Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela G. Hernandez
Hi Pamela G., we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Education has always been my passion. From an early age, I was drawn to the magic of learning and the way a nurturing environment could shape a child’s future. I’ve always believed that the right school can be a second home—a place where children feel safe, loved, and inspired to grow.
I graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Reading and Special Education. During my time working on my degree, I also worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for three years, supporting children on the autism spectrum. I was honored to be part of the National Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Lambda, which further deepened my commitment to excellence in education.
Working as an RBT gave me invaluable knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which later helped me tremendously in the classroom. I learned how to break down learning into small, achievable steps, how to support children in managing emotions and behaviors, and most importantly, how to meet each child exactly where they are. Today, I pass that knowledge along to my teachers, helping them better understand and support our students. Beyond the technical skills, my time as an RBT also brought me meaningful friendships and mentors—people I still rely on for guidance and collaborate with to serve the children in our school.
After graduation, I knew I wanted to be in a school setting—somewhere I could teach, learn, and still find balance in my personal life. In 2018, I took a leap and joined a local Spanish immersion school as their first state-certified teacher. I loved being in the classroom, watching my little students light up with excitement as they discovered the world around them. But during that time, my life took a heartbreaking turn.
While teaching, I became pregnant with our firstborn, Sebastian. My pregnancy was smooth, and we were filled with anticipation, eagerly counting down the days until we would meet our son. But on May 17, 2019—just four days before my scheduled c-section—his heart stopped beating. In an instant, our world shattered.
Losing Sebastian was the most devastating and traumatic experience of my life. The months that followed were filled with unbearable grief, and my recovery was incredibly difficult. I was surrounded by love and support from my school community, family, and friends, yet I still felt lost in my pain. For a while, I withdrew from everything, isolating myself as I tried to make sense of a loss that felt too heavy to carry. But in that darkness, I realized something—my son may not have had the chance to live his life, but I still had mine. And I owed it to him to live it fully, to find joy again, and to create something meaningful in his honor.
I returned to work, but I wasn’t the same person anymore. Being in the classroom was difficult—it reminded me of all the milestones I had lost. I knew I needed a change, so I stepped into a new role as Curriculum Coordinator for a multi-location Primrose franchise. It was a turning point for me. I worked closely with school directors and corporate leadership. This opportunity allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, gaining invaluable experience in both classroom instruction and school administration.
Then, in October 2020, we welcomed our rainbow baby—our son Beckham. After everything we had been through, holding him in my arms felt like healing. As I spent time at home with him, I started searching for schools that aligned with the kind of education I wanted for my child—one that nurtured curiosity, independence, and a love for learning. That’s when I discovered Montessori Kids Universe, the first franchise in San Antonio. My husband and I immediately fell in love with the Montessori philosophy and the school’s approach to education.
By 2023, I had obtained my Child Care Director’s certificate and became Montessori-certified for children ages 0-3 years. These certifications deepened my understanding of early childhood education and strengthened my ability to create a high-quality learning environment. But even more than that, they gave me the confidence to chase a dream I had always carried in my heart—to open my own school.
Montessori Kids Universe of Stone Oak was a three-year labor of love. We faced challenge after challenge—finding the right location, securing financing, navigating endless construction delays—but we never gave up. When we finally opened our doors in March 2024, something incredible happened. We made history as the first MKU franchise nationwide to launch with 84 students. And today, less than a year later, we have nearly doubled in size, with 180 students and counting.
As we poured our hearts into opening the school, my husband and I also longed to grow our family again. But this time, the road to parenthood wasn’t easy. After struggling to conceive, we turned to in-vitro fertilization (IVF). It was a rollercoaster—full of hope, disappointment, and endless prayers. But after two cycles, our miracle arrived. In June 2024, our daughter Sloane was born, completing our family in the most perfect way.
Her name holds a special place in my heart. Not only does it start with an “S,” just like her big brother Sebastian, forever connecting them, but it also means warrior—a word that had been used to describe me by close family and friends throughout my healing journey. Choosing her name wasn’t just about finding something beautiful; it was about honoring the resilience it took to try again, the courage to open my heart after so much pain. Sloane represents everything we fought for, everything we dreamed of, and everything we dared to believe was possible.
This journey—my journey—has been filled with both unimaginable sorrow and profound joy. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: my passion for education and my belief in the power of a loving, nurturing learning environment. Today, as an owner and co-director of Montessori Kids Universe of Stone Oak, I am living that dream.
