Elementary

Elementary Faculty/Staff

List of 23 members.

Paige Whitney

Elementary School Director
Bio
I am so excited about joining the Headwaters community. The minute I walked through the doors, I thought, “I belong here!” Through conversations with the teachers, other staff members and following brief encounters with the children, I knew immediately that I found my new work home and just the place to be myself.

After receiving my AMI Montessori training in Bergamo, Italy, I have been working as a Montessori teacher and administrator for the last 20 years, allowing me to follow my passion of guiding elementary aged children to grow and develop into full, well-rounded adults and compassionate global citizens.

Moving to Austin after spending the last 35 years in Dallas where I raised my daughter, adopted from VietNam when she was just 2-months-old, was the end of one chapter in my life and the beginning of another. When Jade graduated from Southwestern University this spring, I had the privilege of watching her launch comfortably into adulthood, offering me the opportunity to continue focusing intently on my work with children, teachers and families. I look forward to working with the entire Headwaters community as we grow together over the coming years.

I have many interests, including design and art, creative writing, speaking French, holding meaningful conversations with friends, reading, exploring nature, photography, travel, and laughing. I am looking forward to sharing all of these things with the new friends I will make in Austin and learning more about the history and culture in this city. Returning to Austin after many years where I attended UT as a young woman, makes a perfect re-visit of another time in my life as I transition into this grand new adventure.
Jennie Glass

Creek Campus Manager
Keely Bargnesi

Upper Elementary Phoenixes Guide
Jacqueline Bauer

K-1 Doves Guide
Bio
I first came upon the Montessori pedagogy when studying Early Childhood Education during my first year at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. After an observation at the campus Lab School, I was struck by how the children were guided with respect and compassion. I recall the classroom being a place where awareness and independence were ubiquitous. My admiration led me to include Montessori Education in my studies from that day forward.

In May of 2017, I received my AMS certification for Lower Elementary and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education after four years of study. I began my work alongside the spontaneous and inspiring 6-9 year old children in Chicago as a Lead Guide for three consecutive years.

I am motivated to honor each unique child and to help them reach their highest potential. Celebrating richness in our community, cultivating peace practices, and meticulously preparing every detail of the classroom is work that undeniably brings a sense of wholeness. I am honored to spend my days alongside the absorbent minds of the children who are relishing in the process. I am lucky to work with the vivacious and wise community of people at Headwaters who inspire creativity and joy.

Alongside my work, I fill my time by continuing my lifelong learning of gardening, fiber arts, and cooking. I find joy in exploring new places to rock climb and biking to vistas at sunset. I enjoy the rhythms of practicing solitude and discovering the excitement of the world through the stories of friends and family.
Lucille Berrones

Elementary Gardening Guide & Support
Bio
Aside from the endless benefits of garden-grown food, there’s nothing better than gardening with children! I’ve been a home gardener for more than 20 years, and have pursued volunteer service, courses and professional development in botany, native plants, wildlife habitats, urban farming, permaculture, and others. However, the real learning happens in the garden.

My love for Maria Montessori started more than 25 years ago. I was inspired and guided by Gail Allen, (Headwaters’s Montessori Consultant), who was Director of The Montessori Center. I started assisting Lead Guides under Gail’s supervision, then at other Austin Montessori schools. I joined Headwaters (previously Primavera Montessori) in 2005 as a parent (our daughter is a student on the River campus), and in 2007 as a staff member.

My vision to teach in a school garden began to grow while gardening at home with our daughter Luna. I remember her eyes lighting up when we planted tiny carrot seeds, pulled out the colorful roots, and enjoyed their sweet juicy taste! And I remain as delighted as ever to see students be amazed at the miracle of seeds becoming plants, then food, in a matter of months, and having fun every step of the way!

