Kirsten Benavides, Principal
With over 17 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Kirsten has served young learners in Loudoun County in a wide range of roles. Her journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to building confidence in children, encouraging them to take risks, be bold, and embrace their academic journey with authenticity and courage.
Kirsten chose Ivybrook Academy with immediacy inspired by its blended curriculum model, which nurtures a child’s natural curiosity and promotes research and exploration in their earliest stages of development. The thoughtful implementation and training of these approaches aligns seamlessly with her philosophy—not only as an educator, but as a passionate advocate for children. Ivybrook’s commitment to individualized learning and meaningful engagement resonates deeply with her beliefs that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered.
Kirsten is the proud mother of one extraordinary, sincere, resilient, and creative seventh-grade girl. Kirsten shared that when she became a parent, it elevated her perspective and strengthened her impact in the education industry. She stated that the desire to create environments that invite a growth mindset and set the stage for exploration and discovery—not just for my own daughter, but for every student she was lucky enough to influence became impossible to ignore. Now she gets to continue that story here at Ivybrook Academy’s Sterling Campus.
Owner's Story
As parents of a three-year-old, we understand the critical role of early childhood education in a child's development. Temi has built a successful career as a childcare professional and private educator, specializing in working with children aged five and younger. Our oldest son attended a church-based preschool, and we saw firsthand how this experience not only benefited him but also helped him transition smoothly to elementary school, even while navigating challenges related to ADHD.
We chose Ivybrook Academy because of its exceptional curriculum, which seamlessly blends the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches. These innovative, child-centered methods prioritize hands-on learning and empower children to take charge of their education. Children thrive in a well-prepared environment where they can engage with materials rather than relying solely on direct instruction.
With Ivybrook Academy, we are confident that we have found the perfect school for our daughter and all families in our community seeking an educational program that truly nurtures children's success.
Our family is thrilled to introduce Ivybrook Academy to the Sterling/Ashburn community, offering high-quality preschool education and enriching learning experiences.