STAFF BIOS-ADMIN

Cynthia Smith McCollum - Executive Director

I care deeply about high-quality, accessible education for all children. As parents, we sought Open Door for our children based on its inclusive model and incredible reputation. Because of the wonderful care they received and the supportive community our family found here, I am so excited to be part of ensuring that Open Door continues to serve Austin in such a special way.

Victoria Vlach - Executive Assistant

What captured my attention about Open Door Preschools was their intentional inclusiveness and diversity!  Classes at Open Door Preschools are not just ethnically and racially diverse, but they also include children with a variety of developmental abilities and children from families across the economic spectrum — all learning and growing together.  Providing a high-quality preschool experience for all children has the potential to truly transform society.

Sheila Matthews - Director of Operations

Shieila has 40+ years working in the field of Early Childhood, and has her Director’s Certification, Prechool Certificate, Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, and a B. A. in Business Administration. She loves helping others and started working at Open Door in 2005. “I'm proud to be part of the Open Door Village, a preschool where parents can leave their children and know they will receive the best quality care in Austin. Open Door welcomes all children and families. You will not be able to find another place like Open Door Preschools.” Sheila is an original, born and raised, Austinite, loves helping others, serving in the community, dancing, and spending time with family

Krista Anderson-Hill - Director of Development and Community Relations

As an individual, professional, and community member, I deeply hold the values of equity and inclusion. I love serving an organization that is deliberately diverse and intentionally inclusive. Just like Sesame Street, Open Door is a village that nurtures ALL colors, abilities, backgrounds, shapes, and rainbows.

Kati Garrett - Event and Development Manager

I'm inspired by the mission of inclusivity at Open Door Preschools!! I have 16 years of experience as a classroom teacher in elementary and middle school Theatre and I hope to bring all of those organizational skills to Event & Development Managingat Open Door.

Leslie Fierro, B.A.-EIS - Family C.A.R.E.S Program Director

Open Door really is a place where everyone is welcome  — Open Door is here for kids AND families.  We are here to walk alongside parents and support them in whatever capacity they need to be their best parenting selves.  Before joining the Open Door staff, I worked as a community collaborator with Open Door for over ten years through Texas Rising Star and Early Child Intervention Services.  I help Open Door families navigate connections to community resources, tuition, and emergency assistance and provide one-on-one parent education and support on all things preschool.

Jocelynn Thurmond — Family C.A.R.E.S. Specialist

I am passionate about social justice and what makes Open Door special is its pledge to diversity and inclusion with staff and families — it’s an environment where individuals are welcomed and given quality care for their unique needs. I have a background in childcare, child mental health, and parent education with QMHP and MHFA certifications, as well as a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Science. I'm very excited to be here and eager to help my community.