St. Michaels Episcopal Day School. A Reggio-Emilia Inspired Preschool Based in Austin, TX

Meet Our Educators

Mission Statement

At St. Michael’s we strive to honor the individuality of each child by cultivating an open-ended environment that prioritizes curiosity, wonder, and unabashed joy. As a mission of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, we believe that every child is made in the image of God and therefore deserves to be treated with unconditional dignity.

Photo of Rebecca Beavers Director of Operations
Rebecca Beavers

Head of School

Rebecca is a seasoned childcare professional with over 25 years of experience and holds a degree in Child and Family Development. She has worked in va...

Ms. Rebecca, you are such a gifted leader and this school is immensely blessed by your passion and expertise. Your ability to know what each child needs is a gift! We love you!

- The Peña Family

Photo of Crystal Lucha Pedagogista & Atelierista
Crystal Lucha

Pedagogista & Atelierista

Crystal has 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Family Development from San Diego State Uni...

Ms. Crystal, you help us grow by showing us that we can all be creative little artists! Thank you for letting us get messy and have fun while we create and explore.

- The Peña Kids

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Ileana Northup

Administrative Coordinator

Ileana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. Originally from El Salvador, Ileana speaks English and Spanish ...

Ms. Ileana helps me grow with her smile and encouragement! Thank you for all your care and fun activities!

- Alex

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Sarah Wamsley

Literacy Specialist

Ms. Sarah holds a Master's Degree in Reading Instruction & Curriculum from the University of Kansas. Her specialty is literacy education and she is he...

Ms. Sarah helps me learn my letters and read stories, and we play and work together with my friends - it's so fun.

- Evelyn

Photo of Monica Stelly Outdoor Educator
Monica Stelly

Outdoor Educator

Ms. Monica is an early childhood educator and director with 20+ years of experience in Austin/Westlake. She is a developmentalist and naturalist, with...

Ms. Monica, you help us grow by showing us that bugs aren’t scary! We love pointing them out to Mommy every time we are outside :) Our latest find was a fuzzy black caterpillar!

- The Peña Kids

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Karen Liston

Day School Chaplain

Ms. Karen worked as an elementary school teacher before joining St. Michael’s. She taught at St. Michael’s for 9 years as our Kinder-bridge teacher. M...

“I am thankful for being in your class.

- Avery

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Jessica Bagwell

Enrichment Coordinator/Child Guide

Ms. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing & Rhetoric from St. Edward's University as well as a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing f...

Ms. Jessica, we are so thankful for you!

XOXO-Pierce

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Debbi Cho

Child Guide

Ms. Debbi is a certified teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: Early Childhood-4th grade. Inspired by her 4th grade teacher, ...

Ms. Debbi, thank you for teaching me so many things that I want to do different things now.

- Connlly

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Kayla Xander

Child Guide

Ms. Kayla worked at the Dallas JCC for 7 years in their Early Childhood Center. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She love...

Ms. Kayla, I love you!

- Lucia

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Anna Oliver

Child Guide

Ms. Anna has been in early childhood education for 35 years, including as a director of a Mother's Day Out program for 12 years. She has taught at Hig...

Ms. Anna, you help me grow by understanding and seeing me for who I am.

- Jack

Photo of Jennifer Reyna
Jennifer Reyna

Child Guide

Ms. Jennifer holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught previously at Olas Spanish Immersion School and Val Verde Academy...

Ms. Jennifer, you always greet us with your beautiful smile and help out in all the classes! We are so happy you're back at SMEDS!

- The Peña Kids

Photo of Judith Arlet Hernandez de Vides
Judith Arlet Hernandez de Vides

Child Guide

Ms. Judith is originally from El Salvador, where she worked as a preschool coordinator and teacher for 13 years. She has a Bachelor's of Science Degre...

Ms. Judith greets our class with a beautiful smile every morning! You are such a bright light.

- Charlie

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Claire Bond

Child Guide

Ms. Claire holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development & Family Sciences with a minor in Educational Psychology from the University of Texas. She i...

Thank you for helping me learn and make new friends.

- Emma

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Veronica Parish

Child Guide

Ms. Veronica holds a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from Texas State University. She has over 10 years of experience working in early ...

Ms. Veronica helps me grow by giving me time to warm up to my classmates in the morning. Thank you for being my personal bouncer :) I am so comfortable with you and I love you!

- Charlie

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Lorenza Trujillo

Child Guide

Ms. Lorenza has 20+ years of early childhood education experience. She is known for her nurturing presence in the classroom. Ms. Lorenza has been with...

Thank you for playing games with me and helping me make friends!

- Emma

Photo of Michelle Ely
Michelle Ely

Child Guide

Ms. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology with a Photography minor from Louisiana State University. She has worked in Montessori, Waldorf...

Ms. Michelle, thank you for being kind and caring every day and thank you for all of the things you teach me!

- Alex

Photo of Anamaria Salazar
Anamaria Salazar

Child Guide

Ms. Anamaria has worked in early childhood education for the past 4 years, including as a teacher at the Children’s Center of Austin. She prioritizes ...

Ms. Anamaria, you have made being a Koala so fun! You are so warm and loving. I love school and it is in large part because of you! I will learn to say your name eventually!

- Tommy

Photo of Amy Ruiz
Amy Ruiz

Child Guide

Ms. Amy holds a Child Development Associate Credential. She has worked in early childhood education since 1993. Ms. Amy brings a sense of warmth and c...

Ms. Amy, thank you for taking care of me so well and treating me like your own. I can feel your love and sweet care and I love being with you! Thank you for all you do for me! It means a lot!

- Drew

Photo of Diana Jenschke
Diana Jenschke

Child Guide

Ms. Diana taught at Oak Hill United Methodist Preschool for 10 years. She is inspired by the curiosity, creativity, and desire to learn that young chi...

Ms. Diana helps me grow by being patient.

- Myla

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Officer Elias

Security Officer

Officer Elias contracts with State Guard Patrol, providing security to the St. Michael’s Campus. He can be found greeting children and families during...