Hola!

Hola, beautiful humans! I’m a Nuyorican spirit, salsa dancing my way through the rhythm of life while juggling the beautiful chaos of familyhood. I was raised in the heartbeat of the Bronx. I express my soul through poetry, transforming everyday moments into words. I reside in Washington, DC, navigating life alongside my amazing husband and our dynamic duo of creative young adults.

I am a Boricua Montessorian specializing in the beauty of infant and toddler development. With over two decades of experience as an early childhood educator, community advocate, and the ultimate parent-coaching maestra, I’ve become the go-to guide for all things tiny human-related.

As a Montessori Infant-Toddler Parent Coach entrepreneur, I started Heketi Montessori, an online and in-person consulting business. 

“Heketi” is a Taino word for “One,” symbolizing our family with many beautiful cultural roots. My mission is to connect with parents and help them find the joy of parenthood. I understand that many stressors can disconnect family dynamics within homes, so I aim to share practical and meaningful Montessori practices to make a positive impact.

 In December 2021, my family and I moved to Washington, DC. I seek to learn from DC natives and different communities while resetting our roots. My prayerful dream is to open a Heketi House Parent Child Center for parents with infants and toddlers.

So, whether I’m bailando through the life of my Nuyorican past and present, orchestrating the chaos of family life, or unraveling the mysteries of parenthood, you can bet I’m doing it with a sprinkle of salsa, a dash of poetry, and a whole lot of heart. Join me on this rollercoaster ride called life, where every twist and turn is an opportunity for laughter, learning, and some sazon magic!

As Dr. Maria Montessori stated, “We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.” —To Educate the Human Potential.

Heketi House, LLC is committed to supporting parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers by offering comprehensive services. Your commitment will support the establishment of a physical presence in Washington, DC, where brick and mortar can be planted and rooted. Our approach integrates play, music, movement, social gatherings, education, and Montessori-inspired merchandise to foster holistic child development. Our mission is to empower caregivers with the resources and insights necessary to cultivate an enriching environment for their children. We also provide a space for families to connect with their cultural heritage through curated materials and events, fostering a sense of affirmation, love, and belonging. Our campaign is essential to me because it champions inclusivity, empowerment, and celebrating cultural identity within parenting and child-rearing.

As contributors to Heketi House, LLC, you are not just supporting a business; you are contributing to a movement that unleashes parents and caregivers on a profound level. By backing our campaign, you’re helping to create a world where families feel affirmed, loved, and true belonging. Our mission goes beyond providing services – instilling a liberatory approach to education and parenthood inspired by the Montessori philosophy.

With your support, we can offer various services tailored to support families and their children, from weekly enrichment classes to social community events, educational workshops, and even personalized home environment design consultations. We aim to create a supportive and enriching community where parents can thrive alongside their infants and toddlers, utilizing the principles of the Montessori philosophy.

What sets Heketi House apart are our distinct advantages, including thoughtfully prepared parent-child classes, an inviting and homelike atmosphere, safe and non-toxic Montessori materials, educational workshops led by grassroots educators, and a commitment to promoting anti-racist initiatives. With personalized one-on-one parent coaching, we ensure every family receives the guidance to nurture and educate their children respectfully.

The primary focus is on providing sustainable Montessori education to children, regardless of their families’ financial backgrounds.

What drives us is the belief that every child deserves access to quality education, and we are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where economic diversity is celebrated and accommodated. Our target families share a common interest in holistic child development and prioritize equipping themselves with the tools to nurture their children effectively.

For these families, education goes beyond academics; it encompasses fostering independence, understanding the whole child, and creating an environment that supports their child’s full potential. By supporting our campaign, contributors are helping us fulfill our mission of providing accessible and sustainable education to all families, regardless of their economic circumstances.

Once again, contributors to our campaign aren’t just investing in a business; they’re investing in the future of parenting and child development, where every child can thrive in a supportive and enriching environment.

What We Need & What You Get

As I launch Heketi House, I am reaching out to individuals who believe in shaping a brighter future for education and parenthood by supporting the establishment of a brick-and-mortar presence in DC. My mission extends beyond simply offering services; it’s about fostering a liberatory approach to education and parenthood, drawing inspiration from the principles of the Montessori philosophy. 

With your support, Heketi House can realize its vision of providing a diverse range of services meticulously tailored to support families and their infants and toddlers. From engaging in weekly parent-child and enrichment classes to fostering social community events and hosting educational workshops, I aim to cater to the holistic needs of parents and their little ones. Additionally, I plan to offer personalized home environment design consultations, ensuring that every aspect of a child’s surroundings is conducive to growth and development.

Ultimately, my goal is to cultivate a nurturing and empowering community where parents can not only navigate the journey of parenthood but also thrive alongside their infants and toddlers. 

By embracing the principles of the Montessori philosophy, I aspire to create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, independence is fostered, and a sense of belonging is cultivated for both children and their caregivers.

Your support will be pivotal in bringing this vision to life, enabling us to establish Heketi House as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in early childhood education and parenting. Together, we can pave the way for positive change and empower families to embark on a journey of growth and discovery.

