Our History
Founding
In 2018, Austin City Lutherans ("ACL") determined to establish Mariposa Family Learning Center as an expansion of their outreach to the neighbors of Southeast Austin. In cooperation with the Montopolis Friendship Community Center, Austin City Lutherans proceeded to identify needs and resources, and began working to renovate the Vargas location.
February 2018
Austin City Lutherans votes to expand its outreach with an Early Learning Initiative to be based in East Austin.
December 2018
Location for the new early learning center is secured with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Montopolis Friendship Community Center.
Location
Throughout 2018 and into 2019, ACL raised capital to invest in renovations for the building and salaries for the initial administration and teaching team.
July 2019
Work begins to renovate the school building at Montopolis Friendship Community Center. Many from the ACL community contribute financial support and volunteer labor to create a beautiful space for children in Southeast Austin.
Sheila Pharis
November 2019
Sheila Pharis is hired as Executive Director of Mariposa Family Learning Center. Sheila is a passionate advocate for high-quality childcare for all children. Her dedication to education and loving care shapes Mariposa's initial curriculum and childcare practices.
January 2020
With our initial preschool teaching team in place, Mariposa began shaping a caring learning environment -- developing best practices and a high-quality curriculum designed to nurture and support the children and families we serve.
February 2020
February 2020
Our enrollment efforts paid off as we joyfully welcomed four wonderful families for Mariposa’s very first day of school --ready to begin this new journey together!
THE PANDEMIC
March 13, 2020
Mariposa temporarily closed its doors in response to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic that was beginning to affect families in Austin. As the closure stretched on, our team came together with one goal -- finding meaningful ways to stay connected with our children and families.
April 2020
Mariposa teachers began hosting Zoom circle times twice a week to stay connected with families. We also created activity packets filled with materials, books, and games for children to enjoy at home. To add even more fun, our team filmed YouTube videos to inspire families to play, learn, and create together.
August 2020
Following guidance from the CDC, Austin Public Health, and Travis County Health, Mariposa reopened our classroom to support families who needed to return to work and begin recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to follow all current health guidelines and take thoughtful precautions to keep our children, families, and staff safe.
Reopening
In August of 2020, the Center reopened for the families who stuck with us during the pandemic closure and for new families needing accessible, high-quality childcare. In March of 2021, Mariposa started our first food and nutrition parent programming with a school garden.
March 2021
2021 – Mariposa Meals Began
Mariposa Meals, our very first outdoor gardening and healthy eating program, launched in spring 2021. We hosted three family gardening days and two information sessions to introduce our Food & Nutrition Guidelines for school lunches and snacks. Each week, children gardened together, and twice a week we sent home fresh produce for families to enjoy.
This program continues today as a fully integrated part of the curriculum and school day, with students participating in gardening and families having seasonal opportunities to join in as well.
Expansion - Fall 2021!
Mariposa Expands – 2021
Mariposa Family Learning Center proudly decided to take over the Montopolis Friendship Community Center building. We renovated the space to serve as offices, a teacher resource room, family programming area, and community hall. We were excited to open our infant classroom in January 2022 in space adjacent to the preschool classroom!
Adryana Aldeen
November 2021
Adryana Aldeen joined Mariposa Family Learning Center as our part-time Director of Advancement, bringing with her a long and distinguished career in Spanish-language media and community and cross-cultural service within the Latino community. At Mariposa, she led our strategic fundraising initiatives with passion and dedication, helping to strengthen our mission and expand our impact.
Although Adryana has passed away, her legacy continues to live on at Mariposa -- in the programs she helped grow, the relationships she nurtured, and the vision she advanced for our families. To honor her memory and lasting contributions, we invite legacy gifts to be made in her name.
2025
Welcoming Our New Executive Director
Barb Dunnam joined the Mariposa family in early 2025. She brought over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, with a strong focus on early childhood education, youth development, and outdoor learning. Before joining Mariposa, she had the honor of leading Camp Fire Central Texas, where she helped children build confidence and curiosity through hands-on experiences in nature.
Celebrating 5 Years Serving Montopolis
Mariposa celebrated its fifth-year anniversary surrounded by the wonderful community of East Austin and the people who have made it all possible!