RSG Staff Spotlight: Virginia Quijano (she/her)

Virginia has been with Ready Set Go! for six years and currently acts as Program Coordinator at Meadows Elementary School for our Pre-K classroom for children ages 3-5.

Virginia began her journey with Ready, Set, Go! as an AmeriCorps member back in 2018. In this role, she served at four different program sites and it was here that she was first introduced to early childhood development and learning. 

Through this experience, Virginia explains how she “felt her passion ignite” for early childhood as she got to interact with children and families while working across different RSG! locations. After completing her year of service, she discovered an unexpected path for herself and chose to pursue the opportunity further as a Program Coordinator.

When asked what makes Ready, Set, Go! special, Virginia highlights the strong relationships the program builds with families both inside and outside the classroom. 

“RSG! is able to meet families where they are and connect with them on a level that can be difficult to do in a typical drop-off preschool model.”

-Virginia Quijano

These relationships are built off a solid sense of trust and mutual respect that are maintained even after their children graduate from the program. Families feel comfortable enough to ask them for advice or support that they may not be comfortable asking anybody else.

Virginia’s favorite aspect of the program is engaging with children in both a playful and challenging way that shows parents and caregivers their true capabilities. For potential families interested in RSG! Virginia says: “Take the leap and join in on the fun!” 

She points out that raising a child at this early stage can be an isolating experience for many, but at RSG! we are able to connect families to a group of people who can understand how they feel and may be going through similar experiences. Through finding their own community within our program, Virginia explains how their children will also foster that sense of belonging which they can carry into Kindergarten and beyond.

Fun fact! Virginia’s favorite food is pupusas, a food she grew up eating and loves the versatility of its savory and sweet possibilities. She also has five pet guinea pigs that she thinks would make the perfect mascots for Ready, Set, Go! But if asked to choose an alternative, she says a capybara would be her second choice. 

Stay tuned for more RSG! updates and our next staff spotlight!