Our Leadership

At Busy Bees North America, we’re proud to play a role in a global success story that continues to grow and thrive throughout the continent.  

At Busy Bees, leadership begins with purpose. Our leadership is guided by the belief that every child deserves the best possible start in life, and that achieving this begins with supporting the people who make early learning possible every day.

We lead with a people-first mindset. We value the expertise of our educators, building strong partnerships with families, and fostering environments where children feel safe, curious, and inspired to learn.

Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement, our leadership works to strengthen our programs and support the communities we serve. By listening, learning, and leading with compassion, we strive to create a culture where educators thrive, families feel connected, and every child can reach their full potential.

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Darla Kestle

Chief Executive Officer

Darla Kestle joined Busy Bees in September 2025 to lead our work in North America, bringing with her extensive leadership experience across multiple industries. Previously, she served for six years as Chief Operating Officer of Impact Fitness, a Planet Fitness franchisee, where she led operations across both the U.S. and Canada. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Operations at Holiday Retirement, a senior living company with more than 230 communities across the U.S. and Canada. Her career includes 13 years with KinderCare Learning Centers, where she advanced through progressive leadership roles, including Region Vice President and Senior Director of Operations. Motivated by her passion for education and childcare, Darla is driving our mission and business as we expand across the continent.

Latest Blog Posts

20 Family Activities to Welcome Fall
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20 Family Activities to Welcome Fall

Sep 18, 2026 8 min
10 Ways to Help Your Child Fall in Love with Reading
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10 Ways to Help Your Child Fall in Love with Reading

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Fun Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day

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Easy Weeknight Dinners for Busy Families

Sep 9, 2026 5 min