studies

Samford University