Austėja Landsbergienė, Ph.D., is a pioneering female entrepreneur and the founder of the largest network of pre-schools – Vaikystės Sodas – and schools – Queen Morta School – in the Baltic States. In addition, she has launched several other impactful projects, such as the LearnED Teacher Training Academy, Well-being Center for Children, and the Lituanistic School for the children of Lithuanian expats.
Balancing entrepreneurship with family life as a mother of four, Austėja exemplifies how determination, vision, and a commitment to both work and family can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Her ability to nurture her entrepreneurial ventures while fulfilling her role as a mother highlights her resilience and dedication.
Her approach to education is rooted in the belief that children need both structure and the freedom to explore. With this vision in mind, Austėja created the Contextual Education System, which blends theory and practice, empowering children to think independently and creatively in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Through her entrepreneurial journey, she has built a legacy of innovation and impact in education, proving that it’s possible to balance a successful business with family life. Her determination and vision continue to inspire women entrepreneurs, showing that with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to creating positive change, anything is achievable.
Vaikystės Sodas Preschools
Founded by Austėja Landsbergienė, Ph.D., Vaikystės Sodas Preschools use an innovative approach to early childhood education. The curriculum, built on her Contextual Education Principles, develops 21st-century competencies through play, exploration, and agency. Children are nurtured into confident, independent thinkers—adaptable problem solvers ready to pursue their dreams. The preschool environment fosters whole child development, preparing children to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Queen Morta School
Queen Morta School, with campuses in Vilnius and Kaunas, emphasizes academic excellence and character education. The school’s curriculum focuses on developing essential skills like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, helping students to become the best versions of themselves. Additionally, Queen Morta School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, providing a globally recognized education that promotes global thinking and continuous self-improvement.
Well-being Center for Children
Beyond her schools, Austėja also founded the Well-being Center for Children, which provides therapeutic support for children facing learning challenges, as well as assistance for their families. The center’s team includes professionals such as psychologists, music and drama therapists, speech therapists, providing comprehensive support for every child.
LearnED Teacher Training Academy
Recognizing the need for improved professional training in education, Austėja founded the LearnED Teacher Training Academy. The academy not only nurtures innovation within the field of education but also hosts national and international conferences that promote growth and knowledge-sharing among educators, fostering collaboration and empowering teachers to embrace new methodologies and strategies in the classroom.
Lituanistic School
Austėja’s love for the Lithuanian language and culture, along with a deep sense of patriotism, inspired her to establish the Lituanistic School for children of Lithuanian expats. Having lived in Belgium with her children, she understood the challenges of raising them away from one’s homeland. Her mission was to provide Lithuanian children abroad with the opportunity for high-quality lessons of the mother tongue and the foundations for Lithuanian history, geography, and cultural heritage. The online Lituanistic School has been a success, connecting families worldwide to their heritage.
Books
As the author of seven books on parenting, early education, and child development, including her latest No Drama Parenting, Austėja Landsbergienė, Ph.D., has established herself as a trusted voice in the field. Her books offer valuable insights and practical advice for parents and educators, drawing from her extensive experience in both education and raising four children. Her writing continues to inspire and guide those seeking to create positive, lasting impact in the lives of children and families.
No Drama Parenting Podcast
No Drama Parenting is Austėja’s podcast dedicated to authentic, real-life conversations on parenting. Together with inspiring guests, she explores lessons learned, challenges faced, and defining moments in parenthood. Covering a wide range of topics—from digital education and early childhood development to family traditions, conscious parenting, and much more—the podcast highlights the resilience needed to navigate the ups and downs of raising children. Through these honest discussions, Austėja encourages parents to embrace parenting with confidence, grace, and a little less drama.
DELE Spanish Language Examination Center
Queen Morta School in Vilnius is an accredited DELE Spanish Language Examination Center, certified by the Cervantes Institute. The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) exam, recognized globally, provides the opportunity to earn an official diploma certifying Spanish language proficiency. This diploma is widely accepted by universities, employers, and institutions worldwide, opening doors for academic, professional and personal opportunities. Anyone, whether inside or outside the school, can take the exam and obtain a globally recognized certification.
