Lower School Administration
Great Hearts Live Oak
Kristi Boyd
Headmaster
Mrs. Boyd has been a champion of classical education as a Great Hearts parent, teacher, and administrator. She attended Tarleton State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and began teaching. Later she moved into the business sector where she managed data and reports for a company that helped large businesses and school campuses to reduce their energy consumption.
As a homeschooling parent, Mrs. Boyd fell in love with the principles of classical education. Later, when her husband’s Air Force career brought the family to San Antonio, she was thrilled to discover those same educational philosophies in a public charter school. During nearly 6 years at Great Hearts Northern Oaks, she taught sixth grade Math, History, and Spalding and was a founding member of the GHNO House system. She also served as the sixth grade Math specialist and team lead prior to moving into school administration. Mrs. Boyd enjoys gardening, craft projects, and weekend hikes with her husband and their three children.
Mrs. Boyd is excited for the opportunity to support the growing community of learners at Great Hearts Live Oak.
Melissa Louidor
Assistant Headmaster
Melissa Louidor is honored to continue her journey with Great Hearts Live Oak as both a parent and an educator. She officially became an owl in the winter of 2022, beginning her Great Hearts career as a 2nd grade Apprentice Teacher. The following year, she transitioned into a 4th grade Lead Teacher role and Dean of Teachers, where her passion for classical education continued to flourish. Now serving as Assistant Headmaster, Mrs. Louidor is eager to support the training and development of teachers while helping to cultivate a strong academic and character foundation for all scholars.Mrs. Louidor is a New Jersey native where she earned her bachelor’s degree at Rutgers University. After decades of honing her expertise and mentoring talent within a Fortune 500 company; she felt a strong calling to teach. Now a state certified educator, she brings real-world experience and passion to the classroom.
This will be her ninth year in education, and she looks forward to another year of developing future leaders versed in honesty, kindness, and wonder.
Jacqueline Bankes
Dean of Teachers
Jackie Bankes is an inaugural staff member of Great Hearts Live Oak. She is the lower school Dean of Teachers.Mrs. Bankes received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas San Antonio, followed by her Masters in Counseling from Wayland Baptist University. She has earned certifications in Early Childhood Education PK-K, Elementary Self-Contained 1-6, ESOL, and School Counseling.
Aside from substituting, working in preschools and in the children’s ministry at church, Mrs. Bankes has over 20 years of experience working in formal education. She has worked in both public and private institutions as an elementary teacher and as a school counselor.
Mrs. Bankes is happily married, has three amazing daughters and her dog Gnash. She enjoys traveling, reading, photography, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Bankes loves the look on a child’s face and the excitement they feel when they have mastered a concept. It is one of the best moments of being a teacher.
Victoria Cisneros »
Dean of Student Culture (K-2nd Grade)
Victoria Cisneros
Dean of Student Culture (K-2nd Grade)
Mrs. Cisneros is a founding Great Hearts Live Oak teacher and is honored to serve as Lead Teacher for 5 years. She is now excited to serve as Dean of Student Culture for our K-2nd grade scholars. She is a native Texan who is proud to call San Antonio home. Since the age of eight she knew she wanted to be a teacher and pursued that dream at the University of Texas San Antonio graduating with an education degree and a certification in Early Childhood-6th grade studies.While pursuing her career at UTSA, she also fell in love with her college sweetheart, Christopher. They have been joyfully married for nine years and have three amazing daughters. Mrs. Cisneros enjoys game nights with her family, going on walks, and reading a good book.
She looks forward to instilling lifelong virtues and values in your children, treating them as if they were her own. She is eternally grateful for the opportunity to be a part of so many children’s educational journey.
Savannah Arismendi »
Dean of Student Culture (3-5th Grade)
Savannah Arismendi
Dean of Student Culture (3-5th Grade)
Mrs. Arismendi will be celebrating her 5th year as a member of the GHLO family. Mrs. Arismendi joined the academy in 2021 as an apprentice teacher on the Exceptional Student Services team, since she has served as a teacher, clerk and coordinator. She has a bachelor’s in early childhood education and is a certified Early interventionist with an extensive background in behavior support. Additionally, she has over 20 years of experience working with children in and out of the classroom.This school year Mrs. Arismendi has accepted the position as Dean of Student Culture. She will be using her knowledge and experience to support teacher and students by creating a space where dignity is scared, truth is safe, and growth can take root without judgement. Mrs. Arismendi leads with compassion and commitment to the Great Hearts way and is ready to be part of another wonderful year!
