Meet Our Founder & Lead Educator

Mariana Carazo – Founder, Head of School, Pedagogy & Curriculum

Mariana Carazo is not just the founder and Head of School at Developing Minds—she is the heart and visionary force behind a bold educational revolution. With a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Teaching from Columbia University and over two decades of experience leading curriculum innovation and pedagogical transformation, Mariana has devoted her life to redefining what learning can be. An expert in play-based, inquiry-driven education, she has built her own learning lab from the ground up—transforming a humble garage into a thriving micro-school and proving that true learning flourishes when children are given freedom, purpose, and joy. Her mission goes far beyond opening a school—Mariana is pioneering a movement to restore childhood, replace outdated practices with brain-aligned teaching, and create learning environments where each child is empowered to think, lead, and love learning. Her story is one of courage, creativity, and commitment to a future where education meets the needs of this century—not the last.