Life & Work with Tami Trostel of westwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tami Trostel.

Hi tami, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started back in the foothills of Northern California where I grew up with two older brothers in a family five. My parents with both blue collar workers. I cant recall a day my dad ever missed work. I wholeheartedly attribute my strong work ethic to both my Mom and Dad. The unspoken lessons of hard work and determination molded me into the entrepreneur I am today.

In 1999 I married my high school sweetheart, yes we are still married twenty- seven years and counting. We were young parents living the day to day hardships of working, raising our daughter and putting ourselves through college. In 2002, our second daughter was born. Six weeks into maternity leave I went back to work at the Montessori School in Davis, California. My plan was to continue teaching and my newborn would be in the infant program. Upon returning, the director of the school told me, with zero notice, that she was shutting down the infant room. I decided that day it was time to make a change. I quit that week, got licensed and opened a small in home Montessori for infants.

Working as an entrepreneur I was able to refocus my energy on finishing my Education. I did night and weekend classes at Saint Mary’s College of California where I eventually received my Master’s of Arts in Education in 2014 with my husband, Michael, and three daughters, Ashley, Mia and Zoe as my biggest supporters.

Fast forward another handful of years, we moved with our three daughters back to where my husband grew up in San Francisco. I opened and ran a small Montessori preschool for 14 students. The preschool thrived for ten years. When the pandemic hit we decided we wanted a change; better weather, cheaper housing, than San Francisco, so we searched and found our home in Los Angeles, specifically Beverly Hills.

What I had noticed, was, during the pandemic there was a huge loss in academic learning as well as social-emotional growth. There was no doubt children suffered and lost some critical and important milestones of growth. This was easily recognized it with my own children as well as the students I worked with. With my experience and academic background– a masters in Education with my Montessori Credentials, I came up with a plan to open a small Boutique Education center focused on 1:1 learning to supplement school learning and to get students back on track, socially, emotionally and academically.

In 2022 I opened what is now known as Lavender Fields Montessori in a beautiful brick building in Westwood next to Clementine cafe, across from Century City Mall. It took me about six months to be at full capacity with my Boutique style tutoring center.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running a niche tutoring center our most challenging struggle has been finding qualified and reliable tutors. We require all our staff to have a minimum of a BA degree in the Education field with at least 5 years of experience working with students. Finding tutors who are loving but are also able and willing to hold high exceptions for students and families can be a struggle.

Students thrive on structure, high standards and a caring staff. The void of high exceptions, produce children who are unable to work at their full capacity, regardless of their learning style or learning struggles children flourish when standards are high. Finding staff who can wholeheartedly support this is our goal and mission at Lavender. At Lavender we are known in the community for having high exceptions of social-emotional and academic growth. We hold all students to rigorous standards while providing nurturing support. Lavenders approach supports self -awareness, empathy and responsibility.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today I am proud to say that I serve over 50 families with unique backgrounds. Our specialty is working with gifted students as well as students with disabilities. Students attend Lavender for reading support, math support, social-emotional development as well as occupational therapy techniques utilizing the Montessori method as well as the Lavender method which I have developed through the years.

We have prepared many students for entrance exams into some of the most prestigious schools in Los Angeles, including, Berkeley Hall, Mirman, Brentwood, The Center, Buckley, and John Thomas Dye. We also provide a unique environment for children with special needs; including but not limited to students with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, and students on the spectrum.

Lavenders loving atmosphere alongside our high standards for learning and behavior have fostered an environment for students and families that is rare to find. Parents and students alike are thrilled each week to attend our 1:1 learning at Lavender.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Coming from San Francisco to Los Angeles I enjoy the diverse cultures and the endless summers. Coming from a colder climate I really appreciate the ability to be outside more, exercise, and eat street side at restaurants and cafes as well as enjoying the warm beautiful beaches.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lavenderfieldsacademy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavenderfieldsmontessori/

Image Credits
Joe Greto Photography