STAFF BIOS-NORTH
Gabrielle Arevalo - Site Director
As an educator, I deeply appreciate and hold the values and mission that Open Door Preschools represent. I strongly believe in intentional inclusivity and diversity and that it is important to teach at a young age and encourage children to learn and grow together.
Latrice Jones - Assistant Site Director
LaTrice is a native Austinite and has 22 years of Early Childcare experience. She’s been with Open Door since 2013. In April 2024 she completed the Together4Children (T4C) Leadership Training with the Texas Child Care Leadership Academy. What should people know about Open Door?: “The people, children, and community assist in making Open oor look like the world the children live and navigate in. We honor all people through our program and that makes everyone feel like Open Door is home!” LaTrice served in the United States Army and lived in several other countries before returning to make Austin home.
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.
Edgar Aguilar - Floater
Rasha Alsawaf - Teacher
Rasha has a Bachelor of Education and is in the Moonbeams room with the 12-18-month-old children. At Open Door, “love, faith and knowledge come together to create an amazing community of learners.” She’s been with Open Door since 2023 and loves swimming. Rasha is originally from Iraq and has lived in Austin 10 years.
Tania Blancas-Flores - Assistant Teacher
Samra Butt - Teacher
Hanna Cannon - Co-Teacher
Hannah is in the Infant room (2-12 months). She has been working with children “for about 10 years'“ and started at OPen Door in 2023. She wants everyone to know that what makes Open Door so special is “the diversity we have and the love that we give to our kiddos and families.” When not caring for our youngest Open Door kids, Hannah love to cook and bake.
Amauri Clark - Teacher
Kelly Custer - Teacher
Christine Daniel - Floater
Amily Desantiago - Floater
Lei Doria - Teacher
Brenae Jarmon - Floater
Vivian Jimenez-Mendez - Co-Teacher
Yolanda Lee - Teacher
Alex Mohammad - Co-Teacher
Alex (they/them) is one of Open Door’s newest (2024) teachers. With eight years of experience ranging from support educator to lead teacher, they Co-Teach in the Shooting Stars (4-5 yr-olds) room.