If just one child tries kale for the first time and exclaims, “This tastes great!”, or realizes that gardening starts with the soil’s health under our feet, or that a garden must give back to our native habitat rather than take from it, then I’ve done my job. Thank you for giving me that opportunity with your child.
Caleb Davis

Elementary Support & Extended Care Guide
Bio
I began working with elementary school children in a private school setting in 2008 and immediately fell in love with the natural learning process. One of the most gratifying things for me personally is seeing the expression on a child’s face when they have a “eureka!” moment after working to understand something that they previously had no knowledge of.

In 2011 I helped in starting Progress School Austin, which is focused on K-3rd grade learning in natural environments. There I facilitated emotional and educational growth through imaginary play, team play, and exploration.

I was introduced to Montessori education in 2013, working at Hawthorne Montessori. There, I was a guide in an 18 month – 3 year old classroom, which required a certain level of patience I was unaware existed in human beings. It was also where I latched onto the “follow the child” philosophy of Montessori education, to which I find myself constantly reaffirming.

Being able to see a child fully, and to help facilitate a child’s navigation through murky waters (emotional, social, and educational) is the richest payback of all.
Nicole Economou

Elementary Library Support & Extended Care Guide
Bio
Bio Coming!
Andrea Estrada

Elementary Spanish Guide
Bio
My name is Andrea Estrada and I am the Spanish Teacher at Creek Campus. My teaching journey started ten years ago back in Monterrey, México. I studied my bachelors degree in Organizational Psychology at ITESM and along the way I discovered that my true passion was being an educator. After my graduation I got my master's degree in education and I have been working since then in private schools in México. Three years and a half years ago, my husband and I took on an adventure and relocated to Seattle, Washington. There I started my journey as a Spanish Teacher with mostly preschoolers. This past summer, we relocated again and came to live in Austin Texas which we are loving, When I came to my first interview at Headwaters I just fell in love with the school. I've always worked in traditional schools and I've always thought that something was missing. This is my first experience at a Montessori School and I am constantly falling in love with the philosophy. I am amazed by the love of learning and independence that the students have and the passion and experience of each staff member. I am very grateful and happy to be part of the Headwaters family.
Alexandra Gantley

Elementary Learning Specialist
Bio
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.
Jennifer Giroux

K-1 Cardinals Guide
Bio
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.
Amanda Johnson

Early Elementary Meadowlarks Guide
Bio
This will be my fifth year as Director of Creativity Club, and I cannot wait to get back into the world of Headwaters. I ventured here after working at Dougherty Arts Center for four years as a Creativity Club teacher. Prior to that, I had worked at Child’s Day Preschool and Dallas Children’s Theatre. I have always had a passion for theatre, and as I graduated college I realized that my greatest passion was to teach drama, specifically to elementary children. The world of art is a place where children can let their imaginations soar, without boundaries or limitations. It’s also a place where we, as teachers, can explore almost limitless possibilities. This is what draws me to teach theatre, especially at an elementary level, where children are often deprived of the arts (specifically theatre). Headwaters is a place where inspiration, originality and creativity are not just taught, they are practiced daily. That, combined with the love and support of the staff, have made my time here so far incredibly warm and inviting. I hope to continue nurturing the students’ creativity through art, drama, and even video production throughout the coming years.

When I’m not working at Headwaters, I am often involved in a theatre troupe I co-founded with my best friend, called “The Dramazons.” We perform original plays around Austin (wherever we can afford to rent space)! This allows me the freedom to continue acting, which is a great passion of mine. I also enjoy reading, hiking, amateur songwriting, and playing with my animals: my dog, Tazzy and six cats: Juno, Bear, Bandit, Cleo, Mitch, and Stevie Nicks!
Christopher Larson

K-1 Swifts Guide
Bio
My experience in Montessori goes all the way back to when I was first born. My mother, aunt, and uncle are all life long Montessorians, so I was indoctrinated into the philosophy from a young age. I attended Montessori school until the 6th grade and my experience and the memories I made with my Montessori community is what inspired me to become a Montessori Guide myself. I have been working in Montessori communities for over 12 years and have enjoyed my journey every step of the way. I am honored to now be a part of the Headwaters School and to share my passion for Montessori education with this amazing community!
Eduardo Martinez

