In many ways, I believe the seed for this school was planted, not by me, but by the collective energy of incredible, gifted, and unique minds. It also feels like it's come just at the right time. A moment that feels ripe for a paradigm shift.
The spark for its creation was born from unrealized gifts and unbound potential, and perhaps the frustrations felt by so many in response to systems that can bind creativity and inner-genius in the name of conformity.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
of Unique Minds Unite
Hi, I’m Zaneta Papis, and I am a parent to a uniquely minded child.
I worked as a tech professional for twenty years where I learned the importance of innovation. I spent those years anticipating change and adapting to emerging trends. And while I’ve watched my son fill in endless worksheets for homework, I’ve realized schools aren’t properly preparing our kids for the real-world. I bring experience in problem solving with the understanding that trying out new ideas, curiosity, collaboration, and experimenting while learning from trial and error empowers young minds and prepares them for bright futures.
And for the past twenty years, my spiritual studies including yoga teacher training, spiritual apprenticeship, intensive meditation training, and a certification in conscious parenting have grounded me in attunement, presence, and compassion. They allow me to guide this school with a deep trust in children’s innate wisdom, an understanding of developmental and emotional needs, and a commitment to creating a space where every child is honored as their whole, authentic self.
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Today, I run an afterschool program dedicated to building community and empowering uniquely minded kids through visualization, creativity, and problem-solving.
My own parenting path, riddled with frustrations, has led me here.
The real catalyst for starting a school was knowing that I wanted my own child to be in a learning environment that built his confidence during the vulnerable, early-adolescent years.
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I remember one IEP meeting very clearly. I sat nervously while at least six other dedicated professionals all discussed the ways my son could improve. It became clear to me that his neurodivergence was seen as something to be “fixed”. His goals were set to help him fit in with peers, and not to cultivate his strengths and gifts. That night I realized, while well-intentioned, the current systems are not designed to celebrate and empower uniquely minded individuals. What’s worse is they are fueling self-doubt and creating negative belief systems during critical developmental periods. ​
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I also quickly learned my child is not one to be easily molded, and after years of inner-work I realized what a gift that was! He was teaching me to love the unhealed parts of myself more and to become steady and rooted in my essence while also asking to be seen and accepted for who he was.
It’s frustrating to watch current systems try to mold children into boxes they don’t belong in. I know we’re not the only ones navigating a broken system. There are so many children, and so many families feeling this way.
But what if we flipped the paradigm and allowed the kids who don’t easily “fit in” to take an active role in molding and shaping the environments they’re in?
At our school, kids are active participants in their learning. The rhythm of the day may look different depending on the phase of the year, but in every phase students help shape the environment. They create the rules and are responsible for upholding them. As the year progresses, they begin participating in curriculum they’ve designed themselves. In these moments, teachers act as guides, and often as observers. This approach builds confidence, responsibility, and curiosity in each child.
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At Unique Minds Unite we are creating something from the ground up, and we are re-imagining education together.