Meet Pamela

We were lucky to catch up with Pamela recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Pamela, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I’ve always felt that my purpose found me long before I had the words to describe it. I grew up in Córdoba, Veracruz, in a family and culture that valued connection, resilience, and community. Those early lessons shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. When I moved to San Antonio at 15 and later earned my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Reading and Special Education, I thought I was simply preparing for a career in education. Looking back, I see that I was laying the foundation for something much deeper…my true calling.

Motherhood gave that calling its voice. It has brought me my greatest joys, but also moments of heartbreak that taught me strength. Experiencing the loss of a child changed me profoundly. It deepened my understanding of love and reminded me how much every child deserves to be cherished, protected, and encouraged to flourish. That experience became a guiding light, pushing me to create a place where children could feel that same love and security every single day.

When my son Beckham was born, and later my daughter Sloane, my purpose grew even clearer. Opening Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak was never just about starting a school, it was about creating a sanctuary. A space built on love, trust, and inspiration, where every child is seen, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they are. Each child who walks through our doors carries a light. And in helping them grow and discover their own path, I’ve found the truest reflection of mine.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the Owner and Head of School at Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak here in San Antonio. When we opened our doors in March of 2023, I honestly didn’t realize how quickly it would feel like home. What started as a dream has grown into a community where children, families, and teachers come together with so much joy and purpose. Our school is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, with a touch of Reggio Emilia through our DaVinci Kids program. That blend creates a space where children can be curious, creative, and confident, while still feeling completely loved and supported.

My own journey into education is deeply tied to motherhood. Losing my first son, Sebastian, taught me the depth of a parent’s love and the fragility of life. Later, welcoming my son Beckham and my daughter Sloane gave me a renewed purpose: to create a place where children are cherished, guided, and celebrated for exactly who they are. Every child who walks into our classrooms carries a light, and it’s our privilege to nurture it.

What I love most about this work is seeing children grow into who they are meant to be. Each one is unique, and our role is to guide them gently, with respect, and help them discover their strengths. There’s nothing better than watching a little one’s eyes light up when they figure something out on their own or proudly share a new skill. Those are the moments that fill my heart and remind me why I do this.

Right now, I’m focused on continuing to strengthen our school. We’re working toward Cognia accreditation, which is such an important step in validating the quality of our program. We’re also thoughtfully contemplating what the future might look like possibly even a second location down the road as our vision is to continue serving families in even deeper and more meaningful ways.

If there’s one thing I’d love people to know about Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak, it’s that we’re more than just a school, we’re a family. This is a place built on love, trust, and purpose, where children are not only learning but are truly seen and valued. That’s the heart of everything we do.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the three qualities that have shaped me the most are resilience, vision, and empathy.

Resilience came from walking through seasons of grief and loss, the kind that make you pause and question everything. Those moments taught me that being resilient doesn’t mean pretending you’re fine or never stumbling, it means allowing yourself to feel it all, and then still finding the strength to get back up. I’ve learned that even small steps forward count, and over time they add up to something beautiful.

Vision has always been what pulls me forward. When I imagined Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak, I held onto the picture of what it could be, even on the hardest days. That vision of a school where children are deeply loved and inspired is what gave me the courage to push through challenges and make it real.

And then there’s empathy, which is probably the most natural part of me. I’m a very caring, down-to-earth person, and I want people to feel that when they’re with me. Every single day, I try to create an environment where children, families, and teachers feel safe, supported, and truly seen. That’s not just my leadership style, it’s who I am. I believe kindness and understanding can change lives, and it’s the way I choose to show up in every part of my life.

If you’re at the beginning of your own journey, my advice would be this: let resilience carry you through the tough moments, even if progress feels slow. Hold onto your vision, because it will remind you why you started in the first place. And above all, lead with empathy, because the way you make people feel will leave a greater impact than any achievement ever will.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning how to create balance and give myself grace. Opening Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but it has also stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. In the beginning, I often felt like I had to do it all, be the perfect leader, the perfect mom, and keep everything running smoothly. That pressure left little room for mistakes or rest.

This year, I’ve grown in realizing that balance doesn’t mean everything is equal all the time, it means being fully present wherever I am, whether that’s at school supporting my teachers and families, or at home with Beckham and Sloane. I’ve also learned the importance of giving myself grace, understanding that I can’t pour into others if I’m running on empty.

As a leader and mentor, this shift has been so important. By embracing balance and self-compassion, I’m able to show up more authentically for my staff, guiding them not just with expectations, but with understanding and encouragement. It has made me stronger, gentler with myself, and more connected to the people I care about most, both at home and at school.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://montessorikidsuniverse.com/our-schools/mku-stone-oak/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkustoneoak/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MKUStoneOak/

Image Credits

Loft Creative
https://www.loftcreative.co/

Evil Media
www.evilmedia.com