F.C. Bulletin: Tierra Encantada Ribbon-Cutting; New Public Works Boss; F.C. Arts' Next Show; Teddy Bear Clinic

Tierra Encantada Celebrates Grand Opening of Falls Church City Location

Leave it to the Falls Church City Chronicler Phil Duncan – retired F.C. Council member and former journalist – to be on the spot with the latest exciting news from the City's new sprawling West Falls Development.

"Just now opening in The City’s new West Falls neighborhood is Tierra Encantada, a Spanish immersion childcare and preschool facility. It’s on Haycock Rd., across from the Birch & Broad shopping center (Giant, etc.)," Duncan posted at 10:16 a.m. April 5.

"There was a ribbon-cutting Saturday morning, organized by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and attended by our state Sen. Saddam Salim and members of City Council, the Economic Development Authority, and the Planning Commission, hosted by the school’s owners, management and staff."

"It’s an absolutely top-notch facility," Duncan continued. "If you have kids of an age to benefit from the services offered by Tierra Encantada, go check it out!"

A press release from Tierra Encantada described their enterprise as "the leader in Spanish immersion early education®," whose "new center will provide families in Northern Virginia with greater access to high-quality childcare and preschool, a growing necessity in the D.C. metro area." The new center at West Falls marks the second Tierra Encantada in the region.

Located at 131 Haycock Road, the school has 11 classrooms to provide care for and educate 152 students aged 6 weeks through 6 years.

"Family-favorite features of the center include an indoor gym with climbing wall, two state of the art playgrounds, and an onsite commercial kitchen. The Falls Church daycare and preschool just opened for care and is currently accepting enrollments for their infant through pre-k classrooms," the press release continued. 

"Tierra Encantada’s award-winning program features a play-based curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. In a warm and supportive environment, dedicated educators nurture confidence and curiosity as children explore interests like science, music, engineering, and sensory play."

"In infant classrooms, early communication is fostered through teaching sign language, while full Spanish language immersion cultivates bilingualism as children grow. Children are able to learn a second language naturally, just as they learn their first language at home — through meaningful conversation and contextual learning."

“The advantages of early bilingualism are profound – research shows that learning a second language during the formative years enhances cognitive abilities, fosters social skills, and provides cultural awareness that lasts a lifetime,” said Kristen Denzer, chief executive officer.

“This community deserves access to high-quality, culturally rich early education,” said Zargham Amid, Tierra Encantada Franchisee. “We’ve seen that parents in Falls Church value nurturing, forward-thinking learning environments where their children can thrive emotionally, academically, and socially. We’re excited to bring Tierra Encantada to this community and provide families with an early education option that reflects these values.”

In an interview with Voyage Minnesota, Denzer emphasized what distinguishes Tierra Encantada's approach from others. "As far as childcare goes, our day-to-day operations and proprietary program are what sets us apart from others. From the cloth diapers in our classrooms to our fresh-cooked organic food program designed to expand young palates, our goal is to provide a wholesome environment that parents consider a second home for their children."

"Every aspect of Tierra Encantada’s program is thoughtfully designed to support the holistic development of each child, from their cognitive growth to their nutritional needs," Tierra Encantada's press release continued. "Included with tuition, the culinary program offers freshly prepared, globally inspired meals like tofu ginger stir fry, roasted chickpea carrot soup, and Ghanaian jollof rice with shrimp and chicken, introducing a variety of textures and flavors to excite and develop young taste buds. This commitment is rooted in the belief that children deserve wholesome, high-quality food as much as they deserve exceptional care and education."

Franchise owners Mustafa Durrani and Zargham Amid opened their first Tierra Encantada location in Alexandria in 2022. In addition to the newly-opened second location, they have a third center in the Ashton Heights neighborhood of Arlington, Va. opening this Spring. Their quick expansion reflects the need for high-quality childcare and early education throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Our three Virginia locations are part of Tierra Encantada’s growing network of Spanish immersion early learning centers – now spanning five states with 16 locations and many more on the way in the next year."

Families interested in enrolling their children at Tierra Encantada are encouraged to visit www.tierraencantada.com for more information or call (571) 470-6341.

About Tierra Encantada:

Tierra Encantada is the leader in Spanish immersion early education®. Since 2013, Tierra has offered an exceptional childcare experience for children ages 6 weeks through 6 years, emphasizing the holistic development of each child. The play-based curriculum is taught through the language of Spanish, providing children the opportunity to learn a second language similar to how they learn English, naturally through conversation and context. Recognizing that a nurturing environment goes beyond academics, we create days filled with warmth, connection, and wholesome nutrition. Tierra Encantada is the fastest growing Spanish immersion childcare brand in the United States, and has received numerous accolades including “Top New & Emerging Franchises” by Entrepreneur Magazine, “The 50 Franchise Companies Doing the Most to Champion Diversity” by Entrepreneur Magazine, “10 Hottest Franchise Businesses in America'' by Inc Magazine, as well as Inc and Financial Time’s lists of the fastest-growing privately held companies. Tierra Encantada currently has locations in five states, and is seeking qualified candidates to expand the franchise brand to select markets across the United States.