Sebastian’s memory fuels my purpose. Everything I do is a tribute to the love I carry for him. Every child that walks through our doors is a reminder of why I started this journey—to create a place where children feel safe, loved, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
My experiences have shown me the power of resilience, the importance of hope, and the truth that even in our darkest moments, there is still space to dream, to create, and to make a meaningful impact.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all—it has been a journey filled with challenges, learning, and growth. Opening Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak was a three-year labor of love. As mentioned previously, the first year was spent searching for the perfect location, the second year securing financing, and the third year bringing our vision to life through construction and preparation. The build-out was supposed to take six months, but as with most construction projects, unexpected permit delays stretched it to a full year.
During that time, we had families pre-enrolling, scheduling tours, and eagerly waiting for us to open. It was heartbreaking to lose some of those families due to delays, but we held onto our vision. And when we finally announced our opening date, the response was overwhelming—we became the first franchise nationwide to open with 84 families!
Behind the scenes, there was so much more than just construction happening. We were working around the clock to ensure we met all state requirements, obtained certifications, finalized schedules, set up classroom furniture and carefully selected Montessori materials—all while searching for the right teachers. Working with children isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. I wasn’t just looking for staff; I was looking for passionate, caring individuals who truly love what they do. That was one of the hardest parts of this journey, but also the most rewarding. I feel incredibly blessed with the team we have today—some of whom I’ve worked with before and stayed connected with over the years.
This journey hasn’t been easy, but every obstacle led us to where we are today—a thriving, loving Montessori community where children grow, explore, and build a lifelong love for learning. When I walk into our school and see the joy and curiosity on our students’ faces, I know that every struggle was worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Montessori Kids Universe of Stone Oak. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know?
Montessori Kids Universe of Stone Oak is more than just a preschool—we are a community dedicated to fostering a love for learning from the earliest years. As part of the Montessori Kids Universe (MKU) network, we specialize in providing an authentic Montessori education combined with our proprietary DaVinci Kids curriculum, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Our mission is to nurture independent, confident, and compassionate learners by following the child, respecting their individuality, and creating an environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
At MKU of Stone Oak, we serve children from infancy (6 weeks) through kindergarten (6 years old), offering a dual-language program in carefully prepared environment that encourages exploration and hands-on learning. Our classrooms are designed to support each child’s natural development, allowing them to move at their own pace while developing a deep sense of curiosity and independence.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authentic Montessori education. Our classrooms follow the principles set by Dr. Maria Montessori, with certified Montessori guides, beautifully designed Montessori didactic materials, and a focus on independence, grace and courtesy, and hands-on learning. In addition, our proprietary DaVinci Kids program enriches the Montessori experience by incorporating Reggio Emilia-inspired project-based learning, exposing children to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) concepts in a creative and meaningful way.
Beyond academics, we believe in fostering social-emotional growth, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. We offer enrichment programs such as yoga, music, gardening, cooking, and foreign language – Spanish, ensuring a well-rounded early childhood experience.
One of the things we are most proud of as a brand is the strong community we have built. When families join MKU of Stone Oak, they are not just enrolling their child in a school—they are becoming part of a supportive and nurturing environment where we prioritize the well-being and success of each child.
We invite families to experience the Montessori difference at MKU of Stone Oak, where education is not just about academics but about shaping confident, compassionate, and independent individuals who will thrive in world.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
In the next 5-10 years, I see our industry evolving in exciting ways, especially for Montessori Kids Universe of Stone Oak. Personally, I envision expanding our reach by opening a second location in the near future. This will allow us to offer the same high-quality, individualized education that has made our current school such a success. I also see us expanding to upper grade levels, providing a continuous Montessori experience that extends through the elementary years and beyond.
As the demand for authentic Montessori education continues to grow, I believe there will be a bigger shift toward offering more comprehensive programs that support children’s emotional, social, and academic development. More families are recognizing the benefits of Montessori, and we want to be a part of making that experience accessible to even more children.
On a larger scale, our school will continue to focus on teacher support, ensuring that our educators feel valued and equipped to meet the diverse needs of the children they serve. The Montessori method is all about understanding the unique needs of each child, and this approach will only become more critical in the future.
For us at Montessori Kids Universe of Stone Oak, this means continuing to build a strong, dedicated team and expanding our impact on children’s lives, not just in the early years but well into their academic journey. It’s an exciting time to be in education, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a transformative movement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mkustoneoak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkustoneoak/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MKUStoneOak/
