History, mission and our staff
ABOUT US
“The mission of BUDA UMC Children’s Learning Center is to meet the individual needs of students in a developmentally appropriate manner within a safe, supportive environment.”
Students will be provided opportunities to develop academically, socially, emotionally, and physically to their fullest potential.
We believe children develop a positive self-concept through a balance of self-directed and teacher-directed activities. Children learn best through play when they can express their creativity and use their imaginations while learning. We believe that during their very earliest years, children develop their confidence, self-esteem and the foundation they will need to succeed in life. We are committed to providing high-quality childcare to the families we serve. We strive to nurture each child’s unique qualities and potential, support families through strong partnerships and create an environment that will encourage professionalism, growth, and diversity. We aspire to do this successfully to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and the community where we live and work.
Our History
Buda United Methodist Church has a long history of running a faith-based child development center. We opened our first center in the mid 1980’s and served children from 18 months through sixth grade with our after-school program. It was with a sad heart that we had to close our doors in 2011 for economic reasons. In 2018, the leadership of the church decided it was time for us to utilize our space and as a mission to the community, start up the CDC again. Following a delay due to the pandemic, we proudly re-opened our doors to beautiful young children in November 2023.
We would love for you and your children to join our family. We offer a loving, faith-based and small center. Your children will not get lost here. We want them to feel that there is always a place for them here, even when they have become young adults. Please come check us out.
CLC Board of Directors


Rev Matt Cardona- Pastor
Matt became aware of his call to ministry in elementary school. He was raised a Roman Catholic and was captivated at an early age by the ritual of worship and the beauty inherent in a life of faith. He became focused on discovering God’s movement in his life and the lives of those around him. In 2009 Matt accepted the position of Music Director at St. Mark UMC in Austin. He quickly became a United Methodist, as it was the practice of a Wesleyan spirituality where he discovered the language, the tradition, and the movements toward an expression of faith life he had long felt but never realized. Since 2009, Matt has served in several capacities through various UMC churches and faith initiatives. He was appointed to Buda UMC in 2022.
Matt is happily married to Jeannie Corbitt Cardona. They have an expanding family life with two children, Abel & Emilia, a cat (Mylo), a dog (Hank) and a fish (Razzle Dazzle). They love walking/hiking, long breakfast and dinner conversations with coffee, and generally, they love laughing and sharing stories.

Melanie Taylor – Director
Melanie comes to us with ten years of experience in childcare and five years in leadership roles. Members of the Buda UMC community will recognize her as our former Children and Youth Ministry Director AND the gifted artist behind our learning center’s wall murals. She has already poured love and creativity into our learning center; now, she returns to do so again in an even greater capacity.
Melanie brings her core values of faith and respect. Her central goal in leadership is to “build a positive and supporting environment” by ensuring that “everyone (staff, students, and families) feels valued and heard.”
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