| Our teachers and staff |
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| Ms. Rosa. she/her Assistant Director, 16 years. Rosa's Favorites |
| I've been with FUMP since 2008, and after 14 years of teaching in the classroom, I was offered an administrative position in the office. I have also had the wonderful opportunity of forming long-lasting relationships with FUMP families outside of school through nannying. The memories and experiences I have made here are invaluable. I am an Austin native and live with my teenager, Lina, and sweet cat, Estrella. We are mostly homebodies; otherwise, you will find us eating at some of our favorite Asian spots around town. The great children, families, and professional teachers keep me coming back year after year. I am happy to be part of this beautiful community with you! |
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| Ms. Stacy she/her. Pre Kindergarten Lead Teacher, 25 years. Stacy's Favorites |
| I have enjoyed teaching at FUMP since 1999 when I joined the staff while attending the University of Texas. I 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 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. |
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| Ms. Keely she/her. Twos Lead Teacher, 6 years. Keely's Favorites |
| This will be my sixth year at FUMP and I could not be more excited! I am a wife and a mother of two (daughter-12 and son-9), a dog, and two cats. In addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy 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 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! |
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| Ms. Shannon she/her. Toddler Lead Teacher, 3 years. Shannon's Favorites |
| Hey there! I am super excited to be working with your kiddos this year! I’ve worked with very young children and families for over 12 years as a preschool teacher, and as an Early Intervention Specialist for the State of Texas. 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. |
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| Ms. Jojo she/her. Threes Lead Teacher, 1 Year. Jojo's Favorites |
| I’m originally from Montgomery Alabama but moved to Austin in August of 1991. Graduated from Pflugerville High School May 1997 and I served in the Army Reserves for six years. I currently have my CDA and currently in school obtaining my BA in Early Childhood Education Administration. I have three beautiful children two sons and a daughter and a grandson. I have been in the childcare field for 25 years and I love what I do. Children are my passion. I’m super excited to be a part of the FUMC family. |
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| Ms. Erica she/her. Twos Lead Teacher, 3 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 (6) and Ava (4). Life is busy but wonderful! |
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| Ms. Lizbeth she/her. Twos Lead Teacher, 2 years. Lizbeth's Favorites |
| I was born in Mexico but raised here in Austin. I am a mother of two wonderful girls, Sophia (10) and Amy (3). My husband, Jonathan, and I have been together for over 11 years now. Outside of school I love spending time with my family, traveling (if it’s mountains and nature count me in), and exploring new places. 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 pursed 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. |
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| Ms. Audra she/her. Toddlers Lead Teacher, 1 year. Audra's Favorites |
| I am on my second 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 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! |
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| Ms, Sebrina she/her. Lead Teacher, Twos, 2 years. Sebrina's Favorites |
| Hello, my name is Sebrina this is my first year at FUMP. I’ve been teaching for 7 years now and enjoy about every age group. I was born and raised in Austin. I enjoy going on walks and spending time with my daughter. Soon to be mommy of two. I look forward to growing with FUMP and all the children I’ll get the opportunity to interact with. |
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| Teacher Shirlz she/they. Lead Teacher, Infants. 1 year. Shirlz Favorites |
| Hello! My name is Teacher Shirlz and I am so excited to join the FUMP family this year. I come from the Nanny world and have been working in the field of Early Childhood Development for over 10 years. Born and raised in Los Angeles I moved to Texas in 2018 after working as a High-Profile and High Networth Nanny for several years. In Austin I have continued to pursue my love for working with children as a Nanny and now as an educator. Through my career I have completed coursework in special education, child psychology, and Youth development to name a few. I am a certified Newborn Care Specialist and I strive to always increase my knowledge base to better serve the children I work with. At home you can find me gardening, snuggling my pets, or cooking for my Partner Robbie and daughter Momo. In my free time you can find me volunteering with Taylor Pride, a local nonprofit organization, as the Director of Youth and Family advocating for kids and families. Here I have created community programs for the youth in Taylor. I was honored to be awarded the Leading Light Award in 2023 from the Texas Diversity Council for my efforts with Taylor Pride. ( Feel free to ask more about this!) I look forward to getting to know all the families in our wonderful preschool community. |
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| Ms. Janie she/her. Assistant Teacher, 9 years. Janie's Favorites |
| Hi there! My name is Janie. I am excited to be starting my ninth 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 and daughter-in-law. I am so thankful for my beautiful grandchildren. They are the joy of my life - Lily is 7, Emersyn is 5 years and Dutton is 3 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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| Ms. Mari she/her. Assistant Teacher, 9 years. Mari's Favorites |
| Hi. My name is Mari. This is my ninth year at FUMP. I am thrilled and excited to be back to support the lead teachers educate children. I have been living in Austin for 39 years. I am fluent in Spanish. In my free time, I like to read, and listen to music. I'm looking forward to spending time with your child. |
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| Mr. Daviss he/him. Assistant Teacher, 7 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 baby, a beautiful Shetland Sheep Dog (Sheltie) named Simba. |
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| Ms. Frances she/her. Assistant Teacher, 8 years. Frances's Favorites |
| I have been teaching for seventeen 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, 1 Year. Favorite Things |
| Before assistant teaching, I came to FUMP first as a parent who chose to enroll my son in the two's classroom. Our family had a wonderful first year at FUMP. I am so excited to be here now as an Assistant Teacher while both of my children Ella (1) and Drew (3) attend as students! 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 3.5 years with my husband and children. |
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| Ms. Sarah she/her. Floater, First Year. Sarah's Favorites |
| Hello Families. I have the joy of being able to float in between all the different classrooms this year. I am excited to be able to connect with all the children, parents, and teachers here at FUMP. I have been in the child development field for a little over 26 years and worked with children 0–5 years old. I enjoy witnessing the children develop their creativity using different materials to create fantastic art. I also enjoy being able to witness the children's social and emotional skills grow as they become more aware of themselves and become more independent. I was born and raised in East Austin and am very proud of my American native culture. I was a single mother of 1 daughter and 2 sons. I have also been blessed with 1 beautiful granddaughter. I married my high school sweetheart in 2018 after reconnecting 23 years later. My husband and I have a lot of pride and love for our amazing blended family. Together we have 3 daughters, 3 sons, and 2 grandchildren. My hobbies include watching Longhorn and 49ers football. I also enjoy cooking for my family and friends. |
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| Ms. Kelse she/her. Floater, First Year. Kelse's Favorites |
| Hi there! I'm super excited to be the newest member of the FUMP (and Texas) family. I recently moved here from North Carolina with my husband John, two kids Paisley (12) and Henry (9) and our pup Sadie Mae. We are really enjoying this new city. All the music and BBQ is right up my alley. When I'm not out and about you'll find me on the sidelines as the team mom or in the kitchen baking something yummy. 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. |
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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 |