Kimeisha McCullum »
Director of Community Engagement & Academy Giving
Kimeisha McCullum
Director of Community Engagement & Academy Giving
Ms. Kimeisha McCullum joyfully joins Great Hearts Live Oak as our Director of Community Engagement and Academy Giving.
Ms. McCullum joins us as a Retired U.S. Army Colonel with over 19 years of experience in public relations. Her passion and enthusiasm for education and helping others live out their full potential is what solidified her decision to enroll her son at Great Hearts Live Oak. As an engaged parent, she loves what GHLO offers students, staff, and the community. She is excited to be a part of such a dynamic group of educators and students and looks forward to building a thriving academy!
Ms. McCullum has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Pre-Med and a Master’s degree in Health Service Administration. She is currently completing her doctoral degree in Business Administration. She enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with her son and family, and serving her community.
Lower School Operations
Operations Team at Great Hearts Live Oak
Sarah Pruette »
Registrar- Enrollment/Student Information/Records
Sarah Pruette
Registrar- Enrollment/Student Information/Records
Ms. Pruette is thrilled to be a member of the Live Oak family. As a mother of four, Ms. Pruette has seen, first hand, the beauty of the Great Hearts Community and culture as her children have attended Great Hearts schools for more than 9 years. Her oldest child graduated with Northern Oaks inaugural class in 2021. Her second has also graduated and the reamining children are continuing to strive for their hard earned diplomas in the years to come.Ms. Pruette devoted her early parenting years to her home and children and, when it was time to enter the workforce once again, found her way to Live Oak to serve as an Apprentice Teacher on our upper school Special Education team. She has since transitioned to serving our community as our Lower School Registrar and plans to continue to foster truth, goodness and beauty within our community as we build a strong culture of growth and education.
Angela Graebener
Business Clerk
Mrs. Graebener joined Great Hearts Live Oak as a founding faculty in 2020. Since then, she has been working as a third grade Apprentice Teacher and is excited to move into her new position as Business Clerk. She will be working with the Operations team and is excited to be a part of our campus wide community.
Mrs. Graebener’s journey as a Great Hearts family started when she discovered the best interest for classical education while searching for a curriculum for her children. What she believes in classical education is that its focus is to provide a well-rounded education to children and every single child deserves a high-quality education.
Mrs. Graebener was born and raised in South Korea where she attended Daegu university. There, she majored in English Literature and Language, and during that time, she discovered the joy of reading classic novels. Before she joined Great Hearts Live Oak, she worked as a preschool teacher at Trinity Christian Academy for 3 years.
She is happily married to an Army veteran and has her own two scholars at home. During her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoor painting and listening to classical music so you will see me either outside painting or listening to classical music.
Bethany Cunningham
Registered School Nurse (BSN)
Bethany Cunningham and her family have been with Great Hearts Live Oak since its opening and are proud to be among the founding families. She graduated from Cedarville University with a BA in Sport and Exercise Studies. Upon graduation, she went on to be a personal trainer for several years before becoming a stay-at-home mom for eight years. Once her children were in school, she began her studies to earn a second undergraduate degree and became a nurse through the University of The Incarnate Word ABSN program. She received her BSN in 2022 and began working at The University Hospital emergency room.Growing up in a military household, Bethany was excited to finally settle down in Texas. Her husband of fourteen years, her and her three children have lived in the San Antonio area for nine years. Although they do not enjoy the scorching heat, they love the people and have found community within their church.
Bethany enjoys spending quality time with her husband and kids, whether hiking, playing board games, playing pickleball, or anything outdoors. She also enjoys lifting weights, coffee dates, and being on the worship team at her church.
Silvia Sigala
Receptionist
Mrs. Sigala was born and raised in Mexico, where she had her elementary and secondary education, earning a diploma as an Accountant Aid. In 1986 she moved to California where she met the love of her life, got married, gave birth to three beautiful children and lived for 20 years.During her time there, she was able to volunteer in her children’s schools and worked in customer service and secretarial positions. Mrs. Sigala moved to San Antonio in 2006 with her family. When her children were grown, she decided to go back to school earning an associate’s degree in social work. After this, she had the opportunity to be a business owner and worked as a clinic assistant at NEISD. She has been volunteering in church since 1988, as a Sunday School teacher and College and Career counselor, in the lady’s ministry and nursery, and several different rolls in the administration department.
