Our Leaders

Candy Ortega
Founding Director
Candy’s deeply rooted passion for education began as a teacher in a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool, where she saw first-hand that children are competent, capable, and able to be actively involved in orchestrating their own learning.
In 2008, Candy and her husband, Roberto, founded KLA Schools — a nationwide network of high-quality Reggio Emilia preschools. In 2012, they expanded KLA’s flagship school in Brickell to include elementary programming, and then founded KLA Academy in 2021.
Candy enjoys being in the school each day, working with the leadership team, interacting with families, and watching students become thoughtful, independent learners. She holds a degree in Child Development and Business Administration and has been invited to attend and speak at numerous Reggio Emilia conferences in the US and abroad.
Julie has over 30 years of experience teaching in and leading outstanding early childhood and elementary programs at renowned private and independent schools, and she has a deep understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach. Throughout her career, Julie has been an agent of change — advocating for progressive, child-first policies and programs, that have impacted the lives of myriad students and families.
She brings joy, empathy, knowledge, and a willingness to learn and grow alongside the KLA Academy team. Julie holds a Master’s degree in Education and is a member of many esteemed professional organizations, including the Harvard Principal Center and the North American Reggio Alliance.

Julie Brooks
Head of School