Staff
Program Director
Sarah Johnson earned a Masters Degree in Special Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Sarah brings a wealth of experiences to Emerson Academy, having worked in Pflugerville ISD in Communication and Intensive Resource Inclusion (IRI) programs. She has specific experience with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), conducting assessments, developing curriculum, as well as individualized, small group and large group instruction. Sarah also utilizes her skills when serving as liaison to therapists and comprehensive program providers. Sarah has 9 years of experience working closely with children/adults with Autism and related disabilities.
Learning Credentials:
- Masters Degree in Education, Emphasis in Multicultural Special Education
The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor's Degree in Applied Learning & Development
The University of Texas
Business Director
Stacey Bell earned a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of Texas at Austin. She brings a wide range of experiences to Emerson Academy, having worked with adults with disabilities in private residential settings and a University setting, typically developing teens and teens with special needs as an educator in public schools, and children with disabilities Dallas and Austin Parks and Recreation Departments. Stacey combines compassion, experience and fiscal sense as she helps build Emerson Academy into a one of a kind inclusive child development center. Stacey has over 20 years of experience providing services to people with disabilities.
Learning Credentials:
- Masters Degree in Education, emphasis in Special Education
The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors Degree in Recreation Administration, emphasis in Therapeutic
Recreation, Southwest Texas State University - National Playground Safety Inspector Certification (CSPI)
Kim Rasmus joined Emerson Academy as the lead teacher of the Infant classroom. Kim is the perfect person to provide a loving and nurturing environment for babies from 6 weeks to 12 months. Her most recent work experience was at the University of Texas in Austin. In addition, Kim is the mother of two adopted girls, ages 5 and 2. Kim brings a dedicated, can-do attitude along with a smiling face to Emerson Academy.
Emily Parks is the lead teacher for the four-five year old classroom. Emily has a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas and a Bachelor of Social Work from Lubbock Christian University. Emily plays the guitar and incorporates her love of music and arts into the Emerson Academy curriculum. Emily has worked professionally with children of different needs and acted as a resource for foster families. She is the mother of a three year old boy and a foster mother to three and four year old girls. Her social work background is a true asset to the staff and children of Emerson Academy.
We are fortunate to have Jeffery Burklow as the lead teacher of the three-four year-old class. Jeff is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has over nine years of Early Child Development experience. He incorporates his loves of science and math into his classroom curriculum. Jeff is committed to making sure that each child is learning and thriving, both in his class and in the academy as a whole. Jeff expressed it best when he said: “I want to create a stimulating and interesting learning experience for children with a wide range of abilities and skill sets.”
Sabrina Wells is the one-two year old classroom Lead Teacher. She is the mother of an active two year old and is a wonderful mom and caregiver. She is a resident of Round Rock who loves arts and crafts, painting, drawing and decorating. Sabrina is energetic, fun and provides an environment of trust and creative learning for the children of Emerson Academy.
Taylor Fitzgerald, a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, joined Emerson Academy as a part-time assistant teacher in the three-four year old class. Taylor is studying sociology and forensic psychology and excels in her coursework. She hopes to work with children in a therapeutic setting after graduation. Taylor has an unbeatable positive attitude with the children and parents alike and shows a tremendous amount of care toward them. We are so lucky to have her as a member of our staff.
Gracie Matthews has joined Emerson Academy as the lead teacher in the two-three year old class. Gracie has a Bachelor’s degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Gracie speaks four languages: English, Korean, Spanish and Japanese and has international teaching credentials. She’s worked as an English teacher in Korea, and was responsible for hiring and training teachers from Europe and the Americas. Gracie learned Spanish while living and working in Honduras and taught Kindergarten in Chicago Public Schools. Gracie feels that children learn when they have specific goals and work toward meeting those goals. She also encourages her students to work together and help each other. Emerson Academy welcomes Miss Gracie to our staff.
Tommye Bell has joined Emerson Academy in a diverse role of administrative support, human resources, benefits administration and other duties as assigned. Tommye has over 30 years of administrative and management work experience. She is a mature and very resourceful individual who comes highly recommended for her vast experience and friendly personality. Tommye’s love of children and “scrapbooking” makes her a perfect fit for Emerson Academy.
Sonya Griego joined Emerson Academy as the assistant teacher in the two-three year old classroom. Sonya has an Associate of Art’s in Dance from Austin Community College. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Sonya has experience in child care settings as well as experience working as a nanny for a local family. She has taught dance and movement to children and incorporates her love of dance into the class room curriculum. We are thrilled to have Sonya at Emerson Academy.
Shila Bruce has joined Emerson Academy as an assistant teacher in the one-two year old class. As the mother of a four year old boy, Shila has the energy and patience that makes her a perfect fit for this age group. She has previous child care experience in both the assistant and lead teacher roles and brought a wealth of creativity and ideas to Emerson Academy. Shila has an easy going nature that makes the children and parents feel at ease. She is a wonderful addition to our staff.
We are pleased to welcome Luella Mueller, aka Ms. Lu, to the Emerson Academy staff. Lu has vast experience preparing 4-5 year olds for Kindergarten so working with our Pre-K age groups is a perfect fit. Lu has recently moved back to Texas from Georgia in order to be near her family. Lu’s philosophy is that “learning can and should be fun”. In the short time she’s been with Emerson Academy, she’s already won the hearts of the children and her co-workers. She firmly believes that preschool gives children the academic fundamentals and social skills needed to start Kindergarten. Lu is an asset to Emerson Academy.
Jennifer Hammar works with all age groups as a part-time staff person. Jennifer is a junior at the University of Texas, majoring in Educational Psychology. Jennifer has an enthusiastic attitude and a wonderful personality. She’s a hard worker and her experience leading cheerleading camps, her flexibility and willingness to take on a variety of roles makes her a welcomed addition to our staff.
Employment
Positions Available
Teaching Assistants
We are currently accepting applications for teaching assistant. If you are a high-energy, child-oriented person, please send us your resume; we will contact you to discuss available positions. Applicants should have experience with children and a high school diploma. Experience and/or knowledge of disabilities and some college is preferred.
Volunteer/Internship Opportunities:
As an inclusive child development center committed to children of all ability levels and capabilities, we welcome volunteers in a variety of capacities - classroom, office, library, and teacher support. Volunteers are often university students working on degrees in speech, language, education, and related fields. If you're interested in gaining experience working in a school setting, please contact us! Send your resume to sbell@emerson-academy.com
To Apply:
- Please print and complete the employment application (below), and
- Send the application with your resume to:
Stacey Bell, Business Director
by mail:
Emerson Academy
1 Valley View Drive
Round Rock, Texas 78664
by fax:
(512) 252-0401
by email:
sbell@emerson-academy.com
Employment Application 
What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson