Today we’d like to introduce you to Cinndy Cruz and Otanis Ramos
Hi Cinndy and Otanis, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
This is the story of two latin women Cinndy and Otanis, from completely different backgrounds who never imagined they would become entrepreneurs, school founders, and close friends. Through our journey, we hope to inspire other women to know that we’re here to support each other, lift each other up, and turn dreams into reality together.
Cinndy’s journey
My name is Cinndy Cruz. I’m originally from Mexico City, I moved to Austin, TX, at the age of 14. where I later became the first in my family to graduate college, earning an Associate’s Degree in Spanish. From the time I was five, my dream was to become a teacher. However, as I grew older, my interests changed, and I began exploring different career paths. For a time, I paused my studies and entered the food industry, where I worked for several years. During this period, I also became a mother, juggling work, school, and family life. Yet, I always felt a need to find a career that would not only be meaningful for my children but would make a positive impact in my community as well.
In 2016, I came across a job ad for a part-time teacher assistant at a Montessori preschool. The job fit my schedule well and allowed me to pick up and drop off my daughter from school. Little did I know, this opportunity would transform my life. From the moment I stepped into the Montessori environment, I was captivated. I watched three- and four-year-olds moving independently, speaking softly, and working with a sense of calm focus in their child-led activities. The classroom felt like a small, thriving community, where every child was engaged in meaningful work. I immediately fell in love with the Montessori philosophy. I quickly realized that I had finally found my true calling. Although my time at that first school was brief due to its unexpected closure, I quickly found another role at a Spanish-language Montessori preschool. It was an ideal position, allowing me to teach my native language to young children from non-Spanish-speaking families. I worked there for about four years, obtaining my certification as a Montessori guide and eventually being promoted to school co-director. It was at this school that I met Otanis. Initially, we weren’t close friends, but as time passed, we discovered a deep alignment in our vision and values. Both of us shared a commitment to providing children with a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that supports their natural development. We bonded over our passion for education and the Montessori approach, often discussing our dreams of a school that would not only be a place for learning but also a supportive community for families and teachers alike. As we spent more time together, our casual conversations evolved into thoughtful planning sessions, and we started to recognize that our strengths complemented each other in ways that could truly bring this vision to life. This shared dedication eventually laid the foundation for our partnership and the creation of Sapienza Montessori.
In the summer of 2021, I found out from a friend that a rental space had become available in the same building where the first school I worked at had closed years earlier. I felt as if I was coming back home. With all our savings and little hesitation, we decided to take a leap of faith, and that’s how Sapienza Montessori was born. Nearly three years later, we’ve grown to welcome 60 children and a dedicated team of five employees—a true milestone in our journey.
Otanis’ journey
My name is Otanis, and I am originally from Bayamo, a charming city in the Eastern part of Cuba. I was born into a humble family where, from a very young age, I learned the value of effort and dedication. My mother, a secretary, and my father, a teacher of geography and history of Cuba, instilled in me a deep love for education and fundamental values such as honesty and perseverance, which have guided every step of my life and which I have proudly passed on to my son, Arhian.
In 1995, I had the honor of graduating with a degree in Education, which allowed me to work for 10 years in my passion for teaching. However, the low wages on the island and the difficult political and social situation led me to make one of the most complex decisions of my life: in 2005, I left my homeland in search of a better future for my family. I lived in Mexico for 4 years, where I took advantage of opportunities to improve myself while working in various areas to move forward. Later, I moved to Austin, Texas, where I faced new challenges: learning a new language, accepting that my degree in education was not recognized, and at the same time, doing physically demanding jobs to cover the basic needs of my son and our home. Although it was a difficult time, I remained focused on my goal. I began studying in the mornings while working in the afternoons and nights with the hope of building a better life. Every sacrifice taught me lessons in resilience, effort, and overcoming challenges, which today form the foundation of the life I have built with pride and dedication.
In one of the first Montessori schools where I worked as an assistant teacher while taking a diploma course to become a Montessori guide, I met Cinndy. From the start, we shared a deep passion for our work and a vision for the future that brought us together in a special way. It was then, in the midst of our daily lives, when life surprised us with a unique opportunity.I
One day, Cinndy made a beautiful proposal: to visit a site that, if I liked, it could become a great opportunity for us. At that moment, we could not imagine the number of obstacles and challenges we would face along the way, but our determination and love for education motivated us to accept the challenge. That decision marked the beginning of a journey full of learning, effort, and commitment to our dreams.
And that is how Sapienza Montessori School was born, a dream that took shape thanks to our passion and determination. From that moment on, Cinndy and I began to dream and plan together what we wanted for Sapienza: a space where children could fully develop, respecting their pace and nurturing their love for learning. Every decision we made was guided by our vision of creating an authentic Montessori environment, full of opportunities to grow, explore, and learn. Sapienza became not only a professional project but also an extension of our values and commitment to education
We are thrilled to share this journey with you—a story of growth, change, and the surprising paths that brought us to where we are today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any journey, ours was far from easy. One of our biggest challenges was navigating the permit process with the City of Austin. We knew education, and we understood the Montessori method, but city permits and building codes were entirely new to us. You never realize the value of a single piece of paper until you’re applying for a building permit to pursue the career of your dreams. Our experience with the City of Austin was incredibly time-consuming, challenging, and costly. Yet, after these years, I’ve come to fully appreciate the importance of creating a safe, secure environment for children and their families. Despite the hurdles, the entire process became an invaluable learning experience.