Her favorite hobby is spending quality time with her grandchildren, and family.
Mrs. Sigala has been our receptionist for over 4 years, and she will be the first face you’ll see when entering in our school, with a welcoming smile, a true mind, and a good heart.
Co-Curriculuar Programs
After School Programs at Great Hearts Live Oak
Samantha Silvas
Co-Curricular Program Coordinator
Ms. Silvas is excited to be part of the Great Hearts Live Oak team as the Co-Curricular Coordinator for our Athenaeum program and Homework Club.
Ms. Silvas found her passion working with children while residing in Germany serving our military community. She continued working for child youth programs for 12 years which inspired Ms. Silvas to change her major. She has graduated with her Child Development Associate and Childhood Education and Family Studies A.A.S in San Antonio and plans to continue her education and be a lifelong learner.
Ms. Silvas is excited to provide a fun and safe GHLO environment for all GHLO children and families, as she has her own GHLO Owl attending this year. She loves being a mother and enjoys spending her extra time with her family, traveling, and crafting.
Lower School Exceptional Student Services
Special Student Services at Great Hearts Live Oak
Effie Schneider, MA, LPC »
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Effie Schneider, MA, LPC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Mrs. Schneider was born and raised on a farm in Ohio. She then entered the military, which brought her to the great state of Texas where she met her husband of 31 years. She attended Park University where she earned her BS in Social Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Counseling through Wayland Baptist University.She felt a call to teach as her first child approached school age. She began her career in education teaching kindergarten and 1st grade at Believers Academy, then taught 1st and 3rd grade at New Braunfels Christian Academy. She was part of the inaugural faculty at Founders Classical Academy of Schertz where she taught 3rd grade and worked as a special education teacher/coordinator. Most recently she worked as a school counselor with Marion ISD. She is eager to continue her endeavor with the faculty and staff of Great Hearts Live Oak in implementing a sound mental health counseling program that develops social emotional learning to aid in the process of guiding the hearts and minds of Great Hearts scholars toward seeking the truth, doing the good, and loving the beautiful.
In her free time, she enjoys gardening and bicycling as well as spending time with her husband and two adult children. Together, they enjoy outdoor activities, such as paddle boarding and hiking.
Tara Lowry
Exceptional Student Services Coordinator
Ms. Lowry is originally from Missouri. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelors in elementary education. She then began her career teaching 1st grade in Fort Riley Kansas.
She took some time off to have children and stay at home with her 3 amazing daughters. Ms. Lowry went back into the classroom as second grade teacher in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. She then began her master’s degree in special education for early childhood through 8th grade.
In 2019, Ms. Lowry and her family moved to Texas. She took a job as a self-contained Autism Behavior Teacher at Fort Sam Houston. She was there for 4 years before joining the GHLO team as the special education coordinator in the fall of 2023. Great Hearts classical education appealed to Ms. Lowry because it is very similar to how she learned growing up.
Ms. Lowry advocates for students with special needs and believes all children have the ability to learn and thrive in the educational setting and in life.
Melodie Hancuff
Exceptional Student Services Clerk
Mrs. Hancuff is thrilled to be a part of the Great Hearts Live Oak family! She was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Mrs. Hancuff graduated from The University of Texas at Austin earning her Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development (Elementary Education). After graduating she had the joy of teaching 3rd Grade for six years and loved helping all of her students reach their fullest potential.Her husband’s military career brought her to San Antonio. Together they have two children. When her oldest was born she decided to take a break from teaching in order to be home with him. In 2021, she joined GHLO as a parent when her son entered 1st Grade. Mrs. Hancuff was drawn to Great Hearts because of the classical education and their dedication to the soul, heart, and mind of their scholars. After ten years of being a stay-at-home mom, when her youngest entered Kindergarten she couldn’t wait to get back in the classroom. Mrs. Hancuff began substituting at GHLO and enjoyed getting to experience classical education throughout the grade levels. While substituting she also had the pleasure of subbing as an inclusion and resource teacher. This will be Mrs. Hancuff’s 2nd year as the Exceptional Student Services Clerk.
Mrs. Hancuff loves spending quality time with her family, whether vegetable gardening, trying new restaurants, or playing board games. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, and growing in her faith.
Kimberly Partridge-Staveley »
Exceptional Student Services Coordinator/Teacher
Kimberly Partridge-Staveley
Exceptional Student Services Coordinator/Teacher
Ms. Partridge has 35 years of experience in the education field. Her experience in the special education includes a variety of settings that allow her to guide scholars that require exceptional services to be successful in academics.