Let me break down exactly where your contribution will go, ensuring transparency and trust in our partnership: Keep in mind these are approximations.

One-time Estimated Expenses:

1. Rent ($6,750): Securing our physical space is crucial for establishing a solid presence in the community and providing a hub for our operations. 

2. Improvement Costs ($4,000): To tailor the space to our needs, ensuring it’s not just a location but a home for our vision to flourish.

3. Inventory ($1,250): This initial investment will allow us to stock the necessary materials to kickstart production and meet demand.

4. Miscellaneous ($2,050): Covering essential legal fees and permits is critical for ensuring compliance and legitimacy from day one.

Total One-time Estimated Expenses: $14,050.00

Monthly Expenses (for the first few months):

1. Rent ($3,750/month): Ensuring continued access to our space for operations and customer engagement.

2. Property Insurance ($200/month): Protecting our assets against unforeseen circumstances, safeguarding our ability to operate smoothly.

3. Employees ($18,766.66/month): Investing in our team’s well-being and expertise is fundamental to delivering quality products/services and fostering a supportive work environment.

4. Professional Services ($700.00): Securing expert guidance in financial management and legal compliance ensures our business operates efficiently and ethically.

5. Office and Operating Supplies ($500/month): Essential for day-to-day operations, from administrative tasks to maintaining equipment.

6. Marketing ($200.00/month): Building brand awareness and attracting customers is vital for sustained growth and impact.

7. Liability Insurance ($675/month): Shielding ourselves against potential risks and liabilities is paramount for long-term sustainability.

Total Monthly Expenses: $24,791.66

To ensure the sustainability of Heketi House, we aim to raise a total of $116,524.98, providing three months of security (including one time and recurring expenses) as we continue to cultivate our parent/caregiver community. Every dollar you pledge will be utilized with utmost care and purpose, propelling us closer to our shared goals.

Unique Perks. 

Joining the Heketi House campaign comes with many unique perks, yay!

1. Early Bird Enrollment Discount: Immerse yourself or gift someone special with an enriching 6-week parent-child class and secure a special discounted rate by claiming this perk. Unlock the magic of Montessori and embark on a transformative journey of discovery and growth alongside your little one.

2. Exclusive Access to Educational Workshops: Gain exclusive entry to educational workshops led by experts in Montessori or early childhood development. Delve into topics such as positive parenting strategies and Montessori principles in a setting tailored for learning.

3. Personalized Home Environment Design Consultation: Experience a tailored 8-hour consultation divided into four sessions with a Montessori expert. Transform your home environment to maximize your child’s development by integrating evidence-based Montessori principles.

4. Recognition on Heketi House’s Website: Be recognized for your support with a feature on Heketi House’s website. Your name or logo will proudly showcase your commitment to promoting holistic child development and family well-being.

5. Heketi House T-Shirt: Flaunt your support with an exclusive Heketi House T-shirt, showcasing your dedication to nurturing children’s growth and fostering family well-being.

6. Heketi House Bookmark: Mark your spot with a beautiful Heketi House bookmark, a tribute to your commitment to nurturing holistic child development. Each bookmark features elements that embodies the essence of what Heketi House represents.

7. Heketi House Tote Bag: The “One Familia, One Comunidad” perk for the Heketi House Tote Bag embodies the spirit of unity and community. This perk offers more than just a stylish tote bag; it represents a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity within the Heketi House community.

8. Ultimate Heketi House Community Pack: Are you a Heketi Community Fan? Get all your Heketi swag, including the Heketi t-shirt, tote bag, and bookmark. 

9. Home Environment Consultation: Experience a tailored 10-hour consultation divided into four sessions with a Montessori expert. Transform your home environment to maximize your child’s development by integrating evidence-based Montessori principles

Where do the funds go if we don’t reach our goal?

If we don’t reach our fundraising goal, every dollar contributed will still significantly impact our mission at Heketi House. Here’s how funds will be allocated if I fall short of the target:

1. Priority Expenses: First and foremost, any funds raised will be directed towards covering priority expenses necessary for launching and sustaining Heketi House, including rent for our space, essential equipment and supplies, and legal fees to ensure compliance with regulations.

2. Essential Services: I will prioritize funding for essential services that benefit our community of parents, caregivers, and their infants and toddlers. This may include offering reduced enrichment classes, workshops, and social gatherings to maintain engagement and support.

3. Adaptation and Innovation: With limited funds, I’ll focus on adapting our strategies and innovating cost-effective solutions to continue delivering value to our community. This could involve exploring partnerships, leveraging digital platforms for virtual offerings, or seeking a “pay it forward” method to supplement resources.

4. Scaling Back Plans: If necessary, I may need to scale back on certain aspects of our initial plans, such as reducing the frequency or scale of events, streamlining operations, or postponing non-essential expenditures until additional funding becomes available.

5. Transparent Communication: Throughout the process, I’ll maintain transparent communication with our supporters, keeping them informed about how their contributions are being utilized and any adjustments made to my plans in response to funding constraints.

While falling short of our fundraising goal presents challenges, we remain committed to supporting parents and caregivers and fostering holistic child development. Every contribution, regardless of size, brings us closer to realizing this vision, and we’re immensely grateful for the support of our community in any capacity. Together, we’ll continue striving to create a nurturing and empowering environment for families at Heketi House.

