Jackie Gonzales (She/Her)

Greetings from Athena! 

 

I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with your children and the rest of the Athena staff and administrations. 

 

My name is Jacklynn Gonzales, but I go by Jackie. I’m a fall baby; born in November and favoring the fall season. I was born in Austin, but primarily grew up in a border town called Eagle Pass. 

I’ve always been captivated by the growth of a child, and how odd it was to me that this small being would one day be a full grown adult. Through my years I got into depth of the mind and how to better understand children, especially when it comes to them in the world. In college I obtained my child development certificate, and during this time I came to know Maria Montessori. 

Maria Montessori’s child advocacy gave me more of that drive, as well as a lot of answers regarding how I could also be a child advocate. I chose to obtain my AMI certification and seek Montessori schools. 

 

I had the absolute privilege of beginning my Montessori career at Parkside Community School here in Austin in 2017. Unfortunately, I had to leave Austin in the fall of 2023 to care for myself and my family when we lost our beloved grandfather. 

 

I'm grateful to be back in Austin as of spring 2024, and to join the Athena community to learn even more in a new environment.

 

With gratitude,

Jackie