Page 28 March 2015 By Mallory Gleich From the outside, it looks like a normal business building, but when you walk through the doors of Future Forward, it looks anything but. There’s an aquarium full of creatures straight out of Finding Nemo, plush carpet that reminds you of home and – the best part – a tree house built right into the main room. Future Forward is a learning annex for children ages 3 to 18 that provides program enrichment and tutoring, language and speech therapy, and an academic readiness program built to further kids’ love for learning and education. Lee Edwards, the director of Future Forward, has had a passion for education for a long time. Edwards came to Arizona after teaching at a private school in New York City. Once here, he taught at Phoenix Country Day School for 24 years, while also providing private tutoring. “I started private tutoring so that I could support my family while being able to stay at home,” said Edwards. Although she is a Virginia native, Edwards has lived in Arizona for 25 years. The owners of Future Forward, who wish to remain anonymous, approached Edwards and asked her to become a part of their educational family. Edwards readily accepted. “This is the best job ever. It’s like being at home and having your dog with you, and you’re helping people…It’s just a fun Future Forward brings comfort of home to learning place,” said Edwards. The dog Edwards spoke of is Betty Lou, a Shih Tzu who has become a sort of mascot for the kids that attend Future Forward. Another learning practice: The kids gain experience in caring for an animal. Betty Lou was a gift from the kids at Future Forward. I also have four other dogs at home,” said Edwards with a smile. Just by looking at Edwards, you can tell that she clearly enjoys being a part of the Future Forward family. “One of my favorite quotes is this: ‘It takes a big heart to shape little minds,’” said Edwards. The kids at Future Forward have become part of her heart. Opened on Labor Day of last year, Future Forward’s concept is to provide tutoring and after school activities to kids in an environment that’s similar to the comfort of their own home. The goal, along with education, is flexibility for the families that utilize the programs. Along with the core programs, the business also provides what they call special programs. These include SAT prep courses, spring break and summer camps, and “Mom’s Morning Out,” where mothers can drop off their kids for a few hours for educational activities while they take care of “mommy stuff.” Future Forward is located at 3610 N. 44th St. Suite 210. For more information visit futureforwardkids.com. A treehouse gives kids a magical place to learn. Betty Lou hangs out at Future Forward and keeps the kids company. 4 8 0 . 7 3 1 . 8 4 0 0 | m c c c d f . o r g / i n v e s t By ensuring their future, we secure ours. Support The Campaign for Student Success for the Maricopa Community Colleges and you will directly fund scholarships, provide faculty and staff innovation and help to develop partnerships that expand opportunities for our students and community. No institution does more in educating, training and building brighter futures. Join us in helping more than 250,000 students in Join us in helping more than 250,000 students in the quest for student success.

Cannon Liles (3) and Tweety Cinnaree Hill with Cooper Sweet General. He was a gorgeous dog and adorable puppy! — Jennifer Kelly Jaclyn and Lily Reid, with their little pupster Charlie with their little pupster Cranford family Evan Hill with Stella — Jennifer Kelly Aslan was a 4 month old kitten when adopted from the Humane Society’s Campus for Compassion. The family immediately fell in love with him, and he immediately fell in love with their 3 year old chihuahua mix, Ponyo! They romp as if they came from the same litter and snuggle just as fi ercely! — Tara Bills Bruning girls with Amber Recently Arcadia News asked the community for their favorite photos with their pets. These are a few of our favorites.