Meet our Founders, Amy and Carla!

We are Amy Tijerina and Carla Ruiz Velasco. We’re practically family, best friends, parents, and entrepreneurs. We’ve never done things the “traditional way”. From starting a small business for women and children in Mexico to raising our kids together, and now launching a non-traditional bilingual micro school for our kids and their peers, the excitement of re-imagining what’s possible drives us and inspires us!

As parents of four young children between our two families, we have been thinking about education a lot recently. We all attended public school, currently live in a great school district, and have confidence that our children would do just fine in that setting. However, the more we thought about it, the more we wondered, should we settle for “fine”? We’ve heard about the excessive homework and standardized tests that start in the early elementary years, not to mention sitting at desks for hours at a time. Will this approach adequately prepare our children for a successful, fulfilling life in the 21st century?

As we began searching for answers to these questions, we remembered back to our days living in Austin, Texas, and seeing co-workers’ friends at Acton Academy. We were intrigued by the innovative school and seeing how our friend’s children were learning, and thriving in this “non-traditional” way. Instead of an institution, school is viewed as a community of learners who are each on their own “Hero’s Journey” to discover their passion in life. The standards are extremely high and nothing short of excellence is acceptable. Success is not about completing worksheets or memorizing facts to pass a test. Instead, the goals for students are simple and bold: find a calling and change the world.

Meet our Middle School Guide, Amy!

As the co-founder of AANSA, Amy brings a passion for equipping learners through one of the most transformative stages of their development, Middle School. Amy excels at fostering independence, critical thinking, and a sense of purpose in her students.

Known for her thoughtful guidance and unwavering belief in each learner’s potential, Amy creates a space where curiosity is celebrated, challenges are embraced, and growth happens from the inside out. Her leadership in the studio is grounded in compassion, high expectations, and a deep respect for the unique journey of every young person.

Meet our Elementary Guide, Ashley!

Ashley brings a powerful blend of experience, global perspective, and passion for learner-driven education to AANSA. With a background in Early Childhood Education and Child Development from the University of Oklahoma, she has taught pre-K, led professional development workshops, and spent nearly a decade as a Guide at Acton Academy West in Austin.

Her journey has taken her around the world—from teaching at a renowned Reggio Emilia-inspired school in Tulsa to studying the approach firsthand in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Ashley is a passionate advocate for project-based, child-led learning and has seen the Acton model transform young lives year after year.

Now based in San Antonio, Ashley and her family embrace a creative, intentional lifestyle filled with gardening, yoga, farm-to-table cooking, and art. A lifelong lover of books, she delights in sharing her love of literature with the Heroes she guides each day.

Meet our Honeybee Guide, Claudia

Claudia is a true gem in every sense—her heart, wisdom, and passion shine through in all she does. A proud San Antonian and devoted mother of four, Claudia brings deep expertise in childhood development, child psychology, Montessori, and the Reggio Emilia approach. Her work is rooted in love, intention, and a profound respect for young children.

With every thoughtfully planned experience, she nurtures curiosity, wonder, and joy—creating a space where our Honeybees feel truly seen, heard, and inspired to grow. Claudia pours her whole heart into her work, and it shows in the way children light up around her.

Meet our Honeybee Co-Guide, Idaly

Idaly Alarcón is originally from Chihuahua, México, and holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Bilingual Education. Her early experiences as a nanny and private school teacher laid the foundation for her deep love of nurturing and guiding children. After stepping away from the classroom to raise her two children, motherhood reignited her passion for hands-on, child-led learning.

Now based in Texas with her husband of 19 years and their two kids, Idaly believes every child thrives when trusted, respected, and supported with gentle guidance. She brings warmth, experience, and a deep commitment to helping children grow with confidence and joy. When she’s not working with young learners, she enjoys traveling, playing games, building Legos, and making memories with her family.

Meet our Bumblebee Guide, Jessy!

Jessenia (Jessy) brings a beautiful blend of heart, creativity, and dedication to everything she does. Originally from Tamaulipas, Mexico, she’s an educator, entrepreneur, and proud mom of two who finds joy in family adventures, nature, and discovering new places.

Jessy has a deep passion for early childhood education and believes that children are some of our greatest teachers. She brings curiosity, care, and a playful spirit to each day—growing right alongside our Bumblebees and nurturing their sense of wonder every step of the way.

BOOKS

TO READ