Angela Overman
Exceptional Student Services Teacher
Angela Overman is a returning teacher to Great Hearts this year. She will be a special education resource and inclusion teacher. She is excited to meet the students and continue learning about classical education.She earned her degree from West Texas A&M University. This is her 32th year in education. She has worked at Texas schools in Andrews, Boys Ranch, Breckenridge, and San Antonio. She has worked as a counselor’s secretary, teacher’s aide, library aide, 3rd, 4th, and 5th classroom teacher, and in elementary and high school special education.
Mrs. Overman has always lived in Texas. She grew up in Ozona. She has been married for 36 years. She and her husband Jerry have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. She enjoys walking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Karina Gonzalez
Exceptional Student Services Teacher
Mrs. Gonzalez will be starting her 6th year as a Special Education teacher and 2nd year at Great Hearts Live Oaks. She is excited to continue shaping the hearts and minds of her scholars as an ESS Teacher.Mrs. Gonzalez is originally from Laredo Tx, where she attended her home university of Texas A&M International University and earned a Bachelors of Science in Special Education degree. Mrs. Gonzalez’s love for teaching started at a very young age. Watching her 3rd grade teacher, and seeing how passionate she was towards her career, Mrs. Gonzalez looked up to her and wanted to also be an inspiration to others the way her 3rd grade teacher was for her.
Nelly Cervantas
Exceptional Student Services Teacher
Mrs. Cervantes is excited to return to the Great Hearts Live Oak family as one of the ESS Lead teachers. She has earned her Masters degree in Curriculum and Education. Mrs. Cervantes has enjoyed learning from colleagues and mentors these past 12 years in the Special Education field. She has worked in several classrooms throughout the years always learning something new (pre-school, first grade, fifth grade, middle school, high school, and adult programs). She considers herself a life long learner.Originally from California, Mrs. Cervantes is married and mom to a precious little toddler. She spent the first 3 years of her teaching career in California private schools and moved to Texas after getting married in 2021. She has earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Education.
She has extensive experience in modifying and adapting curriculum as well as supporting students with social emotional needs. Her experiences have helped shaped her mindset about addressing the whole child’s needs in order to see them succeed. This past school year she got to celebrate her former freshman students as they completed their last year in high school.
During her free time, you can find Mrs. Cervantes enjoying outdoor activities and checking out books at Barnes and Nobles or a local library with her family.
Ashley Heidbrier »
Exceptional Student Services Assistant Teacher
Ashley Heidbrier
Exceptional Student Services Assistant Teacher
Ms. Ashley Heidbrier has been with Great Hearts for 2 years, as an Exceptional Student Services Apprentice Teacher, and she is so excited to support these exceptional students to reach their goals!Ms. Heidbrier comes from a military family and has moved around for much of her life. She loves new experiences and exploring novel places. Her new experiences in special education as a paraeducator in FSHISD and now as an Apprentice Teacher for Great Hearts has proven that she is quite passionate about working with exceptional students. It has also sparked her interest in classical education!
She is so excited to learn more every day to bring the best educational support to students that she can!
Leandrea Rodriguez
Exceptional Student Services Assistant Teacher
Renae Bateman
Exceptional Student Services Assistant Teacher
Tiara Manuel »
Exceptional Student Services Assistant Teacher
Tiara Manuel
Exceptional Student Services Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Manuel has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Middle Georgia State University. She is a wife and mother to a beautiful little girl. She moved from Georgia to San Antonio in 2017 to teach children in underserviced communities as a mentor and tutor.
In 2018, Mrs. Manuel pursued her passion of working with students with special needs by working as a special education paraprofessional in NEISD. In January 2021, she was presented with an opportunity to work for GHLO as a Special Education Apprentice Teacher. After learning the mission of the school, she knew GHLO was the right place to service ESS students.
After several years as an Apprentice Teacher, Mrs. Manuel will be proudly stepping into the role of an ESS lead teacher. Mrs. Manuel loves seeing the growth of her students. She is looking forward to supporting her students in reaching their potential.
