✨ Who we are…

Bryan Haberek, Bianca Haberek, and Mia Acuna came together with a shared vision: to recenter early education around the child. With a deep respect and commitment to our students, faculty, and families, we strive to create an environment where learning is meaningful, engaging, and child-focused. At our core, we are dedicated to implementing best practices that nurture the entire ecosystem of our organization. By prioritizing clear and reliable communication, a rich and thoughtfully designed curriculum, and ample opportunities to cultivate a vibrant community, we are honored to officially present our program.

✨ Our Values

At our Montessori school, we are guided by a deep commitment to fostering independence, curiosity, respect, and holistic growth in every child. We believe that children learn best when given the freedom to explore, make choices, and take ownership of their education, building confidence and resilience along the way. Curiosity is at the heart of our approach, inspiring children to ask questions, seek answers, and engage in hands-on experiences that cultivate critical thinking and a lifelong love for learning. Respect and responsibility form the foundation of our community, where children learn to honor themselves, others, and their environment through thoughtful interactions and meaningful collaboration.

By embracing a mixed-age classroom model, we nurture a sense of belonging and teamwork, allowing children to learn from and support one another in a space that values diversity and shared success. Our focus on holistic development ensures that each child grows not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and physically, fostering creativity, self-expression, and emotional intelligence alongside intellectual exploration. Through this values-driven approach, we empower children to become confident, compassionate, and capable individuals, ready to navigate the world with curiosity, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.

🌱 Guiding Principles

🎨 Child-Led Exploration & Expression

We honor each child's natural curiosity and unique ways of learning. Inspired by "The Hundred Languages" of Reggio Emilia, we encourage children to express themselves through art, music, movement, storytelling, and play —fostering creativity and a lifelong love of learning.

🏡 The Environment as the Third Teacher

Our thoughtfully designed space is more than a classroom—it’s a living, evolving environment that encourages exploration and discovery. With natural materials, open-ended resources, and opportunities for reflection, we create an atmosphere where children feel inspired, safe, and engaged.

🌟 Independence & Confidence

Rooted in Montessori principles, we nurture self-reliance by providing opportunities for children to make choices , engage in hands-on experiences , and take responsibility for their environment. This empowers them to develop confidence, problem-solving skills , and a deep sense of agency in their learning journey.

🌍 Global Awareness & Stewardship

We instill a deep appreciation for the world by introducing geography, sustainability, and cultural awareness. Through real-world experiences, outdoor exploration, and a focus on environmental responsibility, we empower children to be mindful, compassionate, and conscious of their impact on the world.

🤝 Collaboration & Community

Learning is a social process. Our mixed-age classrooms promote mentorship, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging, where children, teachers, and families work together in an inclusive, supportive environment that values respect, kindness, and communication.

“To make a lovable school, industrious, inventive, liveable, documentable and communicable, a place of research, learning, re-cognition and reflection, where children, teachers and families feel well - is our point of arrival.”

“

Loris Malaguzzi

  • Mia Acuna

    DIRECTOR

    Mia Acuna, a Bay Area native with 10+ years in education, is the Director of The Hungry Caterpillars. With a background in Early Childhood Development and experience in Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, she specializes in coaching, family engagement, and designing enriching learning spaces. Passionate about child-led learning, she sees the environment as a “third teacher” and is excited to bring her vision to the community.

  • Yanissy Damian

    ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Yanissy Damian, originally from San Francisco, has five years of experience in child care, working with children of all ages across the city. Committed to enhancing each child’s experience, she continually learns new strategies and techniques. With her calm demeanor and expertise, she creates a secure and enjoyable environment. Currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Child Development at City College, she looks forward to building meaningful connections with your little ones. Speaks Spanish.

  • Announcement Coming Soon!

    LEAD TEACHER

    Our Lead Teacher is a fully qualified, native Spanish speaker who brings years of experience to the classroom. She embodies a deep passion for teaching, dedicating her career to nurturing young minds in a creative, supportive environment. Due to professional commitments, we’re unable to share her name and photo just yet, but we are super thrilled for her to join our team upon opening!