2012 40 Under Forty: Lisa Bousbouras

OWNER/DIRECTOR, Mrs. B.’s Preschool and Kindergarten Inc.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Little Patriots Early Learning Center

Company location: Worcester

Residence: Paxton

Favorite movie: “Snow White”

Career highlights: I spent seven years teaching in the Worcester Public Schools. Then my husband and I purchased the preschool my daughter was attending. Later I was introduced to the CEO and president of Veterans Inc., which had just acquired a new building to be a shelter for homeless female veterans and their children: a perfect place for a preschool. Despite warnings and negativity from friends and advisers, I forged ahead through two years of hurdles and strides to found Little Patriots Early Learning Center in September 2010.

Community involvement: I teach figure skating to mentally and physically handicapped children, both independently and through the Special Olympics. I feel my greatest contribution has been serving on many fundraising boards for Veterans Inc.

Biggest success: Acquiring a business, building the foundation for a brand-new school and transforming an old convent basement into a state-of-the-art childcare facility. Hiring quality staff, enrolling students with a limited budget, and obtaining a state grant for five enrollments, all while being a mother and wife and running my preschool on the other side of the city.

Biggest challenge: Starting Little Patriots from scratch on a shoestring budget; trying to find quality, educated staff willing to work without having any enrollment or budget to pay them what they deserved; all while trying to stay in compliance with child-care regulations.

Mentors: My mother, who opened her own business at the age of 65; my extremely practical husband, my brother (for his amazing grammar skills), my cousin Susan Krasinskas, owner of Pronuptia Bridals and Deb Guiney, CEO and president of AllCom Credit Union.

Hidden talents: I was a competitive figure skater and longtime coach.

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