About US
Mission
Fostering Independence
and Learning
At Estrellitas Montessori School, we provide infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with the care and support they need to grow into independent, creative, and confident learners—all within a Spanish-language immersion environment.
We believe that the Montessori method is the best way to foster independence and to allow children to learn at their own pace, with minimal intrusion into each child’s learning process. Also built upon Montessori principles for learning, our language immersion model helps children learn Spanish quickly through consistent exposure.
Voluntary Learning
Prepared Environment
Integral Development
Respect for individual pace
Each child learns in their own time—we honor that journey.
Promotion of independence and autonomy
Children are empowered to make choices and solve problems.
Meaningful and lasting learning
Hands-on experiences create deep, lasting understanding.
TEAM
Experts in giving your children best start
Our leadership team ensures effective school administration while supporting teachers in their professional growth, helping them excel as facilitators of child development. Guided by Montessori principles, our teachers tailor the curriculum to each child’s needs, creating enriched learning environments.
Marilyn Medrano
Founder & Head of Estrellitas Montessori School
With over 17 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Marilyn Medrano is a passionate advocate for Montessori philosophy and bilingual learning. She is AMS-certified in Montessori Infant-Toddler education and holds two Bachelor’s degrees—one in Business Administration and another in Economics. This unique blend of educational expertise and business leadership has allowed her to build and sustain a high-quality program that nurtures both children and community.
In 2008, Ms. Marilyn founded Estrellitas Montessori School with a heartfelt mission: to create a warm, inclusive, and culturally rich environment where children could grow, explore, and thrive. Her dream was to offer families a space where their culture and language were honored, and where young children could build strong foundations during their most formative years.
“I dreamed of a place where children could flourish, families could unite, and our heritage could be celebrated. Estrellitas Montessori is that dream come to life.”
Beyond her role as Founder and Director, Ms. Marilyn is proud to lead a self-reflective and mission-driven team that prioritizes continuous growth, classroom observation, and the well-being of every child. She is especially grateful for the vibrant community of families that make Estrellitas a special place. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her family—moments that refresh her spirit and inspire her ongoing dedication to early childhood education.
Cristina Encinas
Operations Director
Cristina Encinas has dedicated her life to the field of education, combining academic excellence with a deep passion for inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments. She holds Montessori certification from the Northeast Montessori Institute and Infant and Toddler certification from The New York Center for Montessori Studies. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Human Services from Springfield College, along with two Master’s degrees: one in Educational Administration from Trinity College and another in Early Childhood Special Education from Catholic University. Cristina’s career has been marked by visionary leadership, most notably as the co-founder and former Principal of the Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School (LAMB) in Washington, D.C. Under her guidance, LAMB grew from a small program of 57 students into a thriving Tier 1 school serving over 460 students, maintaining its top-tier status for more than four consecutive years.
At the heart of Cristina’s work is a commitment to nurturing environments where children are empowered to be self-directed learners, encouraged to explore, question, and grow with confidence. She believes in the transformative power of bilingual and Montessori education to foster both academic excellence and a strong sense of cultural identity.
Outside of her professional role, Cristina enjoys cooking and experimenting with global flavors and seasonings—a hobby that reflects her love of culture, creativity, and the joy of bringing people together.
Brenda Vázquez Bercian
Center Director
Brenda Vázquez Bercian serves as the Center Director at Estrellitas, a Montessori Spanish immersion program dedicated to nurturing young children in a culturally rich and developmentally appropriate environment. She leads both the PKEEP (Pre-Kindergarten Enhancement and Expansion Program) and the 0–3 years program, ensuring that each child receives high-quality, inclusive education grounded in Montessori principles and Spanish immersion. Originally from El Salvador, Brenda brings her heritage and native language into the daily rhythm of the center, fostering a strong sense of identity, belonging, and cultural pride in the classroom.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Marymount University and valuable experience from her work at Melwood Recreation Center, Brenda combines operational leadership with a deep passion for early childhood education. She works closely with families and educators to uphold Capital Quality standards, while cultivating a warm, collaborative environment rooted in the values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Outside of her professional role, Brenda enjoys reading and spending time outdoors—activities that reflect her calm, thoughtful nature and her belief in the importance of balance, reflection, and connection to the natural world.
Yamilet Medrano
Operations Manager
Yamilet Medrano was born in Washington, D.C., and has been a dedicated member of the Estrellitas Montessori School team since June 2019. As Operations Manager, she is responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of the school—supporting staff, coordinating logistics, and helping maintain an environment where children feel safe, cared for, and ready to learn. Yamilet holds an Associate Degree and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Business Administration at Trinity Washington University. Her interest in early childhood education grew stronger as she observed the transformation in children who are welcomed each day with love, consistency, and respect for their individuality.
Yamilet’s leadership is felt in the details—whether she’s organizing schedules, assisting families, or problem-solving behind the scenes—always with professionalism and care. Her calm and dependable presence plays a crucial role in keeping the Estrellitas community running smoothly.
Outside of school, Yamilet enjoys playing soccer, going on nature walks, and spending quality time with her family and friends—living a life rooted in connection, balance, and joy.
Denisse Velásquez Del Pozo
Admission Coordinator
Denisse Velásquez Del Pozo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and brings extensive experience in administrative coordination, education, and community engagement. As Admissions Coordinator at Estrellitas Montessori, she plays a key role in guiding families through the enrollment process with professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to service. Denisse actively contributes to cultivating a welcoming and inclusive school culture rooted in respect, transparency, and equity, reflecting her deep understanding of the value of early childhood education and strong family-school partnerships.
She is passionate about building meaningful connections between families and educational opportunities, approaching every interaction with empathy, integrity, and purpose. Denisse is proud to be part of a team that honors each child’s individuality and is committed to fostering high-quality, inclusive learning environments.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her beloved pets—moments that bring her joy and help her stay grounded in the values of care and connection.
Our History
From a Parent’s Dream to a Thriving Montessori School
A Pioneering Vision: The First Spanish Immersion Montessori Program for Infants and Toddlers in the D.C. Metropolitan Area
When Marilyn Medrano was expecting her first child, she began a search familiar to many parents: finding high-quality early childhood care that aligned with her values. She envisioned a nurturing environment that not only supported her child’s development but also maintained a strong connection to their Argentine heritage through the Spanish language. However, at the time, no such program existed. The limited bilingual options in the region had extensive waiting lists, and there were no Montessori Spanish immersion programs available for children under the age of three in the entire D.C. metropolitan area.
Determined to create the opportunity she could not find, Marilyn took action. In 2008, she founded Estrellitas Montessori School—the very first Montessori program in the region to offer full Spanish immersion for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 3. Rooted in the principles of respect, independence, and cultural pride, the school began as a small home-based initiative and quickly grew in response to the needs of families seeking an authentic and inclusive early learning experience.
Today, Estrellitas Montessori School operates two thriving campuses—one in Washington, D.C.’s Sixteenth Street Heights neighborhood and another in Takoma Park, Maryland. The school serves children from infancy through age five, providing a warm, developmentally appropriate, and culturally rich environment where students are empowered to grow as confident, curious, and independent learners through the Montessori method and Spanish language immersion.
“Every child deserves to be treated with respect and given the tools to grow into an independent, curious member of their community.”
Montessori: A Change in Perspective That Begins With Us
At Estrellitas Montessori School, we believe that Montessori is more than a method—it’s a shift in how we see and support children. It begins with us, the adults. By preparing thoughtful environments, observing with intention, and respecting each child’s natural rhythm, we foster independence, curiosity, and joyful learning.
As Maria Montessori said, “To assist a child, we must provide them with an environment that enables them to develop freely.”