Kindergarten

After discovering Montessori learning as a parent of two children here in Austin, I started my own path working in Montessori classrooms. In my years of working with children I have found a deep joy for nurturing young people as they grow and a passion for learning all I can to facilitate their development. I am committed to creating an engaging learning environment and supporting students in their academic and personal growth. I believe in the power of child-centered education and teamwork to transform young lives for the benefit of the student and our whole community. I am so proud to be part of the Headwaters team because our school embodies what I think is a powerful method to help children reach their potentials and dreams in an environment that emphasizes caring and empathy for all. 

Why hello there! I am Cayla Cecil, honored to serve as the Headwaters Creek Counselor. I am a licensed social worker who has a passion for helping children navigate the challenges of life and has spent the last decade working with children of all ages, most frequently in the school system. In the world of children's counseling, I am dedicated to fostering a nurturing, playful, safe, and empowering space where young hearts can flourish.

I am a born and raised Texan who graduated with her Bachelor's from Baylor University in 2013. Shortly after, I moved to our amazing city and fell in love with the sense of community and positivity that runs deep within the heart of Austin. It was here that I started working in the school system and later got my Master's Degree in Social Work at Texas State University to pursue my calling into school social work. After several years working as a Program Manager for a nonprofit that partners with schools across the Austin area, I started working with a private practice, Tula Counseling, who brought me to Headwaters Creek in the 2023-2024 school year to start building a counseling program. Working at Headwaters has been the most rewarding experience, and I am incredibly grateful to be welcomed into the Headwaters Creek family as their first ever School Counselor. 

At heart, I am a rainbow person with a charismatic & energetic personality, who exudes positivity & joy, and sees the good in everyone. I love people with every fiber of my being and wish I could give every person on this planet a hug. I am a firm believer that music and food heals the soul, and I love to listen to music & dance around my kitchen while cooking a delicious meal for the people I love. I am so thankful to be spending my life making connections and building relationships with the young people of this world. I have a holistic approach to mental health, believing true healing encompasses one's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, recognizing that everything in a person's life is interconnected. From individual sessions & group sessions, to helping a child who is emotionally disregulated, to collaborating with staff & providing resources to families, etc., I am committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those in our community. I'm thrilled to grow further as a counselor and community member at Headwaters, where every day brings new opportunities to enrich young lives

A warm hello to the Headwaters community! My name is Alexandra Gantley and I’m the new Learning Specialist at the Headwaters Creek Campus. I’ve worked as a special educator for fifteen years in a variety of academic environments. My experience includes work at both public and private schools, and I’ve taught and tutored students of all ages, ranging from elementary to high school learners. 

I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, and began my career as a special education teacher in Boston, Massachusetts after graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I received my masters in education from Boston College a few years later. After moving to Austin in 2010, I worked as an Inclusion teacher at a public middle school for two years before transitioning to Rawson Saunders. I spent four years at Rawson Saunders as a Language Arts teacher and learned so much about students with dyslexia and ADHD, as well as twice-exceptional students and many other non-traditional learners. Most recently, I worked at a charter high school and also as a private tutor and IEP consultant for families in the Austin area. 

In all my years as an educator, it has been an absolute joy to work with students who think and learn differently than many of their peers. I’m so excited to begin my next chapter at Headwaters, working with teachers, families, and students to help all learners maximize their potential and discover what works best for their learning style and interests. 

Outside of education, my interests include reading, gardening, movies, cooking, visiting new restaurants, and spending as much time as possible exploring the Hill Country with my husband and our energetic dog, Lily. 

 

I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Music from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. After graduation, I stumbled upon a job teaching at a church preschool in Houston. I hadn’t worked there long before I was completely hooked. Those little minds grabbed and kept my attention in a way that was far more profound than anything I had ever studied in school. After two years in Houston, I moved to Germany for a year; then returned to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I obtained my M.A.Ed. from Washington University in St. Louis in 1995. Since that time, I’ve taught pre-k, kindergarten, and 1st grade in both public and private schools.

