Leadership

Introducing Cristina Galvan, the Executive Director at La Tribu Rural, a dynamic leader with over seven years of experience in the education sector. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Cristina's journey to the United States in 2020 marked a pivotal turning point, opening doors to exciting new opportunities.

With a Bachelor's degree in Psychopedagogy and specialized training in Education Coaching, Cristina's dedication to working with children goes beyond mere profession—it is her profound passion. She brings a wealth of experience working with diverse age groups, ranging from infants to elementary school students. She is committed to fostering enriched learning environments that celebrate diversity, love, and mutual respect.

Cristina's educational approach is holistic, meticulously considering each child's biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. She prioritizes individualized attention, ensuring every child's unique learning needs are met with care and compassion.

As a certified Positive Discipline Coach, Cristina is deeply committed to empowering parents and teachers and nurturing communities of support and growth. She firmly believes in the transformative power of building strong, inclusive communities within the school environment.

Natalie, a California native raised in the culturally vibrant regions of South Mexico and Texas, brings her educational expertise to her role. With a degree in foreign languages and a minor in legal translation from Universidad Internacional Jefferson in Morelia Michoacán, she has spent over 15 years dedicated to teaching Spanish to learners ranging from early childhood to adults.

Natalie's passion for education led her to immerse herself in the Montessori methodology, acquiring six years of training and specializing in nurturing the absorbent minds of toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years. In 2021, she furthered her expertise by obtaining a certification in YCC (Young Children's Community) from FOMIC-Montessori and becoming a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator under the mentorship of Chip Delorenzo, co-author of "Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom."

Continuing her commitment to lifelong learning, Natalie pursued a certification in Neuroeducation from the IMI International Montessori Institute in Barcelona, Spain, and is currently working towards a certification in 0-6 education with a focus on Children's House (3-6) from the Montessori Canela International Association.

Throughout her career, Natalie has held various roles, including serving as a Spanish teacher in schools across Mexico and the USA. She has also excelled as a YCC Lead Guide at La Tribu Rural, Academic Coordinator at Linguistica Spanish Immersion, and Curriculum Developer at AESA Prep School. Dedicated to continuous professional growth, Natalie embodies a passion for empowering young minds and fostering a love for learning.

Jahveniz (Jay) Rojas, originally from the vibrant shores of Puerto Rico, discovered her passion for caregiving at a young age. Growing up in Florida and now calling Texas home, she has always been deeply committed to nurturing others.

Her journey began with caring for family members and volunteering at her mother's daycare, where her natural talent for caregiving flourished. At the age of 17, Jahveniz embarked on her career in early childhood education, starting as a caregiver at a local preschool. She has held various roles throughout the years, from lead teacher in the infant room to assistant director, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues.

Driven by her thirst for knowledge, Jahveniz pursued higher education, earning her Associate of Arts degree and becoming a certified yoga instructor. Her career expanded into mental health care roles before a pivotal encounter with the Montessori philosophy in 2022 redirected her path.

Inspired by the transformative potential of the Montessori approach, Jahveniz wholeheartedly embraced this new direction, immersing herself in its principles of child-led learning and independence. Today, she continues to inspire as both a student and teacher, making a profound impact on the field of education with her compassion and unwavering dedication.