The entire process took a full year, filled with both individual and shared challenges.For me (Cinndy) I had to learn about codes with the city and hire architects, plumbers, electricians, construction workers, HVAC technicians. It’s hard to put into words just how much we went through—so many sacrifices, especially being away from my children for long periods of time, sleepless nights, endless calls, emails, and meetings. What kept us going was the unwavering support from those around us. We are so grateful to our families, closest friends, and the families who stood by us, cheering us on, checking in, and providing the emotional and financial support we needed to move forward. Their belief in us lifted us during the toughest times and allowed Sapienza Montessori to finally become a reality. We built our school from the ground up—creating admissions paperwork, parent handbooks, and employee manuals, all while working through obtaining a full permit with child care license.
Another challenge we faced was establishing ourselves in the market and gaining the trust of families. It wasn’t just about letting people know who we are—it was about building genuine relationships and demonstrating the value of our work.
We knew that parents were entrusting us with their most precious treasures—their children—so earning their confidence was a responsibility we didn’t take lightly. Through open communication, consistent quality, and a genuine passion for education, we gradually began to establish a reputation that reflected our dedication.
It took time, effort, and a lot of patience to ensure that families not only knew about us but also believed in our mission and methods. Each family that joined our community became a testament to the trust we worked so hard to earn and maintain, and their support has been a cornerstone of our growth and success.
Eventually Sapienza opened its doors on August 19th, 2022.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are located just 10 minutes away from Downtown Austin, nestled in a peaceful and welcoming neighborhood in the Shoal Creek/ Rosedale area. Our space is thoughtfully designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere where children and families immediately feel at home.
As you approach our school, you’re greeted by vibrant ferns brimming with life, accompanied by an ever-changing array of seasonal flowers that add a pop of color and charm to the entrance. The gentle scent of fresh blooms fills the air, and the carefully tended greenery reflects our commitment to creating a nurturing environment, both inside and out.
Stepping through the doors, you’ll notice an intentional warmth in every detail—from soft, natural lighting to the carefully curated materials that make the classrooms feel both cozy and inspiring. This harmonious setting sets the tone for a place where children can feel safe, supported, and excited to learn each day.
Additionally Texas is experiencing rapid growth, and with it comes an increased demand from non-native Spanish-speaking parents who want their children to grow up bilingual. Many parents recognize the benefits of early language acquisition, especially in a diverse state like Texas, where Spanish is widely spoken. This trend has fueled the expansion of Spanish immersion preschools across the region. However, while there are many Spanish immersion options, very few schools integrate this approach with the Montessori method, which focuses on self-directed, hands-on learning. Sapienza Montessori is among the select few that combine these two powerful educational philosophies. By offering a Spanish immersion environment within a Montessori framework, we provide children with the opportunity to develop bilingual language skills while nurturing independence, critical thinking, and a deep love of learning. This approach meets the needs of families who want both language immersion and an individualized, holistic learning experience for their children. We welcome children from 12 months – 6 years old. Our mission is to contribute to the formation of independent and responsible human beings, as Maria Montessori believed in prepared environments and a climate of freedom, respect, creativity, and love.
Otanis and I are deeply involved in the daily operations of our school, balancing the dual roles of classroom leadership and shared administrative responsibilities. By staying closely connected to each classroom, we’re able to provide truly individualized attention to each child and offer personalized support to their parents, fostering a strong school-home connection. Our commitment goes beyond academics; we focus on each child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development to build a solid foundation that will not only support their academic journey but also prepare them for life’s broader challenges. We believe that by nurturing confidence, independence, and emotional resilience, we’re empowering children with essential skills they will carry forward for years to come.
We take great pride in seeing Sapienza grow and thrive. Just a few months ago, we expanded our program by adding a new classroom for infants aged 12–17 months, increasing our capacity to serve 60 children in just two short years since our opening. Alongside this growth, our team has also flourished. We now have five assistant teachers who have become an integral part of Sapienza’s success and the heart of our community.
Our team is wonderfully diverse, representing a rich blend of cultures from across Latin America, including Mexico, Argentina, Nicaragua, and Cuba. This diversity brings a warm and loving touch to our school, making it a truly unique environment. Many of our assistant teachers have impressive backgrounds—they include educators in their home countries, nurses, and even those with a passion for the culinary arts and creative expression. These talents add an enriching layer to our program, providing children with a holistic and well-rounded experience.
We also feel a profound responsibility to provide families with a high-quality program, which is why we are committed to investing in our team’s professional development. We have proudly sponsored all our assistant teachers to obtain their Montessori Assistant Certification. This not only equips them with the skills to support the Montessori method but also deepens their understanding of how to foster the growth and development of every child in our care.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
One of the most valuable lessons we learned during this journey is that dreams don’t just happen—they require hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to bring them to life. As the process unfolds, challenges and obstacles will inevitably arise, making you question whether you’re on the right path. But in those moments, it’s important to persevere.
Trust the process, lean on your closest support system—your family, your friends, and those who believe in you—and, most importantly, stay spiritually strong. The challenges ahead won’t always be easy, but they will shape you, teach you, and ultimately strengthen your belief in your vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sapienzaschool.com
- Instagram: sapienzamontessorischool
- Facebook: sapienzamontessorischool
Image Credits
Professional pictures were taken by photographer Katy Rox