Judith Guerrero
Exceptional Student Services Assistant Teacher
Ana Arriaga Chio
Exceptional Student Services Assistant Teacher
Rebecca Grantham »
Exceptional Student Services Assistant Teacher
Rebecca Grantham
Exceptional Student Services Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Rebecca Grantham is a native Texan. She has lived in San Antonio all her life. She is married with four children and presently 7 grandchildren. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Wayland Baptist University and has her Associates in Early childhood Education. She has worked with Individuals with Disabilities for over 10 years. Mrs. Grantham is working with the Exceptional Student Services Team as an AT.She started working for Great Hearts in August 29th, 2023. Mrs. Grantham has three of her own grandchildren attending Great Hearts at Monte Vista.
Mrs. Grantham learned about Great Hearts from her eldest daughter, since her three grandchildren attend Great Hearts. She noticed how they enjoyed going to school and loved the arts, music and reading. She was impressed with her sixth grader learning Latin. She attended the GH concerts and listened to her grandchildren recite their poems. Her favorite classic book is Where the Red Fern Grows.
Jacqueline Melgoza
Emergent Bilingual Coordinator
As a founding member of Great Hearts Live Oak Lower School, Mrs. Melgoza passionately supports our emergent bilingual students and their families. Her dedication to the education of “all of our children” and the formation of the true, good, and beautiful was inspired by her own children, drawing her to GHLO’s unique classical mission. With a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education) from the University of the Incarnate Word and minors in Special Education and Reading, she previously worked as a paralegal and now has been a certified Texas state educator for the past 8 years.From her early childhood in California to her formative years in Oklahoma, and now, her home in Texas, her upbringing offers a diverse tapestry of experience and understanding of diverse backgrounds, fueling her passion at GHLO: making curriculum accessible to students new to the country or those who speak a different language, and ensuring our emergent bilingual families feel genuinely welcome. Outside of school, she enjoys time with her family, including her three children (all proud Great Hearts students!) who attend Great Hearts, and pursues hobbies like piano, walking, and getting lost in a good book.
Chelsie Aguado
Reading Interventionist
Ms. Aguado is delighted to begin her 5th year with the Great Hearts Live Oak community as a Reading Interventionist serving our Kinder-5th Grade Scholars!Originally from California, she is a proud first-time mother. Ms. Aguado has spent time tutoring children in an after-school program during college, which has deepened her appreciation for classical education and inspired her journey into teaching. With a background in communication disorders, she brings strong communication skills and adaptability to the classroom. Her experiences have shaped her into a reflective and supportive educator, eager to help students thrive each day.
She looks forward to creating a joyful, nurturing and academically rich environment for every child she teaches!
Jensine Canales
Math Interventionist
Mrs. Canales is delighted to start her 4th year at Great Hearts Live Oak as a Math Interventionist!Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, she received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations from TEC de Monterrey and her MBA from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid. Previously to starting her career in education, she worked in NGO’s and Startups in Mexico and Spain.
Aside from teaching, Mrs. Canales enjoys jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her husband and her 4-month old baby. She has a passion for traveling and loves to learn about different cultures and meet people from all over the world.
Essential Curriculars
Fine Arts and Physical Education Faculty
Jasmine Plasencio
Art Teacher (K-2nd Grade)
Ms. Plasencio is proud to join the Great Hearts Live Oak team as the new K-2 Art Teacher!Originally from Austin, she received her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University in Studio Art with a concentration in charcoal drawing and a minor in English Literature. She has then used these skills to be a part of art exhibitions in Austin, San Marcos, and most recently San Antonio.
Ms. Plasencio has had a love for teaching ever since she worked at Kumon Math and Reading Center in 2020. She is excited to be a part of the Essentials team, bringing a classical education and appreciation of fine art to the wonderful K-2 group of scholars.
Victoria Escalante
Art Teacher (3-5th Grade)
Ms. Escalante is walking into her third year here at Great Hearts Live Oak. She is leaving her role as Apprentice teacher and joining the Essentials team as the 3-5th Art Teacher.Ms. Escalante found a passion for the fine arts and continued her interest throughout her college years. Later, joining the theatre program, radio and TV. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of the Incarnate Word, majoring in Communication Arts and concentrating in production media.
She loves spending time with friends , family and cuddling up to her two cats Noel and Duke. She looks forward to creating a space to flourish creativity , expressiveness and individuality.
