My name is Veronica Martinez, I am blessed to be the owner and head guide of the Kindred Montessori early childhood education program since October 2017. If you wanna know more about me and the school, take a look at Our Story!
I was born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. I graduated as a psychologist from the University of Sinaloa. I spent several years working as a specialist in special needs education in Mexico.
I completed my AMI Montessori course this last fall because I want to provide support and assistance to the families at Kindred. I firmly believe that the best education is the one that comes from the heart, as it can truly make a difference in the lives of children and families.
¨It is hard to put into words how special and magical Kindred Montessori is. Our son started at 2.5 years and has since 'graduated to kindergarten, while our daughter who started at 18 months is still there now.
Veronica ("Vero"), the owner and lead teacher has a Master's in Montessori Education and is a brilliant and loving guide for the children. They, over the course of 3-4 years, progress from 1.5 year-olds in diapers to capable, confident independent, and bilingual little people who help to teach and lead the younger kids.
Visiting Kindred and seeing the kids in action is nothing short of incredible. Of course there are sometimes tears and conflicts, especially at the start of the year as new students get adjusted to not being home, but the norm is all 12 or so students working on projects that they themselves have chosen, in an environment of serenity that we have never been able to replicate at home.
The fact that this all happens entirely in Spanish is an added bonus. Vero and her teachers walk the children in a group to the park every day, rain or shine (rain gear for each student is kept at the school since they embody the idea that there is no bad weather, only bad gear), and their chef prepares delicious, healthy lunches that our kids prefer to anything we have been able to make at home.
The children help to prepare their own afternoon snacks, and set and clear their tables for all meals. The entire school and the Montessori 'materials are arranged in a way that encourages curiosity and learning, whether the kids realize it is happening or not.
Beyond the classroom, Vero has cultivated a warm community around the school. Both our children still mainly spend time with their Kindred friends (including the annual Kindred Trick-or-Treating!), and the parents are all communicative and supportive with numerous organic get-togethers outside of the school throughout the year.
We could not have been happier with our son's experience at Kindred or his preparation for elementary school, and we are already thrilled with our daughter's experience and progress.¨
¨Kindred is more than just a school; it is a warm and welcoming community that became our home away from home. We felt that our kids had a safe and nourishing family to go to everyday.
Kindred is filled with people that feel like family, they genuinely cared for and respected our children and made us feel at ease. Most importantly, they met them exactly where they were and did not compare them to other kids.
The things that we loved about Kindred are too many to list but the major things as a parent that I appreciated was the constant communication, the celebration of each family's heritages, the focus on healthy eating, outdoor time, and the overall spirit of sensitivity, community and belonging.¨
¨My 3 year old had been enrolled at Kindred Montessori for 10 months, starting just after she turned 2. We came to visit at an Open House event, and fell in love. I have a keen critical eye for child care facilities, given my professional background in education.
Kindred is everything it claims to be and more. The owner and lead teacher, Veronica, has more than just a deep love of children. She has a vast knowledge of early education and tremendous experience that supports individualization for each child.
The Montessori Model is exceptional, and all the better with a strong, experienced leader like Veronica. My daughter has progressed wonderfully in her social, physical, emotional and cognitive developments at Kindred. And while I highly value these progressions, it is the culture of the school that impresses me most.
Veronica has created a family-like community that feels safe, welcoming, calm, inclusive and non-judgemental. She goes above and beyond the role of owner and teacher to support each child and family in their unique needs.
Veronica has also hired staff that integrates into the family community there, providing care and guidance in a highly professional manner. As a single Mom living very far away from our family, Kindred's supportive, responsive and flexible approach has enriched our lives tremendously.
When my daughter is there, she is with a new kind of family. Every day starts and ends with warm greeting from staff and classmates. And in between are creative enrichment activities mixed with lots of time to just play outside being a kid.
The school environment fosters Independence, with consistent positive discipline and clear expectations. On a single income, the tuition can be a real stretch for our budget.
But I whole-heartedly believe it is worth every penny and sacrifice we make for it. I often tell people, "If I were to magically paint a picture of the perfect school for us, it would look just like Kindred Montessori.¨
¨Kindred Montessori is so much more to me than a daycare or preschool. Kindred is giving my son opportunities to thrive, to learn, to become confident, independent and develop a respect for others.
Veronica teaches Montessori style education and allows each child to flourish while providing them opportunities to learn based on age appropriate activities. The school environment is beautiful and bright, the teachers are loving and highly educated in the field.
Kindred Montessori provides everything I was looking for in a school - Spanish immersion, structure, consistent learning through exploration and responsibility, lots of time outdoors at the park, mostly organic homemade food, eco-friendly materials, crafts, music, yoga, dancing, gardening, hugs, and community.
What can I say? - Kindred has got soul. During the first 5 years, a child's brain develops more than at any other time in life and has a lasting impact on a child's ability to learn and succeed.
