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
Nurturing Excellence for Your Child’s Brightest Start
At Estrellitas, our dedicated leadership team ensures smooth operations while prioritizing the growth and support of our teachers. Through ongoing professional development, we empower our educators to thrive—so they, in turn, can guide your child with purpose and care.
Rooted in Montessori principles, our teachers thoughtfully adapt the curriculum to meet each child’s individual needs, cultivating rich, personalized learning environments where every child can flourish.
Marilyn Medrano
Founder & CEO
Marilyn Medrano is the heart and visionary behind Estrellitas Montessori School. With over 17 years of experience in early childhood education, she is a passionate advocate for the Montessori philosophy, bilingual learning, and inclusive spaces where children and families feel truly seen and valued.
As a certified Montessori Infant-Toddler educator (AMS) and a holder of dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Economics, Marilyn brings a rare combination of pedagogical depth and strategic leadership. This blend has allowed her to build and sustain a high-quality, mission-driven program that supports both children’s development and community growth.
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In 2008, Marilyn founded Estrellitas Montessori School with a clear purpose: to create a warm, culturally rich, Spanish-immersion environment where young children could grow, explore, and thrive. She dreamed of a school that honored identity, celebrated heritage, and empowered children 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 School is that dream come to life.”
Today, as Founder and CEO, Marilyn continues to lead with vision, heart, and intention. She guides a reflective and committed team that prioritizes observation, growth, and the well-being of every child—while cultivating a vibrant school community rooted in love, language, and respect.
Outside of her work, Marilyn enjoys cooking Argentine asado, spending time outdoors with her family, and proudly cheering from the sidelines as a devoted soccer mom—moments that reflect the spirit of Estrellitas: a place where children are free to shine with their own light.
Cristina Encinas
Operations Director
Cristina Encinas has dedicated her life to the field of education, with a deep passion for inclusion, equity, and child-centered learning. She holds Montessori certification from the Northeast Montessori Institute and Infant & Toddler certification from the New York Center for Montessori Studies. Her academic background includes a B.A. in Human Services from Springfield College, as well as two Master’s degrees—one in Educational Administration from Trinity College and another in Early Childhood Special Education from Catholic University.
This strong academic and professional foundation reflects Cristina’s unwavering commitment to building high-quality, inclusive programs that honor each child’s individuality and potential. With a deep understanding of Montessori principles and early childhood development, she brings both strategic insight and heartfelt dedication to her leadership at Estrellitas Montessori School.
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At the heart of Cristina’s mission is the belief that all children deserve environments where they can thrive as self-directed learners—spaces that encourage curiosity, exploration, and meaningful growth at their own pace. She is a strong advocate for education that celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity and fosters a deep sense of community and belonging.
Outside of her professional role, Cristina finds joy in cooking and experimenting with flavors and spices from around the world—a reflection of her love for culture, creativity, and bringing people together around the table.
Brenda Vasquez Bercian
Center Director
Brenda Vasquez Bercian is the Center Director at Estrellitas Montessori School, a Montessori Spanish immersion program dedicated to nurturing young children in a culturally rich and developmentally appropriate environment. She leads both the Pre-Kindergarten Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP) and the 0–3 years program—two cornerstones of the center’s mission to provide inclusive, high-quality early childhood education.
Originally from El Salvador, Brenda brings her cultural heritage and native language into the daily rhythm of the center, helping children develop a strong sense of identity, belonging, and cultural pride. She has also broadened the cultural and linguistic diversity of the staff, further strengthening Estrellitas’ inclusive environment and its deep ties to the community. Brenda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Marymount University and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Early Childhood Education Foundations from Trinity Washington University.
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Combining strong operational leadership with a deep passion for early childhood education, Brenda works closely with families and educators to uphold Washington, DC’s Capital Quality standards while fostering a warm, collaborative environment grounded in Montessori principles. Committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she leads with shared leadership, reflection, and continuous professional growth, believing that high-quality education begins with empowered teachers and a mission rooted in community values.
Outside of her professional role, Brenda enjoys reading, discovering local coffee shops, spending time in nature, and sharing quality moments with her family—activities that bring balance and inspiration to her professional journey.
Yamilet Medrano
Operations Manager
Yamilet Medrano, born and raised in Washington, D.C., has been a valued member of the Estrellitas Montessori School team since June 2019. She holds an Associate Degree and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Trinity Washington University. As Operations Manager, Yamilet plays a vital behind-the-scenes role—ensuring that the school runs smoothly so that children, families, and educators feel supported, safe, and ready to thrive.
Her journey into the world of Montessori began with a growing interest in early childhood education. Over the years, she has witnessed the powerful transformation that occurs when children are met with love, structure, and the freedom to explore at their own pace. For Yamilet, one of the most meaningful moments is seeing a child arrive in the morning with a smile, greet their teacher with ease, and immediately feel at home. “The child is happy the moment they walk through the door,” she shares. “That’s when you know this environment is special.”
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Known for her calm, dependable presence, Yamilet brings intention and care to every aspect of her work—from classroom logistics and daily operations to staff coordination and scheduling. Her leadership helps create a nurturing, efficient environment that reflects the values and mission of Estrellitas Montessori School.
Outside of school, Yamilet enjoys playing soccer, taking nature walks, and spending quality time with her family.
Denisse Velásquez Del Pozo
Admissions Manager
Denisse Velásquez Del Pozo joined the Estrellitas Montessori School team in January 2025, bringing with her a strong background in law, administrative coordination, education, and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and serves as a vital point of connection for families navigating the admissions process.
In her role as Admissions Manager, Denisse supports families with care and professionalism—always demonstrating cultural awareness, integrity, and a deep commitment to service. Her work extends beyond enrollment logistics; she helps foster a welcoming, inclusive culture grounded in respect, transparency, and equity.
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Denisse is passionate about building strong family-school partnerships and understands the powerful impact they have on a child’s educational journey. Her presence reflects Estrellitas’ mission to honor each child’s individuality and to ensure access to high-quality, inclusive learning experiences.
Outside of her professional role, Denisse enjoys spending time outdoors with her beloved pets.
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.”