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Rise and Shine Kidz

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Monica and Alex Downs

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Founders

Monica and Alex Downs started Rise and Shine Prek in 2013 to address the needs of the community parents looking for a child care center with a "family feel" instead of a corporate feel.  The center has grown to two locations in Fairfax City.

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The Rise and Shine Kidz summer program was started to provide elementary school age children a safe environment filled with fun activities during the summer months when elementary schools are closed.

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It has been a successful program that fills to capacity very quickly with many kids returning the following summer. 

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Monica is very active with parents to ensure their peace of mind and that children are having fun learning.

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Monica has two children and two dogs.  She loves the beach and the outdoors.

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Andrea Rasmussen

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Director

Andrea Rasmussen is a long time Fairfax City resident where she and her husband have raised their two sons.  

 

A graduate of College of New Rochelle with a degree in Communications, Andrea also has a Certification in Youth and Family Ministries from Wartburg Seminary.  

 

Andrea has worked with and for families in Northern Virginia churches as a Youth Director, for local non-profits as a Case Manager and Program Manager, a family law firm and as tutor in area middle and high schools.  

 

Andrea also spent a number of years as a youth soccer Coach and Team Manager.  Andrea is excited to work with a new type of program important for working parents at Rise and Shine Kidz.  

 

Elementary School aged children are very sensitive and need encouragement to stay interested in a range of subjects and activities. Covid has upset the structured programming of many families so its important for our team to offer a fun and safe place for kids as they get used to new rules of social distancing and wearing masks.  

 

Andrea is a member of her local American Legion Auxiliary and sings with Fairfax Choral Society.

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