I am so grateful that my son will spend his first 5 years in this environment that will enrich his mind, and give him the best start. Kindred is truly "Growing Human Greatness" and I am so happy to partner with Veronica and her team, helping my son see the greatness in himself.¨
¨We are so happy that we found Kindred Montessori! Veronica, the owner, and her assistant, Leslee, are wonderful, well-qualified educators. Veronica uses an App, Brightwheel, to provide updates and pictures throughout the day of our little one.
I really appreciate the communication, and the pictures always make my day brighter. We had some basic things that we were looking for in a childcare (clean, secure, access to outdoor play, healthy meals, etc.) and Kindred met all of our wants and more.
Our son is thriving at Kindred. His vocabulary has blossomed in both English and Spanish, he is learning social skills, and he is so excited to go to "school" everyday. The location is ideal as Kindred is less than a block from the park.
They go to the Morley Field Nature Exploration area everyday (rain or shine). Kindred's space is also so appealing. They have an indoor and outdoor classroom and Kindred is set up to foster independence with kid-sized everything.
They have the children doing things I would never think to engage my almost two year in. Children help prepare snack, one of our sons favorite activities, learn how to dress themselves, and they will even assist with potty training when the time comes.
It's so nice to feel like Veronica and Leslee are part of our parenting team. Veronica holds parent/guide conferences to check in and is always available to answer any questions or concems we have about our sons behavior or development.
One of the things we were concerned about was making sure our son is offered healthy meals. Kindred has someone who cooks nutritious meals for the children every week.
Some other things we love about Kindred include Spanish immersion, yoga, music, art, gardening, the use of non toxic eco-friendly cleaners, and cloth diapers. It's so hard to leave your little one, but I feel confident that our son is happy and thriving at Kindred.
We are so thankful for the experiences our son is enjoying and feel confident that he is in good hands.¨
¨From the moment I met Veronica and saw her school, I knew our daughter would be at home there. We wanted to find a place where our daughter would be challenged, respected and cherished, and Kindred has provided all of that and then some.
The children get to be outside in nature at least once a day. They learn practical tasks such as preparing fruit and growing herbs.
Our daughter thrives in the environment there, which is set up specifically for small hands and bodies - everything is her size. She is speaking full sentences and singing songs in Spanish now.
An added bonus is the healthy, always home-cooked food she loves eating there I love knowing that my child is being treated with kindness and respect and is learning how to take responsibility for herself, rather than being disciplined using "time outs" and constant redirection from adults.
Kindred has become not just our daughter's school, but part of our parenting community.¨
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This place is amazing! My kid is excited to go to “school” everyday! The staff are amazing and everyday is something new and fun! Simply the best.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our son had a great experience at Kindred Montessori. Vero and her staff were professional, accessible and great with the kids. The Spanish language foundation our son built at Kindred continues to pay dividends today. We are fortunate that we found this school when we did and highly recommend it.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It is hard to put into words how special and magical Kindred Montessori is. Our son started at 2.5 years and has since "graduated" and moved on to first grade, and our daughter who started at 18 months graduated to "pre-Kindergarten" last year. Veronica ("Vero"), the owner and lead teacher has a Master's in Montessori Education and is a brilliant and loving guide for the children. They, over the course of 3-4 years, progress from 1.5 year-olds in diapers to capable, confident, *independent*, and bilingual little people who help to teach and lead the younger kids. Visiting Kindred and seeing the kids in action is nothing short of incredible. Of course there are sometimes tears and conflicts, especially at the start of the year as new students get adjusted to not being home, but the norm is all 12 or so students working on projects that they themselves have chosen, in an environment of serenity that we have never been able to replicate at home. The fact that this all happens entirely in Spanish is an added bonus. Vero and her teachers walk the children in a group to the park every day, rain or shine (rain gear for each student is kept at the school since they embody the idea that there is no bad weather, only bad gear), and their chef prepares delicious, healthy lunches that our kids prefer to anything we have been able to make at home. The children help to prepare their own afternoon snacks, and set and clear their tables for all meals. The entire school and the Montessori "materials" are arranged in a way that encourages curiosity and learning, whether the kids realize it is happening or not. Beyond the classroom, Vero has cultivated a warm community around the school. Both our children remain connected with their Kindred friends (including the annual Kindred Trick-or-Treating!), and the parents are all communicative and supportive with numerous informal get-togethers outside of the school throughout the year. We could not have been happier with our children's experiences at Kindred or their preparation for elementary school. Both are thriving. As one final anecdote, our kids do gymnastics at a local gym (along with some other Kindred students), and one of the coaches remarked that it was very obvious which kids went to Kindred because they were incredible communicators, listeners and far beyond other kids their age. She said she'd love to see what it is they do at Kindred that sets the kids so far apart.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our son was able to spend one wonderful year at Kindred. He learned so much, including how to speak Spanish fluently! Everyone was kind, caring and seemed to really enjoy working with young ones. Kids get to spend most of the day outside, and also work on practical skills. Art was a big part of the day and our son came home with fun paintings regularly. Ms. Vero is very accessible and will answer all of your questions. I would highly recommend Kindred for your little one!