Lina Ruiz (She/Her)

Hello! 

I am so excited to be the lead guide in the Tots 2 class this year! I grew up in a small town in East Texas and moved to Austin in 2011 to attend UT Austin. I studied Government with a minor in Latin American studies. 

My interest in early childhood education emerged when I volunteered at a daycare in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico during my winter break. This was a center where single mothers could leave their children during the day, free of charge. Here, we focused on helping young children become more independent and confident, while planning fun activities and introducing them to different cultures. After graduating, I worked at a play-based child development center near the university for three years and loved it! 

I then decided to move to Japan and teach English to elementary students. I really enjoyed my experience there because I learned just as much from my students as they learned from me. I used play-based learning to help my students learn English more efficiently than the rote learning methods they were accustomed to. I started to miss Austin, so I moved back and found a job at Athena Montessori Academy. After being here a year, I really appreciate the sense of community and support on campus. During my free time I enjoy running, hiking on the trails, spending time with my partner, Wesley, and my cat, Kit.

Best,

Lina Ruiz