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| Sandy Pennington (she/her), Preschool Director. 23 Years Sandy’s Favorites |
| I am so proud to be the director of FUMP for over two decades. I first began teaching here at 19 while attending UT. Soon, I knew that early childhood was my passion, and changed my major before the semester ended. I learned so much in my four years as a teaching assistant. After graduation, I taught prekindergarten in a private school for six years, and I came back as director in 2002. I was delighted to return to FUMP, which feels like a second home to me now.
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! |
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| Stacy she/her. PreKindergarten Lead Teacher, 26 years. Stacy’s Favorites |
| I have enjoyed teaching at FUMP since 1999 when I joined the staff while attending the University of Texas. I have always wanted to be a teacher from my early days playing school with my mom’s leftover teaching supplies in our garage during the summer! I come from a long line of teachers on both sides of my family. My mother taught elementary school for 38 years. My father taught high school and at the college level and my grandfather was a teacher and administrator in AISD for almost forty years. All that to say that education is a big important part of who I am.
I am a native Austinite and I love being outside either at Ladybird Lake, a local park or the pool. I have a five 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. Going to the Capitol Grounds daily with children is one of my favorite parts of teaching at FUMP. Very few people truly love what they do and I am so lucky that I can count myself as someone who does. Twenty six+ years at FUMP is a testament to our director, Sandy Pennington, and the wonderful teachers who make coming to work a joy. |
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| Ms. Keely she/her. Twos Lead Teacher, 7 years. Keely’s Favorites |
| This will be my seventh year at FUMP and I could not be more excited! I am a wife and a mother of two (daughter Riley is 13 and son Callen is 10), a dog, and two cats. In addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy coloring, reading, crafting, and living room dance parties.
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 long term 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 progress over time. I look forward to working collectively with our families in providing a FUN, safe, and nurturing environment! |
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| Ms. Erica she/her. Threes Lead Teacher, 4 years.Erica’s Favorites |
| My passion for teaching preschool started in 2012, when my college plan to become a nurse took a sharp 90-degree turn. A friend of mine asked if I might be interested in working with young children with disabilities. I took that opportunity and haven’t looked back ONCE! I quickly discovered that I had found my ‘calling in life’, working with young children.
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 (7) and Ava (5). Life is busy but wonderful! |
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| Ms. Lizbeth she/her. Threes Lead Teacher, 2 years. Lizbeth’s Favorites |
| I was born in Mexico, but I grew up here in Austin. I’m a mom to two amazing girls, Zoe, age 11, and Amy, age 4. My husband and I have been together for over 12 years. Outside of work, I love hanging out with my family and traveling.
My passion for teaching began eight years ago at a Montessori school, where I initially worked as an assistant guide. Developing a deep fondness for children, I pursued and earned my toddler Montessori certification, subsequently becoming a Lead guide. I joined FUMP three years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I have had the pleasure of interacting with numerous wonderful families.
I firmly believe that each child is unique and deserves a nurturing, inspiring, and engaging environment in which to develop emotionally, intellectually, and socially. I am eagerly anticipating the creation of new memories and am grateful for the opportunity to work with every child in my class.
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| Ms. Audra she/her. Toddlers Lead Teacher, 2 years. Audra’s Favorites |
| I am on my third year as a teacher at FUMP and I could not be more excited!
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 five 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! |
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| Ms. Janie she/her. Assistant Teacher, 10 years. Janie’s Favorites |
| Hi there! My name is Janie. I am excited to be starting my tenth year with the outstanding group of early childhood educators. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from LSU. I have 41 years of experience working with young children and families in church-housed programs. During that time, I was the assistant director, nursery coordinator, and lead teacher. My home is Baton Rouge, La., but I have lived in Austin since 1983. I am married and have an amazing son. I am so thankful for my beautiful grandchildren. They are the joy of my life – Lily is 8, Emersyn is 6 years and Dutton is 4 years old. I enjoy cooking, working in my yard, collecting mid-century modern furniture – most of all, I love spending time with my grandchildren!! I look forward to spending my days with your child. |
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| Mr. Daviss he/him. Assistant Teacher, 8 years. Daviss’s Favorites |
| Hello! It can be confusing having a last name for a first name. So for clarification, King is my last name and Daviss is my first name, but kids at FUMP & FUMC call me Mr. Daviss. I was born and lived in Dallas, Texas until I moved to Austin in 2003. I have a business degree from SMU and have worked in commercial real estate as a developer, manager, and owner/investor. I am a member of FUMC and spend a portion my spare time volunteering. I discovered my love of and talent with children as a volunteer Sunday school teacher and vacation Bible school leader at FUMC and as a substitute teacher at FUMP. I became a licensed foster parent in 2017 and adopted my son the summer of 2022. We love our sweet fur babies, beautiful Shetland Sheep Dogs (Sheltie) named Simba and Thor. |
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| Ms. Frances she/her. Assistant Teacher, 9 years. Frances’s Favorites |
| I have been teaching for eighteen years, and it has been rewarding and a constant growing experience. I’ve been living in Austin for twenty-five years and have four daughters. I enjoy gardening, taking care of my chickens and dogs. |
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| Ms. Jessica she/her. Assistant Teacher, 2 Years. Favorite Things |
| Before assistant teaching, I came to FUMP first as a parent who chose to enroll my son in the two’s classroom. Both of my children attended FUMP and our family had a wonderful experience. I have been an assistant teacher for two years. My prior career was in technology and before that higher education administration. I did my undergraduate degree all the way in Scotland at the University of St Andrews and my MBA at the University of Iowa. I have lived in Austin for 6 years with my husband and children. |
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| Ms. Holley, she/her. Floating Teacher, 2 Years. Holley’s Favorites |
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I’m excited to be starting my second year at FUMP. I have 9 1/2 years experience as a teacher assistant in elementary schools with AISD. I have certifications as a special needs paraprofessional and teacher’s assistant. My college degree comes from Texas Tech University in electrical engineering. I had a full career as an engineer working on huge government projects like the International Space Station. Now I look forward to helping the next generation grow and achieve their dreams.
I live in Austin with my dear husband. In my relaxation time, I create handmade greeting cards and scrapbooks which I blog about. I also sell beautiful lace from the country of Turkiye, where I spend my summers. I can’t wait to spend my time with your children.
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| Lara Greene she/her. Director of Children and Family Ministries. |
| Lara fills the key role of liaison between First Church and FUMP. She is also the parent of two FUMP graduates. She directs and coordinates the FUMC Sunday School Program, Vacation Bible School, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Capitol Grounds and celebrations around the church calendar. |
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| Coach Bob he/him. PE for Preschoolers & Handyman |