Maria Castro shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Maria, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
A Day in the Life: Leading with Heart at Magic Oak
By Maria Castro
Most mornings begin before the sun has fully risen. My daughter is on The Woodlands High School cross country team, and practice starts early to beat the Texas heat. Either my husband or I will make breakfast and drive her to school—it’s a quiet, intentional start to what is usually a very full day.
Before diving into work, I carve out time for morning prayer. It’s a moment of stillness where I focus on gratitude and set my intentions for the day. I find that this ritual helps me stay grounded and present, even when the day picks up pace. Then it’s time for a quick tidy-up at home, a bit of dinner prep if I can manage it, and I’m off to Magic Oak.
Magic Oak is more than a preschool—it’s a vibrant, nurturing community. As the director, I begin each day with a meeting alongside our teachers to ensure everyone has what they need. Then comes one of my favorite parts of the day: greeting each of our little ones as they arrive. Their bright faces and boundless energy are a daily reminder of why I do what I do.
Although I technically have an office, it’s rare to find me there. Most days, I’m out and about with the children—reading to them, planting in the garden, helping with art projects, or simply sitting with them during circle time. And yes, sometimes even cleaning! I believe leadership isn’t about being behind a desk; it’s about being present, connected, and involved in the everyday magic of the school.
After making my morning rounds and ensuring all is well in our classrooms, the rest of the day flows with a rhythm that’s never quite the same. Some days are filled with meetings with teachers or parents, where we work together to support the emotional and developmental needs of our students. Other days bring special events: expert talks, book clubs, birthday celebrations, or creative learning experiences that fill the school with energy and joy.
By late afternoon, I’m back home. I finish preparing dinner, and we enjoy a meal as a family—a ritual I treasure deeply. I try to fit in a bit of movement when I can, whether it’s a walk or a short workout. Some evenings, my husband and I participate in faith formation sessions with other couples. These gatherings are a meaningful part of our week, giving us space to reflect, grow, and connect.
On the weekends or during quieter moments, you’ll often find me with a book in hand, walking in nature, or spending time at the lake. These simple pleasures remind me to slow down and savor life’s beauty.
My days are full, and no two are ever quite the same—but they are deeply fulfilling. Whether I’m at home, at Magic Oak, or out in nature, I find joy in connection, purpose in service, and magic in the little moments.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Meet Maria Castro, Early Childhood Educator & Founder of Magic Oak Preschool
Where Joyful Learning and Nature Come Together
I’m an early childhood educator who has spent the past 25 years deeply immersed in one question: Why do the early years matter so much, and how can we create environments where children truly thrive?
The answers I’ve collected over the years have come from children, families, mentors, research—and a lot of hands-on experience. All of those insights are brought to life in Magic Oak Preschool, a play-based, developmentally appropriate program that centers on joy, connection, and the wonder of childhood.
At Magic Oak, we believe in the power of play, nature, and story. We cherish the simple act of reading to children, the beauty of outdoor exploration, and the importance of letting children learn at their own pace, in their own way. Our classrooms are warm, intentional spaces where children are not only safe but seen, celebrated, and empowered.
This year, we’re especially excited to be launching an outdoor learning program, led by one of our passionate teachers who has studied in depth how nature supports healthy childhood development. We believe that being in nature isn’t just “nice”—it’s essential for growing minds, bodies, and hearts.
Magic Oak is more than a preschool—it’s a reflection of a lifelong commitment to honoring childhood as a sacred, joyful time. I’m grateful to be part of a community that believes in nurturing the whole child and supporting families in the most foundational years of life.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
In my professional life, I never set out to become a director. In my heart, I always imagined myself as a teacher—close to the children, connected to the classroom, involved in the daily magic of early learning. Leadership was never the goal. In fact, my nature is more timid and reserved, and I didn’t immediately see myself in a visible leadership role.
But early in my career, something surprising began to happen: the directors and school owners I worked with saw leadership qualities in me long before I could see them in myself. They encouraged me, trusted me with responsibilities, and gently opened the door to a path I hadn’t considered. Their belief in me planted the first seeds of confidence, and over time, I stepped into that role—not by leaving the classroom behind, but by expanding my reach to support children, families, and educators in a deeper way.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I am no stranger to difficulties, especially when it comes to bringing a dream to life. When we started Magic Oak, we faced an unexpected and painful delay—permits and paperwork took far longer than anticipated, and we couldn’t open on time. Those weeks felt like a dark cloud hovering over something so precious to me. I had poured my heart into this vision, and suddenly, it felt out of reach.
But that period of uncertainty taught me something success never could. It made me more sensitive to the struggles others face and more resilient in my own journey. It deepened my conviction—this wasn’t just a nice idea; I truly wanted this dream to live. I didn’t give up. We leaned into trust, we waited, we prayed, and eventually, the doors opened. That season of waiting shaped me into a stronger, more grounded version of myself.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One project I am deeply committed to—and will continue to champion no matter what—is shifting the narrative around early childhood education. I believe, wholeheartedly, that young children do not need a traditional academic education in their early years.
What they truly need is connection, play, and the freedom to explore. They need relationships, not rigid routines. They need curiosity, not pressure. I’m firmly against “kill and drill” approaches that push children into rote learning far too soon. These methods rob them of the very things that fuel healthy brain development: joy, movement, creativity, and meaningful relationships.
At Magic Oak, we’re creating a space that honors the natural rhythm of childhood—where play is seen as purposeful, and learning is rooted in wonder, not worksheets. This is more than a philosophy—it’s a calling. And it’s the heart of the work I will never stop doing.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
One thing I know I would regret is not telling the people I love how deeply I love them. That’s why I make it a point every day to make sure my family feels unconditionally loved—through words, through presence, and through the small, everyday acts that say, “You matter to me.”
I would also regret not doing the inner work required to offer the best version of myself—to my family, to my team, and to the children we serve. Growth isn’t always easy, but I believe that tending to our own hearts and healing is part of our responsibility, especially when we hold space for others. I want my life to reflect love, not just in what I do, but in who I am becoming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.magicoakpreschool.com
- Instagram: magicoakpreschool
- Linkedin: magicoakpreschool
- Facebook: magicoakpreschool