I discovered Headwaters in 2010 while exploring school options for my then four-year-old son. As a veteran teacher, I had high standards for the school setting I wanted for my child. Headwaters had it all! I was struck by the beautiful classroom environments, the school’s emphasis on peace education, and the incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable teaching staff. Within minutes of walking through the doors, I knew that I had found the ideal school for my son, as well as for myself. In 2012, I received my Montessori training from the Houston Montessori Center (AMS). I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this incredible community where I get to teach K-1 with the amazing Jennifer Phillips.

I am beyond excited to begin my 18th year as an educator at Headwaters School. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art and Art Education from Texas State University, and began my career teaching in Austin public schools. During this time I held many teaching roles and positions, including art, p.e., special education, small group interventionist, librarian, athletics coach, teacher mentor, and director of athletics. I hold certifications in K-12 Art Education, K-12 Physical Education, Early Child Care-4 General Education, IB, Social Emotional Learning and have worked with school leadership to create and implement  programs for the campus. I look forward to bringing my experience to the Doves classroom and am honored to learn and continue to grow under Erica’s guidance. 

My journey to Headwaters began last year while exploring other school options for our 9 year old. Friends had suggested Headwaters from their own experiences and after visiting the Creek Campus, we could easily see why. We fell in love with the Montessori style of learning and knew we had made the best decision after seeing him thrive in the Kingfisher classroom. I then had the opportunity to serve as a substitute guide where I experienced Montessori educational practices in action, and knew instantly that I wanted to continue my educational journey here.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy creating art, playing soccer, making music, bird watching, traveling, being in water/ nature and spending quality time with my wife, our two sons, and two dogs. 

I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama where I was encouraged by my family to find strength in learning, engage in community building, and work towards positive social change. I received my BA in Anthropology and Art History as well as a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Texas. I have worked in a variety of professions including public libraries, archives and art museums, the health and wellness sector, and as a substitute teacher.

I first came to Headwaters as a parent; my three boys are now in the Elementary program. I am looking forward to being in service to our amazing teachers and staff. In my free time I like to cook, read, run, garden and enjoy the outdoors with my family.

For over two decades, Lauran has been both a learner and a leader in the art and science of mindful movement.  She has taught thousands of students and trained and certified yoga teachers at the advanced level.  Her deep curiosity for the intersection of movement and mental health daily inspire her work as an elementary educator.  She is the author of Ms. Mimi’s Method: The ABC’s for the Heart, Body and Brain, an embodied phonics program designed to support children’s love of language and spelling through movement.  She is also the creator of "Especially Mindful: Mindful Movement for Special Education Children," a program piloted in AISD between 2020-2022.  In 2021, she was invited to speak at UT’s School of Social Work on the topic of mindful movement for emotional regulation for special needs children.

Her world view has been informed by world travel, her passion for the universal language of yoga and dance, and the blessing of motherhood. 

The first child development class I attended as an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin opened my mind and heart to the fascinating inner world of the developing child. Not long afterward, I began working at a Montessori School in north Austin where I could apply my coursework while completing my degree in Child Development and Family Relationships. Deeply curious to know more about the psychological development of humans across the lifespan, I obtained a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Texas State University-San Marcos. I focused my career on working with vulnerable populations (children, adolescents, and adults) in a psychotherapeutic capacity as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

I’ve been a parent at Headwaters (first at Primavera Montessori School) since 2009. Having studied and observed the Montessori Method, it was a natural choice for my children, but what surprised me was how much the school community helped me develop as a parent and as a human being. When I felt a strong calling to return to my first passion of working in the classroom with young children, I knew that I wanted to join this compassionate and supportive school as a professional. I began substitute teaching at Headwaters School during the 2016-17 school year and fell in love all over again with the challenges and rewards of working in the classroom. To prepare for the unique role of Montessori Assistant Guide, I enrolled in a training course for assistant guides in the summer of 2017.

