Dear Families,

Mi Casita is more than a school to me. It is the story of where I came from, the sacrifices my family made, and a dream that grew through faith, perseverance, and love.

I was born in Nicaragua and came to the United States at fourteen years old in search of a better future. After spending my teenage years in Los Angeles, I moved to Austin in 2001, determined to create greater opportunities for my children.

My journey was not easy. I worked as a school bus driver, a kitchen worker, and a house cleaner. Then, while working as a custodian at a Montessori school, I noticed something extraordinary. I saw children moving with purpose, choosing meaningful work, solving problems, and developing a quiet confidence in themselves. I became fascinated by an education that respected children so deeply.

That discovery changed the direction of my life.

While raising my children, cleaning houses on weekends, and working overtime to afford Montessori education for my own family, I began studying to become a Montessori Guide.

I earned Montessori credentials for the Infant/Toddler and Primary levels and gained years of experience in classrooms and school administration. I am also an experienced childcare director and, most importantly, a Montessori parent to my children, Elvin, Marcos, and Elayna.

As I grew in my career, my dream became clearer: I wanted to create a school filled with compassion, gratitude, bilingual learning, and respect for every family’s story.

In 2016, my husband and I took a leap of faith. We were facing unemployment and had very little money, but instead of giving up, we chose to build what we knew in our hearts we were meant to do. Family and friends believed in us, lent us money, and helped us move forward. Enrollment grew slowly, and it took nearly three years for the school to reach capacity.

Through long days, difficult moments, and the support of the people we love, our first little school grew into two Austin campuses. Today, Mi Casita remains a family-operated school, still guided by the same purpose that inspired me from the beginning.

Serving this community has been a true blessing. Creating an environment where children and adults can grow with compassion and gratitude is one of the greatest honors of my life. For those I have not yet met, I look forward to getting to know you and your children.

Thank you for being part of this special community. Welcome to Mi Casita—our little home.

With gratitude,
Keyla Martinez