Our Story

Welcome! We’re Ashley and Michael Varouhas, the family behind Nest Learning Academy.

Nest began as a shared dream. After years of working in early childhood education, Ashley saw how much children thrive when they’re in a warm, responsive environment that truly understands them. Michael, with a background in creative work and a deep love for building meaningful community spaces, shared that same vision. When we noticed a growing need for a family-focused, play-based program in our area, we felt called to create something special — a school that felt like an extension of home.

Ashley has worked in early childhood education for over a decade as a teacher, administrator, and center director. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction, and an M.Ed in Behavior Analysis. Today, she leads our curriculum, licensing, and teacher coaching with the same heart and dedication that shaped her entire career.

While Ashley focuses on educational leadership, we run Nest side-by-side every day. We are on-site, present, and connected with every classroom and every family. We believe children learn best when the adults around them feel like trusted partners, and we work hard to keep that homey, welcoming feeling at the center of our school.

What started as a vision for something better has grown into a community we’re incredibly proud of — a place where children are known, loved, and encouraged to explore the world at their own pace.

We’re grateful to share this journey with you, and we’re honored that you’re considering Nest as part of your family’s story.