Lissarette Nisnevich was born and raised in the Dominican Republic with fully bilingual education, she started her career as an assistant teacher at the age of 15. Over the years, she was blessed with opportunities to travel the world teaching ESL, designing curriculums, and doing volunteer work in local communities. These opportunities not only enriched her understanding of the world, but also widened her horizons as an educator.
With over a decade of experience in 30+ different countries, and a Masters in Early Childhood, Lissarette Nisnevich chose to open a Daycare center and a Preschool of her own right after settling down in New York to start a family. As a Director, she has tested her ability to plan, design and implement curriculums in different regions of the world. Lissarette Nisnevich passionately loves her work and wishes to utilize her skills to educate her son, and help others in her community.
‘’If children are our future, I wish to offer them the opportunities that I was denied when I was growing up. My vision is to educate our youth by offering high-quality education to everyone in my community, regardless of their race, religion, ethnic background, or their family’s financial status. I wish to share my international experience with my students, by showcasing all the best aspects from each culture I acquired during my travels.”’’
Why did you choose education?
I often thought about this question, and to be completely honest I’m not exactly sure what made me make this choice. As the old saying goes, I didn’t choose this life, it chose me. When I was 15 and just finished my english program in the Dominican Republic, my teacher at that time was promoted to a Director role. He recommended me for a position that recently opened up and that marked the beginning of my journey. In the beginning, it started as another job where I could make a living, but as more time went on, it started to evolve into a passion. I truly love working with children and had the privilege to travel the world and teach in different countries.
How does your social media help parents improve the life of their children?
As a content creator, my goal is to reach as many different groups as possible, including other families and educators. As a parent myself, I understand some of the challenges that families face with having to raise their children. My hope is that the information that I share can help alleviate some of those challenges. The information that I typically share links families to resources that otherwise may not be easy to come by. I also offer my recommendations when families are faced between choosing a nanny or a daycare setting for their little ones. I explain general concepts about child development in hopes that better informed parents can help their children thrive. I share such information through my YouTube channel, social media posts and also try to collaborate with other experts in the field.
What are the 2 tips you give to every parent on improving their child’s education?
Invest in the early years. That’s always my first tip. Many people start college funds when a child is born without understanding that 95% of a child’s brain development happens within their first 5 years. It is imperative that children are exposed to as many educational experiences as possible during those early years so they are able to develop a more comprehensive educational platform that will continue to serve them for the rest of their lives.
My second tip is to be in the moment with your children. Your child is constantly learning from you! Be consciously present when spending time with your child. You are their role model. They feed from your energy so be aware of what you are putting out there when you are with them. Their emotional health as adults truly depends on it.
What is most challenging about what you do?
When it comes to running a Center, I believe that finding the balance between happy children, happy staff and happy families is essential. It’s like baking a cake. I am constantly trying to find healthy ways to keep everyone in a place where they feel appreciated, validated and part of something bigger. My goal is to show everyone under my care that we are not simply a business, I want them all to feel that we’re a family instead.
What is most rewarding?
Sometimes I walk into a classroom to check in with a teacher and a student runs towards me for a hug. Other times I get students coming to my office door (open door policy here) and asking me how my day is going. There is no greater feeling in the world than smiles from my students and affection. Children are the most sincere people you will ever come across. When they spontaneously share their love, they mean it, and every time it happens makes me feel like I’m doing my job right.
What is a common misconception people have about what you do?
There are so many! But I believe early childhood educators don’t get the recognition they deserve. I was called a “babysitter” in the past and some people questioned my rates for “what I do”. We are literally setting the foundation of a human being for the rest of their lives. Research backs this fact. This is a labor of love as many of us are underpaid and overworked. When you are an ECE you are in it because you truly love what you do and the children. I feel it’s time to shed light on the fact that we are one of the most important people that will ever be part of a child’s educational journey.
What are your goals/dreams for the future?
I miss my days of traveling the world. I dream of the day I can help children all over the world. I would love to expand my centers to other countries so I am able to provide experienced and trained professionals to more families. For those that are unable to receive my services, I would like to reach them through my books and give lectures for free so parents have another platform to receive the support they need.
What else would you like people to know about your job/career?
I just published a bilingual children’s book titled “Eldie makes new friends! / Eldie hace nuevos amigos!” It’s a story about diversity and acceptance based on my biracial family and our lovely son. Highly encourage anyone with little ones wanting to have meaningful conversations about acceptance to get this book for their home or classroom!
Where do you get your inspiration from daily?
I’m a big believer that you have to be your own cheerleader. I push myself and pat myself on the back every single day. Other times I look at my son and how happy he is. His smile and the smile of all of our students helps me stay on track. After all, the future we dream about is going to be built by them.
Any advice for entrepreneurs on moving beyond a failure?
Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. Do not be afraid to try new things. Failing means you are trying. I learned a great deal from my failures, which shaped my life into its current state today. It’s important for yourself to know your limits, which you can only test by taking risks and trying out new things. Worst thing that you can do is live with regret.
Share us some tips for women who are in doubt of leaving their secure job and starting their own business.
I was miserable working for the place I was working for before I started my own business. Nevertheless, to leave my secure position right after giving birth to a baby and take this risk was probably one of the scariest things I have done. I took a risk and I won. While you are sitting on that desk thinking of how much more you could be doing, keep those notes. Don’t just storm out of your job, but try to have a plan. Taking a risk doesn’t mean always having to improvise, you need to have a detailed plan of where you want to go and how you want to get there. You deserve to live your best life and to be happy. You came to this world to be happy, don’t lose that opportunity.
Learn more about Lissarette: https://www.lissarette.com
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