About Mercedes.
Personal Bio
I earned my master's degree in early education at the University
of Minnesota. As an early childhood educator, curriculum
developer, and trauma-informed consultant, I am committed to
restoring peace, regulation, and connection in classrooms. My
work began in Florida, where I taught kindergarten and
prekindergarten, where I quickly noticed the connection between
trauma, brain development, and a child’s ability to learn. That
discovery helped to shape my calling.
Working with children facing developmental delays, autism, medical trauma, language barriers, and multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE scores), I created a classroom model that brings calm where there is chaos — and helps both children and teachers thrive. My trauma-responsive practices consistently transform overwhelmed classrooms into a place of safety, stability, and growth.
After returning to Minnesota, I was the director for an early childhood program that served 100+ children and 15 staff members, leading with a mindful, emotionally intelligent approach.
I have spoken at Concordia University–St. Paul and Colorado State University, sharing the importance of creating classrooms built on trust, safety, rhythm, and relationship.
In 2024, after completing my online research, I expanded this research to include over 250 children at more than a dozen early childhood centers in the Twin Cities. What I witnessed was clear: teachers were burning out, children were dysregulated, and classrooms were chaotic because they lacked the systems needed to respond with calm, trauma-informed care. This work confirmed what I had learned during my career. There is an urgent need for a new foundation in early education— a complete reset.
Today, I am the CEO and founder of Mindful Foundations LLC and author of the Trauma-informed Classroom Management and Behavior Guidance curriculum called Mindful Foundations featuring the L.O.V.E.E. method. Both of which help train educators and strengthen programs through the implementation of the 21-day curriculum in classrooms across the country. My approach brings restoration, regulation, and hope to children, teachers, and families — helping early learning environments become a place where everyone can flourish.
