World Explorers

Chief Executive Officer

Kisha Edwards-Gandsy

A visionary leader blending business acumen and heart, Kisha brings over 20 years of experience reimagining early education through imagination, equity, and entrepreneurial grit.

Interim Chief Operating Officer

Liz Jung Kim

Co-Founder and COO of The Stereotype Project Foundation, with over 20 years of executive experience spanning finance, accounting, operations, and business strategy. She has held senior operating roles at Art + Commerce (WME/IMG/Endeavor), DBOX, Warner Music, and IAC, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, financial controls, and cross-functional teams, and has consulted on operational and financial strategy for Fortune 500 companies including PetSmart and McCann Worldwide. Known for complex problem-solving, resource optimization, and hands-on people management, she translates financial discipline into scalable operating systems that support organizational growth. Based in New York area.

Chief Brand Officer

Lyouba Assadourova

Lyouba is passionate about creativity, design, communication, and education. Her goal is to build a sustainable, trusted brand with longevity where families and employees feel valued and work together to achieve a common goal—raising healthy and happy children.

Director of Human Resources

Tahirah White

Tahirah deeply enjoys making a positive impact on children’s lives by fostering their growth and development. Creating a safe and engaging environment where students can explore new interests and build confidence is incredibly rewarding for her. She also values the collaborative aspect of her role, working closely with parents, staff, and the community to support and enhance programs. Celebrating the achievements and progress of students fuels her passion, while the dynamic nature of her role provides endless opportunities for learning and professional growth, making each day unique and rewarding.

Director of Enrollment

Arlela Smith Bryant

With over 15 years in customer service, Arlela's goal is to support the Explorers community through compassion, open communication, and as a guiding hand connecting families to educational and enrichment opportunities that booster their lives. She enjoys putting parent’s minds at ease and watching our Explorers discoveries, accomplishments, and growth. 

Senior Director of Programs & Development

Joey DeMita

Joey brings over 15 year of childcare and teaching experience both in and out of the classroom, ranging in ages from 3 to 14.  He loves using his experience to find ways to enhance current programs and develop new programs, taking into account what is best for the children and families of our community.  As a theatre artist, his creativity and love of the arts has helped him find new and exciting ways to use our curriculum to enrich and engage the children in our care.   

PS 32 Site Supervisor

Rosey Burgher

Rosemarie (Rosey) Burgher has  been working with World Explorers since 2022, and has been working with kids since the age of 17. Rosey is very passionate about being part of a community that allows for every child to feel included and welcomed. She is excited to foster a fun, safe and enriching  environment for our Explorers!