Support Staff

• Carrie Emerson Price

  

  Carrie Emerson Price

  Carrie Emerson-Price has accomplished both an Associate’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development. She also has a Master’s degree in Economics. Her passion for working with young children started while she was an assistant at her son’s preschool over two decades ago. She can recall her son saying those were “the best years- a magical time.” She has been in the classroom for over 15 years. She was substitute teaching at Howard Early Childhood Center and later became an Assistant Teacher in the Head Start Pre-K class. Mrs. Carrie has also participated in over 25 parenting and child development classes.

  Mrs. Carrie has been with Laurel Heights Weekday School since 2014 and has thoroughly enjoyed her time at Laurel Heights as a teaching assistant for 4-5-year-old children- those magical years. “I enjoy working with this age as they are absorbing so much and are such a joy to teach.”

  In her spare time, Carrie enjoys her moments with her husband, grown sons, a sweet grandbaby girl, two dogs, and a cat. They love to hike, camp, and spend time exploring nature. Carrie has also rediscovered her love for sailing

• Marisela Ronca

  

  Marisela Ronca

  Marisela Ronca has a Bachelor's degree in Worship Leadership from Visible Music College in Memphis, TN. She started off teaching piano and vocal lessons at School of Rock Memphis and then transferred back home to San Antonio, where she taught at School of Rock San Antonio. Her students ranged from 3-year-olds to adults. Once in San Antonio, Marisela was hired as the Music Teacher at various schools and served as a substitute for NISD. She has taken numerous training in Early Childhood and loves learning how children develop and grow.

  She started her journey at Laurel Heights as the music teacher and is now loving her job as an assistant teacher in Group 1. "Laurel Heights has been a huge blessing to my family and me from the second that we stepped into the building." Marisela loves being able to nurture the hearts of young children and to encourage and prepare them to be all that they are capable of being. She believes that every single child matters and that LHWS is a safe place to learn and grow and that we are blessed with the opportunity to show children unconditional love.

  In her spare time, Marisela enjoys singing and leading worship at her home church, cooking, swimming with her family, and enjoying every second with her two kids.

• Alexis Talavera

  

  Alexis Talavera

  Alexis Talavera is pursuing her degree in Associates of Applied Science at San Antonio College. She is majoring in Early Childhood Studies and will be graduating in the Fall of 2020. She has a CDA in infant/toddler and a level II certificate in Early Childhood. Alexis has several years of experience in early childhood education.

  Ms. Lexi started at Laurel Heights in July of 2019 as an after school support staff member in Group 1 and continues to enjoy her role in that classroom. “I love Laurel Heights Weekday School. My fellow teachers are the best and the children make it even better. I love being a part of this amazing place, and I look forward to my future here.”

  In her spare time, she enjoys being out in nature with her two children, ages 7 and 9. She also enjoys relaxing with her three dogs and getting lost in good music.

• Samantha Schumacher

  

  Samantha Schumacher

  Samantha Schumacher (Sam) has lived in San Antonio, Texas for over a decade and moved here from the UK in 2007, she is married and has one son. She has a CDA certificate and over a decade of experience working in childcare.

  Ms. Sam has enjoyed becoming part of the LHWS family! She started as an assistant teacher working with Infants and now assisting with Pre-K. Her passion for children allows her to be a creative teaching assistant. She enjoys watching children grow at all ages and seeing them develop in all areas through imaginative play.

  In her spare time, she enjoys DIY projects at home and being creative. She also enjoys painting, and spending time with her family.

• Danielle Rincon

  

  Danielle Rincon

  Danielle Rincon received her Early Childhood Studies Associates degree in 2018. She has enjoyed working with children since she was fourteen years old. She knew she had a passion for teaching young children which challenged her to pursue her degree in the field of Early Childhood. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies.

  Danielle first came to LHWS as a volunteer student working on field site training hours for her degree in Early Childhood Studies. She worked primarily with our Group 4 and 5 preschool students. While in school, Danielle joined a Reading Buddy Program, which helped her see how much she truly enjoyed working with children. This program focused on engaging young children with the love of books and promoted pre-reading and reading skills. Her favorite experience in working with young children is to see how they change and grow.

  In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting and reading. She also loves exploring different baked goods recipes.

• Diana Sandoval

  

  Diana Sandoval

  Diana Sandoval has over 20 years of work experience in a preschool setting, additionally, she has a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) in early childhood education.

  Diana has been with Laurel Heights Weekday School for six years; prior, she was a preschool teacher assistant at Alamo Heights Howard Early Childhood Center. Diana loves working at Laurel Heights and feels that teaching preschool in a faith-based setting is a blessing. She strives to help each child build a firm foundation in both academic and social learning and looks forward to seeing their growth from the beginning to the end of the school year.

