Staff

Executive Director/Administrator

Sarah Johnson earned a Master's Degree in Special Education   from the University of Texas at Austin. She serves as The Executive Director of The Emerson Foundation, as well as the Administrator of record for Emerson Academy. Sarah has a wealth of 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 teachers, school districts, therapists and comprehensive program providers. Sarah has 13 years of experience working closely with children with special needs, those with Autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children.

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 in the 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.

Jennifer Green, a native of Austin, Texas graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Kinesiology. She’s been employed with Emerson Academy since February 2008, gaining experience in every classroom, and now serves as our Program Director.  Jennifer's organizational skills and ability to multi-task, combined with her extreme dedication to the children of Emerson Academy make her an amazing leader.  A mom herself, Jennifer relates to parents and family members on a personal level ensuring that parents always know that their children are getting the very best care and education while attending Emerson Academy.

Curriculum Specialist

Melissa "Miss Pickles" Boaz came to Emerson Academy with many years of experience in early childhood education.  Melissa has worked as a pre-school teacher, program director and center director.  She is an amazing inspiration to the teachers, students and parents.  Her role as curriculum specialist includes assisting teachers with lesson planning, obtaining supplies, individual student support and overall operational improvement.

Ducklings - Infants

Erin Lee is the lead teahcer in the Duckling class.  She grew up in Sugarland, Texas but moved to Round Rock four years ago with her husband Jim and 7 year old dog Maximus.  She's been working at Emerson Academy since June, 2011 and is an amazing addition to the growth and development to the infants for whom she teaches everyday.  Erin completed her CDA (Child Development Associate) and loves working with infants.  As a new mother of a darling baby girl, Erin has resourses and experience that she shares with her students daily.

Monkeys - 1-2 Year Olds

Christina Cranor is the Monkey Class assistant teacher.  Christina has many years of child care experience, both professional and personal.  She has worked in several childcare settings and with different age groups.  She has two nephew's with whom she is very close and helps learn and grow on a regular basis.  Christina is a bright and caring teacher who always makes the children a priority.

Butterflies - 2-3 Year Olds

Beverly Franken is the lead teacher in the 2-3 year old classroom. Bev has 9 years of experience in child care along with an Associate of Arts degree and continuing education in Early Education. She is patient and kind when teaching and always gives unconditional love to her students. Along with high expectations and a very deliberate sense of right and wrong, Beverly has made long lasting impressions on all of the children who have had the opportunity to learn from her. Bev is one of Emerson's most beloved teachers.


Michele Barnes is the assistant teacher in the Butterfly class. She graduated from college in 2001 with a degree in Elementary Education from Angelo State University. Soon after graduating she became a mom and was able to be a stay at home mom. She has two boys, ages 10 and 6 years old. They are an active family that loves to be outdoors; camping and anything that has to do with water are their favorite activities.  In the past, Michele has volunteered in both son's classrooms helping the teachers out with whatever they needed. For the past 3 years she has worked in her church child care room during the week part time. She has worked with 6 week olds to 10 year olds. She loves kids and watching them grow and learn every day.

Guppies 3-4 Year Olds

Dianne Muchow came to Texas in 1989 from Rhode Island. She has over 20 years of early childhood experience ranging from working as a private nanny to overseeing a large Children's Ministry program at a church in Austin.  Dianne enjoys science, art, music, theater and social studies. She loves to read and enjoys bringing books to life for children. Her love for children and desire to teach them is her passion and joy. She has 2 grown daughters, has raised 13 foster children and has one adorable granddaughter. She is attending ACC at this time and has plans to transfer to TSU to pursue her degree in Early Childhood Education.    
                                                                                  

Evelyn Anderson is the co-teacher in the Turtle Class.  Evelyn is a graduate of West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Educaiton.  Prior to relocating to the Austin area, Evelyn was a teacher's assistant in the Pre-Kindergarten Program with Hatboro-Horsham School District in Horsham, Pennsylvania.  She has also worked in Kindergarten, second and fourth grade classrooms.  Evelyn is a natural teacher and has helped to create a learning environment that is exciting, inviting and a fun place to learn. 

Cheyenne Jock is the Co-Teacher for the Turtle Class.  Cheyenne returned to Emerson Academy after a breif time away to be near her family. Cheyenne is an amazing teacher, leader and role model for other staffmembers and for the children in her class.  She is patient, kind, caring and has a deep love of the kids with whom she spends her day.  Her infectious smile and positive attitude make Cheyenne a loved teacher.  With excellent organizational skills, a wonderful intuitivness about childrenand their needs, and terrific sense of humor, Cheyenne is an integral member of the Emerson staff. 

Support Staff

Anna Rosenbusch

Lindsey Reyes returned to Emerson Academy after have her beautiful daughter.  Linsey works as a substitute and support staff.  She always has a smile on her face and is willing to lend a hand wherever needed.

  Bea Padilla is the glue that holds Emerson Academy together.  She does it all and with a smile on her face!  Having been a foster parent for many years, Bea takes very seriously her role in food preparation, cleaning, sanitation and ensuring a clean and healthy environment for the students at Emerson.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To Apply:

1. Please print and complete the employment application (below), and
2. 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:
   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson