Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Whinery.
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was young, I had a gift for working with children. My firm but loving personality established boundaries where children felt safe and comfortable to be themselves and have fun. Growing up, I babysat all my cousins and neighbors, worked as camp counselor throughout high school and became a nanny throughout my college years. I graduated from college with a degree in Education and taught in public schools; I was nominated for Teacher of the Year my first year of teaching! My public school experience helped me adapt to many different learning styles as I worked with at-risk, bilingual, and deaf students. After several years of teaching in public school, I realized that my teaching style was more aligned with Montessori, so my family moved to Austin so that I could work at a Montessori school. During this time, I gave birth to my daughter and dived deep into the Montessori philosophy as a way of life. I went back to school to receive my AMI (Association Montessori International) certificate for Assistance to Infancy (ages birth to three years) and my Primary diploma (ages 3-6 years). As a family, we took a year off from teaching to travel and rock climb in Asia. When we returned after seven months (due to Covid), my job wasn’t guaranteed and I wanted a safe and consistent place for my daughter to socialize and learn. I took the leap to start my own school and I am delighted to do what I love every day!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I went back to school to receive my Montessori diploma, I was a full-time teacher, mom, and student. There were many sleepless nights and while I absolutely loved it all (the teaching, the parenting, and the learning), I felt like I was doing none of them well. When I returned from Asia, I was interviewing non-stop and receiving job offers but none felt right. Our family was also living out of our backpacks (from Asia) and house-hopping since we didn’t have a home. In one month and ten days, our dream of a school came to life! We spent our days buying, making, and sourcing materials and supplies, researching the business and legal aspects, and talking to prospective families. We also bought a house in SW Austin, moved in and opened the school in 10 days. We navigated running a new business and settling into a new home while acclimating to life back in the US all during a pandemic with a five year old. It wasn’t smooth, but we worked together and are enjoying the journey
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Western Oaks Montessori?
I own and run an in-home, licensed Montessori school. I spend my days guiding children ages 2.5 – 6 years and learning alongside them. Western Oaks Montessori is a community where children not only feel accepted but welcomed, loved, and encouraged to pursue their interests. Each child is valued for who they are while being supported and nurtured to be the best version of themselves. I am most proud of Western Oaks Montessori being the village that helps families raise their children.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to be okay with making mistakes. An important aspect of being a Montessori guide is the transformation of the adult; we are constantly evolving. However, we cannot grow without making and learning from mistakes. Just as I prepare an environment that allows children to make mistakes and learn from them, I extend that grace to myself and other adults. You can hear children stating, “It’s okay to make mistakes! Even adults make mistakes.”
Contact Info:
- Email: westernoaksmontessori@gmail.com
- Instagram: westernoaksmontessoriatx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx2DIB7utmVTcEykQf9-47A
Image Credits
Kelly Power Photography (for photo of me with 3 children)
