Today we talk to Florencia Ugalde, a Mexican-born teacher, coach, mentor and bookworm about her journey through North, Central and South America and her life-long passion for learning, her appreciation of local customs and a certain green vegetable. 

How did you find settling in Austin Texas as a newly-wed 25 year-old from Mexico City?

This was such an exciting time for us to move overseas and Austin is such a fun and dynamic city! My husband was finishing his Master´s and I discovered Montessori education which was a true epiphany moment. It was a real professional, spiritual and also emotional game changer.

Typical Montessori classroom

What is it about Montessori education that you admire?

I love that it’s person-centric and based on principles of connection, respect, support and observation. It’s more of a way of life than an educational program; providing purpose from the teacher´s perspective and a meaningful learning and development journey for all ages. The same Montessori principles can be applied to coaching adults and also to the elderly as well as people with dementia.  

You lived for several years in Buenos Aires, what was that like for you and your family, coming from the opposite end of Latin America?

Ahhhh, Buenos Aires… the core of my heart forever.  The most joyous time in my life without a doubt. .  It was amazing to soak up a very different culture, to adapt to a new way of speaking Spanish, and experiencing life. The Argentines welcomed us from day one and we slotted right in. In fact, one of our sons went on to take Argentine citizenship and the other still uses all the Argentine slang like ”vos, mirá, vení, tampoco la pavada!”

Family dinner in Buenos Aires

As an avid book lover, what sort of books do you most enjoy reading?

I like any fiction or historical fiction that moves me and makes me think, even if I have to stop reading to recover or reflect. Books that have had a particular impact on me include: People of The Book, Lovely Bones, Memory Stones, as well as other titles that speak to my passion for history and art. I have found book clubs are a great introduction to non-fiction and other authors. Such fun to be “stretched”!

What book do you most recommend to others?

 Isabel Allende´s La Casa de los Espíritus (The House of Spirits) because I love how the magical realism in it belies a story of love, betrayal, redemption and the power of love.

Florencia gets certified

You´re a passionate Montessori Coach for teachers, what did you find most challenging about that role?

At first it was hard coaching and mentoring peers but with the right dose of diplomacy, patience and humility I think I managed to gain their trust so in the end we worked together in harmony. It was very fulfilling to see their individual growth, as well as my own.

Coffee Highlands in Cobán

How did it feel as a Mexican to live in your mother´s homeland of Guatemala for two years in 2010?

That was actually a dream come true!  I grew up in Mexico yet my mother infused us with a love for Guatemalan arts, crafts and food. This posting really brought to life all my childhood memories of the local flowers like the orchids and the animals such as the quetzle birds as well as the iconic settings of volcanoes and lakes and I have really developed a lasting passion for anything Mayan, especially textiles and huipiles (traditional blouse or tunic).  It was very special to be able to show my own family my grandfather´s coffee farm, in the highlands near Cobán, where my mother grew up.  So we are forever grateful for this unexpected opportunity to connect with my mother´s heritage.

El Pimiento Verde´s irresistible artichokes

What is your secret Madrid?

I LOVE eating artichokes at Pimiento Verde!! I also really recommend the Cafetería at the French Institute, a real find!

Day of the Dead display at Casa de México

What are the origins of the Day of the Dead and why is it such a key festival in Mexico?  

The Day of the Dead in Mexico is a Pre-Colombian ritualistic celebration represented by a colorful Altar or “Ofrenda” at home to honor our deceased loved ones who are believed to return to visit the living in a ceremony of gratitude, love and joy.

I only embraced this tradition two years ago, after visiting the Altars at Casa de México en España, and realizing the value and significance of my roots.  I have sadly lost loved ones these past years, and it has been very comforting for me to focus on the celebration of their lives and our connections by opening my home and heart to our spiritual reunion.  

Loved ones remembered

Now that you have retired what activities have you taken up and why?

I love to keep learning! My current plans include a Montessori program for dementia to improve quality of life in old people´s homes and another for Special Educational Needs.

For now, I´m enjoying going to the gym, meditation, cinema, long walks in preparation for El Camino and I LOVE the INC activities.