Today we’d like to introduce you to Merissa Montalvo.
Hi Merissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I had been working in the public school system for 3 years when I received a call from the
owners (family friends), offering me a position opening and directing their new center. After learning that
our vision for the center aligned, I hopped on board and have been there ever since! What
brought me into Early Childhood Education was becoming a mother. It changed the way I see
children and deepened my understanding of how important love, patience, and consistency
are in the early years. That mindset is what led us to create Wildwood Academy, a place
where children are loved first, taught, nurtured, and truly valued every day.
When people ask how Wildwood Academy became what it is today, my answer is always the same- my staff. They are the heart of everything we do. They show up with patience, compassion, and an incredible amount of dedication. They put in the long hours, the hard work, and plenty of blood sweat and tears to make sure every child feels safe, loved, and excited to learn. As a director, I couldn’t be prouder of the team I’m surrounded by. They celebrate every milestone, comfort every tear, and make even the ordinary moments special. Our families see that. They see the genuine love and care that goes into each day, and their trust and support has helped us grow into the community we are today. Wildwood Academy is so much more than a daycare- its a family and that’s because of the amazing people who make it what it is.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any small business, there has been plenty of challenges and temporary speed bumps along the way. Building a strong reputation from the ground up, navigating licensing requirements, finding the right staff, and adapting to the ever-changing needs of families have all tested us! There were days that felt overwhelming and moments when giving up would have been the easier option. What kept us moving forward was our shared commitment to the children in our care. Every obstacle becomes an opportunity to learn, grow, and become better. They teach us resilience, strengthen our relationships with families, and remind us that when you lead with love, everything else falls into place. That philosophy has guided every decision we’ve made and it’s the foundation of everything we continue to build.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My name is Merissa Montalvo. I graduated from Tidewater Community College with an Associates in Early Childhood Development. I have a Child Development, Educational Support Specialist, and Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) Career Study Certificate, along with and Early Childhood Instruction certification. I have worked with children in various settings for the past 10 years. I also believe that learning never stops, so I continue to participate in professional development opportunities to expand my knowledge, stay current with best practices in early childhood education, and ensure that Wildwood Academy provides the highest quality care for every child.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Growing up, I was the oldest of three girls, and I naturally stepped into the role of the “little mom”. Some of my favorite memories are of pretending to take care of my younger sisters, making sure they were okay, and looking out for them. In many ways, not much has changed- I still find myself doing that as the oldest! Looking back, it’s funny how those childhood memories hinted at the path I would eventually choose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildwoodacademy.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18rZwzXotD/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wildwood-academy-norfolk
