Meet Our Staff

I am a seventh-generation Texan and the mother of a FUMP graduate.. I’m fortunate to have a lovely circle of friends, many of whom came from FUMP connections. I enjoy being outside, especially in the summertime: cycling, kayaking, and walking my dog, Malibu. I catch live music whenever I can. My love for Austin runs deep!

FUMP is an incredibly special place for young children, and our teachers’ commitment to a high-quality preschool experience through play reflects the best practices in early childhood education. It has been my privilege to connect with so many Austin educators, children, and families in my time here. My door is always open, so please stop by and say hello!

I am a native Austinite and I love being outside either at Ladybird Lake, a local park or the pool. I have a four year old boxer rescue from Austin Boxer Rescue named Ivy and she is my third boxer. I also have a rescued street cat named Millie.

My teaching is greatly influenced by my trauma informed work at Helping Hand Home for Children and Conscious Discipline with Becky Bailey and my grandmother who worked at O’Henry Middle School as a library aide for many years.

During Covid, I ran an outdoor preschool with a small pod and it was an immense joy. That outdoor learning experience has influenced my teaching at FUMP as well.

Very few people truly love what they do and I am so lucky that I can count myself as someone who does. Twenty five years at FUMP is a testament to our director, Sandy Pennington, and the wonderful teachers who make coming to work a joy.

I was formally trained in business, via a bachelor’s degree (BBA) in international business from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from College of Charleston. I have since earned the Childhood Development Associate credential (CDA) with a longtime goal of state certification in Early Childhood Education. It was through my son’s attendance at FUMP that I found my calling towards this area of service.

My philosophy on education is heavily child-led, individualized, and firmly based in play. I take great care in presenting my littles with a multitude of play activities geared towards developing the whole child into functional, successful community citizens. Learning can take place in any and every situation and I delight in seeing how your children progresses over time.

I look forward to working collectively with your family in helping your loved one grow in a FUN, safe, and nurturing environment!

I believe the most important thing in childhood is for kiddos to find their voices, even when they aren’t sure what to say yet. We’ll be learning about important things like playing next to friends, communicating, being active, exploring the outdoors, and taking care of ‘stuff’. My role with your children will be to help them learn those words and translate all of those big feelings into expressions and actions to connect with the community around them.

My daughter Kiana and I share a love of tea, the month of Halloween, and painting (she paints and I hang it up). My husband and I share a passion for traveling, wine tasting, and live music (ACL Forever). And if I had to name a favorite kiddo book, it’d be anything in the Skippy Jon Jones world because, at the end of the day, we all have a superhero chihuahua inside us just waiting to take over the world.

My teaching style includes play-based learning, messy projects, and a focus on social/emotional development. If you walk by my classroom, you might find us elbow deep in slime or making faces in the mirror as we practice naming different emotions. I also lean into the benefits of outdoor play and exploration. We spend lots of time taking walks, playing at the Capitol grounds, and learning about nature. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work at FUMP!

In my spare time, I enjoy crafting, volunteering at church, hiking, foraging, and trying new foods! My family means everything to me! My husband and I have 2 beautiful kids, Liam (6) and Ava (4). Life is busy but wonderful!

My teaching career started seven years ago at a Montessori school, where I initially served as an assistant guide. Developing a profound affinity for children, I pursued and obtained my toddler Montessori certification within two years and became a lead guide. I joined FUMP three years ago and have enjoyed my experience here. I have had the pleasure of interacting with many wonderful families.

I believe every child is unique and deserves a caring, inspiring, and engaging atmosphere in which to grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially. I am looking forward to making new memories and I am grateful for the opportunity I have to work with every child in my class.

I am originally from San Antonio, but moved to Austin to attend and graduate from St. Edward’s University just down the road! I have four years of experience as a preschool teacher, primarily working with infants and young toddlers! I don’t have kids of my own yet, but I do have two fur babies: a loving chiweenie named Kobi, and a spunky kitten named Jax! In my free time, I love to travel as well as spend time in nature camping, hiking, and taking photos! I am also a huge foodie, so I am big on trying new places to eat around Austin!

I am super excited to continue my journey in childcare, simply because I believe every child deserves an enriching environment where they can learn and grow, as well as feel safe and loved. I look forward to meeting you and your little ones!

While I’m new to FUMP, I’m definitely not new to childcare. With over 20 years of experience from a lead preschool teacher to nannying. My love and passion for children hasn’t changed. I look forward to working along side the other wonderful teachers in helping shape and teach your little ones.