Risks & Challenges

Transparency is at the heart of our Heketi House Montessori Parent-Child Centers’ mission. I believe in being open about the risks and challenges I may encounter on our journey to achieving our goals.

One significant risk I may face is financial uncertainty. Starting and running a Montessori parent-child center involves substantial upfront costs, including securing a suitable location, purchasing materials, and hiring qualified staff. Additionally, fluctuations in enrollment and unforeseen expenses could strain our budget.

However, I am well-equipped to navigate these financial challenges. Drawing upon my extensive background as a CEO and founder of a not-for-profit organization, coupled with my proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and forecasting, I possess the confidence and expertise necessary to make prudent financial decisions for Heketi House. However, I am seeking financial consultation to focus on the other business aspects of Heketi House. Furthermore, I am beginning to work on what I believe in relational capital to develop strong relationships with potential investors and community partners who share the vision and are willing to support me in overcoming financial hurdles.

Another challenge is regulatory compliance. Opening a parent-child center requires adherence to various licensing and accreditation standards, which can be complex and time-consuming to navigate. Failure to meet these requirements could delay our opening or even result in legal consequences.

Nevertheless, I am committed to ensuring that Heketi House complies with all regulations and standards. I am committed to investing time and resources in thoroughly researching and understanding the licensing and accreditation process, and I have begun to assemble a team of experienced professionals, including legal advisors and regulatory experts, to assist me in meeting these requirements.

Finally, building a strong community of parents and caregivers may pose a challenge, especially in the early stages of our operation. Convincing families to entrust and be part of a new Montessori parent-child center requires effective marketing and outreach efforts and a commitment to building trust and rapport with our target audience.

Fortunately, I have a deep passion for early childhood education and a genuine desire to impact the lives of families in our community positively. 

I am dedicated to fostering authentic connections with parents and caregivers, listening to their needs and concerns, and continuously seeking feedback to improve our services.

To summarize, while risks and challenges are ahead, I am confident we can overcome them through diligence and our steadfast commitment to our mission at Heketi House. 

To address the challenges we may encounter at Heketi House, I have developed a proactive plan focused on transparency, financial management, regulatory compliance, and community engagement.

1. Financial Management

   – Seeking Consultation: Recognizing the complexity of financial management, I am committed to seeking professional consultation to ensure sound financial decision-making. This will allow me to focus on other aspects of the business while ensuring our financial stability.

   – Building Relationships with Investors: I am actively cultivating relationships with potential investors and community partners who share my vision. By demonstrating the potential impact of Heketi House and fostering trust; we aim to secure the necessary funding to address upfront costs and potential budget fluctuations.

2. Regulatory Compliance

   – Thorough Research: I am investing time and resources into thoroughly researching and understanding the licensing and accreditation requirements for parent-child centers in our jurisdiction. This knowledge will guide my compliance efforts and minimize the risk of delays or legal issues.

   – Expert Support: I will assemble a team of experienced legal advisors and regulatory experts to provide guidance and support throughout the licensing and accreditation process. Their expertise will ensure that Heketi House complies with all relevant regulations and standards.

3. Community Engagement

   – Marketing and Outreach: I am implementing a multifaceted marketing and outreach strategy to attract families to Heketi House. This includes targeted advertising, social media campaigns, and community events to raise awareness and generate interest in our center.

   – Building Trust: I am committed to fostering authentic connections with parents and caregivers by actively listening to their needs and concerns. By demonstrating transparency and a genuine dedication to their children’s well-being. We aim to build trust and rapport with our target audience.

   – Continuous Improvement: I am establishing feedback mechanisms to gather input from parents and caregivers to improve my services based on their continuous feedback. This iterative approach will ensure that I meet the evolving needs of our community and maintain strong relationships with our stakeholders.

Through transparency, diligence, and a steadfast commitment to the mission, I am confident that I can overcome the challenges ahead and establish Heketi House as a trusted resource for families in our community.

Other Ways You Can Help

While financial contributions are appreciated, there are many other ways you can support my campaign and help me achieve our goals. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Spread the Word: Even if you can’t contribute financially, you can still help by spreading the word about my campaign to your friends, family, and social networks. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool for raising awareness and attracting support.

2. Social Media Sharing: Be encouraged to use the sharing tools provided by platforms like Indiegogo to share the campaign with your followers. A simple share on social media can reach a broad audience and potentially bring in new supporters.

3. Community Care: I may need assistance with various tasks throughout the campaign, such as organizing events, creating promotional materials, or reaching out to potential donors. You can lend your time and skills to help me achieve our goals.

4. Provide Feedback: Feedback from you as supporters is incredibly valuable it will help me improve my campaign and offerings. Be encouraged to share your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas for how I can make our campaign even more successful.

By engaging with my campaign in these ways, even those unable to contribute financially can make a meaningful impact and help me reach my goals. I sincerely appreciate all forms of support, whether financial contributions, spreading the word, volunteering, or providing feedback. Together, we can make a difference and bring our vision to life.