Meet Dustie Ramirez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dustie Ramirez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dustie below.

Dustie , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience stems from my experiences growing up in a single-parent household, where my mother was a tireless advocate and hard worker. She instilled in me the importance of character values as well as the importance of taking calculated risks and embracing failure as a valuable teacher. As an athlete from a young age, competing in team sports, I learned that even in the face of adversity, every failure holds a lesson. I got the opportunity to choose to find the lesson in failure whether through sports or personal trials. Through my journey, I discovered that the fear of not trying is far greater than the fear of failure itself. Each attempt, whether successful or not, builds the foundation for a meaningful life characterized by confidence and personal growth. Ultimately, resilience is born from a willingness to embrace both the trials and triumphs. For me, I always ask, “If I succeed, what’s on the other side?”, “If I fail, what’s on the other side?” and almost always what’s on the other side of trying to succeed is more meaningful and exciting than the latter.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a wife, dedicated mother of three, soon to be four and a behavioral encouragement specialist with 20 years of experience working closely with children in various environments, including schools, private institutions, and residential treatment settings. Throughout my journey, I’ve witnessed firsthand the vital need for secure connections and safety in a child’s learning experience. This realization led me to create The Sisu Method, a holistic home learning experience for children ages 4 to 7 that emphasizes the importance of outdoor exploration, community service, and real-life skills. It is important to note that while we value traditional education we have chosen to step away from societal norms in terms of the ways things are done. Much of how we educate is done in nature, hands on and free from screens.

In addition, we’ve chosen to build our team of educators in a very special way. Think of it as mimicking an extended family dynamic. We have a “house mom” whose main focus is teaching life skills in and out of the home, as well as preparing home cooked meals. A “house grandma” who focuses on emotional regulation, creativity, and sharing her wisdom freely. We’ve also added a certified private teacher who shares our passion and values for a wholistic learning environment. Her responsibility lies in providing a creative and fun curriculum based on childrens interests and abilities. Giving her the true freedom in teaching and bringing back the joy and wonder of being a teacher.

What excites me most about the future of The Sisu Method is the incredible potential we have to redefine education in a way that prioritizes the holistic development of each child. As a home learning program in West Palm Beach, we are uniquely positioned to offer both full-time education and co-op style options that resonate with forward-thinking families. Our focus on nurturing the whole child means that we will continually adapt our curriculum to inspire critical thinking, autonomy, and confidence—skills essential for thriving in life beyond the classroom.

I am particularly thrilled about the new skills we will introduce, such as mindfulness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, as well as the emphasis on the importance of nutrition for long-term health. By equipping our children with these real-life skills, we are not just preparing them for academic success; we are preparing them for a fulfilling and balanced life.

Our “lil cru” program, currently open for enrollment is designed for 4 to 8-year-olds offering transformative experiences through outdoor exploration, community service, and the development of strong character foundations built on Honesty, Humility, Integrity, Kindness, and Respect.

Furthermore, the creation of Encourage Me Cares, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit initiative, opens up even more possibilities. It will allow us to provide vital programming, help offset our overhead costs, and offer financial scholarships to families in need, ensuring that our enriching experiences are accessible to our community. I envision a future where The Sisu Method transforms children’s experiences in learning and families experiences within the realm of education.

The Sisu Method is designed to be more than just an educational program; it’s a nurturing community where families can feel safe, supported, and valued.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Firstly, learning how to self-regulate has allowed me to navigate challenges with composure and mindfulness. Being able to manage my emotions and reactions has been essential not only in my personal life but also in my interactions with the children I work with. It enables me to model positive behavior and create a calm, supportive environment for learning.

Secondly, hope has been a guiding light through various trials in my life. It empowers me to stay focused on possibilities rather than obstacles, inspiring both myself and the children I teach to envision the possibilities. This sense of hope encourages resilience and a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Lastly, having clear values has profoundly shaped my decision-making process. I’ve come to understand that living by values such as honesty, humility, integrity, kindness, and respect simplifies choices in a complex world. These values not only guide my actions but also serve as fundamental principles I instill in the children I encounter. By teaching them these characteristics, I hope to empower them to navigate their own paths with confidence and purpose. Together, these qualities have greatly influenced my journey and the impact I aspire to have on the community around me.

My advice for those who are early in their journey is to stop allowing the world to dictate who you should be and the paths you should follow. It’s vital to look inward and seek out the aspects of life that truly bring you joy, safety, and stability.

By identifying and grounding yourself in your core values, the world tends to feel less overwhelming and aggressive. When you have a solid foundation of values, decision-making becomes clearer and more intuitive. Embrace the uniqueness of your own path, and understand that not everyone is going to appreciate that. That is OK.
This journey is about understanding and valuing your unique gifts and sharing them with the world, and by doing so, you’ll develop the self-regulation, resilience, and hope that will guide you through this lifetime in a more meaningful and impactful way. Remember, the most authentic and fulfilling growth comes from being true to yourself and living according to your values.

How would you describe your ideal client?

At The Sisu Method, our ideal client is a family that deeply values a well- rounded childhood for their children. We seek families who are committed to cultivating a sense of community and believe in the importance of education through exploration. An ideal client would be someone who appreciates quality time spent together, understands the significance of presence, patience, and effort, and embraces the journey alongside their children.

Moreover, we resonate with families that prioritize authentic relationships and recognize the beauty in the simplicity that life has to offer. They understand that childhood is not just about meeting academic benchmarks but also about fostering meaningful relationships, encouraging critical thinking, and cultivating a sense of personal responsibility.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesisumethod.com
• Instagram: @SisuMethod
• Other: Tik Tok: @TheSisuMethod