Michelle Palmer
Michelle Palmer
Founder, Former Owner & Director
Michelle Palmer is a devoted mother of one daughter and three sons. While pursuing her college education, she spent several years working in after-school programs for elementary-aged children in Phoenix, Arizona, and later served as a computer teacher for grades K–6. She earned her B.S. in Marriage, Family & Human Development from Brigham Young University. After relocating to Madison in 2002 with her husband Ryan, Michelle gained valuable experience as a teacher in both a well-established local childcare center and a large national provider. She cherished the opportunity to spend four years as a stay-at-home mother before founding Cultured Kids, where she infused the program with her passion for language, music, and healthy living.
Michelle is a lifelong learner who regularly researches natural and preventative health practices. She has a deep love for dance—particularly international folk, ballroom, and salsa—and finds joy and serenity in time spent outdoors among trees, sunshine, and nature.
Ryan Palmer
Ryan Palmer
Founder, Former Owner & Administrator
Originally from Idaho, Ryan Palmer was raised on a potato farm, where early experiences trying to communicate with migrant workers from Mexico sparked his interest in language and culture. His formal language studies began with a semester of Spanish in high school. From 1997 to 1999, he served a two-year mission in the Philippines for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, becoming fluent in Waray-Waray and proficient in Tagalog and Cebuano. These experiences shaped his deep appreciation for cultural empathy and understanding.
Ryan later earned a B.S. in Business Management–Finance from Brigham Young University, where he met Michelle. In 2009, he completed his MBA at the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a specialization in Entrepreneurial Management. Alongside his work in founding and developing Cultured Kids, Ryan has held professional roles as an accountant, licensed real estate broker, and CFO in commercial real estate development and management.
Together, Ryan and Michelle have raised their four children in a bilingual “Spanglish” household and built a program grounded in cultural appreciation and family values.
Eisy & Billy Garcia
Eisy & Billy García
New Owners
In 2025, ownership of Cultured Kids transitioned to Eisy and Billy Garcia.
With over 30 years of combined experience and collective commitment to early childhood education, as native Spanish speakers from Colombia, Eisy and Billy contribute both cultural richness and educational depth to their interactions with children and families.
Bringing forth the experience of managing a program that has commendably sustained a 5-Star YoungStar rating for more than ten years—distinguishing itself as a pioneer in the sector by being among the few to earn this distinction from the outset. In addition, running a national accreditation program, exemplifying a steadfast dedication to the utmost standards in early care and education.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Executive Management, while both Eisy and Billy have pursued extensive studies in Early Childhood Education, earning multiple professional credentials. Still currently advancing their knowledge further promoting a culture of continuous learning and excellence across all levels of the organization.
Their philosophy centers on the belief that high-quality early childhood education begins with highly trained educators. This belief drives their personal commitment to ongoing education and professional growth—and extends to their leadership of Cultured Kids. Eisy and Billy are deeply invested in supporting staff development.
At the heart of their approach is the creation of a nurturing environment where children can explore, imagine, and grow. Whether it’s experimenting with colors in an art project, building with STEM materials, singing Spanish songs, or engaging in imaginative play, every experience is designed to spark curiosity and instill a lifelong love of learning.