The Early Ed Entrepreneur:
ECE leader. Center owner. Community builder. Tirusha is the owner of Ellie’s Academy in New Jersey, focused on high-quality early learning. And she is also the author of My Name is Rusha, a story celebrating identity and belonging.
About Me
Who is Tirusha?
Tirusha Dave is an early childhood education leader and the Founder of Ellie’s Academy, a respected network of early learning centers in New Jersey. With more than 15 years of hands-on experience in childcare and program leadership, she is known for building nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally rich environments where children thrive and where teachers feel supported, trained, and empowered to grow.
During the national pandemic, Tirusha led her programs through unprecedented operational challenges to continue serving working families, and Ellie’s Academy was recognized by NJAEYC as Emergency Childcare Center of the Year. Her advocacy for high-quality, accessible childcare and the realities facing families has been featured by outlets including MSNBC, USA Today, News12 NJ, NJ.com, and more.
Tirusha is also the author of the children’s book My Name is Rusha, a story rooted in identity, belonging, and representation—values she believes should be reflected in every classroom. Outside of work, you’ll find her traveling with her family, curating meaningful community moments...usually with an iced coffee in hand.
ECE Advocacy
Tirusha currently serves as Co-Vice President of Social Media & Membership for NJAEYC, where she leads digital engagement and advocates for equitable, accessible education in New Jersey. Whether speaking to legislators about funding, mentoring fellow educators, or producing high-quality content for national brands, Tirusha brings a unique mix of vision, empathy, and strategy to everything she touches.
Lifestyle Content Creator
Beyond her work in early childhood education, Tirusha is a content creator and storyteller known for blending culture, community, and modern lifestyle content in a way that feels both elevated and real. Through short-form video, on-site event coverage, and creative brand partnerships, she helps hospitality, food, wellness, and family-focused brands connect with diverse audiences authentically. Her content is rooted in representation, warmth, and impact, always with a strong point of view.
Media
Click below to see some of Tirusha's media features.