Pat joined the Co-op in 2007, after a devoted 22-year stint as Director at University United Methodist’s Early Childhood Center. She is a recipient of AAEYC’s Mabel Pitts Award in recognition of her contributions to the lives of young children and families.

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Pat received a Bachelor of Science in Education at University of Texas Youth and Family Services. She is the mother of two adult sons, enjoys gardening with her husband and hikes with her dog. Pat radiates patience, dedication, openness, joy, humor, and a leadership style that fits the Co-op.

We are happy to have Kerry return in her dual role as Assistant to the Director and school Atelierista. In our adaptation of the Reggio approach, Kerry works 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 addition, you will find Kerry in the office continuing to support parents, teachers, and the director. Kerry and her woodworking husband, Mike, are parents to two Co-op alum children: Willis (24) and daughter Piper (20). Kerry has been a dedicated staff member since 2001.

Nadia has been with the Co-op since 2005. She teaches one of 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.

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 children who attended the Co-op, Brendan (17) and Cricket (13). 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. She enjoys hiking in National and State Parks, 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.

Claire is excited to be starting her 5th 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 and then became mama to Meredith (12) and soon after Mattias (10). She loves the Co-op’s emphasis on outdoor play and play as learning. Claire loves running, baking, going on adventures with her husband and two kids, finding all the fun swimming holes in and around Austin and camping when it’s cool enough. Claire is excited to explore, learn and create alongside the younger 3s this year.

Nichole Woodruff graduated from Sul Ross State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in communications. Nichole’s two children, Ava 11, and Chloe 6 who attended the co-op. This is her third year on staff as she has worked as a support teacher to all classes and assistant to the 4/5’s class. This year she is excited to co-teach the oldest children with Nadia Traietti. Nichole loves the philosophy of the Co-op and enjoys spending time in Big Bend where her family lives, spending time with her children, gardening,
paddle boarding, kayaking and everything outdoors.

After 2 years as a support teacher and a former Co-op parent, Tina Zarate is looking forward to starting her first year teaching the Older Twos. Tina graduated at the University of Texas with a Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology.  After working as certified professional dog trainer for 14 years, Tina is excited transition to 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. 

Nina Mbonu is a recent Plan II Honors and Human Development & Family Sciences graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. Nina’s experiences and coursework reflect a dedication to understanding and supporting the well-being of children and their communities. Excitingly, Nina is in the process of getting her RBT certification and applying to medical school with the hopes of becoming a pediatrician. With a deep passion for child development, Nina is excited to grow as a child educator and join the All Austin Cooperative community! 

Logan Garza 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, Logan 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. He shares that he is excited to keep growing and learning with the Co-op community!