Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Martinez.
Hi Vanessa , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Vanessa R. Martinez, and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, proudly rooted in my Cuban heritage. My journey into early childhood education began unexpectedly at the age of 18, when I was given the opportunity to work at a daycare while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in nursing. It didn’t take long for my path to change. Being in the classroom and working with young children, I felt a calling that was impossible to ignore.
I ultimately changed my major to education and earned my degree from St. Thomas University. During that time, I shared a dream with my parents that would shape my future—that one day, I would open my own preschool. I continued working in the field, gaining hands-on experience and learning every aspect of early childhood education.
At just 25 years old, that dream became a reality. In 2017, I opened my first early learning center in Broward County. I would not have been able to do it without the unwavering support of my parents. My father, a contractor, helped turn my vision into reality and build the foundation of what that school would become. I operated that center for nearly six years until I was faced with the difficult decision to say goodbye due to circumstances beyond my control.
In 2020, when I became a mother, my passion for early childhood education deepened even more. Experiencing motherhood firsthand strengthened my desire to create environments that are not only educational, but also loving, safe, and deeply purposeful, spaces where children are truly nurtured during their most formative years.
What felt like an ending was truly a redirection. In April of 2023, I was blessed with the opportunity to purchase Montessori Children’s House of Miami Lakes, a school with deep roots in the community that first opened its doors 53 years ago. I often refer to it as a school straight from God, an answered prayer that aligned perfectly with my calling and my faith. Even more meaningful, this opportunity brought me back to my hometown of Miami Lakes.
Following the purchase, the school remained closed for a full year as we thoughtfully renovated and prepared to reopen. In June of 2024, Montessori Children’s House of Miami Lakes welcomed families once again. Since then, the growth has been incredible. In less than two years, we have expanded rapidly and are now nearing full capacity.
When people ask how it all happened, my answer is simple: by the grace of God, the support of my family, and the dedication and passion I have for serving young children. This journey has been one of faith, perseverance, and purpose and I am deeply grateful to continue stewarding a school with such a meaningful legacy.
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 has definitely not been a smooth road. Like most meaningful journeys, it has been filled with challenges that tested my faith, resilience, and commitment to this calling. Opening my first school at 25 came with a steep learning curve, balancing leadership, finances, regulations, and the responsibility of caring for families and children, often all at once.
One of the most difficult moments was having to close my first location due to circumstances with my landlord after nearly six years. Walking away from something I built from the ground up was heartbreaking and humbling. There were moments of uncertainty where I had to trust that God was still working, even when the path forward wasn’t clear.
Purchasing Montessori Children’s House of Miami Lakes also came with its own challenges. The school required extensive renovations and remained closed for an entire year, which demanded patience, courage, and unwavering faith. Rebuilding a historic school while honoring its legacy was both a responsibility and a risk.
Through every struggle, I’ve learned that growth often comes through discomfort. Each challenge strengthened my leadership, deepened my faith, and reaffirmed my purpose. While the road hasn’t been easy, every obstacle has shaped the school, and me into what we are today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Montessori Children’s House of Miami Lakes?
Montessori Children’s House of Miami Lakes is an authentic Montessori early childhood school serving children during the most formative years of their lives. We specialize in creating a carefully prepared environment that nurtures independence, confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. Our approach honors the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
What sets us apart is the heart behind our school. We are not only a Montessori school but the only Montessori Christian school in South Florida. While we uphold strong Montessori principles, we are deeply rooted in family, faith, and community. We are a school with a 53-year legacy, and I see my role not as changing that legacy, but stewarding it with intention and care. Every decision we make is guided by what is best for the child and in partnership with the families we serve.
We are known for our warm, close-knit community, dedicated educators, and the way we truly see each child as an individual. Our classrooms emphasize hands-on learning, practical life skills, respect, and responsibility-values that extend far beyond the classroom. Families often tell us they feel a sense of peace and belonging the moment they walk through our doors.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Montessori Children’s House of Miami Lakes is known for its integrity. We lead with purpose, consistency, and love. Our growth has been organic, driven by trust and word-of-mouth rather than trends. I want readers to know that this is more than a school, it is a community built on faith, legacy, and a deep commitment to nurturing children during their most important years.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the safety and emotional well-being of every child. I want each child who walks through our doors to feel safe, secure, and truly seen. While physical safety is important, emotional security is just as essential especially at a young age because it lays the foundation for confidence, trust, and a love of learning.
It is also important to me that Montessori Children’s House helps plant a small seed of love for Jesus in each child’s heart. Through kindness, compassion, and the way we care for one another, we strive to nurture both emotional security and faith from the very beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://miamilakeschristianmontessori.com/
- Instagram: @miamilakesmontessori
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BpW4b4iBr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@miamilakesmontessori?_r=1&_t=ZT-92pCRSXP79y
Image Credits
Photographer: Karla Garcia (KG-ohh-snap)
