Our Roots & Reason
The Gro Academy was founded on a simple belief: exceptional early childhood education begins with exceptional educators.
Through accelerated, expert-led training rooted in real-world experience, we help early childhood professionals build confidence, strengthen their practice, and make a lasting impact in every classroom they serve.
How We Took Root
The Gro Academy grew from decades of firsthand experience in early childhood education. After years of leading classrooms, mentoring educators, and building a thriving child care program through Sprout Early Learning Center, Sherry Picha recognized a growing need for accessible, high-quality professional development. That vision became The Gro Academy, where practical experience, evidence-based learning, and genuine support help educators grow with confidence from their very first course and throughout their careers.
How We Grow Differently
🌱 Accelerated Learning
Complete state-approved training in days, not months.
🌿 Real-World Expertise
Learn from educators with decades of classroom and leadership experience.
🌸 Ongoing Support
Grow with a trusted resource before, during, and after your training.
Who Blooms Here
We proudly partner with aspiring educators, teachers, directors, child care centers, and early childhood organizations to cultivate confident teams through practical, engaging professional development.
From foundational CCFT courses to customized workshops and team training, our programs strengthen educators, support organizations, and help learning communities thrive.Whether you're taking your very first step into early childhood education, growing as an experienced professional, or leading a team of educators, you'll find a place to bloom at The Gro Academy.
Whether you're growing your own career or cultivating a stronger team, The Gro Academy is here to help you flourish.
Our Dream in Bloom
We imagine a future where every educator has the knowledge, confidence, and support to help children thrive. By nurturing teachers, leaders, and early childhood programs, we're planting the seeds for stronger classrooms, brighter futures, and communities that continue to bloom.
Meet Our Gardener-in-Chief
Sherry Picha founded The Gro Academy with one simple goal: to help early childhood educators grow with confidence.
With more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, leadership, mentoring, and professional development, she's dedicated her career to cultivating exceptional educators and strengthening the programs they serve. Her practical, encouraging approach combines real-world experience with evidence-based learning, creating training that is both engaging and immediately applicable.
Whether she's leading a CCFT course, mentoring educators, speaking at conferences, or designing custom workshops, Sherry is passionate about helping educators, teams, and organizations flourish. Her leadership continues to shape stronger classrooms, more confident professionals, and brighter futures for children across Wisconsin.
