Today we’d like to introduce you to Julianna Park.
Hi Julianna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Before Funkidz, before teaching, before everything…I was a student who struggled. Growing up in New York, I was a classically trained pianist from a young age. While music was a big part of my life, both of my parents worked, and I didn’t receive much foundational support in core school subjects. When I entered college, I struggled even with introductory courses. That experience stayed with me—it made me realize how many children might be facing the same challenges quietly. Because of that, I decided to major in Education with a goal: to create a fun and simple way for children to truly understand what they’re learning. After graduating, I opened the first Funkidz in 1996 in Memphis.
Life took a different turn when I became a single mother of three wonderful children. I stepped away from education and worked for the USPS for 14 years to support my family. However, in the fall of 2023, everything came full circle. Through my church, I began working with students who were struggling academically, offering TCAP classes for K–12 students. Teaching these children reminded me of my purpose. I knew then that educating and supporting them wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was my calling. So on May 5, 2024, I made the decision to leave USPS and reopen Funkidz.
Our motto has always been: “Have fun while you study!” and “Funkidz makes Proud Kidz!”—and that belief continues to guide everything we do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth ride. One of the biggest challenges is helping students fill in the foundational gaps they’ve missed over time. That beginning stage can be the hardest—for both the student and the teacher.
Once those gaps begin to close, something amazing happens. That’s when learning becomes enjoyable, confidence builds, and everything starts to click. Building students up after that point—that’s the fun part.
Personally, balancing life as a single parent while navigating career changes was also a challenge. Nevertheless, those experiences shaped my resilience and deepened my understanding of what many families go through.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Funkidz, we specialize in more than just academics—we focus on the whole child. We are known for building confidence, creating joy in learning, and helping children believe in themselves.
What sets us apart is simple but powerful: we believe in our students, we love them, and we constantly remind them how important they are. That emotional foundation changes everything.
My proudest moments are when students realize, often for the first time, that they can succeed. Once they believe in themselves, my job becomes easy—I just guide them. They don’t just become Funkidz; they become “proud kidz” in their schools, homes, and communities.
In addition to Funkidz, I also teach group piano lessons at several schools, serve as the main pianist and conductor of the KBCM Youth Orchestra, and work as a music instructor for the Senior College of Memphis. Music and education have always gone hand in hand in my life.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that every child is capable—they just need someone to believe in them first. I’ve seen so many children struggle, not because they lack ability, but because they lack confidence and the basics of learning. Once they begin to believe in themselves, everything changes. That’s why I always say my job is not just to teach, but to help children see their own potential.
Looking ahead, I see Funkidz continuing to grow as a place where children feel important, confident, and excited to learn. I hope to expand our programs and reach more students who need that extra encouragement and foundation.
If there’s one thing I want to continue building, it’s this: a community of happy, proud, and caring children who know they have what it takes to succeed—not just in school, but in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.funkidz.org
