Maria Marin

Owner/Operator

Born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, Maria became a U.S. citizen in 1987. That same year, she married and began raising two daughters in El Paso, Texas. In 2000, her family relocated to Kyle, Texas, where she continued to focus on creating a nurturing home environment.

As her daughters grew into successful nurses, Maria’s passion for inspiring and educating young children led her to join a local Montessori school in Kyle as an assistant. After eight years of hands-on experience, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by founding Sprouting Minds Montessori School in Kyle.

Maria is a certified AMI Montessori instructor and holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Her dedication to the Montessori philosophy is matched by her unwavering commitment to caring for and guiding children, helping them grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.

Terri Sengstack

Lead Teacher/Director

Ms. Terri is an AMI Montessori–certified educator with over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. Her journey with Montessori began as a child when she attended a Montessori school founded in 1976 by her aunt and uncle, designed to serve Austin’s bilingual community. This early exposure ignited her lifelong passion for the Montessori philosophy and inspired her to continue that legacy within her own community.

At Sprouting Minds Montessori, Terri is dedicated to directing and guiding children toward independence, confidence, and a love of learning. She values the strong collaborative environment at the school, working alongside her longtime friend and school founder, Maria Marin, as well as lead assistant Kit Sengstack. Together, they form a dynamic and devoted team committed to providing exceptional Montessori education to families in the Kyle area.

Kit Sengstack

Assistant

Kit brings unmatched passion, creativity, and care to the Sprouting Minds Montessori team. With a deep love for the arts, she infuses music, creativity, and self-expression into her work with children, enriching their learning experience beyond the classroom.

Kit’s Montessori journey began in early childhood, as she herself was raised and educated in a Montessori environment. This firsthand experience gives her a unique and intuitive understanding of the Montessori philosophy—she doesn’t just teach it, she lives it. Her ability to connect with children on a personal level allows her to guide them with patience, empathy, and respect for their individuality.

At Sprouting Minds Montessori, Kit plays a vital role in fostering a nurturing, joyful, and engaging environment. Her dedication to helping children grow into confident, compassionate, and curious learners is matched only by her commitment to supporting the school’s mission and collaborating with her colleagues.

Our team

At Sprouting Minds Montessori Kyle, our team is more than just educators; we're a family of passionate individuals dedicated to nurturing young minds. We believe that our unique approach to early childhood education sets us apart and creates an exceptional learning environment for your children in Kyle Texas.