Ms. Bethany Starbird brings nearly 30 years of experience in early childhood and special education to Bright Start Therapy and Childcare Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Maine at Orono and has dedicated her career to supporting the developmental, emotional, and educational needs of young children across a variety of settings.

Currently serving as Curriculum Coordinator, Ms. Bethany supports teaching staff in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum across multi-age classrooms. She especially enjoys the hands-on approach that Bright Start embraces, which allows her to tailor lessons in a meaningful, engaging way that fits the needs of each unique learner. Her creativity shines through in the center-wide art and seasonal displays she helps design, turning the school into a vibrant, inspiring learning environment.

Throughout her career, Ms. Bethany has held a variety of roles including lead teacher in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms, as well as a special education technician supporting students with behavioral and emotional needs. Her work has earned her accolades such as Teacher of the Year and multiple Teacher of the Month awards.

Ms. Bethany is certified in First Aid, CPR, SIDS, and Challenging Behavior Management, and she is proficient in digital reporting and planning tools used in early childhood programs. She is known for her calm presence, creative energy, and ability to connect deeply with both children and families.

A lifelong learner and artist at heart, Ms. Bethany enjoys gardening, walking/hiking, crafting, and reading. A fun fact about her: she once took a spontaneous leap into a cenote and swam in its crystal-clear waters during a trip to Mexico!

Ms. Bethany was inspired to become a preschool teacher because she recognizes how much a young mind grows during the early years. She treasures the opportunity to be part of that growth and to make a positive impact during such a crucial stage of development. Her favorite moments are the “ah-ha” ones—when a child’s eyes light up with pride and joy after grasping a new concept.

We are proud to have Ms. Bethany as part of the Bright Start family, where she continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child she teaches.