Upper Elementary Thunderbirds Guide
Bio
I am a proud father of two children who have been in Montessori since they began their education outside of our home. I fell in love with the method when my wife and I realized that our parenting style was naturally aligned with it. Nine years of being a “Montessori Dad” along with being married to a Montessori Guide, I realized that I too wanted to be in the Montessori classroom. I am currently working toward my Early and Upper Elementary Certification at the Center For Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS) based at the New Gate International Montessori IB School in Sarasota, Florida. The course is a two-and-a-half year program founded by some of the most respected and forward thinking Montessori educators in the country.

When I joined Headwaters, I began supporting the specials programs on our elementary campuses. This included roles as P.E. assistant, Art Co-Guide, Garden Co-Guide, Creativity Club Guide, and a private support guide for elementary children. I have been certified as one of our Low Ropes Challenge Course Facilitators, and look forward to using this unique course as an extension of our classrooms. With our Low Ropes Challenge Course in the Bird’s Nest at the Brodie Campus, we are taking team building to a new level for our students and staff.

In the U.S. and internationally, I have studied environmental design, performing arts, healing arts, studio arts, industrial arts, and Capoeira Angola. I am a licensed massage therapist (LMT). I enjoy kites, boarding sports, swimming, being a disk jockey, up-cycling functional art, health, wellness, sustainable living, organic gardening, reading, and spending quality time with my family.

The Headwaters School community inspires me, and I am thankful that my family is part of it.
Madeline Newchurch

Early Elementary Owls Guide
Bio
I have been working in education since I graduated college in 2014. I studied Creative Writing at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. An Austin Native, I returned home at 21 and worked for two years as a bilingual literacy tutor in local low income schools. In 2017, I went abroad and taught English as a Foreign Language for a year in Madrid, Spain. When I returned to the United States, I moved to Houston and began my Montessori journey. I worked for two years as an Early Elementary assistant and then worked for two more years as a Lead Teacher. I received my Early and Upper Elementary AMS certification from the Gulf Coast Montessori Teacher Education Center. I love to sing, play music, act, soak up the Austin sunshine, read and write stories, and deeply spoil my cat.

I love working with Elementary Aged children and watching them grow. I’m deeply committed to serving the whole child and forming a lasting bond with my students, co-workers, student families, and the entire Headwaters Community. I’m so excited to continue my career here and to be back home in Austin.
Rendi Nutt

Early Elementary Owls Guide
Bio
I have been teaching at Headwaters since 2007. My first two years, I was a Primary assistant, and since then I have been a Guide in the Early Elementary classroom. Before teaching at Headwaters, I studied Cultural Anthropology and Peace Studies at the University of North Texas. My focus was on Tibetan refugees living in India, and I was fortunate enough to spend a summer in the Himalayas studying the ways they obtain their culture through education, language, and religion. Before moving to Austin I taught high school for a year in the Marshall Islands. I obtained my Early Elementary AMS certification from the Houston Montessori Center. I love to dance, perform, travel, and soak up all of my sweet baby’s smells, sounds, and love.

In my first two years at Headwaters, I learned more about the philosophy of Montessori. I was inspired by the unique and compassionate way the guides at Headwaters care for all of the precious children. The importance Headwaters places on a child’s emotional and social development coupled with a strong academic focus resonated with me, and I decided to go deeper in my personal education of the Montessori method. Throughout my experience at this school, I have grown as a person. My relationships with my partner, family, friends, and co-workers have strengthened. The teachers, children, and parents in this community amaze me daily. I look forward to my family growing with this incredible community.
Erica Parfit

