Kerry has been dedicated to the Co-op since 2001 when she enrolled her 3 year old son in the Co-op. Kerry has been a staff member for 21 years, working in support of the Co-op years after her two children finished their preschool Co-op time. This year, Kerry is excited to be the Director while continuing to facilitate the studio work of the children alongside Susanna Lytle. In our adaptation of the Reggio approach, Kerry & Susanna will work with small groups of children from each class in the studio, using a variety of materials to help them express their ideas. Collaborating with teachers, observing and documenting the children’s learning process, and sharing with parents informs Kerry’s work in the office and in the studio. Kerry is ready to continue to support the school’s philosophy, upkeep, and staff. Last year, Kerry completed the 50 + hours of Director’s Credential Course work, receiving a perfect score on her final exam from the Texas Association of the Education of the Young Child. She is excited to continue fostering the Co-op community, maintaining and highlighting its rich and amazing history while
moving forward in cooperation with new members. Kerry and her woodworking husband, Mike, are parents to two Co-op alumni children: Willis (28) and daughter Piper (24).

​Chris Newton is thrilled to join 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, giving her hands-on experience with property management and finance, both skills she's excited to bring to The Coop. 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's passionate about early childhood education because she knows how important these early years are in shaping who kids become and how
they see the world. When she's not busy at work, you'll likely find Chris hanging out with her family or quilting. She can't wait to support the school's amazing legacy here in Austin!

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 (18) and Cricket (14). 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. In prior years Kelly has truly enjoyed working with all of the teachers on a regular basis, and her patient, intuitive nature has been appreciated by the teachers as well. In addition to working with children Kelly loves to be outdoors and in nature. 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. She is looking forward to another wonderful year of discovery at the Co-op, full of adventures with her classes.

Tina Zarate is looking forward to starting her second year teaching the Older Twos! Tina spent 2 years as a support teacher to all Co-op classes, is a former Co-op parent, and had a wonderful first year of teaching the Co-op older 2s last year. 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 on hikes with her hubby and her two children, and spending time with her dogs.

Claire is excited to be starting her seventh 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 (15) and soon after her son, Mattias (12). 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 so excited to join the Co-op for her first year teaching one of the 4⁄5 classes. 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 most recently taught toddlers and twos and fell in love with early childhood education. She is excited to work with the older preschool children at the Co-op and share her love of yoga, music, and exploring nature with them. Kate loves reading, cooking, baking and spending time in her garden. Kate is looking forward to playing and creating with the Co-op community this year!

Nina is an Early Childhood Educator, Research Lab Manager, and Registered Behavior Technician who is passionate about supporting the health and development of children and their communities. With dual degrees in Human Development & Family Sciences and Plan Il Honors from UT Austin, she brings an interdisciplinary lens to understanding how systems and environments shape child and adolescent outcomes. With a deep passion for child development, Nina is excited to grow her teaching skills this year at the Co-op!

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. Logan is excited to keep growing and learning with the Co-op community!

Susanna has her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development from UT Austin and has worked as a teacher and director in preschool settings over the years. When her youngest son, Hayes, joined our school this past year, Susanna developed a deep admiration for our joyous, respectful and community-based home. Susanna is endlessly inspired by young children - what they discover and teach us - and energized by the idea of getting to learn from and with them in exploration in the studio. She loves the arts and has led trainings for educators on process art, positive guidance and respectful communication during her career. Her interests include baking, photography, reading and exploring nature with her husband and two sons, Co-oper Hayes starting in the young 3's, and Everett, starting 1st grade this fall.