Marianne Orton
Music Teacher (K-2nd Grade)
Mrs. Marianne Orton is honored to be a founding faculty member of Great Hearts Live Oak. Previous to coming to Live Oak, Mrs. Orton taught private piano and voice lessons for the last 15 years, which allowed her to stay at home with her 4 children. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.There she had many cherished opportunities in the choral program and their budding opera program. Music has been an integral part of her life. Taught to play the piano by her mother, good and beautiful music filled their home, and she knew at a young age that music would be her profession. After college she became a certified Kindermusik teacher, which helped her discover her love of teaching music to young children. She has also completed Levels I and II of Kodàly music philosophy training.
Mrs. Orton can be heard singing with the Chamber Choir of San Antonio, and she has also been blessed with many service opportunities in her church, where she is often playing the piano or organ, leading choirs, or teaching the young children about God through music. She believes strongly that music teaches children to recognize beauty, and it will fill their lives with more compassion, gentleness, and goodness.
When she is not playing the piano or singing, she also enjoys reading, quilting, doing yoga, playing pickle ball, and baking cookies, cakes or pies for her family.
James Martinez
Music Teacher (3-5th Grade)
James Martinez is delighted to begin his fifth professional teaching year at Great Hearts in the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty, with an emphasis on music education and the arts. He has a Bachelor of Music with a focus on percussion. Mr. Martinez found his niche with the classical education philosophy and strives to impart the significance of this paradigmatic model in his daily teaching. Opposing viewpoints should not be in conflict but rather in conversation; by helping our scholars learn through questions we equip them with the tools of discovery.Mr. Martinez regards teaching and life as books – a series of adventures meant to be explored and collected with the goal of expanding experiences and pursuing knowledge. Some of his favorite authors are David Baldacci, Ted Dekker, Dean Koontz, and Michael Crichton. His favorite classic-to-keep is The Jungle Book, and favorite literary character is Winnie the Pooh.
When not in the classroom, Mr. Martinez spends much of his time with his dog Ghost. Ghost is an Australian cattle dog who is always ready for life outdoors. Ghost enjoys road trips, hiking, running, and the beach, but is always ready to come home to air conditioning.
Laura Alverez
Spanish Teacher (K-2nd Grade)
Mrs. Laura Alvarez, or as her students know her “Maestra Alvarez” is proud to serve as the K–2 Spanish teacher and is entering her fifth year in this position. She is passionate about early language development and loves helping young learners build a strong foundation in Spanish through engaging lessons, music, movement, and hands-on activities.Mrs. Alvarez graduated from the University of Texas–Pan American with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a double minor in Sociology and Spanish. She holds a Texas teaching certification as an EC–6 Bilingual teacher and is also certified to teach Spanish from kindergarten through 12th grade.
With a deep appreciation for culture and language, Mrs. Alvarez brings creativity, energy, and enthusiasm to her classroom every day. She believes in creating a welcoming, joyful learning environment where all students feel confident and inspired to grow.
When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Alvarez enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, working out, trying new foods, dancing, and singing. She is excited for the new school year and looks forward to continuing to share her love of Spanish with her students and their families!
Grisell Winstead
Spanish Teacher (3-5th Grade)
Mrs. Grisell Winstead is a founding member of GHLO and our 3-5 Grade Spanish Teacher. In the last 5 years, she has served in various roles including Receptionist, and Apprentice Teacher for Kindergarten, First, and Second grade.She hails from Southern California and is a 22-year Air Force veteran. Her military assignments included Military Police, Personnel Management, and Career Assistance Advisor. As a Career Assistance Advisor, she discovered her passion for educating, mentoring, and guiding people to make educated career decisions. Her military career included 9 assignments and three deployments. Additionally, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Columbia Southern University.
After retirement, Mrs. Winstead and her family chose San Antonio as their permanent home. She has been married for 22 years and has a 10-year-old daughter attending GHLO. Her daughter inspires her to teach and see the world through her eyes, and those of a new generation. She enjoys several Classics to Keep, but holds a special place for the Frog and Toad series because they demonstrate samples of our virtues at an early age. She enjoys sharing her primary language and traditions with our scholars.
Mrs. Winstead is proud to be part of our community and excited to be your child’s Spanish Teacher this year.
Cortney Gonzalez »
Physical Education Teacher (K-2nd Grade)
Cortney Gonzalez
Physical Education Teacher (K-2nd Grade)
Mrs. Cortney Gonzalez is a founding member of Great Hearts Live Oak. She loves teaching and guiding students on their journey to becoming well-rounded individuals in pursuit of learning alongside with her fellow Great Hearts educators.Mrs. Gonzalez has a passion for Physical Education and considers it essential to a child’s development. She believes teaching children the fundamental skills and concepts of physical movement are crucial so that they can build and improve their physical abilities. Her goal is leading students to enjoy physical activity and motivate them to continue being active for their lifetime.
