Nadine & Jonathan Alcántara - February 2025 Shero

Congratulations, Nadine& Jonathan, Andover, MA 

Meet Nadine& Jonathan —

With over 20 years of combined experience in education, Jonathan and Nadine have built a preschool that reflects their passion for fostering a love of learning and creating meaningful connections with children and their families. Their journey is a testament to dedication, teamwork, and a deep commitment to nurturing young minds.

With a bachelor’s degree in music, Jonathan began his career as a teacher in specialized schools in Puerto Rico. His impressive background as a composer, director, and educator allowed him to inspire creativity and self-expression in students of all ages. His work has spanned various educational settings and performance venues, where he has collaborated with diverse groups of learners, enriching their educational experiences through music.

Nadine’s journey in education began as an elementary teacher in Puerto Rico, where she worked across preschools, elementary schools, and middle schools. Her passion for supporting diverse learners led her to pursue a master’s degree in Special Education, a role she found deeply rewarding as she provided individualized support to children with special needs.

Upon moving to Massachusetts, Nadine continued her work in a preschool before taking a significant step to open her own Family Child Care (FCC) at home. As their family expanded with the arrival of their third child, Jonathan joined Nadine in running the FCC. Their combined expertise—Jonathan’s in music and Nadine’s in early childhood and special education—created a rich, nurturing environment where children felt safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Their FCC flourished, and with time, they expanded their vision to establish a preschool center in North Andover. This move allowed them to continue making a positive impact on their community, providing high-quality care and education to even more families.

Throughout their journey, Jonathan and Nadine benefited from the resources and guidance provided by the Shared Services Business Workshops. These workshops equipped them with essential tools for managing and growing their business, from streamlining operations and improving communication to implementing best practices that ensured the highest quality of care. The support they received was instrumental in successfully transitioning from a home-based FCC to a full preschool center.

Their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. They received the Beacon Award from MAAEYC in 2024 and secured first place in E for All (E para Todos) Merrimack Valley in 2022—recognitions that affirmed their mission and inspired them to continue innovating and serving their community with heart.

Jonathan and Nadine’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a shared vision for creating an inclusive, nurturing learning environment where children can thrive.