Meet Our Team
Ms. Mel-Director
Hello! My name is Melanie, and I am thrilled to be the director at Buda UMC Children's Learning Center! Over the past five years, l've been in leadership roles in childcare, with a total of 15 years of experience in the field. My journey has taken me through various levels of early childhood education, including Montessori schools, private preschools(Primrose & Children's Courtyard) and nature-based schools. I've served as a preschool manager, curriculum coordinator, assistant director, and director, and i've also had the privilege of working in children's ministry in the Methodist Church.
I am passionate about working with children, being part of their daily growth, and watching their imaginations flourish. At Buda UMC CLC, I look forward to engaging our teachers and staff to uplift each child who walks through our doors, ensuring they are excited to learn and build meaningful relationships with their friends and teachers every day.
On a personal note, my faith and God are my guiding forces. I am blessed with a beautiful two-year-old daughter named Shyne and a wonderful husband, Tarence (Mr. Tee). In my free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts and taking cycling classes!
Ms. Samantha-Assistant Director
Hi! My name is Samantha, and I'm excited to be the Assistant Director here at Buda UMC Children Learning Center. I'm originally from Southern California, where I first discovered my passion for working with children. I began my journey in childcare
during high school and continued for about rive years after graduating.
After taking some time away to explore other paths, I felt called back to childcare three years ago, and it reminded me how much I truly love what I do. Supporting children as they learn, grow, and develop their unique personalities is incredibly rewarding, and I'm grateful to be part of that journey each day.
I am a follower of Jesus, and my faith plays an important role in my life. It guides how I care for others, showing patience,
kindness, and compassion in everything do, especially when working with children and families.
In addition to my professional experience, I'm also a proud parent of three children. Being both a caregiver and a mom gives me a deeper understanding of the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for every child.
Took forward to building meaningful relationships with the children, families, and team, and contributing to a positive and supportive space where everyone can grow and thrive
Mr. Tee-Admin
I am passionate about witnessing the incredible process of a child's mind at work. I firmly believe that children are the world's most valuable resource and our future. This year marks my 2nd as a Childcare Administrator, but I bring with me 15 years of
administrative experience. Originally from West Texas, I relocated to Central Texas 12 years ago. I am blessed with the best wife in the world, and we have been happily married for 7 years. Together, we have a wonderfully intelligent 3 year old. I am excited to watch your little one grow and thrive here at Buda
UMC CLC.
Ms. Michelle-Lead Butterflies(Infant)
Hello Buda UMC families, I'm Ms. Michelle and I am thrilled to join the BUM Learning Center Family. With over 30 years of experience working with children, 25 of them dedicated to nurturing infants, I am passionate about crafting a safe and engaging environment where babies can flourish, developing essential skills through interactive activities, sensory explorations, and tailored routines. I believe in forging strong bonds with both children and their families, and I look forward to collaborating with you to best support your child's unique needs.
Ms. Kaile-Assistant Butterflies(Infant)
Hello! My name is Kaile and I am so excited to be your kiddos teacher at Buda UMC Children's Learning Center! I've been in childcare roles for over 10 years and currently working to earn my bachelors in early childhood education at Texas State university to higher my role in the classroom. I am passionate about building that one on one relationship with children & families, watching children grow daily, and learning new things in order to benefit the growth and structure of children.
At Buda UMC I look forward to meeting and working with every child that walks through the door. Ensuring they are excited to learn and creating a fun and safe environment for them to do so.
On a personal note, my faith is what keeps me motivated to keep pursuing what i love. I hope to receive my masters one day once i have graduated.
Ms. Maria-Lead Ladybug's(one's)
Hello! My name is Maria, I'm currently in the process of studying for my CDA in early childhood education. I want to continue my education to better serve the children and the community. I am a mother of four beautiful children, and I truly enjoy working with kids. I can't wait to work with all your little ones!
I'm exited and eager to be apart of your child's early childhood journey
Ms. Sabbrina-Assistant Ladybug's(Ones)
Hello, my name is Sabrina. I have a truly passion for working with younger children and to be part of their early development as I have been doing so for eight years.
I am a mother of two beautiful daughters and love to spend time with my family. I am really grateful to be part of
BUMC childcare center and help our students!
