Hi, I’m Theresa Varughese, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share a little bit about myself and why early childhood education has been such an important part of my life.

First and foremost, I am a woman of God. My faith has always been a very important part of who I am and has guided me throughout my life and my career. I’m also a mother of three and a grandmother of two, and being a mom and grandmother has only deepened my love for children and my desire to see them succeed.

I attended the University of St. Thomas here in Houston, Texas, where I studied Early Childhood and Elementary Education, along with Business Finance. I was fortunate enough to graduate with two master’s degrees, which gave me both the educational foundation and the business knowledge that I would eventually use to build my own schools.

My very first job after graduating was with Children’s World Learning Center, which at the time was one of the largest childcare organizations in the United States, with about 1,800 locations. I was initially hired to develop curriculum for infants and toddlers, as well as their early childhood programs. Eventually, I was moved into a director’s position at a school that was struggling financially. Within eight months, we had completely turned things around. We had a school full of about 400 students and a waiting list of more than 300 families. And I remember thinking to myself, “If I can do this for someone else, I can do this for myself.” So, I took my bonus, which was about $5,000, and opened my very first school in a small strip center. When we reached 98 students, I opened my second school. Over the next three years, I continued to grow, eventually opening nine locations throughout the Houston metropolitan area.

But my passion for children has always gone beyond just running schools. I also had the privilege of helping Barbara Bush and the Easter Seals Society open a center in Houston for children with special needs. I was responsible for the daily operations and for evaluating the children in our care. That experience was incredibly meaningful to me and reinforced how important it is to recognize that every child is different. One of the things I have learned throughout my career is that every child is unique and every child learns differently.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. If a child isn't learning one way, then we must find another way to reach them. We must meet that child where they are and help them discover what they are capable of. I have always believed strongly in the power of knowledge and the importance of reading. One of the principles that has guided me throughout my career is: “The more you know, the further you go.”I developed curriculum for my schools that focused on building knowledge and giving children a strong foundation from the very beginning.

Today, one of my original schools in North Houston is still thriving and has been serving families for 50 years. When I look back on this journey, I realize that education was never simply a career for me. It became my life's work.

I have dedicated my life to children- to helping them learn, helping them grow, and helping them become successful in whatever they choose to pursue. And now, as a mother and grandmother, I understand even more deeply what families want for their children. They want their children to be loved, safe, encouraged, challenged, and prepared for the future. That is what I have always wanted to provide. I am so thankful for every child, every family, and every educator who has been a part of this journey. And most importantly, I am thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to spend my life doing something I truly love.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child's journey.