Founder + Lead Educator

Hello! I'm Barbara Achilles Minardi, a Texas-native raised in San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. After graduating high school, I followed my dreams to New York City, where I met my husband, James, an IT consultant. After extended stints in Miami and the San Francisco Bay Area, I found my way back to Texas. I currently reside outside Austin, TX, near Lake Travis.

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My motivation for creating Reach for the Stars ATX includes: a) my dream of curating a career that brings me joy; b) my children, Gaby and Jax, who serve as the fuel that keeps me focused; and c) my mother. As a lifelong advocate of community service and volunteerism, and as a 3-time cancer survivor, she stands as a remarkable example of resilience, kindness, and grace—the very character strengths and traits I hope to instill.

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In addition to my role as a daughter, wife, and mom, I am a substitute teacher for the Lake Travis ISD and hold an honors degree in business from San Francisco State University. Before Reach for the Stars ATX, I served as a program coordinator for a non-profit with a mission to break the cycle of poverty through education. I also worked as a horse trainer and lead-walker for a hippotherapy program, providing horseback-related therapy to children with varying needs. My background reflects my passion: working with young people and helping them live healthier and happier lives.

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Photo Credit: Stephanie Anne Studio