Our Story

  Founder and Director 

Carmenza is from Bogotá, Colombia. She studied Fashion Design in Bogotá, and although she practiced design only briefly, she has kept her artistic spirit throughout her life. Children have always played a key role in her life. As a teenager, she had her first nephew, and since then, she has been surrounded by children of all ages. Carmenza is the mother of two young women, whom she has enjoyed raising initially as a stay-at-home mother and later as an educator and entrepreneur. 

Carmenza is passionate about early childhood education and has developed a teaching philosophy that allows children to express themselves, learn a language, and simply be kids. Mi Pequeña Academia is a dream come true and an opportunity for her to share her knowledge and experience.

While living in Colombia, Carmenza volunteered with displaced children in rural Cundinamarca, Colombia, working at recreational libraries (Ludotecas) with kids aged 2 to 17. She assessed their emotional and psychological well-being and referred them to social workers. Noticing the children's difficult circumstances and short stays, Carmenza focused on creating a supportive learning environment. She drew from her artistic background, incorporating arts, yoga, and music as non-traditional teaching methods, which she found to be more effective in working with children.

When Carmenza and her family moved to the United States, and she began preparing to become a preschool teacher. Transitioning to the United States also meant adapting to a new language and culture. Carmenza was fortunate that her daughters had attended a bilingual school and were fluent in English. However, she soon realized that speaking a second language opens doors for any child, teenager, or rising professional. She dedicated herself to learning a second language and became passionate about teaching her mother tongue, Spanish.

Carmenza’s love for children and education began with her family, but today she hopes to change traditional schooling into a more comprehensive, sensible, and inspiring experience for both students and teachers. In today's world, children of all ages are often overstimulated by media and the busy lives of adults, which can rob them of the most delightful moments of childhood, such as getting dirty in the playground or painting with their hands.

Through her experience and knowledge in education, Carmenza promises to educate children in an interactive way that is joyful, with the magic of learning a new language.

 Administrator

Maria Helena is from Bogotá, Colombia. She has been an artist since she was around 4 years old, and art has remained a lifelong passion. She studied graphic design at the Institute of Art in Chicago, where, in addition to graphic design, she explored other forms of art, such as weaving, sculpting, and ceramics.

Maria Helena is the daughter of Carmenza and has always been passionate about children. Growing up in a large family, she has enjoyed watching the younger generations grow, especially her niece, Amelia. Maria Helena is deeply interested in the intersection between psychology, art, and education, and she has found early childhood education to be a strong passion.

She has worked at Mi Pequeña Academia since its inception, giving art classes and working in the classroom during the summers. Since joining Mi Pequeña Academia as an administrator in 2024, she has been fascinated by children’s capacity for learning and their vibrant spirit. She is currently pursuing her Early Childhood Education certificate.

Maria Helena is also a coffee enthusiast and founded her own coffee brand, Berraquera.