From a backyard dream to a thriving community center—how Nadeen turned love, vision, and perseverance into a beacon for working families.
“I raised my daughters in this home. It only made sense to help raise others here too.”
That’s how it started for Nadeen Dorian—wife, mother of three, and the heart behind Superstarz Daycare & Superstarz Academy in Southern California. For over a decade, she nurtured children from their community just steps from the kitchen, running a small in-home daycare alongside her husband and daughters. What began as a modest effort to support working parents quickly became a movement fueled by purpose, partnership, and deep love for family.
Rooted in Family, Built to Grow
After years of working in childcare and raising three daughters of their own, Nadeen and Robert saw the growing need for quality, trustworthy care in their neighborhood. Robert believed in Nadeen’s dream and took charge of the licensing, permits, and city requirements to help transform their guesthouse into a licensed daycare center in 2017.
Word spread fast.
“She had so many families reaching out—it grew through love and word of mouth,” Robert shared.
Soon, the demand outpaced the walls of their home.
Growing the Vision
Determined to serve more families, Nadeen and Robert decided to take a bold leap: opening a full-service childcare center. With the support of Caroline Jens from Childcare Biz Help, they secured a location and began construction on what would become Superstarz Academy—a modern space designed for 100 children and built with even bigger dreams in mind.
The business became a true family endeavor. One daughter took over operations and curriculum planning. Another, a social media influencer, launched their online branding and marketing. Nadeen remained at the center of it all—leading with care, creativity, and heart.
When Wildfires Hit, Ascendus Stepped In
In early 2024, wildfires struck the region, filling their home daycare with smoke damage. As they juggled construction of the new facility, Nadeen and Robert needed help restoring the existing daycare to keep serving families.
That’s when they found Ascendus.
Katie Leon, from Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) introduced them to Ascendus, and Carlos a Loan Consultant, stepped in. “From the first call, Carlos was amazing,” Robert recalled. “He explained everything, kept in touch, made the process incredibly easy.”
Thanks to the connection made by Katie and a fast, friendly business loan from Ascendus, Nadeen was able to make vital repairs and continue caring for the children who rely on her every day.
Nadeen’s business isn’t just about childcare—it’s about community care. “When we say family daycare, we mean it,” Robert said. “We treat everyone like family.”
Built with Love. Grown with Community.
Superstarz Academy isn’t just a childcare center—it’s a legacy of love. What began in Nadeen’s home has grown into a vibrant space where families find care, connection, and hope. Every step of the journey has been fueled by vision, strengthened by family, and supported by community.
Their story is proof that small businesses don’t grow alone. They grow with trust. With purpose. With people who say, “We believe in you.”
When communities invest in bold dreams, families thrive, and futures are transformed.
This is what love in action looks like. This is what ascension means. This is what happens—when we rise, together.
