Our journey began with a life of service, spending more than half of our lives traveling the world as part of the military. Those years shaped not only our values, but also our deep appreciation for people, cultures, and communities from all walks of life.

When it came time to retire, we chose Madison, Alabama, as our home—a place where we could plant roots, continue our education, and contribute to the local community. Here, we have worked, studied, and invested our time in building meaningful relationships.

Service has always been at the heart of who we are. Whether in uniform, in the classroom, or within our community, our mission has remained the same: to help, guide, and inspire others. Madison has given us the opportunity to continue that mission, turning our decades of experience into a lifelong commitment to making a difference.

Our History started with Lucy Mae (Berry) Malone:

The Legacy of Lucy Mae Malone Corporation stands as a living tribute to our beloved mother, who left this world far too soon after courageously battling breast cancer at the age of 58.

A devoted educator and compassionate nurse, she lived her life anchored in an unwavering faith in our Lord. Her purpose was clear—to serve, to teach, and to nurture. She poured her heart into her family, championed the power of education, and gave selflessly to her community.

Her legacy is more than a memory—it is a calling. She taught us that life’s greatest mission is to love one another wholeheartedly, embracing our differences and lifting each other up. Through this corporation, we continue her work, her vision, and her love, ensuring that her light shines on in every life we touch.

Our Beginning:

Our story begins in East St. Louis, Illinois, where we were raised by a strong and devoted single mother. She instilled in us the values of hard work, determination, and resilience—qualities that would shape the course of our lives. Growing up, we quickly learned that challenges could be transformed into opportunities when met with faith, perseverance, and a willingness to serve others.

In pursuit of a better future, we dedicated ourselves to education and service. Our journey led us into the military, where discipline, teamwork, and leadership became the guiding principles of our lives. Traveling the world and serving our country not only broadened our perspective, but also deepened our sense of responsibility to give back to our community.

After years of service, we retired in Madison, Alabama, where we made it our home with a renewed vision: to build something lasting that would empower children and families. This vision became TreasureLand STEAM Academy—a place where every child is valued, where curiosity is nurtured, and where learning is filled with joy and discovery.

What began as lessons learned in East St. Louis has grown into a mission to create opportunities for the next generation. Our story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment—and it continues to unfold as we pour our hearts into shaping a brighter future for children, families, and our community.

Executive Director

Kamecya serves as the Director of TreasureLand STEAM Academy, where she leads the day-to-day operations with a deep commitment to high-quality early childhood education. With over 16 years of experience in the child development industry, Ms. Carter brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and hands-on expertise to her role.

Education & Credentials:

Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Elementary Education

Bachelor of Science – Elementary Education

Certified Teacher (Class A & B) – Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)

Extensive experience with state-licensed and NAEYC-accredited child development programs

Professional Experience:

Ms. Carter has spent her entire career working in early childhood education and youth programs. She currently serves as a CYC Educational Trainer at a federal Child Development Center on Redstone Arsenal, where she supports teacher development, curriculum implementation, and classroom excellence in a nationally accredited, state-licensed facility.

At TreasureLand, she is responsible for:

Managing daily operations of the center

Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations

Leading curriculum development and teacher collaboration

Supporting staff training, family engagement, and program improvement

Maintaining a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for all children

Philosophy & Passion:

Kamecya’s greatest reward comes from working with children every day—exploring ideas, engaging in joyful learning, and witnessing their growth into confident, curious, and capable individuals. Her work is rooted in the belief that early childhood education lays the foundation for a lifetime of success, and she is honored to guide that journey at TreasureLand STEAM Academy.

🌟 Personal Commitment Statement of Kamecya L. Carter

Director, TreasureLand STEAM Academy

From the time I was a little girl, I have carried the dream of TreasureLand in my heart. I still remember the day my mother asked me, at the age of seven, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Without hesitation, I answered, “A Teacher.” That moment planted a seed that has grown into a lifelong commitment to education, children, and the power of learning to change lives.

Over the years, I have been inspired by teachers, mentors, and community leaders who modeled dedication, patience, and service. Their examples shaped my path—not only to become an educator but to create a place where children can learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. TreasureLand STEAM Academy is more than a school to me; it is the realization of a vision I have carried for decades.

My personal motivation is rooted in my love for children and my belief that every child has unique talents that deserve to be discovered and developed. I believe education is not just about academics—it is about character, creativity, curiosity, and confidence. I am motivated to build a place where children not only learn but also feel valued, protected, and inspired to dream.

My professional goals are to provide an innovative STEAM-based curriculum that prepares students for the future, while also giving them the tools to think critically, collaborate with others, and lead with integrity. As a director, I am committed to building a team of educators who share the same passion and dedication, and who bring excellence into the classroom every day.