I am endlessly inspired by the wisdom of Dr. Montessori and her intellectual insight into some of our world’s most persistent questions. She articulated the tremendous value of the developing child to society. She explained that peace cannot be achieved until the child’s role is given equal importance to that of the adult. One hundred years later, I find Dr. Montessori’s prophetic philosophy of peace education as relevant as ever.

In my free time, I spend many hours parenting and loving my two children. I enjoy cooking and eating healthy food, reading for pleasure, indulging in Netflix when I should be sleeping, traveling, being outside, and frequenting the Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake.

I am a native Texan, born in the charming town of Fredericksburg, and an alumnus of Texas State University in San Marcos. Though I live just outside of Austin, the city holds my heart and I am lucky to be able to raise my

children in a small town while having access to one of the most progressive and unique cities in the country.

My daughters and I spent the last three years at a small Montessori school where I worked as an Assistant Guide in Lower Elementary and an Office Assistant. The school quickly became our home away from home and we are so excited for the next step in our journey at Headwaters.

My passions lie in serving my local community, supporting non-profit organizations, environmental advocacy and animal welfare. I have been rescuing every animal that crosses my path since I lived on a farm as a

child, from lambs to skunks, squirrels, and kittens. My mother fostered my deep connection to nature from a very young age which has only grown with time. Montessori’s recognition of our dependency on and responsibility

to the earth really resonates with me and I believe that is what has drawn me to this specific pedagogy.

When we are not at school, my family and I can usually be found splashing around in the pool, gardening, spending time in nature, jamming to music or doing art. Zoey and Lyra have inherited my fascination with nature and my husband and I are constantly finding innocent roly polies, rock collections, sticks and leaves stashed around the house. Although I must admit, I kind of love it.

I am a lifelong learner and eager student of the gifts of childhood and human potential. I was fortunate, in my late teens, to find a path into the marvelous world of Montessori Education and have spent my entire adult life in grateful service to hundreds of amazing and unique young children and their families. My biggest passion in working with children is to be an advocate and facilitator in the growth of the WHOLE child; helping to weave mind, body and spirit together in each child’s quest for self-actualization. I immensely love exploration, expression and connection through the arts and sciences, the pursuit of knowledge and sharing in the wonders of this amazing and beautiful world.

I have two Montessori teaching credentials, received from the American Montessori Society (AMS) in 1994 and the Association Montessori International (AMI) in 2000. And this year, I celebrate my 28th year of Montessori Education in Austin! I am a founding member and “proud mama” of Primavera Montessori School, and have led in the development of the Primary program from its inception. I currently guide within the K-1 program and feel completely blessed to continue my Montessori journey into the Elementary years and the Cosmic Curriculum.

Beautiful from the beginning, our school’s mission has perpetually manifested itself into being, threading together a vital group of Visionaries—educators, parents, and children—committed to a peaceful, empowered, and interdependent village. It has been pure joy to behold our school’s unfolding over the past decade, and to welcome and collaborate with all those who were drawn to come, to share in our vision, and to bring their passionate and amazing talents with them! Each of us is continually surrounded by wonder, inspiration, and unwavering support. Headwaters School is truly an optimal learning environment for us all, cradle to college… and beyond! I look forward to the expansive growth we will continue to create together in Headwaters’s bright and innovative future.

I am thrilled to introduce myself as a Guide in the Dove's Class this year. With a degree in Elementary Education and over a decade of classroom experience, I hope to bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the educational journey of your children.

Beyond the classroom, I love to travel and explore new places. I have had the privilege of visiting over 25 different countries. These global experiences have broadened my perspective, allowing me to infuse diverse cultural elements into my teaching methods.

I came to Headwaters in 2015 and have worn many different hats in the school. I have been a support guide in a Primary classroom, a substitute guide, a Creativity Club guide, an Early Elementary Guide, and now a K-1 guide. What made me fall in love with this school is its emphasis on Peace Education and the passion I saw in the community to instill compassion and understanding in students.

Recently,  I welcomed a new addition to my family and embarked on a new life chapter by taking a year off from work to embrace motherhood. As I return to the classroom, I am more inspired than ever to guide my students on a journey of discovery, self-expression, and growth.