Today we’d like to introduce you to Catalina Balcells.
Hi Catalina , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Colombia and came to the United States for what was meant to be a single summer. That summer turned into a life, and I have now called this country home for over 25 years.
My journey began in Boston as a student. I later married and moved to the Washington, DC area, where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at George Mason University. Soon after, I welcomed my first child and moved to Florida with a sweet nine-month-old baby in my arms.
As my son grew, I began working in Montessori schools so I could stay close to him while building a meaningful career in education. I was formally introduced to the Montessori philosophy in Milan, Italy, and soon after accepted my first Montessori position at Summit Questa Montessori School in Davie, Florida. From there, my path expanded into school administration, all while growing my own family with two more children: Mariana and Santiago.
After the birth of my third child—and inspired by my son’s special needs—I stepped into the role of school director. During my three years at a Montessori school in Pompano Beach, I created an inclusive program serving five students with unique abilities. Through dedication, collaboration, and trust between parents and teachers, these children flourished and became fully integrated within the Montessori environment.
Following a long divorce process, I continued my journey as a Montessori consultant across Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade, supporting schools and strengthening programs. When those projects came to an end, I began searching for the opportunity to own a Montessori school of my own. That search took years, and along the way I met my husband—turning this dream into a shared vision.
In the summer of 2025, Belle Menti entered our lives. Since then, we have been rebuilding the school with care, intention, and love. Today, Belle Menti Montessori is a safe, nurturing community serving children from 12 months through kindergarten, offering high-quality education at a reasonable cost.
A lifelong dream has come true, and our hope is for Belle Menti to grow into a strong, trusted school and business for the city of Hollywood—one that supports children, families, and the community for years to come. 🌱
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being an immigrant that was trying hard to make a path.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Belle Menti Montessori, we lovingly guide children from 1 year old through Kindergarten during their most formative years. Our school is a calm, carefully prepared environment where children are respected as individuals and encouraged to grow with confidence, independence, and joy.
As a smaller school, we are able to truly know each child—their strengths, their needs, and their unique rhythm of learning. Our Montessori approach allows children to learn through hands-on experiences, meaningful choice, and gentle guidance, creating a strong foundation not only for academics, but for life.
We value honest partnership with families and welcome open conversations about tuition, hours, and enrollment. Belle Menti Montessori is based on the warmth, intention, and care that define our community.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband Dany for his shared vision, his love and strength, and his wisdom and support, my kids for inspiring me and for keeping me working in education and trying hard to balance career and family, for their love and support, my mom for her endless help, love and cheering, to my teachers that work with great passion and dedication every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.bellementimontessori.com
- Instagram: Belle menti Hollywood
