Briana Lambert, MBA, M.Ed.
Briana Lambert, MBA, M.Ed., is a passionate educator and early childhood advocate dedicated to fostering growth, curiosity, and equity in young learners. Currently serving as the Lead Preschool Teacher at Safari Life Child Care & Learning Center, she brings extensive experience in curriculum design, developmental assessments, and classroom leadership. Briana is committed to creating nurturing, research-based learning environments while mentoring assistant teachers and collaborating closely with families to support each child’s holistic development.
Her career in education spans over a decade, including roles as a Lead Toddler Teacher at The Gardner School and teaching positions in infant and toddler programs. Briana’s expertise is complemented by her work in talent coordination and customer support, where she honed skills in communication, problem-solving, and operational efficiency—qualities she integrates into her approach to early childhood education. Her leadership is recognized through her Illinois Gateways Level Five Director Credential, a testament to her dedication and professional excellence.
Briana’s commitment to education is further demonstrated by her academic achievements and ongoing research. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Administration and is pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) at National Louis University, focusing on curriculum, advocacy, and policy. Through her work, Briana strives to support epistemic justice in education, empowering students and educators alike while advancing equity and shared decision-making in schools.
• Entelo Basics Certified
• Business Writing Principles
• Communication within Teams
• Embracing Change
• Financial Wellness: Managing Personal Cash Flow
• Learning to Say No
• Avoiding Burnout
• Being Positive at Work
• Customer Service Foundations
• Developing Self-Awareness
• Working with Upset Customers
• Developing Your Emotional Intelligence
• Preventing Workplace Harassment
• National Louis University- Ed.D.
• National Louis University- Master's
• American Public University- M.B.A.
• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff- B.A.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hands-on experience, continuous learning through advanced education, and a genuine passion for guiding and nurturing young children to reach their full potential.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to pursue advanced degrees and professional credentials, as they open doors to greater opportunities and long-term growth in both career and financial stability.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this field to seek out mentors like Megan Hogard, who can provide guidance, support, and the tools you need to succeed both personally and professionally.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The need for investment in the early childhood field is often overlooked. Too frequently, early childhood education is dismissed as mere babysitting, when in reality it plays a critical role in human development. Through my years of study in this field, I have come to understand the importance of supporting children as early as possible in reaching key developmental milestones. Beyond my coursework in education, my background in social work—particularly in understanding human behavior within the social environment—has reinforced this belief. Research and lived experience show that once certain behaviors and patterns are established, they often persist into adulthood. Without early intervention, we risk raising adults who struggle with emotional intelligence, which can hinder their ability to form healthy, meaningful, and long-lasting relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or professional.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional work and personal life are equity, integrity, compassion, and intentionality. I believe deeply in meeting people where they are and advocating for systems that recognize potential rather than deficits. In my work in early childhood education, this means valuing early intervention, honoring children’s developmental timelines, and creating environments where every child—regardless of background—has access to high-quality, affirming care and education.
Integrity shapes how I show up in all spaces. I strive to lead with honesty, accountability, and consistency, whether I am working with children and families, collaborating with colleagues, or making decisions in my personal life. I am intentional about building relationships rooted in trust and respect, understanding that meaningful change happens through connection.
Compassion is central to who I am. My background in education and social work has taught me that behavior is communication and that people’s actions are often shaped by experiences beyond their control. This perspective allows me to approach both children and adults with empathy, patience, and a commitment to growth rather than judgment.
Finally, I value purpose and long-term impact. I am motivated by work that contributes to sustainable change—not just for individuals, but for communities and future generations. As a parent and an educator, I am especially driven by the responsibility to model emotional intelligence, resilience, and advocacy, knowing that the values I live by today help shape the world my child will inherit.