Kerry has been dedicated to the Co-op since 2001 when she enrolled her 3 year old son in preschool, then later her daughter, and continued her involvement long after both children finished their preschool time. For 22 years, she has supported the Co-op by teaching, creating and facilitating the studio space, providing office support, and now serving as Director. This year, Kerry is excited to continue in the Directorship, getting to know all the children and families of the community while working alongside the superb staff. In 2025, Kerry completed the 50+ hours of Director's Credential Course work, receiving a perfect score on her final exam from the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Kerry and her woodworking husband, Mike, are parents to two Co-op alumni: Willis (29) and Piper (25).

Chris Newton is thrilled to continue with the team as Assistant to the Director! She has a Master's degree in Education and has worked as both an elementary school teacher and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), helping children and families through therapy. Chris also ran her own real estate business for years. As a school parent for three years, Chris fell in love with the cooperative spirit and play-based learning that makes this place so special, and she served as Finance Chair on the board. She is passionate about early childhood education. When she's not busy at work, you'll likely find Chris hanging out with her family or quilting.

We are pleased to welcome Kelly back for another exciting year as the teacher of the young 2s on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the teacher of the older 3's on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She has two Co-op alumni children, Brendan (19) and Cricket (15). She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Texas, concentrating in painting and photography. Kelly feels like the Co-op philosophy mirrors her own. As a proud member of The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, she loves to share Indigenous ideas of understanding and respect for all living beings. She enjoys hiking in Big Bend, gardening at home, and admiring animals on land and at sea.

Tina Zarate is looking forward to another wonderful year teaching the Older Twos! Tina graduated at the  University of Texas with a Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology. After working as a certified professional dog trainer for 14 years, Tina is excited to continue working with children. She loves the sense of community at the Co-op and how each child is seen as an individual there. Tina loves weightlifting, going to the movies and being outdoors as much as possible. Tina has two former Co-op kiddos, Lucy (13) and Nona (10) with her husband, Brian. 

Claire is excited to be starting her ninth year at the Co-op. Claire grew up in Atlanta, Georgia but moved to Boston during high school and later graduated from Boston College with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught Kindergarten for several years until having her daughter, Meredith (16) and soon after her son, Mattias (13). She loves the Co-op's emphasis on outdoor play and process art. Claire loves running, reading and traveling with her husband and two kids. Claire is excited to explore, learn and create alongside the younger 3s this year.

Nadia has been with the Co-op since 2005. She teaches our 4/5-year-old classes. Nadia grew up in Massachusetts. Upon graduating high school she worked in the Boston area with neglected or abused children who had been placed in residential care. Nadia specialized in Early Childhood Development for her undergraduate degree. She also holds a Master's in Elementary Education from Texas State University. Before coming to the Co-op Nadia taught at Child's Day, the ACC lab school, Habibi's Hutch Preschool and third grade in AISD. Nadia enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, camping, listening to and participating in music making.

Kate is excited to return for her second year teaching one the 4/5s classes at the Co-op. Kate has a Bachelors in Sociology from UC Berkeley as well as a Masters in Education from UC Santa Cruz. She began her career in education teaching 7th and 8th grade, and then spent time traveling, living abroad and starting a family of her own. She taught toddlers and twos before joining the Co-op last year. She is looking forward to another year of exploration, creativity and play with the 4/5s.

Nina is an early childhood educator and research lab coordinator who is passionate about supporting the health and development of children and their communities. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2024 with dual degrees in Human Development and Family Sciences (B.S.A.) and Plan II Honors (B.A.), along with a certificate in Pre-Health Professions. In addition to teaching at the Co-op, Nina manages the JUNTOS Lab at UT Austin, where she supports research projects focused on Latinx and Hispanic families, cultural stressors, and child and adolescent well-being. Through both her classroom and research experiences, Nina is especially drawn to child-centered work that holistically supports children’s learning, play, social-emotional development, and sense of belonging. Nina loves being part of communities that value curiosity, creativity, and connection, and she is excited to continue growing alongside the Co-op community this year!

Logan is a recent Psychology and Human Development and Family Science graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. His path working with children began with mentoring in elementary schools, but while finishing his undergraduate degree, he had the chance to work at the UT Lab School where he fell in love with play-based, child-led teaching. Outside of teaching, Logan enjoys rock climbing, playing tabletop games, and listening to and creating music.

​Meeghan received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre at Stephen F Austin University where her areas of emphasis were directing and theatre for youth. After graduating she studied puppetry and movement at the Institut del Teatre in Barcelona. She spent 15 years as an early childhood educator in play based learning spaces, while also working as a theatre maker and visual artist before the birth of her son. As a former school parent and now as a support teacher the Co-op has allowed her to continue her passion for child led learning through play. Her other interests include photography, creating textile based installation art, and hanging out with her four dogs.

​Kate Carr is looking forward to working at the Co-op again this year. She has taught Kinder through Third grade as well as Special Education.  Her passion is inclusion and has spent the last few years helping families navigate the SPED system in public schools. Before coming to the Co-op, Kate taught at Habibi's Hutch, Austin Discovery School and Inside Outside School.  In her spare time, Kate enjoys gardening, sewing and reading. 

​Susanna has her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development from UT Austin and has worked as both a teacher and director in preschool settings over the years. When her youngest son, Hayes, joined our school, Susanna developed a deep admiration for our joyous, respectful and community-based home. Susanna is inspired by young children and loves learning from and with them in the studio while exploring various art mediums. She is continually amazed, surprised and bolstered by the children’s words and creations. Her interests outside of school include baking, photography, reading and exploring nature with her husband and two sons, Hayes, 4, and Everett, 7.