  In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, cooking, movies, and spending time with her family.

• Juanita Adams

  

  Juanita Adams

  Juanita Adams (CeCe) is proud to hold 3 certificates: a Child Development Associates, Tech 1 and Tech 2 in Early Childhood Education, and an Education Certificate. Ms. Cece has also completed several courses in Applied Science from San Antonio Community College. Her experience in the classroom spans across 4 decades.

  Mrs. Cece has been with Laurel Heights Weekday School for over 30 years!

  She has been an assistant teacher, a lead teacher for 29 years, and is now Laurel Heights Spanish Enrichment Teacher. She creates developmentally, appropriate lessons, and activities for each class. Her love for children has kept her in the field of Early Childhood Education for many years. She believes children learn through guided play, repetition, and hands-on activities.

  In her spare time, she enjoys being with her grandchildren and family. She loves playing, reading books, taking walks, and spending time with them. Mrs. Cece enjoys arts and craft activities, shopping, and cooking.

• Roxie Rocha

  

  Roxie Rocha

  Roxie Rocha has Early Childhood College credits and has spent time through webinar training to grow professionally in this field. She has worked in the classroom for over 25 years. She has experience as both a lead and assistant teacher.

  Mrs. Roxie has been with Laurel Heights Weekday School for over 20 years and says that “Laurel Heights has become part of her family, and she looks forward to coming to work each day.” Mrs. Roxie loves to sing and dance with the children, reading to them and watching their faces as they wait to see what comes next in the story. As an assistant, she loves supporting her lead teacher and working together to help each child grow.

  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. You can find Mrs. Roxie out shopping, taking walks, or exploring different foods while dining out.

• Lupe Leal

  

  Lupe Leal

  Lupe Leal has her Child Development Associates degree and has accumulated numerous college credit hours in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with children for over 20 years. Ms. Lupe has experience as a lead teacher, substitute teacher, and teacher’s assistant. She has enjoyed working with various age groups from infants to middle school.

  Mrs. Lupe has been with the Laurel Heights family for several years and currently serves as an after school care teacher. She loves building relationships with children and their families all while continuing to meet the needs of children on an individual basis. She believes that modeling, guiding, and challenging children through social and emotional skills is very beneficial for their developmental learning and overall well-being.

  In her spare time, she enjoys reading books and magazine articles. She loves trying new recipes and cooking. Mrs. Lupe also collects Coca-Cola products.

• Makayla Pedraza

  

  Makayla Pedraza

  Makayla Pedraza has an Associate of Arts in Teaching from Palo Alto College. She is continuing her education with Texas Tech in hopes of receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has several years of work experience in the classroom, teaching Infants through Pre-K.

  Mrs. Makayla has been with the Laurel Heights family for over 4 years. She enjoys being a part of each child's development while working with parents to meet the needs of their children.

  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys photography, shopping, arts and crafts, and exercisin

• Alyssa Quintanilla

  

  Alyssa Quintanilla

  Alyssa Quintanilla has an Associate of Arts in Teaching from Palo Alto College. She has over 3 years of work experience in Early Childhood Education.

  Ms. Alyssa has been with Laurel Heights Weekday School for over two years. She enjoys “being a part of the LHWS family and being a part of each child’s growth and development.” What she enjoys the most is being able to teach, grow, and learn with every child.

  In her spare time, she loves to spend time outdoors, build DIY projects, binge watch any movie, and enjoy moments of simple relaxation. She also loves a good bargain and shopping!

• Mariah Paccione

  

  Mariah Paccione

  Mariah Paccione holds a National Institute of Child Care Management Director Certificate (NICCM). She has several years of childcare experience as a former director and overseer of a nonprofit organization.

  Ms. Mariah’s career at Laurel Heights is just underway as she begins as an assistant teacher in the Toddler Two Class. “Laurel Heights has been a learning experience and has welcomed me with open arms. I enjoy being part of the children’s early development and growth.”

  She believes that love is the seed planted to which a child may bloom.

  In her free time, she enjoys dancing and spending quality time with her family. She holds a lot of faith and encouragement.

• Jeanette McDonald

  

  Jeanette McDonald

  Jeanette McDonald has an Associate of Arts in Teaching from Palo Alto College. She has been working with children for over 5 years ranging from Infants to school-aged children.

  Miss. Jeanette has been a part of Laurel Heights for several years and during that time, she has been an assistant teacher in the Group 1 class with our younger two’s and now serves as support staff for our school. “Laurel Heights has become a second family to me since I’ve been here. I love being a part of my kids’ education and their daily lives. Nothing is more special than seeing them grow and learn every single day.”

