Semillas Preschool was born from the Torras Foundation, with a mission to support character formation, strong values, and a meaningful sense of community.
From leadership to classroom educators, every member of our team plays an important role in bringing the Semillas vision to life.
About the Director
Growing up in a bilingual family, Melissa Ortiz, Founding Head of School & CEO, developed a deep appreciation for the power of language and the richness of cultural diversity. With more than 10 years of experience in early childhood education, Melissa has led the development of Semillas from its foundational stages, helping shape the school’s identity, educational vision, and whole-child approach.
Melissa holds several certifications, including Early Childhood Education, Neuroeducation for Literacy, and is a certified Texas Director. She has a master’s degree with specializations in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf approaches. She is also certified in Positive Discipline, Faith Formation, and completed the School Management and Leadership program at Harvard Business School.
“We’re here to protect that spark.
To slow down with them, to listen, to be present. We’ve created a calm, beautiful space where children can feel safe to play, explore, sing, build, and grow at their own rhythm.”
Melissa Ortiz
To slow down with them, to listen, to be present. We’ve created a calm, beautiful space where children can feel safe to play, explore, sing, build, and grow at their own rhythm.”
Melissa Ortiz
Why Our Staff make the Difference
• Native Spanish-Speaking Educators
Every teacher at Semillas is a native Spanish speaker, bringing authentic language exposure and rich cultural context to the classroom. This helps children develop pronunciation, vocabulary, and listening skills with accuracy and confidence.
Every teacher at Semillas is a native Spanish speaker, bringing authentic language exposure and rich cultural context to the classroom. This helps children develop pronunciation, vocabulary, and listening skills with accuracy and confidence.
• Bilingual and Culturally Aware
Our teachers foster an inclusive space where students learn to appreciate Hispanic cultures
Our teachers foster an inclusive space where students learn to appreciate Hispanic cultures
• Low Teacher-to-Student Ratios
Small class sizes ensure that each child receives personalized attention and guidance from their Spanish-speaking teacher, promoting meaningful connections and faster language acquisition.
Small class sizes ensure that each child receives personalized attention and guidance from their Spanish-speaking teacher, promoting meaningful connections and faster language acquisition.
Ongoing Training and Certification
To maintain the highest standards in early childhood education, our teachers:
• Complete 24+ hours of professional development annually, focusing on
physical, emotional, and cognitive development strategies.
• Are fully CPR and First Aid certified.
• Receive yearly training in:
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Infant and Toddler Brain Development
Passionate. Prepared. Proven.
Choosing Semillas Preschool means choosing qualified Spanish teachers who truly care.
Their dedication to bilingual education, child safety, and emotional wellbeing ensures your child is in the best hands—academically and personally.
The Essence of Our Commitment to Semillas
When people ask me what Semillas is, I could talk about our curriculum, our classrooms, or our teaching methods.
But the truth is, Semillas is more than that… It’s a feeling.
It’s the tenderness of holding a baby with love.
The joy in a toddler’s face when they do something on their own for the first time.
The quiet wonder of a child asking, Why does the shadow move?
But the truth is, Semillas is more than that… It’s a feeling.
It’s the tenderness of holding a baby with love.
The joy in a toddler’s face when they do something on their own for the first time.
The quiet wonder of a child asking, Why does the shadow move?
We’re here to protect that spark.
To slow down with them, to listen, to be present.
We’ve created a calm, beautiful space where children can feel safe to play, explore, sing, build, and grow at their own rhythm.
To slow down with them, to listen, to be present.
We’ve created a calm, beautiful space where children can feel safe to play, explore, sing, build, and grow at their own rhythm.
Because we believe in children.
We believe in the magic of play.
And we know that it’s the small, everyday moments that stay with them forever.
We believe in the magic of play.
And we know that it’s the small, everyday moments that stay with them forever.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s early years.
It is a gift we hold with care, responsibility, and deep appreciation.
For their happiness and growth, always.
Melissa Ortiz
Head of School & CEO, Semillas
Melissa Ortiz
Head of School & CEO, Semillas
