Leadership & Staff
Founders:
Co-Founder & Head of Academy:
Sebastián Matta-Diaz
Hi everyone, and welcome! I’m truly grateful that you’ve taken the time to learn about our amazing team here at Early Well-Being Academy. For over 8 years, I’ve worked in the field of learning and development—including 4 years as a teacher with children, and 1 year dedicated specifically to young learners. I also hold a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology, the science of mental well-being and helping people flourish.
During my studies, I focused on the power of Positive Education—the application of Positive Psychology in schools. Inspired by the pioneering whole-school model at Geelong Grammar School in Australia, I designed my own framework of Positive Education. This approach equips children with skills for mental well-being, nurtures happiness, and provides the tools they need to thrive both personally and academically. In addition, I have received specialized training and certifications in Enhancing Quality in Infant and Toddler Care and as a Montessori Guide for ages 0–3. This unique combination of Positive Psychology and Montessori education is truly the heart and soul of Early Well-Being Academy.
My vision is to nurture children to grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate adults who will one day make the world a brighter and better place—simply by sharing the love and kindness they carry within. I believe that with love in our hearts, along with a strong foundation for mental well-being and learning, every child has the power to shine and leave their own meaningful mark in the world. This is the dream my wife and I had when we created Early Well-Being Academy, and it continues to guide everything we do.
Co-Founder & Teacher:
Diana Matta-Diaz
I have taught children English and Spanish for over 4 years by engaging them in fun, educational activities. My approach is centered on listening and observation, recognizing that even the youngest children communicate through gestures, expressions, and eye contact.
I hope to help each child discover their potential, nurture their natural skills, and learn the values of love and respect for one another. What inspires me most about working with young children is knowing that they are the future, and that by supporting them we are building a brighter tomorrow together.
With bilingual skills, a background in engineering, and a love for acting, I enjoy bringing creativity and curiosity into the classroom — even introducing children to the basics of engineering in age-appropriate ways. I also love baking and cooking, which often becomes another way to share joyful experiences with kids.
I believe in partnering with families to make our academy feel like an extension of each child’s home. Parents’ involvement is key, and together we can help children grow in a supportive and loving environment.
One of my favorite stories to share with children is The Lion King, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing alongside our students and teaching community.
Teachers:
Nelly Quijano
My name is Nelly Quijano, known as Nelly Mouse by my students. I hold a degree in Spanish, English, and French from La Salle University in Bogotá, Colombia, and I have been working with children for more than 23 years, 9 of which have been dedicated to the youngest infants.
My vocation also comes from my heart as a mother: I know how valuable our children are and how much they mean to our families. They are the greatest treasure we have, and that is why I strive every day to care for them, protect them, and teach them with love, patience, and dedication.
My professional training has been broad and continuous. I have received certifications in Enhancing Quality in Infant and Toddler Care, Dual Language Immersion, Reading Keys for Beginning Readers, Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, and more. I have also participated as a presenter at the Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers, as well as in conferences and courses such as The Reggio Emilia Approach for Early Childhood, learning environment design, effective feedback, and inclusive classrooms in Early Childhood Programs.
My methodology is based on Edutainment (Education + Entertainment), because I firmly believe that learning is more meaningful when it is experienced with joy, play, and creativity. Music and playfulness are pillars in the learning environments I promote; they are tools that not only make it possible to learn in any area of knowledge but also to regulate our emotions, actions, thoughts, and behaviors. I am passionate about music, dance, and reading, which motivates me to use engaging voices when reading stories or performing puppet shows. In addition, singing and dancing fill any space with joy and help children strengthen their motor skills and self-confidence.
I hope that children learn to be independent, to love themselves just as they are, and to be empathetic with others; that they develop solidarity and joy. Children are my inspiration and my greatest joy, and I feel happy connecting with them from within their world. My favorite children’s book is The Color Monster, as it beautifully and clearly illustrates how to identify and express our emotions.
My experience has allowed me to create safe, joyful, and inclusive spaces where children feel respected, happy, and motivated to learn. My greatest satisfaction is seeing them grow with confidence, and I want to assure every family that their children will be in responsible, loving, and well-prepared hands to help them take the next step forward in their school life.
Julieth Vargas
Hello, my name is Julieth. I am a teacher at Early Well-being Academy, certified in “Enhancing Quality in Infant and Toddler Care”.
My teaching approach is inspired by the philosophy of the American psychologist and educator David Ausubel, who developed the theory of meaningful learning. I have experience creating environments that encourage active exploration, play, and the construction of knowledge through experience, focusing on the integral development of children through discovery and exploration.
I have worked with children under the age of 6 for approximately 14 years, and I have seen how this stage is crucial for the development of skills and values that will serve them throughout their lives. My goal is to create a learning environment that is stimulating, safe, and fun, where children can develop their sensory, language, and math skills.
I am inspired by the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives, helping them awaken different abilities and grow as individuals. I believe that education should be an integral process that encompasses not only cognitive development but also emotional and social growth.
Among my skills and talents are folkloric and contemporary dance, as well as the ability to tell and create stories, and to use music and children’s songs for expression. My approach as an educator is centered on values such as honesty, respect, free expression, and good communication.
I want parents to know that I am fully committed to their children’s education, as well as to being part of this community and working together to help children reach their fullest potential.