Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Alzate.
Hi Elizabeth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Colombia, and I’ve been living in Dallas for about 17 years now. My major in Colombia was International Business, but when I came here, I started working in a childcare center because I wanted to be close to my daughter. I was tired of being a stay-at-home mom and I wanted to work again — and what better option than working as a preschool teacher, even without experience?
I knocked on many doors, and I was blessed to be hired by a wonderful director who is still my friend today. While working there, I fell in love with early childhood education. That first job was in a traditional childcare program, but I wanted a new challenge — so I began working at a Montessori school. This philosophy was eye-opening for me. I saw how beautifully children can learn in a well-prepared and intentional environment.
I decided to go back to school to get my Montessori certification while I was also studying for my Associate Degree at Collin College. One day, a coworker told me, “You should open a home childcare,” and that was the beginning of everything. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I researched, planned, dreamed — and in December, I set a goal for myself: by July, my home childcare would be open.
Over the next six months, I bought everything from Marketplace and IKEA. I spent every dollar of my savings. And by late July, I opened The Montessori Learning House — with my own 3-year-old daughter as my very first student. Soon, I enrolled one more child… but that was it.
By December, I was desperate — almost no income and trying to find a second job so I could buy Christmas presents for my kids. I applied to work overnight at Target. I couldn’t work during the day — I was running my school from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, studying full-time, and completing my Montessori certification. I got the job… but two days later, they told me they didn’t need me anymore.
I had no choice but to borrow money from family and buy second-hand toys for Christmas. It was heartbreaking.
However, everything changed in January. Enrollments started coming — one after another — and soon I was full. Twelve children, full-time, while still in school full-time.
After two years working from my home, I was losing my mind. I couldn’t separate work from family life anymore. I decided it was time to expand. I sold everything I owned in Colombia, took out loans here and there, found a commercial space, and built my school. We opened the new location in 2017.
Not even the city believed in my project — they rejected us several times. But every time, I came back with solutions. Not even the landlord believed it would be approved. I told him:
“You don’t believe in this because you don’t know me.”
The beginning was not easy. I had recently ended a relationship, I had to find a new home for my kids, and I didn’t have enough income to buy groceries — so I applied for food stamps. That first year was really hard… but I made it.
If you ask me how — I honestly don’t know. I was so focused on making it work that I didn’t have time for negative thoughts. I cried, I doubted myself many times… but I never gave up. I didn’t have another option. My only option was to succeed.
Today, we’ve been open for almost 10 years. We stayed open during and after Covid. I love my job with all my heart — it’s my passion. Going to work makes me happy, and it helps me release the stress that comes from having two teenagers!
This year has been tough. Business is slower because education is taking a different path due to state decisions. And I also suffered a terrible accident — a pressure cooker exploded on my body, burning 7% of it. I’m still recovering, and it will take over a year to heal completely.
But this accident gave me a push. It reminded me that life is short… and that I’m ready to embrace my second passion: mentoring.
I have been studying emotional intelligence, manifestation, and mindfulness since 2020. I’ve trained my teachers and supported close friends, but I didn’t feel ready to share my story publicly — even though many women told me that I inspired them. My insecurities always got louder.
But on April 15, around 2 pm, everything changed — my life, my body, and my purpose. Just a week before, I had hired someone to help me edit coaching content, and she encouraged me to record everything about my accident… so I did.
Soon after, I launched @Eli__Alzate, and the community began to grow faster than I ever imagined. Now, I want to turn this into a business — to help women and men let go of control, trust the process, understand their emotions, and learn how to manage them. I want to help teachers stop feeling overwhelmed in the classroom, and help moms release the guilt of putting themselves first.
This new journey has not been easy. It wakes up insecurities and fears… but I know that everything I’ve lived has prepared me for this moment.
And I’m just getting started. ✨💪
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not. My journey has been anything but smooth — but every challenge pushed me to grow stronger and more determined.
We’ve been impressed with The Montessori Learning House Bilingual School, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Montessori Learning House is a bilingual preschool where children learn and grow in both English and Spanish every single day. We believe that exposing children to two languages from an early age not only strengthens communication skills, but also builds confidence, cultural awareness, and a lifelong love of learning.
What sets us apart is the intimate environment we provide. We intentionally maintain low teacher-to-child ratios so every child receives personalized care, meaningful interactions, and the individualized attention that early childhood development truly requires. Our team knows every child, every parent, every sibling, we become an extension of each family we serve. One of the things I’m most proud of is the culture we have built — warm, professional, diverse, and deeply connected to our community. Families trust us not only to teach their children, but to love them, nurture them, and help them discover who they are.
At The Montessori Learning House, we don’t just prepare children academically , we prepare them for life. We teach emotional intelligence, practical life skills, kindness, respect, and curiosity. Our mission is for every child to feel seen, capable, and valued.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For Eli Alzate — Mentoring & Emotional Growth Brand
People can work with me by joining my coaching and mentoring programs focused on emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and personal transformation. I offer workshops, trainings, and speaking engagements for both individuals and organizations, especially parents, teachers, and women who are ready to prioritize their emotional well-being and let go of the need for perfection and control.
I love collaborating with mental health advocates, educational leaders, nonprofits, and community programs that share my mission of empowering others to heal from within. Supporting my brand can be as simple as sharing my message, recommending my content, or inviting me to host sessions on topics like emotional resilience, stress management, teacher well-being, and mindful parenting.
My goal is to create spaces where people feel supported, inspired, and capable of transforming their lives and I am always open to partnerships that amplify that mission.
For The Montessori Learning House Bilingual School
Families can support us or work with us by choosing The Montessori Learning House as their school community, spreading the word about our bilingual Montessori program, or collaborating through community events and partnerships. We are always open to working with local organizations, trainers, college practicum programs, and businesses that want to contribute to high-quality early education.
Our school thrives through relationships and the more we build bridges within our community, the more opportunities we can provide for children to learn, explore, and grow. Whether it’s participating in events, volunteering, or simply telling other families about us , every bit of support helps us continue to make a meaningful difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tmlhbilingualschool.com
- Instagram: Eli__alzate
- Facebook: the Montessori learning house bilingual school