For more information, visit tierraencantada.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. Press Contact: press@tierraencantada.com.

Amanda Stout Brain Named Director of Public Works for the City of Falls Church

Monday, April 7, 2025 - Today, City Manager Wyatt Shields announced the hiring of Amanda Stout Brain as the new Director of the Department of Public Works for the City of Falls Church, Va.  

Amanda Stout Brain joins the City of Falls Church from the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) in Washington, D.C., where she held multiple roles over the last ten years. In her latest role as Deputy Chief Project Delivery Officer, she worked across the agency, coordinating large scale projects with internal and external stakeholders. As a proven public sector leader, her public service career also includes the City of Newton, Mass. and the City of Somerville, Mass. Brain's experience in the private sector helps inform her perspective of public-private partnerships in the development and delivery of planning and public works projects. 

"I am grateful and excited to join the talented team at the City of Falls Church at such a transformative time for the City,” said Brain. “Working together, we’ll build on past successes and continue to deliver public works projects that improve the quality of life for residents, visitors, and the business community."

Brain is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Master's degree in City Planning and a certificate in Urban Design. She obtained her BA from Williams College in History with a concentration in Environmental Studies. 

"Amanda has the breadth and depth of experience that will allow her to become a strong leader for the excellent public servants in the DPW and for the whole City," said Shields. He continued, "Her career – and values – align closely with the City on advancing safety, sustainability, and good governance to empower our inclusive community."   

Amanda Stout Brain will officially join the City on Monday, April 14, 2025.  

Falls Church Arts: 'Faces and Figures': Upcoming Falls Church Arts Exhibit Highlights the Human Form

Falls Church Arts continues its support of arts in the community through its upcoming exhibit "Faces & Figures."

The recently juried exhibition showcases a vibrant collection of works that capture the human form through a diverse range of expressions and materials. Featuring folk art, naive, and primitive styles alongside striking photography, figure drawings and emotive sculpture, the show highlights the raw creativity and emotional depth of its artists. From bold, unrefined lines to unexpected textures, this exhibition celebrates the power of individuality and storytelling through art.

Faces & Figures will run from April 19 to June 1, 2025. The exhibit will open Saturday, April 19 with a meet-the-artists reception at the gallery of Falls Church Arts from 7 - 9:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The Juror’s Choice Award will be announced at the reception. 

Juror Teresa Oaxaca is an American-born artist currently based in Washington, D.C. She's a full-time painter whose works can be seen in collections and galleries throughout the United States and internationally. Her talent has been recognized and rewarded by museums and institutions such as the American Museum of the Cowboy, the former Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Art Renewal Center, the Elisabeth Greenshields Foundation, the Posey Foundation, and the Portrait Society of America, as well as the Museu Europeu D’Art Modern in Barcelona.

Oaxaca's training includes a four-year diploma at the Angel Academy of Art (Florence, Italy), graduate studies at the Florence Academy, an apprenticeship with Odd Nerdrum in Norway, and studies at the The Art League (Alexandria, Va.), where she trained with Robert Liberace and Paul Lucchesi and took many other courses. She teaches workshops around the United States and in Europe.

Artworks will be on display at the gallery of Falls Church Arts at 700-B West Broad St. (Route 7), Falls Church, Va. Admission is free. The gallery is open Tuesdays–Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Artworks will also be available online at https://www.fallschurcharts.org. All pieces are offered for sale and can be purchased at the gallery or on the website. 

For more information, please email info@fallschurcharts.org.

 Teddy Bear Repair Clinic at Mr. Brown's Park! 

We were pleased to receive the following announcement from The Learning Quest in Falls Church!

Got a well-loved teddy bear or stuffed animal in need of a little TLC ~ Tender Loving Care?

Bring them to our Teddy Bear Fix-It Clinic on April 26 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Mr. Brown's Park in Falls Church! 

We'll be repairing stuffed animals and giving them a second chance at life, and we need YOUR help! 

We’re looking for donations of:

• Needles
• Thread
• Wool
• Buttons
• Sewing kits
• Other sewing materials

Have some supplies to spare? Or maybe you want to showcase your repair expertise? Bring your skills and materials, and let's make these beloved toys whole again! 

Donations can be dropped off at the event, and we encourage you to volunteer your time and knowledge to help out!

Let’s spread the love and help these treasured toys live on! See you there! 

RSVP: info@thelearningquest.org or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teddy-bear-repair-clinic-at-mr-browns-park-tickets-1304118366139 

By Christopher Jones