Franchise Luminary Shelly Sun Berkowitz Joins Tierra Encantada Board

Tierra Encantada today announced the appointment of Shelly Sun Berkowitz - founder and Executive Chairwoman of BrightStar Care® - to its Board of Directors. Sun, one of the most respected and decorated leaders in franchising, also acquired a small minority stake in Tierra Encantada through a secondary transaction with Susquehanna.

“Shelly’s experience building a high-growth, high-integrity franchise brand is unmatched,” said Kristen Denzer, Founder and CEO of Tierra Encantada. “She understands the value of operational excellence, culture, and care - values that define Tierra. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our board.”

Founded in 2013, Tierra Encantada is disrupting early childhood education - one that fuses Spanish immersion, global scratch-made meals, sustainability practices, and a play-based curriculum.

Shelly Sun Berkowitz built BrightStar Care from one location to over 400 across the country, becoming one of the most iconic names in franchising. She served as Chair of the International Franchise Association (IFA), earned IFA’s Entrepreneur of the Year honor, was featured on CBS’ Undercover Boss, and is a published author on franchise growth strategy (Grow Smart, Risk Less).

“Franchising has the power to scale mission-driven services - and Tierra Encantada is doing that,” said Sun Berkowitz. Sun Berkowitz’s appointment follows Tierra’s 2024 capital infusion from Susquehanna Growth Equity.