My name is Candace Perez, and I was born in Naples, Florida. I grew up in a small agricultural community, and my mom and I traveled from state to state following the farming seasons. Although I enjoyed experiencing new places and meeting different people, the constant moving made school difficult. In second grade, I began attending after-school care because I was falling behind. At first, I was frustrated, but my teacher, Ms. Megan McCarthy, created a safe and supportive environment that helped me thrive. She inspired me to become a teacher and showed me how much one person can impact a child’s life.

I eventually earned my bachelor’s degree in Education in New York before returning to Florida to be closer to home. Today, I am a Site Director with Fun Time, where I have worked for three years, growing from VPK Teacher to Assistant Site Director and now Site Director. Working with children and supporting families is more than a career for me, it is a way to give back. Fun Time’s mission of supporting underserved working families is deeply meaningful because it reflects my own childhood. I hope to create the same sense of safety, support, and encouragement for children and families that Ms. McCarthy once gave me.