  In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and traveling as much as she can. She also enjoys reading non-fiction novels and baking!

• Alexandra Hernandez

  

  Alexandra Hernandez

  Alexandra Hernandez has completed numerous courses at San Antonio Community College and also holds CPR, First aid, and SIDs certification. Ms. Alex has worked with children for over three years and her experience includes being a teacher assistant with children from Toddlers through Pre-K.

  Ms. Alex has been with Laurel Heights Weekday School for over two years. She enjoys working with different age groups and being a part of the children's developmental needs.

  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being outdoors and going on hikes or floating in the river.

• Marcy Camacho

  

  Marcy Camacho

  Marcy Camacho has completed several courses in Early Childhood Education and holds a level 2 certificate in Early Childhood Studies. She has worked with children for over a decade and enjoys getting to know children and their families.

  Ms. Marcy has worked at Laurel Heights Weekday School for over 3 years. She enjoys being able to help children succeed and meet their goals.

  In her spare time, she enjoys going on hikes, taking pictures, and spending time with her daughter and family.

• Moriah Skrobarcek

  

  Moriah Skrobarcek

  Moriah Skrobareek has completed several courses in hopes of receiving her degree. She is currently working towards her teaching certification and has worked in the classroom setting for over three years.

  Mrs. Moriah has been with Laurel Heights Weekday School since the school year 2017-2018 in the Pre-K classroom. Moriah enjoys being a part of a school that she loves and that her children love. She ensures that she stays current with the best practices in early childhood education and being an active learner has guided her as a mother of young children and as an educator.

  In her spare time, she loves to spend time cooking with her children. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, hiking, and just having fun in the sun!

• Tina Gonzales

  

  Tina Gonzales

  Tina Gonzales has an Associate of Arts in Teaching from Palo Alto College and she is also CPR, First aid, and SIDs certified. Ms. Tina has over five years in Early- Childhood education. She works well with families and her educational team and is thrilled to be enrolling for the Fall semester 2020 at UTSA to continue her journey to become a teacher.

  Ms. Tina has been with Laurel Heights Weekday School for several years. She looks forward to working each day and seeing her students.” As they grow in every way, it makes me feel like I am making a difference in their life”. Ms. Tina believes that education starts early and enjoys creating a safe and friendly environment in which children can thrive.

  In her spare time, she loves spending time with her daughter; Aubry. You can find them shopping or exploring new restaurants and movies. She loves baking and self-care time alone.

• Anissa Crispin

  

  Anissa Crispin

  Anissa Crispin took several classes at the Alamo Colleges, where she graduated from San Antonio College with an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. She has over a decade of experience working with children of all ages. Her love for children began while working as a recreational and competitive gymnastics and acrobatics coach. From that moment, she began taking an interest in early childhood education.

  Ms. Anissa joined Laurel Heights Weekday School during the 2019-2020 school year and has enjoyed the opportunity to be in the classroom with various age groups. Ms. Anissa is a big advocate in facilitating children with fostering manners, having a strong voice, and building their independence in a school setting. She believes that guiding a child through strong communication skills, nature, and showing them lots of love will help them grow into responsible, productive members of society.

  In her spare time, she enjoys leading an active lifestyle. She is an active Cross-Fit member and enjoys tumbling.

• Hannah Susman

  

  Hannah Susman

  Hannah Susman graduated from Trinity University with a BA in Psychology in December of 2019 and has two years of experience in the Children's Research Lab at Trinity.

  She has been part of the Laurel Heights family since June of 2018 and has spent time getting to know the children and routines in each of Laurel Heights' different classrooms. She is currently part of the Mobile Infants team and loves seeing how much they grow and change throughout their transition from infant to toddlerhood. "It's so gratifying to me to be able to have an impact on young children, and I want to do whatever I can to allow them to be happy and healthy as they grow up."

  In her spare time, Miss Hannah likes to paint while singing along to the Moana and Frozen soundtracks. She also loves to spend time with her two cats, Piper and Juniper.

• Yoshyeli Rangel

  

  Yoshyeli Rangel

  Yoshyeli Rangel has her Associate Degree from San Antonio College. She is approaching the completion of her Master’s Degree at UTSA in Criminal Justice. She is also minoring in Psychology and Sociology.

  Ms. Yoshyeli has been with Laurel Heights Weekday School for over two years. She has worked with various age groups from Infants to Pre-K. She believes that providing a safe and nurturing environment helps promote child development.

  In her spare time, she enjoys nature walks, listening to music, and doing arts and crafts. She also enjoys spending time with her family because they always add a little sparkle to her day!