

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana Becerra.
Hi Adriana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my career fifteen years ago as a Bilingual Teacher at Head Start and the San Antonio Independent School District. Then, I was part of the leadership team that opened Pre-K 4 SA and was instrumental in making it one of Texas’s best early childhood programs in only 4 years. In my last role before JOY, I supported school districts in Texas in their journey to strengthen leadership and transform their talent development systems as a consultant at The Holdsworth Center. I have been passionate about challenging the status quo and reshaping education in every role I have played. Throughout my career, I envisioned JOY, but it was not until I became a mom that I felt the urgency to materialize it. Inspired by what could be, I brought JOY to the world in 2020 during the pandemic. JOY represents everything I have learned and wishes for my sons Joaquín and Mariano, for my inner child and teacher. For every person: A holistic education in which people feel safe and loved for who they are, they learn with joy and grow equipped and committed to create a better world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been anything but smooth, yet every challenge has shaped me and my vision for education. I’m grateful for the journey and the people who have believed in and supported me. More than anything, the people who share my passion and make working towards redesigning education feel empowering rather than lonely. My most significant learning is that the strength lies in the team you build, and I treasure mine.
The most recent challenge, and the one I face right now, is that entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint-hearted. Transitioning from a stable job to the unknown to pursue your dream requires courage and confronting internal limiting beliefs. As a friend once told me, being an entrepreneur can feel like touching the sky one moment and facing insecurities on the ground the next. It’s a journey of self-development and self-love, especially if you are an entrepreneur focusing on bettering communities and working with children because it adds layers of emotional complexity. Ultimately, I want my children to know I followed my dreams and gave my talents to the world regardless of the fear I sometimes face.
Another significant challenge I experienced was holding leadership positions with a language barrier. I learned English in adulthood, having grown up in Mexico. This became particularly intriguing when leading PreK 4 SA and working with Superintendents and their teams as a consultant at the Holdsworth Center. Fortunately, I learned that passion and vocation have their language, and it was beneficial to be fluent in that while I learned English. This challenge helped me value who I am and where I come from. I am proud to speak Spanish as my first language. Language is a bridge that connects us with our identities and culture. This is why bilingualism is one of the critical elements at JOY. I am passionate about nurturing an environment in which children have the power of two languages.
Another major challenge has been redesigning schools. Selecting practices and curriculums that respect and holistically nurture children while fostering creative thinking with a growth mindset is just one aspect. The real challenge comes in implementing these practices, primarily when the previous generation of adults in charge of education was raised differently. I discovered it’s not merely about professional development but also about personally transforming beliefs and dispositions. In the same way that teachers bring their culture to the classroom, bring their emotional wellbeing. This transformation begins with how a leader connects and supports teachers and the systems in place to develop them as educators and individuals. To create holistic schools, we must focus intensely on the adults’ well-being and the team’s culture. I take pride in what we’ve achieved at JOY Holistic Education; I always say it’s a sacred space, a school with a soul, not only for children but for all adults who are part of it.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are thrilled to announce that JOY Holistic Education is expanding and will now serve children aged 18 months to 2nd grade starting in August 2024 as we continue to grow our Elementary program with this generation. We’ve discovered a new location perfectly aligned with our philosophy. This new site boasts 5 acres of stunning outdoor space. It is conveniently situated in Leon Springs, making it accessible for families in San Antonio, Fair Oaks, and Boerne who seek bilingual and holistic education.
What is JOY, and how are we different?
JOY is on a mission to create a better world through holistic education. Our purpose extends beyond academics; our mission’s core is empowering individuals to recognize their identity, purpose, and capacity to effect positive change. Our model school offers bilingual education for young children from preschool to second grade, serving as an incubator for JOY’s philosophy and educational practices. In addition to the school, JOY provides consulting services and professional development to private and public schools.
Many aspects set JOY apart from traditional schooling. Schools need not sacrifice academics for holistic practices; we can incorporate both. At JOY, we meet state standards while prioritizing free play and allowing children to guide their learning. Through project-based learning and a comprehensive curriculum focused on personal well-being, the pursuit of wisdom, discovering passions, and creative expression for community impact, we provide a holistic educational experience.
At JOY, we integrate best practices from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and High Scope, and we are committed to addressing gaps in education, challenging the status quo, and proposing innovative solutions to contemporary issues. We recognize a disconnect between the challenges in our world today and the content taught in schools. Schools often focus predominantly on academic content, neglecting vital areas such as self-love, connection to nature, and appreciation for diversity. Therefore, JOY has developed unique curricula in these areas:
- Mirror, Mirror: This curriculum fosters self-esteem and empowerment, cultivating resilience and emotional well-being through mirror play, mindfulness, and positive affirmations.
- The Earth is my Home: This curriculum emphasizes spending time outdoors, caring for living things, and exploring the wonders of our world. By connecting with nature, children will develop a sense of belonging and responsibility towards it.
- Gracias San Antonio Civic Engagement Program: JOY emphasizes creating a strong bond between our children and the city they live in. Through City Explorations, community engagement activities, and supporting local organizations through art projects and fundraising, children learn that even at a young age, they can positively impact their community.
We take immense pride in witnessing the JOY model flourish in preschool. We eagerly anticipate its growth and impact on our Elementary students, who are even more equipped to make a difference in their communities.
What are your plans for the future?
As previously mentioned, our top priority is expanding our Elementary school. Over the past three years, we’ve established a strong presence in the San Antonio community. Now, we aim to enhance our Holistic Education initiative by incorporating elementary education into our model school. Our expansion strategy emphasizes both growth and maintaining an intimate, nurturing environment. We prioritize quality over quantity. Our goal is for JOY to become a hub of creativity, progress, and pioneering approaches to education, serving as:
- A National model for holistic education for preschool and elementary school, showcasing best practices and innovative approaches.
- A laboratory school for researching and developing innovative teaching methods and curriculum that also serves as a hub for educators to come and learn.
Another avenue for JOY’s expansion is through an online platform connecting holistic educators with families seeking to raise children who are different, healthier, kinder, and happier. More details on this initiative will be shared soon. As you can see, we are passionately committed to promoting holistic education.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joyholisticedu.com/
- Instagram: Instagram.com/joyholisticedu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyholisticedu?mibextid=PlNXYD