Estel Holguin

Visionary Educational Leader with 19+ years of transforming early childhood programs into centers of excellence across three states. Proven architect of educational innovation who has successfully scaled operations, elevated academic standards, and built thriving learning communities. Internationally-trained leader with deep expertise in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and bilingual immersion methodologies. Currently pursuing advanced business leadership degree while driving operational excellence at premier language academy.

Visionary Planning, Team Development, Performance Optimization, Crisis Management, Curriculum Innovation, Montessori & Reggio Emilia, Bilingual Immersion, Assessment Design, Budget Management, Regulatory Compliance, Quality Assurance, Risk Mitigation, Parent Engagement, Community Partnerships, Staff Mentoring, Conflict Resolution, Cross-Cultural Communication, International Best Practices, Multilingual Fluency (English/Spanish)

• Assistant Director, Tabula Rasa The Language Academy, Lawrenceville, GA, 05/24, Present, Leading operational excellence at premier Spanish immersion academy serving 150+ students, Achieved 100% compliance with Bright from the Start standards, elevating academy's Quality Rated status, Direct 30+ multilingual educators and support staff, implementing performance systems that increased staff retention by 40%, Pioneered innovative communication platform resulting in 95% parent satisfaction and 30% increase in enrollment referrals, Redesigned Spanish immersion curriculum incorporating latest language acquisition research, improving student proficiency scores by 25%
• Assistant Head of School, Sunshine Learning Academy, Atlanta, GA, 05/23, 05/24, Orchestrated comprehensive school transformation serving 200+ students across multiple age groups, Restructured daily operations, reducing incidents by 60% while improving educational outcomes, Developed 3-year growth plan incorporating technology integration and expanded programming, Optimized $400K budget, reducing costs by 15% while enhancing educational resources, Launched parent engagement initiatives increasing participation in school events by 80%
• Lead Guide, Guidepost Montessori, 10/22, 05/23, Delivered authentic Montessori education while driving enrollment growth and community engagement, Implemented individualized learning plans for 25+ students, achieving 100% developmental milestone attainment, Curated and created specialized Montessori materials, enhancing hands-on learning experiences, Spearheaded enrollment events that increased school visibility and drove 35% growth in applications, Trained 3 assistant guides in Montessori methodology, building sustainable educational excellence
• Head of School, Rehoboth Family Child Care Center, South Milwaukee, WI, 05/14, 02/22, Built and led comprehensive early childhood program from startup to 100+ student capacity, Launched school from concept to full enrollment, achieving profitability within 18 months, Maintained perfect inspection record while exceeding all state educational standards, Partnered with local organizations to provide scholarships for 25+ low-income families, Increased enrollment by 200% over 8-year tenure while maintaining 2:1 staff-to-child ratios
• Executive Assistant, ManpowerGroup, Milwaukee, WI, 01/10, 01/13, Provided executive support while developing business acumen and operational expertise, Supported C-level executives managing complex schedules, travel, and strategic initiatives, Streamlined departmental workflows, reducing administrative overhead by 25%

• Germany, Advanced Business & Educational Leadership Studies, Immersed in German educational excellence model, studying systematic approaches to early childhood development and business administration.
• Cuba, 2015, Early Childhood Research Expedition, Conducted field research across Cuban preschool centers, analyzing pedagogical approaches and cultural integration methods.
• Denmark, Organic Child Development Studies, Explored Danish 'hygge' philosophy and nature-based learning, integrating holistic wellness into curriculum design and school culture.

Blending global best practices with local needs to create culturally responsive educational environments serving diverse populations.

• HEI Schools Advanced Pedagogy, Current, Integrating neuroscience, creativity, and social-emotional learning for comprehensive child development.
• Provedoras Unidas, Active Member, Business excellence and community impact through bilingual leadership.

Education is not preparation for life; education IS life itself. Every child deserves an environment where they can flourish academically, emotionally, and socially., Rare combination of international perspective, business acumen, and deep pedagogical expertise creating transformational environments., Coffee artistry, Interior design, Gardening, The Danish art of hygge, "The best teachers are those who never stop learning, never stop growing, and never stop believing in the potential of every child." Estel Holguin

• 40-Hour Director's Course
• CPR & AED Certified
• HEI Schools Pedagogical Studies

• Operational Excellence, Transformed underperforming programs into Quality Rated facilities exceeding state standards
• Leadership Impact, Directed teams of 15+ educators while maintaining 98% parent satisfaction rates
• Financial Stewardship, Managed budgets exceeding $500K+ while achieving consistent profitability
• Global Perspective, International training in Germany, Cuba, and Denmark informing cutting-edge practices