STAFF BIOS-CENTRAL
Missy Sanchez - Site Director
I believe every child should be able to learn and grow in an emotionally supportive environment that values and fosters their natural curiosity. A child’s innate curiosity makes them our world’s greatest explorers. Our job, as early childhood educators, is to provide each child in our care with a road map that will set them up for success as they pursue their future educational journeys.
Frankie Pemberton - Assistant Site Director
Frankie has been with Open Door since 2014. In April 2024 she completed the Together4Children (T4C) Leadership Training with the Texas Child Care Leadership Academy. She received her Child Development Certificate through Austin Community College and is one of Open Door’s ‘go to’ resources for the Conscious Discipline model we utilize. What people should know about Open Door:: Open Door is a place where you discover that being yourself is the most authentic way to be. Whether you are big or small, the impact is made. Every person is treated as unique and treasured for their inimitable qualities. May we create a world full of empathy, one child, one teacher, one parent at a time.
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.
Dani Alt - Floater
Erika Beyer-Gutierrez - Teacher
Erica completed two years of community college and started with Open Door in 2023, coming to Austin earlier that year from a small town in California. She is often in the Star class (4-5 yr-olds) and loves reading and hiking. What people should know about Open Door: It’s a home. Everyone here is awesome. They were very welcoming when i started. The kids introduced themselves to me, made me feel welcomed (and) I’ve built great relationships with my coworkers.
Sarah Boas - Floater
Faith Calderon - Floater-Temp
Peter Cooper - Floater-Seasonal
Roslyn Ferryra - Teacher
Brittany Garza - Teacher
Mariah Garza - Floater
Dawn Goetzel - Teacher
Vanessa Grant - Teacher
Vanessa started at Open Door in 2017 as an Intern and became a full staff member in 2018. She graduated from Texas State and is a teacher for the 4-yr-olds in the Rainbow room. Vanessa loves to sew and craft, and wants people to know that Open Door welcomes everyone!
Arianna Hernandez - Teacher
Arianna started with Open Door in 2020. She has a BA in Human Development and Family Sciences and is with the 4 yr-olds. What people should now about Open Door: Opendoor is such a warm place to be and i love how hard everyone works to do their best for the kids in our care.
CJ Kenyon - Floater-Seasonal
Claudya Kenyon - Teacher
Claudya is working towards her nursing degree and is a teacher in the Sunshine room with 3-4 yr-olds. She orginally joined us in 2019, and has been back since 2021. Claudya would like everyone to know that “Open Door is such a special place. It really is like a home. I love coming to work and feeling appreciated by my children and co-teachers. Everyone here is amazing at what they do and I love getting to watch everyone grow together.”
Victoria Mendez - Floater
Rihab Nassif - Teacher
Rihab has been with Open Door Preschools since 1995. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education and is currently a Teacher in the Sunshine room (3-yr-olds), — “They give me joy and happiness every day.” Two of her children attended Open Door,, and even though they are now adults, '“they sill love Opendoor.” Rihab wants people to know that "“Opendoor preschool is the best school in Austin. It’s a wonderful place to work at. I always considered Opendoor as my home. I love coming to open door because it makes feel happy, content and very appreciative. We have the best teachers, and the best community. I am so proud to say that I am a part of this amazing place.“
Meyah Perez - Floater
Katie Prescott - Teacher
Kenneth Richards - Teacher
Patty Ruiz - Teacher
Patty has been with Open Door since 2012 and is currently in the Searhorse classroom with th 12-18 month-old children. She is working toward her Child Development degree.