STAFF BIOS-ADMIN

Cynthia Smith McCollum - Executive Director

I care deeply about high-quality, accessible education for all children. As parents, we sought Open Door for our children based on its inclusive model and incredible reputation. Because of the wonderful care they received and the supportive community our family found here, I am so excited to be part of ensuring that Open Door continues to serve Austin in such a special way.

Sheila Matthews - Director of Operations

Shieila has 40+ years working in the field of Early Childhood, and has her Director’s Certification, Prechool Certificate, Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, and a B. A. in Business Administration. She loves helping others and started working at Open Door in 2005. “I'm proud to be part of the Open Door Village, a preschool where parents can leave their children and know they will receive the best quality care in Austin. Open Door welcomes all children and families. You will not be able to find another place like Open Door Preschools.” Sheila is an original, born and raised, Austinite, loves helping others, serving in the community, dancing, and spending time with family

Krista Anderson-Hill - Director of Development and Community Relations

As an individual, professional, and community member, I deeply hold the values of equity and inclusion. I love serving an organization that is deliberately diverse and intentionally inclusive. Just like Sesame Street, Open Door is a village that nurtures ALL colors, abilities, backgrounds, shapes, and rainbows.

Kati Garrett- Event and Development Manager

I'm inspired by the mission of inclusivity at Open Door Preschools!! I have 16 years of experience as a classroom teacher in elementary and middle school Theatre and I hope to bring all of those organizational skills to Event & Development Managingat Open Door.

Leslie Fierro, B.A.-EIS - Family C.A.R.E.S Program Director

Open Door really is a place where everyone is welcome  — Open Door is here for kids AND families.  We are here to walk alongside parents and support them in whatever capacity they need to be their best parenting selves.  Before joining the Open Door staff, I worked as a community collaborator with Open Door for over ten years through Texas Rising Star and Early Child Intervention Services.  I help Open Door families navigate connections to community resources, tuition, and emergency assistance and provide one-on-one parent education and support on all things preschool.

Missy Sanchez - Site Director at Central

I believe every child should be able to learn and grow in an emotionally supportive environment that values and fosters their natural curiosity. A child’s innate curiosity makes them our world’s greatest explorers. Our job, as early childhood educators, is to provide each child in our care with a road map that will set them up for success as they pursue their future educational journeys.

Frankie Pemberton - Assistant Site Director at Central

Frankie has been with Open Door since 2014. In April 2024 she completed the Together4Children (T4C) Leadership Training with the Texas Child Care Leadership Academy. She received her Child Development Certificate through Austin Community College and is one of Open Door’s ‘go to’ resources for the Conscious Discipline model we utilize. What people should know about Open Door:: Open Door is a place where you discover that being yourself is the most authentic way to be. Whether you are big or small, the impact is made. Every person is treated as unique and treasured for their inimitable qualities. May we create a world full of empathy, one child, one teacher, one parent at a time.

Christal Fox - Site Director

Christal started at M Station in 2012 — the same year M Station opened! “I have a passion for working with children. I fell in love with Open Door because of the mission of providing high quality education in a nurturing environment to all children.”
Christal has a Bachelors in Psychology (Tx State Univ.) with a focus on developmental psychology. She also has a Texas Teacher Certifcation in early childhood through 5th grade (general education) and early childhood through 12th grade (special education). She is the Site Director at MStation and her own children are Open Door alumni. Christal wants people to know that what makes Open Door special is that “all children are seen,  respected, and met with patience and kindness at their level. This creates a diverse and inclusive place where everyone is treated like family.”
Christal is originally from Houston and enjoys attending concerts, camping, going to the beach, and spending time with family (including Charlie the dog and Jolene the cat).

Anaelys Prieto-Sanchez - Assistant Site Director

Ana has been with Open Door since 2012 and completed her Director Certification in April 2024. She wants people to know that “Open Door is like a family for me. It has been an amazing journey to be part of this great community.” Ana is originally from Cuba and loves to spend time with family.