Community Highlights: Meet Amanda Do of The Reggio Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Do

Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My husband and I moved to Nashville in 2020 from San Diego California with our three children Kinsley (7), Liam (6), and Ethan (4). My husband has been an officer for 18 years and I was a wedding planner. After a year of settling into our lovely southern life, our middle son Liam was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He was struggling in the traditional preschool setting where children are meant to fit in a certain box and live up to unrealistic teacher expectations. I pulled him out of school, quit my job to dedicate my time to his therapies and homeschooling. To supplement income and expose Liam to other children, I decided to open up a small Reggio Emilia inspired home daycare that focused on the whole child in an intimate, nurturing environment. A few months after opening our in-home daycare our waitlist grew exponentially! As I saw the magic we were creating I knew there was more for me in this journey. At one point, my husband said to me, “Remember our first date? You told me one day you wanted to open up a preschool. You didn’t know how or when but it was your dream.” I knew I needed to go bigger and make an impact in my community. I needed to create a center.

The year of my son’s diagnosis was extremely emotional for our family as it was filled with so many unknowns. We experienced grief over the “normal” life we wanted for our child and realized we (especially Liam) would face challenges as we navigate neurodiversity. Although the feeling of shame and fear were strong that year, it ignited a passion I never knew I had, to create an environment where my son would thrive alongside his peers. An environment where children were viewed as capable beings and were respected as they navigate emotions while processing the world around them. A space filled with love and understanding. A place where parents wouldn’t have to be alone on their child’s journey. My husband and I looked at Liam and knew this was my life’s plan all along, to create this community. My husband and I grass rooted this school putting everything we had into it leaving no option for failure. The year and half it took to open The Reggio Academy was grueling. Every obstacle, every “no”, every rule, regulation, tests..etc was so draining. So many moments I wanted to give up, but when I looked at our children’s faces, I knew I couldn’t. Our community needed this school. My children needed it.

August 5th,2024 was a day that changed our families life. The day we proved to our children that you could do anything you put your mind to. A day I proved to myself that nothing can stand in the way of a mother providing the best opportunity for her children. I never knew I was capable of something like this but the love I have for my children outweighed the fear and struggle.

I would do it all over again. The community we have created is amazing. Greeting each child every morning. Creating an inclusive environment. Working with educators who love what they do. Not only helping children, but also supporting parents on their journey. My son was my muse and I thought I created the school for him, but The Reggio Academy was created for every single child that walks through the door. I am so thankful for this school!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ha! It has been far from smooth. From learning how to run a business to navigating how to make a reel on Instagram, it has all been a learning experience! In all honesty, my husband was my therapist through it all and kept me calm (well calm-ish) through every struggle. One of the biggest struggles was being a woman business owner. So many moments I felt like I was not being taken seriously, or they would ask, “So where is your husband?” when they had a question. It was baffling to experience so many of these moments. It made me want to work harder and show my daughter that being woman is a super power. I could sit in a room of men, make a decision, speak up, and open this business. It was a struggle I didn’t for see when we started this journey.

We’ve been impressed with The Reggio Academy, 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 Reggio Academy’s mission is to develop kind, confident children who discover a love for learning through a supportive community and intentional environment. Our Reggio Inspired program treats children as active collaborators in their education. Their curriculum is inspired by their own interests, questions, and theories of the world around them. We believe their journey starts with a connection within the community, building a foundation of trust. With that trust, children feel safe exploring and taking risks in their learning experience. Children are encouraged to get messy, explore art, jump in puddles, and express themselves.

We are most proud of the FREEDOM we give children. Children are free to be kids!

What sets us apart is our Reggio Emilia philosophy and whole child approach. Academics are so important but there is so much more to a child! Our goal at The Reggio Academy is to create well rounded children that accomplish much more than academic success. We do this by implementing The Whole Child Approach. By using this approach in combination of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy educators are able to help children reach their fullest potential and support their families in raising confident, well-rounded, curious, and emotionally intelligent children

We offer a range of programs including part-time and full-time care for ages 12 months old-5 years old. We are open from 7:00am-6:00pm.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Listen to the universe. It sounds cliche, but everything happens for a reason. Every person you encounter. Every road block you confront. These moments and people teach you so much and guide you in the direction you are meant to follow. I wouldn’t have been able to create this space without the amazing support from people I met along the way and the hardships I had to overcome. Those moments that seem impossible are the moments that make you stronger as a human and as a business owner. When it knocks you down, you get back up, persevere and lean on your support system.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thereggioacademymj.com
• Instagram: the_reggio_academy