Co-Owner and La Casa dei Bambini Director, Chiquie Estrada started teaching Montessori in 1977 and after becoming certified at the Atlanta Montessori Institute she worked at the Austin Montessori School, Escuela Montessori de Montopolis and as a consultant for various school districts, including Austin, across Texas.

She was the School Director and Guide at Escuela Montessori de Montopolis for 17 years before starting La Casa dei Bambini in 2002.

Away from work, Chiquie enjoys spending time with 3 grandchildren that live in the area. She also jumps at the chance to see her granddaughter that lives in London.

Tonico Vanalli is the co-owner of La Casa dei Bambini as well as the music director. He used his 40+ years as a professional musician as well as his knowledge of English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian, to create his own musical program, Ausmar. Tonico has worked at various elementary, middle, and high schools in Austin and Wimberley and spent many years performing with other musicians in the Circle of Lights event, a multi-cultural winter celebration for children.

In his free time, Tonico creates CDs, including 3 so far specifically for children, and performs at various venues in Austin and the surrounding areas.

Liliana Estrada is 20 years old and has been working at La Casa dei Bambini since 2020. This coming year she will graduate from The Montessori Institute of North Dallas and be granted her degree. Liliana grew up in Montessori and truly believes that its practices and teachings are beneficial to young children.

Anabel Perez is a classroom assistant at La Casa dei Bambini.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in communication from St. Edward’s University. She has experienced the Montessori classroom firsthand as a young child at La Casa.

Lisa Starlin is one of our afternoon staff.  She has a long association with La Casa.  Her son attended La Casa 20 years ago, followed by her two grandchildren. Lisa has served on our school board of directors and in the classroom several times over the years.  She has experience as a girl scout leader and VBS/youth group volunteer for Kyle United Methodist Church.  She worked with Buda Children’s Theatre Company for many years and volunteered at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. Lisa loves reading to the children, storytelling, poetry and teaching old forgotten songs.

Adela Regalado retired in May as a Teachers Assistant from Hays CISD after 33 years. She is excited to be joining our afternoon staff this school year. Adela has been a part of our La Casa family since 2016, working as a part of our staff previously. She enjoys spending time with her family and is looking forward to continue with her passion of working with children and their families.