Reach for the Stars ATX

Reach for the Stars ATX Austin’s premier provider of modern etiquette, leadership, and life skills programs for kids, tweens & teens. Hello! My name is Barbara Achilles Minardi.

Building confidence, social awareness, and character to help young people feel prepared for the moments that matter. I am the founder and creator of Reach for the Stars ATX. I am a mom of 2, substitute teacher, and former program coordinator for a non-profit focused on teaching life skills and academic enrichment courses to low-income children and their families. My background reflects my passion: working with young people and helping them live healthier and happier lives.

There are some people who simply feel larger than life, and Dolly Parton has always been one of those people to me (and ...
08/25/2026

There are some people who simply feel larger than life, and Dolly Parton has always been one of those people to me (and my family - we spend the entire holiday season playing “Hard Candy Christmas” on repeat like no other music exists).

I’m heartbroken to learn about the passing of Dolly. She is a true Super Leader in every sense of the word, and an inspiration for the program.

She rose from incredibly humble beginnings to become the Rhinestone Queen, a champion for children, and a literacy goddess who changed millions of lives through the gift of books. But what has always inspired me most is that, no matter how far she rose, she never seemed to forget where she came from.

That is the kind of Super Leader I want my kids to know.

One of my favorite Super Leaders projects from the past few years was inspired by Dolly’s song Coat of Many Colors. Available for free on the Reach for the Stars ATX website under Fun Freebies, this craft encourages children to create their own colorful “coat” while reflecting on gratitude, love, pride, and the idea that some of life’s greatest treasures cannot be bought.

Dolly showed us that you can come from very little and still give the world so very much.

Thank you, Dolly, for reminding generations of children (and big kids like me) that kindness has value, dreams are worth chasing, books can change lives, and there is always room for a little more sparkle.

Go rest among the stars. You’ve certainly earned your place there.

Find the“Coat of Many Colors” project under Fun Freebies at reachforthestarsATX.com, and give your kids the gift of Dolly.

One of my favorite parts of what I do is meeting families who understand the importance of preparing kids for the real w...
07/22/2026

One of my favorite parts of what I do is meeting families who understand the importance of preparing kids for the real world, and the Mini Moguls 2026 Summit at Horseshoe Bay Resort was a perfect example!

I was invited by a corporate client to bring dining etiquette to life, teaching the next generation the importance of table manners, being a gracious guest, and feeling confident in any social setting.

This 5th-generation family company created the summit to help guide their younger family members as they prepare to carry on the family legacy. What stood out to me was their understanding that success requires more than business knowledge; it also requires confidence, communication skills, and social awareness.

Because success isn’t just about what you know. It’s also about how you show up, how you treat others, and the impression you leave behind.

As the saying goes, “Good manners can take you places money cannot.”

Best review ever 🥰
07/22/2026

Best review ever 🥰

Breaking Bread Update: The Table Keeps Getting Bigger!At this point, I should probably stop making flyers because I keep...
07/09/2026

Breaking Bread Update: The Table Keeps Getting Bigger!

At this point, I should probably stop making flyers because I keep having to update them so often… but I’ll take that as a good problem to have!

You asked, and I listened - more Breaking Bread dates have been added!

This Sunday | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Only ONE seat remains for this upcoming dining experience!

Saturday, August 9 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
SOLD OUT!
Because this date filled so quickly, I opened up an additional dinner option:

Saturday, August 9 | 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
Now available!

Saturday, October 11 | 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
A new dinner option has been added!

November 8 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Seats are still available!

Breaking Bread is a hands-on dining etiquette experience where kids ages 6–14 learn modern manners, table etiquette, conversation skills, and the confidence to feel comfortable at any table — all while enjoying a memorable multi-course meal together.

Hosted in a private home setting with a small group of only 8 participants, this experience is about so much more than knowing which fork to use. It’s about confidence, kindness, communication, and learning how to make others feel welcome.

Can’t find a date that works for your family? Reach out! I’m always happy to open additional dates when possible.

Looking for something more personalized? I now offer Private Guided Dining lessons for up to 3 participants at a partnering private club. Perfect for siblings, friends, or small groups wanting a customized experience.

The table is set — I hope to see your child there!

Register at reachforthestarsATX.com

Love Is All You Need :)One of the hardest (and most rewarding!) parts of owning a small business is that every single fa...
07/09/2026

Love Is All You Need :)

One of the hardest (and most rewarding!) parts of owning a small business is that every single family, student, and experience matters.

If your child has participated in one of my etiquette classes, social skills workshops, after-school programs, library programs, scout programs, private club events, or private lessons, I would be so grateful if you could take just a minute to share your experience.

A kind review helps other families find Reach for the Stars ATX.

Honest feedback helps me continue improving and creating meaningful experiences for kids.

And let’s be real… Google only shows me love when y’all show me love!

Reviews help a small business like mine grow, reach more families, and allow me to keep doing what I absolutely love - helping children build confidence, character, and the social skills they need to shine.

If you have a moment, I would truly appreciate a Google review here: https://g.page/r/CeYbwFh0ZMAcEBM/review

Yelp and Facebook reviews are also incredibly appreciated and help more families discover Reach for the Stars ATX.

Thank you for trusting me with your children and allowing me to be a small part of their journey. Your support means more than you know.

- Barbara

The table is set - and only a few seats remain!Join us this Sunday from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM for Breaking Bread, a hands-on ...
07/08/2026

The table is set - and only a few seats remain!

Join us this Sunday from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM for Breaking Bread, a hands-on dining experience designed to help children ages 8–14 build confidence, practice modern etiquette, and develop social skills they’ll use far beyond the dinner table.

Hosted in a private home in Lakeway with a small group of 8 participants max, students will learn dining etiquette, table manners, conversation skills, and gracious guest behaviors - then put those skills into practice while enjoying a delicious multi-course meal together.

Only a few spots remain - reserve your child’s seat today!

Looking for a more personalized summer experience? Introducing Private Guided Dining Lessons!

Held in a private country club in Lakeway, these customized lessons are a wonderful way to make the most of summer days while building confidence and lifelong social skills. Perfect for siblings, friends, or small groups, each session is limited to 3 participants and tailored to specific needs and goals

From special occasions and travel to future leadership opportunities, confidence starts around the table.

Message Reach for the Stars ATX to reserve a spot for Breaking Bread or learn more about Private Guided Dining Lessons.

06/25/2026
Gather Around the Table: Upcoming Breaking Bread Seats are Still Available!
06/24/2026

Gather Around the Table: Upcoming Breaking Bread Seats are Still Available!

The spring season of Westwood Country Club’s Junior Etiquette Series has wrapped. See y’all all in the fall!
05/28/2026

The spring season of Westwood Country Club’s Junior Etiquette Series has wrapped. See y’all all in the fall!

Coming soon to The Club at Horseshoe Bay, I am excited to return to your beautiful property!
05/27/2026

Coming soon to The Club at Horseshoe Bay, I am excited to return to your beautiful property!

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Lakeway, TX
78738

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