History, mission and our staff

“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



Jenna Martinez- Director

Jenna lives in Buda with her two kids, Alex, 18, and Ansley, 15. They both attend Johnson High School.

Jenna and her family enjoy living in Buda, love the community, and especially enjoy dining at all the local restaurants! Jenna has been in childcare for over 20 years. She attended Texas State University in San Marcos (go Bobcats!) and graduated with a Family and Consumer Sciences degree. Jenna has ALWAYS worked with kids, and in her own words, loves every second of it.

Jeannie Cardona- Associate Pastor

Jeannie is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).  Her faith was shaped in large part by the church she grew up attending in Conway, AR, her family of philosophy professors, the trails of national parks, and the classrooms of Centre College in Danville, KY. In the beauty, challenges, wisdom, and relationships that characterized all of these contexts, Jeannie was confronted by God’s call to ministry. Answering that call led her to Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (first for an M.Div and later as Director of Church Relations) and to Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX, where she served as Monie Pastoral Resident. She joins the staff of Buda UMC with gratitude and joy.

Hannah Caswell – Assistant Director


Hannah lives in Buda with her daughter Paisley. Miss Paisley is 3 years old and attends BUMC Children’s Learning Center. Hannah is a life long resident of the Kyle/Buda area and loves her community. Hannah has been in childcare for over 9 years holding positions from floater, lead teacher to Director. She has a Paraprofessional associate degree in special education and has her Childcare Director license.
Hannah loves working with children and truly enjoys helping them grow both physically and developmentally.


GET IN TOUCH

Schedule a Visit