The Family Behind Lulu Moon
Built by Parents.
Inspired by Childhood.
Lulu Moon Academy was born from a simple belief: childhood should be memorable.
Like many families, we searched for a childcare experience that felt personal, nurturing, and rooted in the simple joys of childhood. We envisioned a place where children could spend their days exploring outdoors, building meaningful relationships, learning through play, and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
That vision became Lulu Moon Academy.
The academy is named after our daughters, Atlas Moon and Kaia Lulu, whose curiosity, imagination, and love of adventure continue to inspire everything we do.
The Heart of Lulu Moon
Families often describe Usha and Chandani as patient, dependable, and deeply caring. They believe childhood should be filled with kindness, laughter, home-cooked meals, outdoor adventures, and meaningful relationships. Their goal is simple: to create a place where children feel safe, loved, and excited to come each day.
Usha Shah
A dedicated caregiver, mother, and grandmother with decades of experience supporting children and families. Originally from India, Usha immigrated to the United States in 1997 and has spent more than 20 years helping care for children throughout the Jersey City community.
Known for her patience, warmth, and nurturing personality, Usha believes every child deserves a safe and loving environment where they feel valued, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them.
At Lulu Moon Academy, Usha looks forward to creating meaningful relationships with each child and family while helping children build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Chandani Shah
Originally from India, Chandani immigrated to the United States in 1997 and later became a proud U.S. citizen through naturalization. For many years, she worked in customer service and operations at 7-Eleven, where she became known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and dedication to serving her community.
Those who know Chandani best know her as someone who is endlessly patient, dependable, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She believes that children thrive when they feel safe, loved, and supported, and she brings those values into everything she does.
While her favorite title may be "Auntie," Chandani has played an important role in the lives of Atlas and Kaia, helping care for them, celebrate milestones, and create countless special memories. Her gentle nature, nurturing spirit, and genuine love for children help create the warm, family-like environment that defines Lulu Moon Academy.
Chandani looks forward to welcoming each child with the same kindness, patience, and care she has always shared with her own family.
Meet Banks & Marinda Shah
Banks and Marinda Shah moved to the Columbus, New Jersey community in 2023, where they are raising their family and building the childhood experience they always hoped to find.
Professionally, Marinda serves as the Senior Vice President of Revenue and Access to Care for one of New Jersey's largest behavioral health organizations, where she oversees access to services and programs that support individuals and families throughout the state. Banks works remotely in the pharmaceutical industry as a Senior Manager of Biomarker Operations. Because he works from home full-time, he remains readily available to assist with day-to-day operations, support the academy as needed, and help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for every family.
Together, Banks and Marinda share a passion for serving others, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities that positively impact families.
When they aren't working, you'll often find them spending time with Atlas and Kaia, exploring local parks, taking family walks, gathering with loved ones, and making the most of the outdoors. They believe childhood should be filled with wonder, connection, kindness, and experiences that children will remember for years to come.
Lulu Moon Academy is an extension of those values—a place built by parents, for families, where every child is welcomed, celebrated, and encouraged to thrive.