Richelle Gaines

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe childhood deserves to be honored, not rushed. I have always felt called to protect the magic of early years — the curiosity, the wonder, the deep need to feel seen and understood. Teaching isn’t just a profession for me; it’s a way of shaping the future with gentleness and intention. Teaching allows me to partner with families, build strong foundations, and plant seeds that will grow far beyond my classroom. It is heart work. It is purpose.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a child in my classroom who struggled deeply with confidence. He avoided new work, watched others before attempting anything, and would often say, “I can’t.” For months, we worked gently — building trust, offering small choices, celebrating effort instead of outcome. There were no dramatic breakthroughs, just steady presence. One morning, during work cycle, he chose a material he had always avoided. He looked at me, hesitated, and instead of asking for help, took a deep breath and tried.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest in growth — especially if it aligned with my purpose. That might look like expanding a Montessori consulting or parenting platform, building out digital resources for families, or creating high-quality workshops and curriculum materials that support conscious parenting. I’d want the money to multiply through meaningful work. I would also carve out something just for joy — perhaps a meaningful trip with my son, an experience rooted in nature and connection.