Meet the Founder
Hi! I’m Karen Peña, the founder of the Tiny Human Club, a non-profit Microschool based in Sacramento, CA. More importantly, I am a wife, mom, educator, and believer in childhood the way it was meant to be: curious, connected, and full of wonder.
As a parent myself, I wanted something different for my children. I didn’t want them sitting still for hours or being rushed through learning that didn’t feel meaningful. I wanted a space where they could explore, grow, and be seen for who they truly are—and where I, as a parent, could feel involved and supported, too.
That longing planted the seed for the Tiny Human Club.
My Experience
I hold a Master’s in Teaching and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from William Jessup University, along with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Credential. I have over 8 years of experience teaching students from early childhood through high school, and a deep passion for creating learning environments that feel both meaningful and magical.
Before entering the classroom, I earned my undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts from California State University, Fullerton. After graduation, I had the joy of touring the U.S., teaching theatre to children of all ages. I later served as the Artistic Director of a local theatre company, where I first learned the ins and outs of running a nonprofit.
In a completely different chapter of life, I also worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for a local ambulance company—eventually moving into a management role where I focused on employee recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction.
I even spent six years in retail leadership (yes, including at Downtown Disney!), which taught me the importance of thoughtful design, excellent customer experience, and building strong community culture.
Each chapter of my career—from the stage to the classroom to emergency services—has given me tools, insights, and heart. I bring all of it with me every day as I build this learning center with intention, joy, and a deep respect for the families we serve.
Why I Started The Tiny Human Club
Watching my own daughters grow, I realized how rare it is to find a learning environment that truly honors the natural pace of childhood. I longed for something slower, more intentional—a place where curiosity is nurtured, families feel connected, and kids can thrive without being rushed.
As much as I love being in the classroom, I found myself disheartened by the political landscape of both public and private education in California. I wanted to homeschool my girls, but like many parents—I needed to work. When I began exploring non-traditional school models, I found very few options that blended what I was looking for.
So, I decided to build it myself—a space that combines the freedom of homeschooling, the creativity of unschooling, and the joyful energy of learning in community. A place for tiny humans—and the families raising them.
My Vision
Our microschool is rooted in wellness, guided by curiosity, and built with whole families in mind. From natural materials and low-toxin environments to parent involvement and purpose-driven learning, everything we do supports the growth of tiny humans—and the people raising them.
This is more than a learning center. It’s a place where children feel at home, and where families grow right alongside them.
I can’t wait to welcome you.
Warmly,
Karen Peña
Founder, The Tiny Human Club