Elementary Support & Extended Care Guide
Bio
As a parent, I’ve been with Headwaters since 2013, when my oldest son (Shale) was 2 years old in the Hummingbirds YCC class. When my youngest (Kalon) began Primary in 2016 (in the Roadrunners), I decided to try some hours as a sub, realized I loved working at Headwaters, and when a position became available in Creativity Club, I jumped at the chance. I have been employed with Headwaters full time since 2017, and deeply love my work. Before Headwaters, I worked as a nanny and also as a massage therapist, among other things. I have a degree in Theater. Somehow I have always naturally gravitated toward working with children, often spending my summers in college working summer camps, or directing plays with elementary aged children. The ability of children to live fully in the present moment has always inspired me.

Some of the things I love most about Headwaters are the authenticity, adaptability, compassion, and respectfulness of the adults and students alike. The teachers don’t just lead their students in their lessons, but also by example. I believe one of the reasons that many of our students are skilled at emotional awareness and communication, is the modeling shown by the adults. The culture of our school is deeply ingrained. Each of us lives the P.A.C.T. with dedication and care. I feel very lucky to be a part of such a community.

Thanks!
Erica
Jennifer Phillips

K-1 Cardinals Guide
Bio
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.
Erin Sheppard

K-1 Swifts Guide
Bio
The ways of Maria Montessori have been a natural path of living and guiding. I incorporated Montessori for years without having a name to it. As a nanny, I guided children as their independence unfolded; as a public school teacher, I let students work on their own, experiment, discover, and take ownership of their learning and journeys. As a parent, my children use their hands as they shape their own futures. All of these relationships have been based on respecting each other and the world around us with peace as a way of life. Imagine my joy to discover the Montessori philosophy that encompassed my own philosophy and practices!
My professional Montessori experience includes serving as lead guide of the Nido environment, after-care guide for Young Children’s Community, and Spanish camp guide (all at Mariposa Montessori) as well as an in-home infant/toddler Montessori child-care. I also have experience teaching bilingual education in both an orphanage and a bilingual private school in Mexico, cross-curricular English as a Second Language, Spanish, Math (including for Spanish speakers), and private project-based classes. I have also developed curriculum for Austin homeschool families as well as tutored professionally. My teacher certifications include Bilingual Education (Early Childhood – 6th grade), ESL (Early Childhood – 12th grade), Generalist (Early Childhood – 6th grade), Generalist (grades 4-8), Math (grades 4-8).

Though I love to travel the world, Austin is my family’s home. We love to play outside with friends (and our dog, Pixie), exploring for secret streams, sparkly crystals, and enchanted corners of the city. I also enjoy learning languages, live music, and curling up with a good book.
Jennifer Skiffington

Upper Elementary Thunderbirds Guide
Bio
I love Headwaters School because it embodies the Montessori principles of peace through education and communication, along with meeting the needs of each individual child through the concept of “following the child.” I am continually inspired by the passionate work of my colleagues and the eagerness of the children to learn. As a teacher in the Upper Elementary, I strive to inspire the children with surprising and engaging lessons that tap into their insatiable curiosity for new knowledge. In order to explore their world and their relationships with each other, I aim to create a nurturing, caring classroom community, in which the students can feel comfortable to be themselves and discover their own success.

I became inspired to pursue teaching as a career after working for a year in Chambery, France as an English teacher to elementary-aged children. Upon my return home to Tucson, AZ, I discovered the Montessori philosophy of education and was a Montessori middle school teacher for several years at Khalsa Montessori School in Tucson, AZ. I joined Headwaters School after moving to Austin in 2011, working first as a substitute teacher, then as a support guide on the Springs campus. Since 2013, I have taught Upper Elementary as a lead guide.

I have a Bachelors of Arts degree in English and French from the University of Arizona and a Masters of Education (with a specialization in Montessori) from Xavier University. I hold an Elementary I/II Certificate (ages 6-12) from Montessori Education Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC) in Lexington, MA. I also hold a Secondary I/II Certificate (ages 12-18) from Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program (CMSTEP) in Cincinnati, OH.

