Our Staff

Young Scholars Academy hires experienced teachers, caregivers, and administrators committed to excellence and dedicated to our philosophy of providing an early childhood environment that nurtures a child’s mind and character.

Our personnel are state-certified, trained, and have passed a background check. They have all chosen early childhood development as their career and are devoted to guiding and supporting young children to achieve their full potential intellectually, physically, and socially. Our staff has key team members (family, educators, caregivers, and administrators) working together to provide each child with a safe, loving place to learn and grow daily!

Darcel and Jon Cumbo

Meet Our Founders

For 15 years, Darcel and Jon Cumbo have experienced firsthand the social, academic, and technological evolution of providing early childhood learning and childcare. The Cumbo’s are experts in the childcare industry. Darcel and her husband Jon owned and operated four preschool centers, caring for infants from 6 weeks to children aged 5.  All of the centers were 5-star rated by the Division of Child Development. They also owned and operated a Track Out Program for school-age children.

Darcel holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and is recognized as a Level II Administrator. Both Jon and Darcel are retired New York City Detectives. Jon had a position in the Special Victims Unit, where he worked with young children needing commitment and love. Darcel worked with victims of domestic violence and specialized as an investigator in the Internal Affairs Unit. Their background and experience have led them to where they are today: wanting to make a difference in the lives of children.

Darcel and Jon are a blended family of four children, three grandchildren, and a grand pup! The love of learning is a family affair, as their children have assisted them in their childcare centers over the years. Darcel and Jon love working with their hands, Darcel by cooking, and Jon with carpentry. Spending time with family and being active within their community allow them to follow their hearts for giving back. Being 16-year residents of Holly Springs, NC, where they opened their first child care center, there is no greater reward for Darcel and Jon than to see children and families today who have once attended one of their schools, knowing they have touched both hearts and minds.

Our Administrators

Amy Pruitt

Director

Amy Pruitt, or “Mrs. Amy,” is originally from Massachusetts. She made North Carolina her home in 2007 after graduating from college in Boston. Mrs. Amy has her bachelor’s degree in Human Development with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. While working in the childcare field as a Lead Teacher, she obtained her Level 3 Administration Credential to become a Preschool Center Director, which has been her role since 2012. One of the reasons she loves being in Administration is because she can build positive rapport with families, be a role model for her teachers, and spend quality time with the children in the classroom.

Alex Vanden Heuvel

Director

My name is Alex Vanden Heuvel and I am very excited to be joining Young Scholars Academy. I am originally from New York but grew up in the Cary area. I have been working in the early child education field for over ten years serving children birth through the age of twelve years old. I currently hold a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University in Family and Community Sciences, with a minor in education. Go Pirates! I also have my early childhood administration credentials from Wake Technical Community College. I believe that the key to success in early childhood education is making sure we are providing a nurturing early childhood environment that actively stimulates developmental growth for each child that walks through our school doors. I have a strong passion for working with families and watching young children flourish. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and two big dogs. I also enjoy staying active. During the summer I enjoy going to the pool. Some of my hobbies include gardening, cooking, and working out.

I look forward to getting to know you and your families!

Experience the YSA way!