ABOUT US
St. Michael's Episcopal Day School began as the collective dream of a small group of St. Michael's Church parishioners. A volunteer task force worked tirelessly to turn the St. Michael's Episcopal Day School into reality in 2010.
Our Staff
The staff at St. Michael's Episcopal Day School brings a wealth of experience to early childhood education. With backgrounds ranging from child development and special education to literacy instruction and play-based learning, our team is dedicated to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in our students. We are passionate advocates of the Reggio Emilia philosophy who believe in child-centered practices and empowering families. Together, we create a nurturing environment where children can explore their full potential. St. Michael's is fortunate to have such a devoted and experienced staff dedicated to early childhood education.
Head of School
I have worked in early childhood education for more than 25 years, with extensive education and experience in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies, Special Education Advocacy, and Play-Based Therapeutic Strategies. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from children in many different settings, from the classroom as a pre-kindergarten teacher, to the hospital in the Child Life department, to serving as a curriculum coordinator at a specialty school supporting children with learning differences and behavioral challenges. Each experience has shaped me as an educator and, more importantly, how I see and understand children.
In the summer of 2026, I had the opportunity to study in Reggio Emilia, Italy, the birthplace of the Reggio Emilia Approach. Being immersed in the Reggio community and learning alongside educators there was an incredibly meaningful experience. It deepened my belief that children are capable, creative, and curious learners, with so much to teach us when we take the time to listen and observe.
As Head of School at St. Michael’s, one of the things I value most is getting to know the children and families who make our school so special. I believe children do their best growing and learning when they feel safe, loved, known, and encouraged to be themselves. I want our school to be a place where families feel comfortable sharing, asking questions, celebrating successes, and navigating challenges alongside us.
My hope is that when you walk through the doors of St. Michael’s, you feel the warmth of our community right away. I want our children to leave each day feeling proud of who they are, excited about what they discovered, and confident that their ideas and voices matter.
Rebecca Beavers
Meet Our Admin Team
Jessica Bagwell
Director of Operations
Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing & Rhetoric from St. Edward's University as well as a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing from Texas State University. She has worked in early childhood education for over a decade and holds a director’s credential through TXAEYC. Jessica is a certified yoga instructor who aims to incorporate yogic principles into the school environment. Additionally, she is a published poet who believes that words are an important tool that we use to make meaning of the world around us; as such, children’s astute and uninhibited observations serve as significant learning moments that deserve to be honored and documented.
Jessica has been with St. Michael’s since 2019.
Crystal Lucha
Pedagogista & Atelierista
Crystal has worked in early childhood education for over 15 years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of Colorado at Denver. She has been a classroom educator at other Reggio-inspired schools as well as a pedagogical coach and mentor for early childhood centers. Crystal designs and delivers professional learning opportunities for educators at schools and conferences all around the country, most notably at the JCCA National Conference and the TXAEYC Annual State Conference. Crystal participated in the Reggio Children International Study Tour in Reggio Emilia, Italy in November 2024 and will be returning with her grad school cohort in March 2027.
Crystal has been with St. Michael’s since 2022.
Ileana Northup
Administrative Coordinator
Ileana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from Universidad Matias Delgado. Originally from El Salvador, Ileana speaks English and Spanish and much of her career experience revolves around National and International Marketing. She has 8+ years of experience in early childhood education.
Ileana has been with St. Michael’s since 2021.
Allie Pena
Admissions & Parent Engagement Coordinator
Allie holds a Master of Science Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Community & Administrative Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. She has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector, working in foster care before transitioning into fund development for local nonprofits such as Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Austin Humane Society, and Generation SERVE. In addition to supporting SMEDS with admissions and family engagement, Allie also serves as the Director of Welcome & Belonging at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. She is passionate about building and growing communities at both of these very special places. Allie has been a proud SMEDS parent since 2021.
Allie has been with St. Michael’s since 2025.
Meet Our Educators
Monica Stelly
Melody Thomas
Sarah Wamsley
Outdoor Educator
Monica is an early childhood educator and director with 20+ years of experience in Austin/Westlake. She is a developmentalist and naturalist, with a focus on early education, inquiry, science, art, nature, loose parts, and hands-on learning.
Ms. Monica has been with St. Michael’s since 2022.
Debbi Cho
Child Guide
Debbi is a certified Texas educator with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Texas. She brings a decade of experience in early childhood education, including teaching Kindergarten for AISD. As a lifelong learner herself, she is committed to nurturing a growth mindset with every learner she works with.
She has been with St. Michael’s since 2022.
Child Guide
Melody earned a Bachelor's Degree from Texas State University and is a Texas-certified EC–6 Generalist teacher. After teaching Pre-K in Manor ISD for the past four years, she is excited to return to St. Michael's. She is currently completing the internship portion of her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lamar University. Having grown up in Japan, she values cultural diversity and is passionate about creating a caring, engaging classroom where every child can thrive.
Melody has been with St. Michael’s from 2016 to 2018, 2020 to 2022, and 2026 to present.
Gabriella Galen
Child Guide
Gabriella holds a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Civilization with minors in Anthropology and Biology from Loyola University Chicago. She has experience as an elementary school teacher and has managed multiple educational community outreach programs. Gabriella spent part of her childhood in Italy and is fluent in Italian.
Gabriella has been with St. Michael’s since 2025
Child Guide
Sarah holds a Master's Degree in Reading Instruction & Curriculum from the University of Kansas. SMEDS has provided her with a place to bring her specialty in literacy education and her passion for play-based learning together. She has been in education for almost 20 years and continues to seek opportunities to learn, grow, and share her knowledge with other educators.
