Connection is the foundation.
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.
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
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 Kinder Villa opened in 2022 as a response to the rigid, outdated structures she saw around her, and it’s since become a thriving ecosystem for bold, creative, child-led learning.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.
Keith
Keith is a companion for CuriKids and MoxiKids.
With a background in psychology and ongoing studies in conscious and developmental education, he brings a steady, empathetic presence to both the playful world of CuriKids and the bold, community-driven projects of MoxiKids. He values emotional intelligence, creativity, and connection, drawing inspiration from holistic psychology, indigenous wisdom, and the natural world.
As a parent himself, Keith approaches kids with presence, patience, and respect, holding space where they feel safe to explore, empowered to lead, and free to discover at their own pace. His vision is rooted in family and community, always with an eye toward nurturing environments where every child feels seen and heard.
Jaime
Jaime is a companion for CuriKids, MiniKids, FlowKids, and MoxiKids.
Jaime is a mama of two who knows how to bring creativity to life. With years of experience supporting kids of all ages, she thrives in creating spaces where play feels bold, hands-on, and deeply connected. At Kinder Villa Jaime weaves her energy into every corner; leading CuriKids adventures, holding space for connection and community in MiniKids, sparking self-discovery in FlowKids, and energizing MoxiKids Bonus Days with play, friendship, and sparks of creativity that carry projects and connections forward. She’s a steady, creative presence who helps kids step into their confidence, one project, one laugh, and one discovery at a time.
Beyond Kinder Villa, Jaime pours her creativity into jewelry-making, DIY kits, and playful projects that keep her world just as colorful as the one she builds with the kids.
Rein
Rein is a companion for CuriKids, FlowKids, MoxiKids, and SoundLab.
Rein brings both psychology and music into Kinder Villa’s heartbeat. With a background in developmental psychology and music education, he has studied how curiosity fuels creativity and how kids light up when their ideas are taken seriously. What excites him most is meeting kids right where their spark is and transforming those moments into experiences that feel alive, meaningful and lasting.
At Kinder Villa, Rein is an all-rounder companion: joining CuriKids in their play, guiding projects and documenting them through film and photography in MoxiKids. He brings music into FlowKids as a way to unlock emotions and give kids a language beyond words, while leading SoundLab as its creative director.
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!
