Get to Know Our Franchise Family

At Discovery Point, we’re proud to represent a diverse franchise family full of professionals who have all found a rewarding career in the child care industry. Many of our franchisees opened their centers as part of a career change, some chose to partner with their spouses or siblings, and several own multiple locations. What they all have in common is a passion for furthering the growth and development of children, as well as a heartfelt desire to make lasting connections with families in their local community.

It is this shared commitment to making a difference in the world that led each of our center owners to open a Discovery Point franchise. Our mission is to redefine daycare by creating a more inspiring, playful, and community-oriented approach to the education of young learners. 

Holding true to this mission, we offer plenty of opportunities for franchisees to generate positive change in their own lives and the lives of others.

The Passionate Professionals Behind Our Franchise Locations

We’re excited for you to get to know a few of the passionate professionals who sit in the driver’s seat of some of our child care centers! Take a look at their amazing stories below.

Discovery Point Howell Ferry

Michelle Malizioso has been the proud owner of Discovery Point Howell Ferry since July 2008. With three children of her own, she’s discovered the key to delivering high-quality child care families in her community trust is to “Think Like a Parent.” 

This approach is certainly working for Michelle, as she received both the President’s Award and the High Five Excellence Award from Discovery Point. Her center has even achieved National Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Some may be surprised to learn that Michelle’s background is not in child development or education. In fact, Michelle holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Healthcare Administration. The key to her success has been the chance to finally fulfill her dream of working with and educating children. This has enabled Michelle to maintain a thriving Discovery Point child care center.

Discovery Point Summerfield

Discovery Point Summerfield and Discovery Point Symmes are a family-run pair of centers owned by two sisters: Maryann Di Leo and Peggy Ballweg. The owners’ familial connection helps keep their focus on meeting the needs of families in their Riverview, FL community. Each has children of their own, bringing crucial insight and valuable perspective to the work they do on a daily basis.

While Maryann and Peggy both dreamed of opening their own child care center for some time, each worked in the corporate world before choosing to make a career switch. Maryann has a graduate degree in Hospital Administration, while her sister Peggy has an MBA and a JD. These two are an excellent example of how different routes can lead to business ownership with Discovery Point.

Discovery Point Roswell

Yvette Rijo was born and raised in the Big Apple, but has established deep roots in the state of Georgia and has found her professional home at Discovery Point Roswell. Her favorite part about owning a child care center is the opportunity to nurture children as infants and watch as they grow into unique toddlers, curious preschoolers, and confident school-agers.

As a mother herself, Yvette understands just how important her child care center is to families in the Roswell area. Throughout her thirteen years of ownership, she’s had the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of children and parents across her local community, and is looking forward to many more years of giving back through exceptional child care services.

Discovery Point Prominence Point

During her fifteen years as a corporate employee, Ruth Ann Kansky relied on child care centers and preschools to help nurture and educate her three kids. When the opportunity came to open a Discovery Point franchise location of her own, she embraced the chance to combine her professional skills with her experience as a parent in need of child care.

Ruth Ann has been the hands-on owner-operator of Discovery Point Prominence Point for over sixteen years now and still loves it. She’s living proof of the rewards that come from understanding the value of your personal experience and following your passion.

Discovery Point Suwanee & Bethelview

As the proud owner of two Discovery Point centers, Hows King has had double the fun for well over a decade! He’s also twice been elected the President of the Georgia Childcare Association, giving him a unique understanding of the profound importance of early childhood education. However, Hows could have easily taken a different path. After achieving a BS in Engineering and then an MBA, he spent 20 years climbing the corporate ladder before deciding to take the leap and live his dream.  

These days, Hows works closely with the Department of Early Care and Learning, the Governor’s Office, and the Legislature in his role as the President of the GCCA. In addition, he remains hands-on with both of his Discovery Point centers. As Hows’s story shows, it’s never too late to change your priorities and start making a difference.

Could you see yourself becoming a part of our eclectic franchise family? Get in touch with Discovery Point today at 770-623-1140 to hear more about our exciting child care franchise opportunities across the southeastern United States!