Sarah has been with St. Michael’s since 2022.
Veronica Parish
Child Guide
Veronica holds a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from Texas State University. She has over 10 years of experience working in early childhood education, including classroom educator experience at multiple US Army Base Child Development Centers.
Veronica has been with St. Michael’s since 2022.
Anamaria Salazar
Child Guide
Anamaria has worked in early childhood education for the past 7 years. She prioritizes cultivating a loving and welcoming environment in her classroom. Anamaria loves to advocate for Cleft and Craniofacial awareness and is passionate about inclusivity. She loves learning alongside her students and peers.
Anamaria has been with St. Michael’s since 2023.
Leslie Anguiano
Anna Oliver
Child Guide
Anna has been in early childhood education for 35 years, including as a director of a Mother's Day Out program for 12 years. She has taught at Highland Park Presbyterian Day School, Shelton School for children with learning differences, and at Dallas Independent School District.
Anna has been with St. Michael’s since 2017.
Diana Jenschke
Judith Arlet
Hernandez de Vides
Child Guide
Judith is originally from El Salvador, where she worked as a preschool coordinator and teacher for 13 years. She holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador, with specialties in music, neuroscience, and theatre pedagogy.
Judith has been with St. Michael's since 2022.
Eliza Ortiz
Child Guide
Leslie has been working in early childhood for the past 6 years. She is passionate about teaching through play using art, music, and hands-on activities to help children explore the world around them. She believes children learn best when they feel safe, loved, and free to express themselves creatively.
Leslie has been with St. Michael’s since 2024.
Ji Hi Yun
Child Guide
Jihi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Arts and has completed professional training in graphic design and merchandising. She brings a diverse background in visual design, creative branding, and educational material curation. Jihi loves bringing her artistic eye into the classroom by designing aesthetically and thoughtfully organized spaces and engaging in hands-on creative projects that nurture children's natural curiosity and self-expression. She is dedicated to cultivating a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where every child is treated with dignity.
Jihi has been with St. Michael’s since 2026
Lorenza Trujillo
Child Guide
Diana has 15+ years of experience in early childhood education. She is inspired by the curiosity, creativity, and desire to learn that young children bring to our lives.
Diana has been with St. Michael’s since 2020.
Michelle Ely
Child Guide
Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology with a Photography minor from Louisiana State University. She has worked in Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio inspired programs but fell in love with the Reggio philosophy as a toddler teacher at St. George’s Episcopal School in New Orleans. She believes spending ample time in nature, self-expression through art and other creative means, and surrounding oneself with beauty is important for young children and people of all ages.
Michelle has been with St. Michael’s since 2022.
Grace Kim
Child Guide
Eliza holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas. She is planning on pursuing a Master’s in School Psychology. She is passionate about music and looks forward to incorporating that into the classroom.
Eliza has been with St. Michael’s since 2025.
Yoli Quintana Gonzalez
Child Guide
Yoli graduated from Universitaria de Republicana Colombia with a degree in Social Work and a specialization in Family Law. She has more than 10 years of experience working with children through foundations and educational institutions. Yoli is also a children’s story creator and is passionate about supporting children’s development through creativity, meaningful experiences, and engaging learning opportunities. She strives to create a safe and caring environment where every child feels valued, confident, and is encouraged to explore and learn.
Yoli has been with St. Michael’s since 2026
Ingrid Arguelles
Child Guide
Lorenza has 20+ years of early childhood education experience. She is known for her nurturing presence in the classroom. Lorenza is currently working toward completing her Child Development Associate Credential.
Lorenza has been with St. Michael’s since 2022.
Child Guide
Grace holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Long Island University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Hanyang University in South Korea. She speaks both Korean and English. Before joining St. Michael’s, she worked as an English art teacher and developed a deep passion for early childhood education through both her professional experience and raising her two children. She strives to create a classroom where children feel safe, loved, and supported.
Grace has been with St. Michael’s since 2025.
Child Guide
Ingrid earned an Associate’s Degree in Journalism at ACC and completed two years of a dental undergraduate program at the University of Illinois Chicago. She also holds multiple yoga teacher certifications. Ingrid has worked as a teacher in Early Childhood Education for over 4 years. She is fluent in Spanish and intermediate in French. Ingrid loves to embrace art and nature in the classroom. She enjoys photography, cinema, and writing.
Ingrid has been with St. Michael’s since 2026.
Amy Ruiz
Child Guide
Amy holds an Associate’s Degree in Child Development from ACC. She has worked in early childhood education for 30+ years. Amy brings a sense of warmth and comfort to her classroom.
Amy has been with St. Michael’s since 2023.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at SMEDS provides leadership, oversight, and guidance in support of the school’s mission and long-term success. The Board represents a broad cross-section of the school and parish community, including current parents, past parents, parishioners, and community members. This diverse group brings a range of perspectives, experiences, and expertise, strengthening the partnership between the school and its families.
Board Chair - Father John Newton
Board Member - Anna McCaleb
Board Member - Chelsea Hart
Board Member - Kristen LeClair
Board Member - Diann Boehm
Board Member - Ana Gupta
Board Member - Bonnie Walton
Father John Newton
CHAIR
John Newton is a father, priest, author of three books, and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (BBA). In 2008, John graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in 2009. He is married to his best friend, Emily, and the two of them reside in Austin with their daughters, Annie and K.K.; their son, Jack; and their golden retriever, June.