Crystal Varner
Regional Manager, Bright Horizons
Industry: Education HQ: Orlando
How This Boss Makes an Impact for Children in Florida
Bright Horizons invests in its people well beyond a paycheck. Their groundbreaking Horizons CDA & Degree Program allows teachers and staff to earn college degrees in early education—paid for in full—creating career pathways while strengthening the quality of care provided to families.
For working parents, Bright Horizons offers adoption assistance, discounted child care at its centers, and paid parental bonding leave. Employees also have access to the same services Bright Horizons provides to clients, such as back-up care, college coaching, and elder care resources. Comprehensive health benefits and mental health support help families thrive, while financial wellness tools like retirement planning and savings programs set employees up for long-term success.
Bio
With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Crystal Varner has dedicated her career to strengthening learning environments for young children. She began as a preschool teacher in the 1990s and has since served as Assistant Director, Director, and, for the past 21 years, Regional Manager. She has successfully guided numerous centers through NAEYC and other accreditations, upholding high standards in child-centered care.
Crystal’s passion stems from her deep belief in the importance of early development, knowing that a child’s brain doubles in size from birth to age five.
Beyond her professional work, Crystal is proud of her family. Her daughter, Shante, is a Regional Center Manager for the City of Orlando. Her son, Rasheed, is the Senior Manager of Elections Operations at Vote.org, with an impressive educational background including degrees from Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, and Howard University.
Crystal holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Administration. She resides in Orlando, where she continues to lead with passion, purpose, and a commitment to excellence in early learning.