Get to Know Our Staff

I was born and raised in Plano, Texas where I attended my grandmother's private, Montessori school. At the same school I grew up in is where I began my teaching journey, and found my passion for teaching young minds. I moved to Austin, and met my loving husband, whom I have 3 wonderful children, 2 dogs and a cat with. In Austin, is where I began caring for children in my home. We quickly grew into the Prep N Play Academy that we are today. I am currently Montessori certified in Early Childhood, and in the process of obtaining the Infant & Toddler certification. My goal at Prep N' Play Academy is to provide the best Montessori experience for each individual child, and to spark a love of learning in each of our classrooms.

Originally born in Burnet, Texas but Austin has always felt like my home. My passion for teaching started at an early age when my younger siblings were born, guiding them & watching them grow has been one of the sweetest parts of my life. I took two years of child development courses in high school, volunteered at two local daycares during my senior year & through that gained my certification in early childhood education. I’ve always admired how malleable & intelligent young minds are & while in high school started my first job at a Montessori School where I learned the natural, peaceful & student-led learning experience of a Montessori environment & I fell in love. I met my fiancé during my senior year of high school & we now live in Round Rock with our two fur babies & a dream to one day open our own childcare center. I hope to continue to learn & grow with my kiddos at Prep N Play & promote compassion & ignite a love for learning in each of them. 

I was born in Chicago, and moved to Texas over 20 years ago. We fell in love with the Austin area and the friendly, generous people that live here. I love visiting my grandchildren in Colorado, Christmas time and pumpkin pie. I started teaching and caring for children many years ago. While my children were young, I wanted to be able to stay at home with them and began to watch other children. I enjoyed it so much that I started a registered, in-home child care. After many years of teaching, I attempted to retire 2 years ago, but missed teaching too much. I enjoy learning the Montessori method. I feel it helps create well-rounded children, as well as giving them the academics they need. 

Originally from Harlingen, Texas. Eventually moved to Georgetown. Born a Cancer, naturally calm, caring and nurturing. I graduated from East View High School. My family includes my high school sweetheart and our sweet, funny, almost 2 year old son. I began working in Montessori back in October 2015. Working with the toddler age group and being able to watch them from grow from age 1 to 3 is truly beautiful. Being one of the ones to help teach them on their way and seeing the light in their eyes as they learn so many new things is truly fun for me. I enjoy it so much! I love all things blue, sipping on smoothies, 80's music, practicing calligraphy, astrology and most definitely trip to Target.

I was raised in Austin, TX and graduated from Westwood High School. I have three wonderful children with my husband and we decided to build our home here in Leander four years ago.
I enjoy teaching little ones and the challenges that come with it. Everyday is new and different! I not only teach children but children Continuously teach me. When a child is challenged with something and I am able to guide them and help them figure out a new or different solution, seeing that ”ah-ha” moment and knowing they got it makes me happy.
On the weekends, we stay busy with sports or we love taking the boat out on the lake!
My favorites are coffee, spaghetti and the color blue. 

Music and Teaching are my joys! Along with my husband of 4 years, whom I met in college choir, and our 2 beautiful children. I have a Bachelor's degree in Family Studies with a minor of music. I've always loved children and have aspired to be a teacher since I was 3 years old.  I love the impact that I have the chance to make in children's lives. As well as creating a safe place for them to learn. Not only do I have the chance to mold young minds and hearts, but they also mold my mind and heart every day.

I recently graduated from Glenn High School. I love animals, and try to show my love for them by volunteering at the local animal shelter. I also really enjoy playing softball and volleyball. When I was younger, I worked with my grandmother at a daycare. That is when I found my love and passion for children. I love seeing their smiles and watching them learn and grow.

I am a wife and mother of two fearless, smart, beautiful girls, Milania 7 and Aviana MacKenzie 2 . Our family moved from Chicago to Cedar Park last July and we feel so blessed to have been given so many great opportunities. Growning up I attended Montessori schools, but my true love of teaching came after I had my oldest. I have been working with children for the past 4 years from newborn to preschool. Along with being a member of the Prep N Play Academy staff I am also a mom and wife. The self awareness, kindness to others, love for ourselves, confidence and independence is what we want from our children and is what I teach daily in my class. On top of being a working mother, I also go to school for ministry and will be an ordained pastor within the next 2 years. I love being on the lake, napping and running my small business, Milania and MacKenzies Boutique. needless to say it‘s never a dull moment.