About
Our Story
Co-founders Michelle and Congo have shared a life and partnership for over 30 years. With Michelle’s 25+ years of expertise in early childhood education and Congo’s passion for performing and teaching world beat percussion, they decided to bring their unique skills together to create a truly one-of-a-kind learning experience for children. United Hearts was born in 2021, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, from their vision to create a preschool where children take the lead in learning.
They imagined a vibrant, play-based environment enriched with musical instruments from African and Latin diasporas, offering children the chance to explore art in diverse forms and connect with nature through living soil gardening. For two years, Michelle and Congo dedicated themselves to planning and perfecting this vision, awaiting the ideal space to bring it to life. In 2023, the Westside Community Center became available in Colorado Springs, providing the perfect home for United Hearts Community School.
From its humble beginnings, United Hearts has quickly become a beloved part of the Westside Community, providing children a joyful, exploratory education rooted in culture, creativity, and community.
Mission:
Our mission at United Hearts is to unite hearts through music, arts, and nature education, fostering creativity, connection, and a profound appreciation for the beauty and transformative power they hold.
Core Values:
At United Hearts, we are dedicated to fostering a world where the transformative power of arts, music, and nature education thrives. Our mission is to ignite the flame of creativity and cultivate a deep appreciation for the arts, the power of music, and the beauty of nature in the hearts and minds of individuals across all walks of life.
Through our diverse range of programs and initiatives, we strive to provide inclusive and accessible opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the arts, explore the wonders of music, and connect with the natural world. We believe that these experiences have the capacity to transcend boundaries, inspire personal growth, and nurture a harmonious connection between people and their surroundings.
United Hearts is committed to fostering creativity and self-expression. We aim to empower individuals to discover their unique artistic voices and to embrace their innate abilities. By offering comprehensive arts education programs, workshops, and collaborative projects, we provide a supportive environment where participants can explore, experiment, and develop their creative potential.
We recognize the profound impact of music on the human spirit. United Hearts is dedicated to promoting music education as a means of personal and communal enrichment. We strive to provide accessible music programs that nurture talent, encourage collaboration, and instill a lifelong passion for the transformative power of music. Through concerts, performances, and community outreach initiatives, we aim to inspire and uplift individuals, fostering a deep appreciation for the universal language of music.
Our commitment to nature education stems from the belief that a strong connection with the natural world cultivates empathy, environmental stewardship, and a sense of wonder. United Hearts aims to create opportunities for individuals to engage with nature through outdoor experiences, environmental education programs, and conservation efforts. By fostering a deep appreciation for the Earth's beauty and biodiversity, we strive to inspire a collective responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.
United Hearts envisions a world where arts, music, and nature education are recognized as essential components of personal development, cultural enrichment, and societal well-being. Through our unwavering dedication to these pillars, we seek to unite hearts, foster creativity, and inspire a deeper understanding of ourselves, our communities, and the world around us. Together, let us embrace the transformative power of arts, music, and nature to create a harmonious and vibrant future for all.
Meet Our Staff
Michelle Carroll, Director / Teacher
Michelle brings 25 years of teaching experience working in Early Childhood Education as a Head Start Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, First Grade Teacher, Before and After School program leader, Summer Camp leader, Summer Arts program teacher, Childcare Center Lead Teacher and In-home Childcare Provider. She has a BS degree in Child Development and MA degree in Teaching and Learning with Technology. She currently holds a Professional Teaching License in Colorado and is Large Center Director qualified through Colorado Shines.
Congo, Director of Drums for Diversity Music Program/ Teacher
Congo is the Founder of Drums for Diversity and Director of our music and culture program. He has been a professional percussionist for over 25 years. He has worked with Grammy award winning artists throughout his career. He has 20 years of experience working in schools hosting drum workshops and performances. He is sharing his skill and passion for the African and Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz diasporas and World Beats Percussion with our students and their families. He will be teaching the basic rhythms of the congas, bongos, claves, cajon and many other instruments including the history of where they came from. He provides all of the instruments for a full hands-on approach to learning.
Silvana Zavala, Teacher
Silvana is a native of Lima, Peru. She is excited about sharing her culture and the Spanish language with the kids. She holds a BS degree of Applied Science Hospitality Administration from Southern Hampshire University and is currently pursing a career in Early Childhood Education with Pikes Peak State College. Travel is one of her passions in life. After visiting almost 150 cities and 35 countries, she started her most important journey when she became a mother of her son, Liam. She now lives in the Westside neighborhood and her son will be joining United Hearts this Fall.
Samantha Miller, Teacher
Coach Sam is a Colorado Springs native and grew up on the Westside and Old North End of town. She attended Buena Vista Elementary, West Middle and Coronado High School - finishing her schooling at UCCS with a Bachelor in Arts Degree. She has a socially creative 7yr old son and a diverse family life that has led her to teaching a kids art class at the Westside Community Center and being a part of the Colorado PTA. Being Indigenous Native and Hispanic, she brings the love of cultural awareness and inclusivity, as well as understanding that children need a sense of community. Sam has coached sports from ages 3 - 13 years of age and encourages creativity whenever possible. Sam believes that creativity is a mindset that everyone can inhabit and makes a point to not let financial, social, or educational rules dictate our "creative genius" in any subject matter or skill level.