The transformation journey of Ashlie Martinez Reyes
Ashlie always wanted to be an educator.
After 11 years of dedication and continuous learning as a Montessori assistant, Ashlie Martinez Reyes made a life-changing decision: to take the step to train as a Montessori guide for the Children's House level.
This summer, the Instituto Nueva Escuela (INE) had the privilege of welcoming her as one of the adult apprentices who joined our new training program. However, Ashlie's decision wasn't made overnight. As she herself shared with us:“It has been the result of many years of experience, learning, and personal and professional growth.”.
At the heart of every great growth story, there is always an inspiring presence. In Ashlie's transformation, that figure was her mentor and friend, Yesenia Guzmán, with whom she shared the school environment for nine years.
“Yesenia was a mentor, but also a friend and someone who believed in me even before I could recognize many of my own abilities.”Ashlie tells us excitedly.
Day after day, Yesenia encouraged her to continue studying. She never tired of reminding her of her qualities, her deep commitment to children, and the valuable ways in which her vocation could impact families and the school community.
When her mentor's career path took a different turn, Ashlie found herself at a turning point. It was time to take a leap of faith: to start believing in herself and to embrace the potential that others already saw in her.
With that courage and history in her baggage, Ashlie arrived at the Academic Program courses last summer, where she was welcomed by extraordinary facilitators who accompanied her to take her first steps in this new stage.
“The course has been excellent. I love my facilitators. They teach in a beautiful, patient, and spiritual way.”
Today, looking back on her journey, Ashlie embraces her process with wisdom. She has learned that being prepared doesn't mean having all the answers from day one, but rather maintaining a willingness to observe, learn, reflect, and continue growing.
3 to 6 Children's House Environment at Manuel Elzaburu y Vizcarrondo Montessori School
Her community, the Montessori Manuel Elzaburu y Vizcarrondo school in Cantera, is part of the sister schools, those first schools that started in the Public Montessori project.
For the INE, stories like Ashlie's and those of each assistant who joins the school communities are a demonstration of social mobility and the impact of the Public Montessori educational project in Puerto Rico.