I spent my elementary school years in Milford, NH before moving to Tucson, AZ, which I now consider my hometown. I’ve also lived in Chennai, India; Guadalajara, Mexico; and Chambery, France. I enjoy traveling and experiencing the diversity of foreign cultures. My other hobbies include scuba diving, yoga, bicycling, sewing, cooking, and dancing.
Cyn'Torreya Smith

Elementary Extended Care Guide
Bio
I was born and raised here in Austin, Texas. I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, volunteering within my community, seeing my friends, and studying towards my degree. I am currently a student at Texas State University. I am a pre-nursing major and plan to graduate in 2024 with a bachelor science degree in nursing. I plan on getting another degree in education as well. I've always had a passion for helping others and working with children.

In high school, I was an assistant teacher for two years at James Bowie High School. I fell in love teaching--bonding with the children through learning and difficult situations. I've learned so much from my mentor teacher there, and decided that teaching is strong suit of mine.

Here at Headwaters, I am a Creativity Club Guide! Playing with the children and having solutions to different situations has created many memorable moments. Being here at Headwaters has been one of the best experiences I have ever had so far. This is my first time in a Montessori learning environment and I love it! I am looking forward to spending more time with the Headwaters community.
Julie Still

Elementary Library Support & Extended Care Guide
Bio
Bio to Come
Brannon Via

Elementary Art Guide & Support
Bio
I believe in the “it takes a village” approach to raising our young people. I have experienced first-hand the importance of working effectively as part of a team. After college, I worked as an Americorps member, with a team of diverse individuals. Together, we ran an educational program for elementary school students with a focus on service work and making a difference in the community. The experience inspired me to start my own after-school art program, and since, I’ve continued to teach art to a diverse population of children in a variety of settings.

When the opportunity to work in the Elementary Art program with the incredibly talented Jane Hill arose, I jumped to the occasion. I knew, given my interests, abilities, and experiences, that this role would allow me to more fully serve the Headwaters community.

I am excited to see what the year brings alongside people who share my passion for helping children grow and learn–as I myself look to grow and learn!

In my free time I enjoy working on creative projects, swimming, gardening, experimenting in the kitchen, and going on long walks with my sweet dog, Bean. My latest hobby: I will be spending most weekends this fall fixing up the home my beau Eric and I just bought in East Austin.
Deborah Way-Salinas

Early Elementary Meadowlarks Guide
Bio
I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world for having the opportunity to co-create this incredible elementary program, and at the same time raise my daughter in this community’s loving arms since she was in kindergarten. I began working in the Montessori community as Gail Allen’s assistant teacher back in 1988. I completed my AMS teacher training courses for 3-to-6-year-old children at Oklahoma City University, and taught for eight years at The Montessori Center. After that I worked at St. James Episcopal School as founding director and teacher. In 1998 I took the AMS teacher-training courses for 6-to-9-year-old children at the Houston Montessori Center, and taught Early Elementary at Parkside Community School for two years until I became a mother. For the next three years I created a Montessori program in my home for my daughter and her peers. In the spring of 2005, I reunited with beloved colleagues at Primavera to teach Primary, and a year and a half later launched the Elementary program.

I studied Cultural Anthropology at the University of Texas. Some of my hobbies include hiking, journaling, cooking, music, and many types of dancing. Every day I am inspired by the children, my colleagues, and the amazing community of parents at our school.

List of 2 members.

Mark Gaston

Maintenance and Transportation
Dennis Morehead

Maintenance and Transportation

Springs Campus

18 months to Pre-K

6305 Menchaca Rd.
Austin, TX 78745
Phone: 512-443-8843

Creek Campus

Elementary School
9607 Brodie Ln.
Austin, TX 78748
Phone: 512-804-2708
Fax: 512-628-4810

River Campus

Middle & High School
807 Rio Grande St.
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-480-8142
Fax: 512-480-0278