Ms. Tiffany-Assistant Ladybug's(Ones)
Hello! I am so excited to work with your children and share my experience in early childhood education. I truly enjoy helping each child learn, grow, and develop their independence every day. Early childhood education is my passion, and I feel grateful to be part of this important stage in their lives. I can't wait to meet your wonderful family!
Ms. Theresa Lead Dragonflies(Twos)
Hello! My name is Theresa Paz-Whitwell, and I am excited to be joining the team at Buda UMC Children’s Learning Center!
I am a proud Austin native and have lived in the area my entire life. I bring over 22 years of experience in early childhood education. I discovered that my true passion is being in the classroom, where I can build meaningful relationships and help children learn, grow, and thrive each day.
My partner and I have a wonderful blended family with seven amazing children, ranging in age from 4 to 24 years old, and we are also blessed with two precious grandchildren. In our free time, we enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, swimming, and having family picnics.
I am looking forward to getting to know all of the children and families at Buda UMC Children’s Learning Center. I am truly excited to be part of this wonderful community and can’t wait for a fantastic school year filled with learning, laughter, and new adventures
Ms. Carly Assistant Dragonflies(Twos)
Hello! This year will be my 5th year of teaching. I have worked with children ages ranging from 1-3, and have experience with infants as well.
The thing that I love most about my job is being able to see the children learn and grow as well as interacting with their unique personalities
This year, I’m excited to see how the children thrive in a structured learning environment and to help them develop where needed.
On my free time, I love to go swimming, or stay at home and watch movies with my family. I look forward to meeting all the new littles and getting to learn with them!
Ms. Andrea Co-Lead Bumblebee's(Preschool)
Hi! My name is Andrea, and I am so excited to be joining the team at Buda UMC Children’s Learning Center! I am looking forward to getting to know all of the children and families and growing here with such a wonderful team.
I have been working in childcare for the past four years and truly love what I do. I enjoy working with children because I love engaging with them, watching them learn and grow, and providing them with care and support.
. I am so excited to bring my love and experience with children to Buda UMC Children’s Learning Center and look forward to making lots of wonderful memories here!
Ms. Dani-Bumblebee's Co-Lead(Preschool)
My name is Danielle, also known as Ms./Coach Dani and I’m so excited to be joining your child’s classroom. I have coached softball and volleyball for a few years now. I’m also a huge animal lover and work with animals outside of the classroom, which brings me so much joy.
As a new and passionate educator, I believe in being an “asking teacher”—someone who is always curious, always learning, and always listening. I look forward to growing alongside your amazing kids, supporting their unique journeys, and becoming a part of this special classroom family. Thank you for welcoming me—I can’t wait for a wonderful year together!
Ms. Jessie-Lead Grasshopper(Pre-K)
My name is Jessica, I go by Jessie! I have been teaching for over 20 years. I am so excited to be a part of your child’s/children’s journey. I am a proud mother of 3 handsome men. ! I am happily married to my husband David! I love teaching and learning new things!
Ms. Emya-Assistant Grasshopper(Pre-K)
My name is Emya, and I am so excited to be joining this amazing team! I am 21 years old and have one year of experience working with children. I truly enjoy supporting children as they learn, grow, and develop into their own unique individuals.
One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching a child accomplish something they have worked hard to achieve through practice and perseverance. I look forward to getting to know each of your children and being a part of their learning journey this year!
Ms. Santa-Center Support
I’m so excited to be here at BUMC Children’s Learning Center! I’ve worked in childcare for two years and truly love being part of helping children grow and learn. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially when we get the chance to go fishing together. I’m thrilled to be back working with children, as it brings me so much joy to make a positive impact in their lives and support both their development and their families.
Mr. Mario- Custodian
Hello, my name is Mario, and I am happy to serve as the custodian here at Buda UMC Children’s Learning Center!
For the past 16 years, I have worked in Montessori schools, where I gained valuable experience in supporting early childhood education. I am passionate about maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for children to learn and grow. Each day, I take pride in ensuring our center is sanitized and welcoming for every child, family, and staff member.
On a personal note, I am thankful to God for each day. I am blessed with a wonderful wife and family, and I enjoy attending church every Sunday to grow in my faith and walk with the Lord.