Sunshine Smiles Staff – Sunshine Smiles Academy

Meet the Smiling Faces Behind Sunshine Smiles Academy

**Erika Byrd, Owner and Director of Sunshine Smiles Academy**

Sunshine Smiles Academy opened in June 2008 after Erika and her husband Jason were looking for a change in their careers and saw a growing need in the community. A building became available and the two stepped out on faith and purchased it. They have never looked backed.

When Sunshine Smiles Academy opened, it only had one student, from Brazil who left two years later saying, “hey ya’ll” and has served thousands since. Erika and Jason have continuously made improvements to the academy from small enhancements like painting and lay out changes to their current project, a complete renovation of turning the playground area into an outdoor learning environment.

This is truly a family business with all of the Byrd’s being involved. Erika is the owner/director, Jason is the maintenance/upgrade guru, Cole (their oldest son 22) helps from time to time with IT and upgrade projects, Cade (20) helps with lawn maintenance/upgrade projects & Carleigh (20) helps as a teacher/office personnel. Cole is in school for IT & doing an internship at Duke OIT, Cade is currently employed at Lende in RTP and considering a career in construction & Carleigh is in cosmetology school at ESI in Durham. Erika graduated from ECU in 1996 with a BS in Exercise & Sports Science and Jason has always been involved in the construction industry, particularly drywall and currently works to flip houses!

The best part about taking that leap of faith in 2008 is that they have been blessed with the opportunity to serve others and the community!!