Staff
Administrator
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)
Program Director
Mallory Grau is a graduate of Texas Lutheran University. Mallory has dual Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Theology (youth ministry concentration), and she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She has been with Emerson since April 2008 and has served in a variety of roles. Her experience includes over 4 years in youth ministry, teaching in an after-school program, and working as a residence life advisor at TLU. Mallory has a terrific sense of humor and a very grounded approach to child development and education. Her position at Emerson Academy includes talking with parents and families of new and prospective students, working with our newly founded non-profit organization, serving as liaison to grant writers and fundraisers, writing Emerson's newsletter, supervising the staff and assisting with curriculum and program development.
Shila Bruce began with Emerson in
February of 2008 as a teaching assistant and has taught
in the 2-3 year old classroom since January 2008. 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 is currently on maternity leave with her new baby girl!
Infant Class
Michael Lopez is the lead teacher in
the Dolphin Room. As a mother of a child with
special needs, she brings with her the experience and patience required
to take loving care of our youngest students. Michael’s son has attended
Emerson for almost two years and her family has been an active part of our
center. She is a registered massage therapist and, more recently, decided
to resign from management in the corporate world in order to spend more
time with her family. Michael’s warm demeanor and smiling face are
a perfect fit for the infant class and we are so happy she has joined Emerson
Academy.
Karla Cruz 
is the assistant teacher in the Infant Room. She began with Emerson in the fall of 2009 and quickly
won the hearts of both children and staff. Karla has four children of her own, and lives with her family in Manor. She loves teaching young children
and is calm and nurturing. We are very excited to have her on staff!
Jennifer Ford joined Emerson in the winter of 2009 as an assistant teacher in the infant classroom. Jennifer holds a Bachelor's degree in
government from Sacremento State, and has taught as a sub and home teacher for two years. She and her family moved to the area
from California in June 2009, and her two sons attend Emerson. Jennifer has a loving, calm nature, and we are so excited to
have her caring for our babies!
1-2 Year Old Classroom
Beverly Franken has joined Emerson as an co-teacher teacher in the Monkey class. She brings with her seven years of experience in child care along with an Associate of Arts degree and continuing education in Early Education. Beverly has captured the hearts of the kids and has a love for creative activities!
Pamela Towler recently joined Emerson as a co-teacher in the 1-2 year-old classroom. Ms. Pam has many years of teaching and childcare experience, serving as a nanny to children of varying ages and abilities. She has a sweet, calm demeanor and, along with Ms. Beverly, creates a caring, nuturing environment for her young toddlers!
2-3 Year Old Classrooms
Michel Otto, a co-teacher in the Butterfly
Classroom, is an amazing individual with a great
background in education and childcare. Born and raised in South Africa,
Michel speaks three different languages, and she worked on the Oprah
Development Project there. She has a degree in social science and has
trained as an Occupational Therapy Aide. In addition to her years of
teaching preschool-aged children, Michel was also a gymnastics coach
for ten years. Michel now lives in Round Rock with her husband and son.
We welcome her and are very excited that she is now teaching at Emerson!
Sheryl Pier 
is the assistant teacher in the Butterfly Class. She began with Emerson as a substitute teacher in April 2009. Demonstrating her expertise and great work ehtic, we soon hired
her as a full time teacher. Sheryl has over 13 years experience, working as a lead
teacher in infant and preschool classrooms and as an after-achool counselor at the YMCA. Sheryl has studied at Austin Community College
and is currently working on her CDA. Her patience and love of teaching have made her a perfect addition to our Emerson family!
Pre-K Mixed-Age Classroom
Stephine Sammis is a Co-Teacher in one of our 3-5 year-old classrooms. She has an Associates of Arts degree in Education and is pursuing her Bachelor's in Special Education. Stephine has over 10 years childcare experience, serving as a nanny for children with special needs, a teaching assistant, daycare teacher, camp counselor, and substitute teacher. She has training in ABA techniques and is dedicated to her students.
Anna Wimpelberg
recently
joined Emerson as the Co-Teacher in the Turtle Class. She has a B.A. in psychology with a minor in education. Anna has worked as a Child
and Youth Case Manager at the MHMR (Mental Health and Mental Retardation) of Round Rock and also as a sports coach to children ages 2-6.
In addition to her passion for education, Anna also has a love for animals and has worked as a veterinary tech for three years. She loves
teaching kids through science, music, drama, and sports. We warmly welcome her to Emerson!
Pre-K Mixed-Age Classroom
Vanessa Freeman teaches 3-6 year olds in the Guppy Classroom.
As a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in psychology, Vanessa has experience
in working with young children and insight into development and behavior. She has worked in
childcare settings with children of pre-school and school age and brings a soothing and inspiring
persona to the children at Emerson Academy.
Craig Andrews
began with Emerson in the spring of 2009 as a substitute teacher. The kids, staff,
and parents fell in love with him, and he now is a fulltime teacher. Craig holds a
bachelors degree in liberal studies from Eastern Oregon University and is a certified
teacher in special education and physical education. He has coached kids of all ages
for 15 years and, in addition to teaching in the Guppy Class, he will also be
working with the 3-6 year-olds classes coaching organized sports and teaching the
basics of physical education.
Pre-School Program for Children with Special Needs
Terrie McCaleb joined Emerson Academy in the spring of 2009. Terrie
previously worked in Round Rock ISD for over 10 years as a Life Skills (K-5)
assistant teacher where she received outstanding evaluations and commendations.
She also taught in the Structured Teach Method (Autism K-5) and became an
in-home trainer for students with Autism. Her pleasant personality, high
energy, and vast experience is a welcomed asset to Emerson Academy. She
will utilize her experience as the Lead Teacher for the After School PPCD
Program during the school year.
Kim Gebert is a young, energetic teacher with an experienced background in child care. Kim is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in criminal justice and hopes to work with youth in the detention system. She's very "young at heart" and has demonstrated her ability to create bonds with the kids. She is an important figure to several of the Turtles and we look forward to a long tenure on our staff.
Support Staff
Jennifer Hammar teaches the After School Program for young children. Jennifer is a senior 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 an integral member of our staff.
Katie Hall began with Emerson in August 2009 as a substitute teacher. She hold a B.A.
in English from Texas A&M University and is the mother to a beautiful daughter named Jane. Katie has many
years experience working in her church nursery and Mother's Day Out program. Katie is also bilingual and teaches a
Spanish enrichment class to our 2-6 year-olds.
Amorette Shariff-Bey teaches part-time at Emerson with all ages. She is currently attending Austin Community College working on a degree in Music Therapy with which she hopes to teach children and teens through music. She enjoys reading and singing and shares her love of music with her students!
Employment
Positions Available
Teaching Assistants
We are currently accepting applications for teaching assistants. 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 at least 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