From a business perspective, TreasureLand is designed with careful thought, planning, and responsibility. I recognize that running a childcare and education center requires financial stewardship, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. My business considerations are guided by the same principles that guide my teaching—fairness, transparency, and accountability.

On a personal and lifestyle level, this commitment is not just professional; it is deeply personal. I see TreasureLand as an extension of who I am and what I value: family, education, and faith. This is not simply a career—it is a calling. I have chosen to devote my time, energy, and resources to creating a lasting legacy for children and families, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

TreasureLand is also about community and social impact. I believe children are the heart of every community, and when we invest in them, we build stronger families, neighborhoods, and futures. Through TreasureLand, I am committed to supporting working parents, partnering with community organizations, and providing a safe and inclusive place for every child, regardless of background. I want TreasureLand to be a light in the community—a place where children’s potential shines brightly.

This is my promise: I will lead TreasureLand with vision, dedication, and care. I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every child who walks through our doors is given the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. TreasureLand is not only my dream—it is my mission.

— Kamecya L. Carter, Director
TreasureLand STEAM Academy

Personal Committment: My decision to open and operate TreasureLand STEAM Academy comes from a strong passion for children’s growth, a commitment to families, and the drive to build a sustainable business that benefits the community.

With about 7 years of planning the operation of TreasureLand, combining my personal motivation, professional goals, financial planning, lifestyle readiness, and community impact, TreasureLand will provide a safe, nurturing and enriching environment for children and families alike.

Visionary Founder & Executive Director
HRIS Administrator – Tuskegee University

Debra R. Carter-Malone, SHRM-CP, is the founder and executive leader of TreasureLand STEAM Academy. She brings more than 20 years of experience in management, human resources, strategic planning, and organizational development across higher education, federal, state and private sectors.

Educational Background & Credentials:

• Master of Science in Management – Human Resources

• Bachelor of Science in Technology – Computer Information Systems

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Human Resources Management

• Certified in Child Development

• Certified Human Resources Professional (SHRM-CP)

• Child Development Administration Certificate (12/2025)

• Lifetime Child care Provider

Professional Roles & Responsibilities:

Ms. Carter-Malone currently serves as the HRIS Administrator at Tuskegee University, where she manages human resources information systems and supports organizational HR strategy. In addition to her university role, she leads the strategic development and operational oversight of TreasureLand STEAM Academy.

As Founder and Executive Director, she is responsible for:

• Managing and directing the overall structure and vision of the Academy

• Overseeing program administration, policies, and compliance

• Leading budget planning, recruitment, and strategic development

• Creating sustainable systems to support children, families, staff, and community needs

• Building collaborative partnerships and maintaining high operational standards

Vision & Commitment:

Debra has developed a comprehensive sustainability plan focused on meeting the holistic needs of children, families, and the broader economy. Known for her organization, flexibility, and creativity, she is fully committed to the success of TreasureLand—demonstrating a strong personal dedication and a willingness to make sacrifices to ensure the program’s long-term growth and impact.

Personal Motivation

My motivation stems from a simple yet powerful belief: every child is a treasure with unlimited potential waiting to be uncovered. Growing up in East St. Louis, Illinois, raised by a single mother, I learned the meaning of hard work, perseverance, and faith. These lessons taught me that education is not just about academics—it is about cultivating confidence, curiosity, and resilience. TreasureLand is my way of giving children the foundation to dream boldly, learn with joy, and thrive in life.

Professional Goals

As an educator, leader, and entrepreneur, my professional goal is to build TreasureLand into a premier academy where children can explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in an environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and character. I aim to establish a model of excellence that can be replicated in communities across the nation, equipping the next generation with skills and values that prepare them for a changing world.

Financial & Business Considerations

Launching and sustaining TreasureLand requires more than vision—it demands careful planning and sound business practices. I am committed to ensuring the academy’s financial stability through responsible budgeting, strategic partnerships, and innovative funding opportunities. I see TreasureLand not only as a place of learning but as a sustainable business model that supports staff, engages families, and reinvests into the community.

Lifestyle & Personal Commitment

This journey requires great personal commitment, and I embrace it wholeheartedly. I dedicate my time, energy, and resources to creating a safe, engaging, and inspiring environment for children. Balancing my professional responsibilities with personal wellness and family life allows me to stay grounded and lead with integrity. TreasureLand is not just my work—it is my purpose, woven into my daily life.

Community & Social

Impact TreasureLand is more than a school, daycare, and childcare; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity. By providing high-quality education, family support, and community engagement, we empower children to rise above barriers and discover their unique gifts. The impact extends beyond the classroom—strengthening families, uplifting neighborhoods, and creating a legacy of learning and leadership.

My vision is to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities, one child at a time.