STAFF BIOS-M STATION
Angela Young - Site Director
My educational philosophy is that all children can learn and grow. It is up to us to determine what will help them to be successful. I was drawn to apply to Open Door because of the inclusivity of the schools. It is important for all children to experience a diverse educational program as it teaches them empathy, adaptability, flexibility, and even skills in meeting the needs of their friends. I look forward to working as partners with the staff, families, and children for this amazing program.
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.
Jocelynn Thurmond — Family C.A.R.E.S. Specialist
I am passionate about social justice and what makes Open Door special is its pledge to diversity and inclusion with staff and families — it’s an environment where individuals are welcomed and given quality care for their unique needs. I have a background in childcare, child mental health, and parent education with QMHP and MHFA certifications, as well as a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Science. I'm very excited to be here and eager to help my community.
Celeste Albiter-Sanchez - Teacher
Charlotte Apendeki - Floater
Kadesha Artis - Floater
Diana Carretero - Teacher
Enise Fleury - Floater
Christal Fox - Teacher
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 works with the 18-24 month-old children 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).
Daniela Garcia - Teacher
Irene Garcia - Teacher
Brandy Griffin - Teacher
Elizabeth Holder-Crawford - Teacher
Chantal Mbaya - Teacher
Daniela Palazuelos - Floater
Sandra Riley - Teacher
Veronica Rodriguez - Teacher
Armando Ruiz - Floater
Emma Stromberger - Floater
Mikaela ‘KK’ Suniga - Teacher
Emma Sutton - Floater
Emma is an native Austinite and has been with Open Door since 2013. She has been caring for infants and young children “since I was 11”. In addition to childcare classes at UCLA, this summer (2024) she is working on her certification. What should people know about Open Door?: “Open Door is special because we help all babies and children, no matter what their needs are. Every child is welcome at Open Door.” Emma is a big UT fan (especially women’s basketball!), and loves cats.
Brianna Tobias - Teacher
Megan Toliver - Teacher
Meganand has an Associates of Applied Science in Child Care and Development. She is a teacher n the Explorer’s room (3 yr-olds) and has been with Open Door Preschools since 2013. “Open Door is such a special place. We teach the children to be empathetic towards others. We've had parents point out how loving and caring the other children are when they come to pick up their child.” Two of Megan’s children grew up at the [now closed] East school and she knows that '“they will always chreish the memories they made there.“
Gabriela Vallejo-Mercado - Teacher
Julian Villagomez - Floater
Julian joined Open Door this year (2024) with over 15 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education. “I truly love how inclusive Open Door is and how much this community values its teachers.”