Michelle Garcia brings nearly two decades of experience in education, spanning both classroom teaching and school leadership.
She began her career at the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied Economics and Dance and taught through the ArtsBridge program, connecting student artists with underserved K–12 communities. She went on to teach math and dance in the Bay Area before moving to Southern California, where she earned her MBA from Pepperdine University while continuing her work in education.
Michelle has held roles as both educator and administrator, most recently serving as Assistant Head of School at MUSE School, where she oversaw operations, finance, and staff. Her work has always centered on building environments that are both thoughtfully run and deeply human.
Vida began in Michelle’s home during the pandemic — a small learning pod built with care, curiosity, and intention. What started with nine students quickly revealed something larger: a model of education that could grow without losing its essence.
Today, Michelle leads Vida with a focus on structure, sustainability, and possibility — holding the belief that children should be supported in becoming curious, creative, and fully themselves.
Vida is led by experienced educators. In title and in practice.
Our founders bring decades of combined experience in classrooms, school leadership, and educational design. This foundation shapes everything we do, from how learning is structured to how children are supported day to day.
Our educators are experienced, thoughtful, and deeply committed to their work.
Each brings a unique background in education, the arts, psychology, or outdoor learning, but they share a common approach: seeing children as individuals, supporting their growth with care, and creating environments where learning feels meaningful and alive.
At Vida, educators are not only teachers. They are guides, observers, and collaborators in each child’s development.
Vida Specialists are committed to educating the whole child. Each of these educators guides our students to find new talents, see the world through new perspectives, and find creative ways to express themselves.
