About MANA

Timeless qualities for a rapidly changing world.

The world our children are growing into is changing rapidly, but the qualities that create extraordinary human beings remain timeless.

Curiosity
Character
Creativity
Compassion
Leadership
Resilience

Learning woven into authentic projects that matter.

At MANA, we believe children learn best when they are inspired by meaningful work, trusted with real responsibility, and surrounded by caring guides who help them discover their unique gifts.

Rather than separating learning into isolated subjects, MANA weaves reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, art, entrepreneurship, communication, and service into authentic projects that matter.

The goal is to help children become capable humans who know themselves, contribute to others, and love learning.

Children gathering their hands around a shared bowl outdoors

Our philosophy

Children are naturally curious. Education should protect that curiosity.

A guide and a young child working side by side at the MANA makers station

Drawing inspiration from project-based learning, child-led exploration, entrepreneurship, nature immersion, leadership development, and hands-on making, MANA creates an environment where children actively build knowledge instead of passively receiving it and memorizing it.

Our guides don’t simply provide answers.

They ask thoughtful questions
They encourage experimentation
They celebrate mistakes as part of learning
They help children develop confidence through real experiences

Children leave MANA not only knowing more, but believing in themselves.

Meet our guides

The people behind the learning.

Sonya

Waldorf-trained educator · community curator

Sonya is a passionate educator, community curator, tap dance teacher, and choreographer who has spent the past 25 years training individuals and groups of all ages through hands-on experiences.

Her diploma in Waldorf Education from Taruna College in New Zealand prepared her for teaching children ages 4–13 in a variety of subjects through “boots on the ground” learning.

Having lived and worked on biodynamic farms, she has seen again and again the importance of teaching children to cultivate a personal relationship with the Earth and learn through their heart, hands, and head, thus nurturing their emotional, physical, and intellectual growth and curiosity.

By knowing how to grow their own food and take care of animals, children feel empowered to live more sustainably in Right Relation to all life.

Amir Magal

Creator of Tribal Makers · maker educator

Amir Magal is the creator of Tribal Makers, an educational approach centered on hands-on making, creative confidence, and learning through purposeful projects. His work helps children see themselves as designers, builders, and problem-solvers who can transform ideas into reality.

At MANA, Amir guides students through the design process, encouraging curiosity, resilience, collaboration, craftsmanship, and joyful experimentation. His mentorship helps children discover that creativity is not a talent reserved for a few. It is a skill everyone can develop through practice and perseverance.

Brandee Sabella

Entrepreneur · educator · philanthropist

Brandee Sabella is an entrepreneur, educator, philanthropist, and leader in the personal development movement. She is the co-creator of Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica and founder of The 9th Ray, where she works with entrepreneurs, artists, philanthropists, and leaders from around the world to help them align their work with purpose and create meaningful legacies.

Brandee developed the MANA curriculum from a belief that children thrive when learning is connected to creativity, service, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, and real-world experiences. She continues to collaborate with master educators, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, Indigenous elders, and visionary leaders, integrating their life’s work into a living curriculum that evolves alongside the world and the children it serves.

Life at MANA