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow wow wow! This is the beginning of the rest of your child's life, make it count! Every day is an adventure at Kindred, and it is the absolute best! The mixture of outdoor activities and Montessori style learning make a perfect place to learn. Our child loves going here every day, and brings us home crafts to remind us how much fun he is having! Vero and her staff are super neutering, caring, and flexible. If you're lucky enough to get a chance to send your kid(s) here, don't hesitate.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been part of the Kindred family since our son was 17 months. He's now 5 and still spends time with all his friends from the school. We could not have asked for a better Spanish Montessori pre-school. Our son is bilingual and continues to learn from his public school, all thanks to Ms. Vero and her teachers.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 3.5yo daughter is finishing up a second wonderful school year at Kindred and is excited for her third and last one in the fall. It’s currently Kindred’s “Summer Session” which the kids look forward to all year. During this time, each day has a theme: art, obstacles, splashing… and everyone has a blast. The regular school year is also well-structured and balanced. Each day includes time for group activities, student-led work and free play. My daughter has looked forward to school every day since she started. She is very independent and can focus on tasks for an extended period of time, much of which we attribute to Kindred. The teachers’ consistent approach to Spanish immersion means the kids are effortlessly bilingual (but they do reach for English when speaking to each other!). The kids also have encyclopedic knowledge on whatever has piqued their interest recently. Students wear uniform shirts which makes getting ready in the morning less complicated. The owner and teacher of the big kids, Vero, makes herself available to discuss any questions or concerns. We always feel heard when we talk to her and any slight concern we have had has been creatively addressed even when we thought there might not be an easy solution (eg friction between classmates). There is frequent and clear communication via email and the Brightwheel app. We love the pictures that teachers share! Kindred Montessori offers a wonderful environment for kids 18m-5y. I can’t recommend it enough!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been so lucky to have found Kindred Montessori in our neighborhood - our daughter loves her teachers, classmates and the school environment and we can't wait to send our son there soon. The teachers are extremely personable, highly educated, caring, in regular communication with the families, and are invested in the children's learning, physical and emotional wellbeing. Our daughter loves spending so much time outdoors - at the nearby parks and in the school patio and 'mud kitchen'. She comes home with stories, songs and new projects everyday - she just turned 4 and has been starting to write in cursive (or as she says 'Spanish'). We weren't looking for a Spanish-immersion program but it has been amazing for our daughter, who now speaks Spanish confidently and with enthusiasm at school and at home. Cannot recommend Kindred Montessori enough!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I discovered Kindred Montessori about 4 years ago, while walking through the neighborhood, and ever since we have felt incredibly grateful for it. We have two children there, ages 3 and 4, and the thought of starting them somewhere else for kindergarten is daunting. Veronica (Vero), who runs Kindred out of her home, has decades of experience teaching in Montessori programs. Her assistant, Mariela, is also a certified Montessori teacher. They both have such extraordinary talent for what they do. Their inexhaustible patience, the deliberateness and respect that goes into every interaction with every kid ... it's so inspiring to witness, and it comforts me to know they are caring for our kids each day. From day one, I have admired the balance that Vero strikes: consistently setting healthy boundaries but otherwise encouraging each kid in their exploration of the world. It seems so effortless for her. It's amazing to me that in the 3 years I have known Vero, she's been surrounded by toddlers and not once have I seen her get even slightly flustered. I can say the same about Mariela. I'm completely on-board with the Montessori philosophy, but for me the most impressive thing about Kindred is the people running it--Vero and Mariela are truly amazing people. On that note, I need to mention Kenny, who helps more in the afternoons with "extended care", and Susy, who prepares their amazing food and also helps out with the childcare occasionally. They too are wonderful, somehow possessing that same patience and thoughtfulness. The kids love them. Sometimes my son has a hard time saying goodbye to Kenny. (My theory is that Vero attracts like-minded people--intelligent, empathetic people who understand the inner lives of children and can see the world through their eyes. Before Mariela came to Kindred, there was another teacher for the younger kids named Leslie...also an amazing human being.) I was blown away by the immediate growth and development of both of our kids after starting at Kindred. Things like getting dressed, pouring liquids, putting things away after use, preparing food, etc helped me realize I had been underestimating my kids potential for learning. Did I mention that kids at Kindred are fluent in spanish?! Some of the older kids are now able to read, in both English and Spanish. There is student-led exploration of things like cooking, geography, gardening, music, and art. I also love that they spend a couple of hours at the park every day, not at the playground but just exploring nature, playing games (very creative ones, mostly dreamed up by the kids), and letting loose. I should also mention the food at kindred; every time I hear about it or see a picture it just reaffirms my desire to be a Kindred student--very healthy, absolutely nothing processed, and the kids love it. Maybe the best way to sum up is this: I tend to second-guess every decision I make as a parent, but sending our kids to Kindred is one decision I'm totally at peace with--maybe even proud of. As a bonus, if you're reading this in 2022, the other families at Kindred are incredible (and I'm not somebody who likes everybody). They inspire us as parents and provide such a sweet sense of community in our lives.
