1851

In many ways, <a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pittsburghs-first-lightbridge-academy-franchise-is-a-family-affair-2713776" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Academy*</a> is the perfect fit for sisters Cara Clayton and Mia Fidei and their father, Ted Yannotti, given the family’s shared entrepreneurial spirit and passion for early education. Ted, who has experience starting his own businesses, Mia who has a background in management and Cara who studied elementary education were thrilled when they discovered the early education and child care company Lightbridge Academy because of its unparalleled curriculum as “<a href="https://lightbridgeacademy.com/center-locator?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pittsburghs-first-lightbridge-academy-franchise-is-a-family-affair-2713776" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Solution for Working Parents</a>”.&nbsp;The family plans to open a location in Hampton Township, Pennsylvania. With the rise in dual-income parents across the area, Ted, Cara and Mia believe Lightbridge Academy’s services will be able to help parents in their community who are looking for a safe, healthy and trusting center to provide education and care to their children.1851 Franchise: What did you do before franchising?Mia Fidei: I grew up in Plum, Pennsylvania and went to Plum High School. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Robert Morris University. I first took a job managing the food service program for a local school district and have over 14 years management experience. One of the things I miss the most from my position at the school district is seeing the kids every day. I am so excited to now be part of the child care industry.Cara Clayton: I also grew up in Plum, Pennsylvania and went to Plum High School. I attended Slippery Rock University and studied elementary education and psychology. I started teaching as a long-term substitute teacher and then joined my dad working for Forman Inc. — a paper and plastic distributor — as a salesperson. I loved the competitive nature and flexibility that the sales industry offered, and working with my dad was a plus!Ted Yannotti: I studied business administration and marketing at Robert Morris University. Cara and I both worked for Forman Inc. Besides working in the paper and plastic industry for Forman Inc., I’ve done a lot of real estate and student housing for colleges. I coached soccer for a number of years, too. My wife, Christina, ran her own business in the 90s called Party Emporium, a party supply retail store. She’ll be certified as a teacher’s assistant so she can be available to sub if needed.1851: Why did you pick franchising over starting your own business?Fidei: The regulations for child care businesses are very extensive, having the company behind us for support made it so much easier. Lightbridge Academy provides us with tools to succeed.&nbsp;1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?Fidei: Take that step forward —&nbsp; the home office is there to help. Be a sponge,absorb all you can and ask lots of questions.&nbsp;1851: What was the trigger moment that led you to become a franchisee with Lightbridge Academy?&nbsp;Fidei: We all loved the idea of having a family business because we’re all very business-minded people. We thought that starting our own Lightbridge could be something that we could continue for years and eventually pass down to our kids. What drew us to Lightbridge Academy was really the core values because they so closely aligned with ours. Cara and I have experience working with children, so we loved the idea of owning a business that lets you work with children every day. Who could have a bad day when working around children? With the rise of dual-income parents, Lightbridge seemed like something that would never go out of style. I have a 1 year-old son, and being able to bring him to work with me is an incredible bonus.Clayton: I don’t have any kids right now, but I look forward to the opening of our center when all of the children become like my own.Yannotti: I’m more a part of the business to help them identify real estate and get their location under construction.1851: What value do you see your business providing to Hampton Township?Fidei: There’s a huge need in Hampton Township for Lightbridge. One of my good friends had such a hard time finding child care for her son in the area and had to settle for subpar. Lightbridge Academy’s services are unparalleled to any other daycare —they truly are innovators in educational child care.Yannotti: Hampton Township and its surrounding areas have some of the best school districts in the state. We wanted to bring high-quality, educational child care to the area.&nbsp;1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?Fidei: Our short term goal is to open up our center in August and fill up the slots. We’re working to provide the best choice for families in this community. With this being the only location in western Pennsylvania, we need to make our mark on the community and be known. We have intentions to open up more centers around the suburbs of Pittsburgh.&nbsp;1851: Do you work with any other local businesses, charitable organizations or prominent individuals in the community?Clayton: We’re part of the Lightbridge Foundation, Lightbridge Academy’s own charitable foundation that aims to help the people in its Circle of Care, including families who come to Lightbridge in addition to the communities in which their locations are located.Fidei: We absolutely plan to get out in the local community. We are part of the Chamber of Commerce and have many local businesses we hope to partner with in the upcoming months.Yannotti: Eventually, we plan to partner with school districts and organize after school activities.1851: With the pandemic, what precautions is Hampton Township’s Lightbridge Academy taking?&nbsp;Fidei: Since we’re not sure what the state of the world will be when August 3approaches, many regulations are up in the air. However, enhanced protocols and procedures have been implemented to address the current health crisis. Teachers will be wearing masks, the building is brand new, the classrooms will be safe and sanitized properly. Going above and beyond, Lightbridge Academy is installing an air purification system and filtration system with Advanced Oxidation Technology.

Pittsburgh’s First Lightbridge Academy Franchise is a Family Affair

1851 Franchise

With help from their father, sisters Cara Clayton and Mia Fidei are introducing children and parents in Hampton Township to the supplemental education brand.

pittsburghs-first-lightbridge-academy-franchise-is-a-family-affair

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Sees People as the Power Behind Franchise Growth

one-hour-heating-air-conditioning-franchise-growth

Lawn Doctor

Design with photo of John Perry and Lawn Doctor logo

How a 20-Year Industry Veteran Tripled His Sales With a Lawn Doctor Franchise

lawn-doctor-franchise-success-story-john-perry

Fitness Premier

The Secret to Fitness Franchise Success? It's Not Just the Workouts

fitness-premier-franchise-marketing-support

Fresh Coat

Photo of Fresh Coat vehicle with ladders on top

The Rise of Home Improvement Franchises: Why Now Is the Time to Invest

why-invest-home-improvement-franchise-fresh-coat

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam inspector in red polo and khaki pants, walking by branded vehicle

Real Estate Today: Behind the Drywall: The Truth About Home Inspections

purpose-of-home-inspection

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

graphic image of an 1851 franchisee spotlight brayden and johnny steven of teriyaki madness

Father-and-Daughter Team Bring Teriyaki Madness to Wichita, Kansas, With Big Expansion Plans

johnny-brayden-steven-teriyaki-madness-wichita

photo-of-laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

23-Year-Old Entrepreneur Brings Soon to Be Famous Chicken™ to Southern Oregon With 3-Unit Layne’s Chicken Fingers Franchise Signing

laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

Sparkle Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-sparkle-squad-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Design with school-aged child standing on pencil with text "Education Franchises" and "<$500K"

Top Education Franchises Under $500K To Explore in 2025

top-education-franchises-under-500k

Pittsburgh’s First Lightbridge Academy Franchise is a Family Affair

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS