Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystie Castillo.
Hi Krystie, 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 began long before I ever stepped into a classroom. When I was 7 years old, my mother asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I told her I wanted to have my own school and then asked if that dream was too big. She never made me feel that it was. My parents believed in me and encouraged me to trust the purpose placed in my heart. That moment stayed with me and quietly shaped everything that followed.
At 14 years old, I began working as a front desk receptionist at a preschool while taking early childhood classes in high school. Even then, I felt a deep calling to work with children and families. I went on to teach toddlers and kindergarten, and through those early years I was given opportunities that helped me grow into leadership. I became an assistant director at a KinderCare in Boca Raton, and by the age of 18, I was running a brand new preschool on my own.
Two years later, I stepped out and opened a family child care center in my beat up garage. What started small quickly grew into something meaningful and successful, and I was recognized for the impact it was making. During that season, I experienced a high risk pregnancy with my son, a time that reshaped my perspective and strengthened my sense of purpose. Shortly after he was born, I accepted a position at a preschool in Miami that deeply inspired my vision for what early childhood education could be.
Over the next five years, I helped run and open several schools within the same franchise, gaining invaluable experience in leadership and program development. When the time felt right, I opened my own center in Broward County. It filled in less than a year, confirming the need for a program rooted in care, values, and community. I was later honored to be elected as the Faith-Based Provider Representative for the Broward Early Learning Coalition Board of Officials, representing faith based centers throughout the county.
Most recently, I opened my second Viva Christian Academy location in Weston. This campus reflects everything I have learned over the years as an educator, a leader, and a mother of two. This journey has been built on perseverance, purpose, faith and service, and it continues to inspire me as I work to create spaces where children and families truly feel supported and loved.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all. From the very beginning, I was often told that I was too young, that the work was too hard, and that opening and running my own business was too much responsibility. Those doubts came not only from others but at times from the weight of expectations placed on me at such a young age.
On a personal level, some of the hardest challenges came through my pregnancies. Both were high risk. During my pregnancy with my daughter, I was hospitalized for weeks and placed on strict bed rest. She arrived early and spent what felt like forever in the NICU. Balancing fear, uncertainty, and responsibility during that season tested me in ways nothing else ever had.
There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but each challenge strengthened my resolve. Those experiences shaped how I lead today, with empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding that behind every family and every decision there is a human story. The obstacles did not stop the journey. They became part of the foundation that made it possible.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Viva Christian Academy is an early childhood education organization built on intention, excellence, and heart. We serve children during their most formative years, focusing on academic readiness, emotional development, character building, and strong family partnerships. Our programs are thoughtfully designed to support the whole child, creating an environment where children feel safe, loved, and inspired to learn.
At the core of our approach is teaching children Christian values such as kindness, respect, integrity, gratitude, and compassion. These values are woven naturally into daily interactions, classroom routines, and the way we model behavior, helping children develop strong character alongside academic skills.
One of the key elements that truly sets us apart is cleanliness. We hold exceptionally high standards for sanitation, organization, and daily maintenance. Our classrooms and common areas are meticulously cleaned, thoughtfully organized, and consistently monitored to ensure a healthy, safe environment for children and staff. Families often tell us that the moment they walk into our centers, they can see and feel the difference.
What we are also known for is the way we balance structure with warmth. Our classrooms are calm, engaging, and purposefully designed. Our curriculum blends early literacy, math, STEAM, and creative exploration with social and emotional development, all delivered by educators who are deeply invested in the children they serve. We believe children thrive when expectations are high, care is consistent, and relationships are strong.
What truly sets us apart is leadership that is hands on and deeply experienced. Every system, policy, and classroom model at Viva Christian Academy has been built from years of real classroom experience, program leadership, and motherhood. We do not believe in a one size fits all approach. Instead, we continuously refine our practices to meet the needs of children, families, and educators.
Brand wise, what I am most proud of is our reputation. Families trust us. Our staff feels supported. Our centers are known for quality, consistency, and community. We are intentional about maintaining high standards while creating an atmosphere that feels personal, welcoming, and values driven.
What I want readers to know is that Viva Christian Academy is more than a preschool. It is a place where children are nurtured academically, guided by strong Christian values, and cared for in an environment that prioritizes health, cleanliness, and excellence. Everything we do is rooted in purpose and care, with the understanding that early childhood education lays the foundation for a lifetime.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that may surprise people is how much of what I do is shaped by intuition and heart rather than titles or trends. While many see a polished brand and structured organization, much of my leadership comes from quiet moments of reflection, listening, and trust built through experience. I am deeply hands on in ways people do not always see, from walking classrooms early in the morning to noticing the smallest details that affect how children and families feel.
Another thing people may not realize is that I am naturally more reserved than they expect. I lead confidently, but I am thoughtful and observant, and I spend a lot of time reflecting before making decisions. That balance of strength and sensitivity has shaped the culture of our schools and the way we care for our community.
At the core of everything I do is a genuine desire to serve. Behind the brand and the growth is someone who still feels the same responsibility she felt as a teenager working in a preschool, knowing that the smallest moments can make the biggest impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vivachristianacademy.com
- Instagram: @vivachristianacademy
- Facebook: @vivachristianacademy
