The relationship between each child and their companion is where everything takes root. It’s how courage grows, how voices get louder, how ideas turn real.
We’re not traditional teachers — we’re trained in child development, psychology, and social work ( the kind of support that meets people right where they are — just like it’s done in Germany, where guidance is about walking with someone, not fixing them from a distance.) We’re observers. Reflectors. Connectors. We know how to tune into energy shifts, catch quiet cues, and support kids without smothering their spark. Our work isn’t about control — it’s about growing confidence and cultivating inner fire.
Connection is the foundation.
Why we say “Companions” — not teachers, and definitely not Mrs. or Mr.
We have reimagined the adult-child dynamic on purpose. We don’t go by titles like “Mrs.” or “Mr.” because we’re not here to stand above kids — we’re here to walk beside them. “Companion” is a bold shift. It means we don’t hold the answers — we hold space. We observe, co-create, and tune in. Instead of leading from the front, we’re right there in the work, building trust through presence and mutual respect. This isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about raising the standard for how adults show up for kids. At Kinder Villa, every companion is trained to see the child fully, guide without ego, and spark growth that comes from within. Because titles create distance, and we’re here for real connection.
Kimberly Osorno
Kimberly is the founder and visionary behind Kinder Villa.
Born and raised in Germany, Kimberly carries a different kind of childhood memory — that kind filled with real freedom, deep connection, and play that mattered. That spirit is now the heartbeat of Kinder Villa.
Her career began in Germany’s city department system, overseeing 60+ childcare centers and preschools before transitioning into refugee advocacy, social work, and educational program design. She studied social pedagogy and child development with a focus on children and teens, and became a legal guardian to a refugee boy during that time, fueling her lifelong commitment to building systems that actually work for kids.
After relocating to Tennessee in 2020, Kimberly knew suburban childhood needed a shake-up. So she built her own model. Kinder Villa opened in 2022 as a response to the rigid, outdated structures she saw around her, and it’s since become a thriving ecosystem for bold, creative, child-led learning.
Today, Kimberly leads not as a “director” or “teacher”, but as a companion — walking alongside children with curiosity, trust, and purpose. At Kinder Villa, kids call her Kimberly. No titles. No walls. Because respect is earned through relationship, not hierarchy.
She is now building a team of similarly grounded, driven humans — fellow creatives, psychologists, observers, builders — who don’t just work with children, but with families and the community at large.
Let’s work together.
We’re excited to expand our program and we’re seeking highly motivated companions to join our team; interested individuals are welcome to reach out now to express their interest!
