A Better Future Begins with B.E.S.T: How Michelle Agard is Building a New Legacy for Caribbean Education
From the vibrant roots of Trinidad to the serene shores of Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, Michelle Agard is on a mission to revolutionize education in the Caribbean—one scholar, one school, one system at a
From the vibrant roots of Trinidad to the serene shores of Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, Michelle Agard is on a mission to revolutionize education in the Caribbean—one scholar, one school, one system at a time. As the founder of KB B.E.S.T Educational Services and a dedicated Education Policy and Planning Manager with 15 years of experience, Michelle’s journey is proof that true change begins with vision—and is sustained by unwavering purpose.
“Educate for a Lifetime, Not Just a Lesson”
At the heart of Michelle’s work is her brand, KB B.E.S.T, which stands for Knowledge-Based path to Becoming an Exceptional Scholar/School/System in Time. The name itself is a bold affirmation of what she believes education should be: intentional, transformational, and inclusive.
“Our young scholars, parents, and educators deserve quality, evidence-based services. Education must be tailored—not templated,” says Michelle. “That’s the foundation of KB B.E.S.T.”
KB B.E.S.T is a full-spectrum educational service that offers:
- Individualized tutoring for elementary and secondary students
- Curriculum design and development aligned with student data
- Parent and teacher professional development
- Reading and educational psychology assessments
- Strategic education consulting for schools and institutions
Michelle’s approach is wholistic, combining academic rigor with emotional intelligence, sustainability values, and cultural relevance. Her work is not just about grades—it’s about growth, identity, and legacy.
Healing Through Education
Michelle’s work extends beyond academics. As an education consultant for the Heal-a-ton Foundation in South Trinidad, she helped develop “Love to Read” and “Planting Seeds of Love”—reading programs designed to support children who are survivors of abuse. These programs didn’t just improve literacy; they restored confidence, built resilience, and gave young people the language to speak their truth.
“When we empower children through reading and the arts, we give them more than words—we give them their voice back,” she reflects.
These programs also integrated sustainability, teaching scholars to grow gardens, build model eco-homes, and creatively explore how education connects to global and environmental citizenship.
A Regional Vision Rooted in Purpose
Michelle’s journey began from a place of frustration—watching brilliant students in underserved communities be sidelined simply because they didn’t have the resources or support to thrive. That frustration became fuel.
“I knew I had to build something different—something that proves that when people are given the best, they give their best,” she says.
Her hope goes far beyond Grand Turk or Trinidad. Michelle’s dream is to see an empowered, interconnected Caribbean where:
- Educators are equipped and inspired
- Curriculum is contextually relevant and globally aligned
- Assessments are diverse and inclusive
- Technology bridges, rather than widens, the learning gap
- And students feel seen, heard, and prepared to thrive without having to leave their homeland
“Our region has produced pioneers, visionaries, and leaders. Our education systems must reflect that excellence.”

Empowering the People Who Empower
What Michelle loves most about being an education entrepreneur is the ability to act on best practices without delay or bureaucracy. She designs strategies based on data, deploys innovative programs, and celebrates milestones with intention—because every win matters.
One of her favorite moments was receiving ongoing updates from a grandmother whose once-struggling grandson became a confident, high-achieving student thanks to KB B.E.S.T’s reading program.
“He started shy and unsure. Now he’s winning awards and becoming a scientist. That’s the power of investing in someone’s potential.”
And for Michelle, it’s not just the students who evolve—it’s the teachers and parents too.
“We empower the first teacher—the parent—so they can walk hand-in-hand with their child on this journey. We don’t just tutor; we transform.”
Overcoming, One Step at a Time
The path hasn’t been easy. From limited funding to resistance within entrenched education systems and the disruption of COVID-19, Michelle has faced more than her share of challenges.
“But I find strength in my purpose,” she says. “Every scholar that finds their rhythm, every school that adopts better practices, reminds me that the best is yet to come.”
And she’s not doing it alone. Her growing team is embracing the power of data-driven, human-centered education—and together, they’re creating a ripple effect of impact.
Lighting the Path for Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs
Michelle believes deeply in the promise of Caribbean women to lead regional transformation. She is actively building a network of female entrepreneurs and educators across the Caribbean to share resources, collaborate on projects, and mentor the next generation.
“We need more mentorship, more access to funding, more platforms for growth—and we need CARICOM to invest in us. Because when Caribbean women rise, entire nations rise.”
Her advice to fellow women entrepreneurs? Know your worth. Be rooted in your purpose. And let love and knowledge lead the way.
“I am just one resource out of many—but I am a valuable one,” Michelle says. “With the right use of knowledge, and love as our foundation, we can build a region that thrives.”
Through Michelle Agard and KB B.E.S.T Educational Services, the Caribbean is being reminded that education is not just about passing exams—it’s about unlocking purpose, potential, and pride. And with women like Michelle leading the charge, the future of our region looks brighter than ever.