STAR Academy is a sensory playground and learning center with 2 different locations to support families in both cities of:
⭐ North Myrtle Beach
⭐ Myrtle Beach
Each location has state-of-the-art sensory equipment, furniture and toys hand designed, hand created, and hand built by a one-of-a-kind sensory gym company within the United States.
STAR Academy provides a warm, welcoming, nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment for kids of all ages and abilities to play, learn and have FUN, and to help engage and stimulate multiple senses, spark imagination, creativity and learning for all.
STAR Academy has partnerships with local businesses, specialists, educators, and therapists- and provides support, classes, trainings, and programs for kids and families.
STAR Academy also works with local churches and schools to plan field trips and professional development opportunities.
There are huge benefits and research on the importance of play and learning with development for kids of all ages, especially as they prepare to enter school age.
Joanne was born and raised in New York City, has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, child and family studies, and a master’s/post professional degree in education with a focus on special education. She has over 30 years of experience as an educator in the schools as a teacher of students with special needs, Supervisor of Special Education and students mandated for services with IEPs or 504 accommodations. She then became Assistant Principal and then Special Education District Administrator, youth development coordinator, and social-emotional/crisis intervention specialist. Her last position was Guidance/Counseling Manager for 168 elementary, middle, and high schools in New York City.
Joanne has spent years supporting students who are struggling and at-risk. She organized trainings for teachers, guidance counselors, related service providers, administrators and parents on providing social-emotional mental health support, teaching appropriate coping mechanisms, and training on recognizing students in distress.
Joanne also has 2 nephews with special needs and a son diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, and A.D.H.D. Since he was a baby she dreamed about opening a place like STAR Academy. She is extremely passionate about creating a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in which ALL children are STARS – where they are safe, supported and can have fun!
Are you interested in teaching at our sensory learning center?
Share your passion at Star Academy.
Star Academy would love to offer you the opportunity to teach in-person & virtual classes at our center. We offer weekly, bimonthly, & monthly scheduling opportunities. Fill out the form below to sign-up for our teaching opportunity!
Are you looking for a space to hold therapy sessions & consultations at our sensory learning center?
