Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Zamor.
Hi Sophia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey to early childhood education has been anything but linear — and that’s exactly what makes it so meaningful to me.
I was born and raised in Haiti and later earned a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. My professional career began in the corporate world, where I spent over a decade managing the Huggies, Pull-Ups, and GoodNites brands across Latin America, living and working in the U.S., Colombia, Costa Rica, and Brazil. Through that experience, I gained a deep understanding of early childhood development — not only from a business perspective, but from a human one. Babies, families, and the early years were always at the center of my work.
After that chapter, I returned to Haiti to manage our family business, where I spent 11 years developing leadership, operations, and long-term strategy skills. However, it was during that time that I discovered my true calling in education — through my children.
My sons were enrolled at Lycée Alexandre Dumas in Haiti, a French international school accredited by the French Ministry of Education and part of the AEFE network, which includes more than 535 schools in 139 countries worldwide. As a parent deeply involved in their education, I was elected Vice President of the School Board. Over five years, I had the privilege of helping guide a school serving more than 600 students, working closely with educators to ensure academic excellence, strong values, and a child-centered approach. Being both a parent and a school leader allowed me to experience education from both perspectives — and it profoundly shaped my vision of what a school community should be.
Twelve years ago, I founded KLA Schools of North Bay Village with my family, with a clear purpose: to create a school that honors the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally, and creatively — while also building a true sense of community for families.
Today, as a mother of two boys, Luka and Matteo, I understand firsthand the trust parents place in a school. That perspective guides every decision I make. At KLA North Bay Village, we are deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, viewing children as capable, curious, and full of potential. We believe learning happens through relationships, exploration, and meaningful experiences — and that education should feel joyful, respectful, and deeply human.
Over the past 12 years, I am incredibly proud of the close-knit community we have built together — one rooted in partnership, reflection, and a shared commitment to giving children the strongest possible foundation for life.
What started as a professional shift has become a lifelong mission: to nurture confident learners, compassionate citizens, and families who feel truly supported. And that continues to be the heart of everything we do at KLA Schools of North Bay Village.
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 — but every challenge has shaped the school and my leadership in meaningful ways.
Opening and growing a school comes with constant responsibility. You are not only managing a business, but above all caring for children, supporting families, and guiding educators — all at the same time. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing operational demands with staying true to our educational values. It’s easy for logistics, regulations, and daily pressures to take over, but protecting the integrity of our philosophy has always been non-negotiable for me.
Staffing has also been a significant challenge, especially in early childhood education where burnout is real and turnover. Building a stable, supported, and professionally fulfilled team requires continuous investment, mentorship, and empathy — and that work never stops.
Like many schools, we also navigated extremely difficult moments during the pandemic and in the years that followed. Those years tested our resilience, our communication, and our ability to adapt quickly while still offering families a sense of safety and continuity.
We’ve been impressed with KLA Schools of North Bay Village, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
KLA Schools of North Bay Village is an early childhood education community serving children from 3 months through 5 years of age. Our program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and grounded in the belief that children are capable, curious, and full of potential from the very beginning of life.
We honor the many ways children express themselves — through movement, art, dialogue, play, and exploration. Learning at KLA is co-constructed through relationships, inquiry, and meaningful experiences, with the goal of nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
What sets us apart is our strong sense of community. Families often describe our school as an extension of their home. We prioritize authentic relationships, open communication, and true partnership with parents, allowing us to support each child academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our learning environments are intentionally designed as a “third teacher,” featuring natural materials, atelier-inspired spaces, and hands-on exploration. Through documentation, families gain insight into children’s thinking and growth over time.
We are especially proud of the trust we have built over the past 12 years and of our alumni, who continue to thrive in some of the top elementary and independent schools across Miami. More than a preschool, KLA North Bay Village is a community built on respect, intention, and a deep commitment to honoring childhood.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest are the simple moments that bring connection and joy. Reading a great book allows me to slow down, reflect, and recharge. Cheering for my sons on the soccer field with my husband Julio is another source of pure happiness — watching their passion, growth, and confidence reminds me what truly matters. We also love spending time together watching great soccer games as a family.
Being with my large extended family is especially meaningful to me. Those moments of togetherness, laughter, and shared traditions ground me, remind me of my roots, and fill my heart with gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.klaschools.com/north-bay-village
- Instagram: @klaschoolsofnorthbayvillage
Image Credits
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