Mrs. Gonzalez earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with emphasis in Physical Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She grew up in a small town in South Texas and married her high school sweetheart, Jaime, two years after he joined the military. They have enjoyed the adventure of military life but are thrilled to be back in the great state of Texas. She has 3 beautiful daughters, Bella, Callie, and Lilly. Mrs. Gonzalez loves spending time with her family, photography, and enjoying the outdoors.
Brandon Frye
Physical Education Teacher (3-5th Grade)
This is Coach Frye’s 2nd year serving as the 3rd-5th Grade PE teacher at Great Hearts Live Oak! He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a minor in sports management, from King College in East Tennessee where he also played on the baseball team.Originally from East Tennessee, Coach Frye and his wife have called San Antonio home since 2013. For seven years, Coach Frye was a stay-at-home dad. With his two daughters also in the lower school at GHLO, Coach Frye felt teaching was the perfect next step in his personal journey. In his free time, Coach Frye coaches his daughter’s sports teams, but also likes, reading and running long distance races.
Sports have always been an integral part of his life. Coach Frye loves sports because they can cultivate many valuable disciplines such as effort, focus, teamwork and resilience. Together we will learn these disciplines, their importance, and how they can help us in our everyday lives. Coach Frye is proud to be part of GHLO and excited to be your child’s PE Teacher this year.
Lower School Faculty
Great Hearts Live Oak Faculty
Shyamlee Handa
KA Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Mrs. Handa was raised in New Delhi and Mumbai, India, before relocating to the United States in 1996 to pursue her Bachelor’s degree. Since that time, she has lived in New Jersey, Virginia, and San Antonio, where she has been residing for the past nine years. She shares her home with her husband, who is employed at USAA, their two sons, aged 18 and 12, and their golden retriever, Simba. Her eldest son is an Eagle Scout and a senior at the North East School of Arts Magnet program (NESA), with aspirations to become an actor. Her younger son, 12 years old, will be starting 6th grade this fall at Lopez Middle School.Mrs. Handa received her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She later earned her Elementary Montessori Teacher Certification from the Princeton Center for Teacher Education in Princeton, New Jersey.
Mrs. Handa’s favorite subject is history, as she believes it influences our future. Her preferred quote is, “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” – Thomas Jefferson.
With more than 15 years in elementary education, Mrs. Handa credits her passion for teaching to her mother, who has been an elementary Montessori teacher for over 25 years. Her appreciation for Great Hearts core values deepened when her younger son enrolled at Great Hearts Northern Oaks (GHNO) five years ago, where she observed his enthusiasm for reading and learning flourish due to the wonderful Great Hearts curriculum.
In her leisure time, Mrs. Handa enjoys cooking, traveling with her boys, and working on art projects. This will mark her fifth year teaching kindergarten at Great Hearts Live Oak, and she eagerly anticipates welcoming her young students and helping them build a strong educational foundation. She takes pride in being part of the supportive, student-focused community at Great Hearts Live Oak.
Aurelia Martinez
KA Apprentice Teacher
Mrs. Martinez is excited to join the Owl family as a new Apprentice teacher in kindergarten.Originally from Kerrville, she is married with three children. As a mother to three children Mrs. Martinez was on a journey to find the best space to educate her children and to help support a well-rounded human, that’s when she was told about Great Hearts. After the first quarter she immediately knew this was the best decision for her family and was optimistic about the growth her children were already showing.
She comes to Great Hearts from an administrative position in the medical field. She is fully dedicated to the classical arts education as she has seen the method work within her two oldest children.
Stepping out of the medical field where she relied on adaptation, perseverance and responsibility, she is eager to join the team in supporting all students in the same way her children have been supported.
Katrina Williams
KB Lead Teacher
Mrs. Katrina Williams is honored to serve as a Second Grade Apprentice Teacher at Great Hearts Live Oak, where she brings a strong commitment to nurturing young minds. Before closing the doors of her home preschool, Mrs. Williams served as a Lead Preschool Teacher with the military community while stationed in Ramstein AFB, Germany. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen University, a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, and an Associate degree in Arts.With over 15 years of experience in education, Mrs. Williams delights in teaching to the whole child. She believes that every child is capable of wonder, growth, and great achievement when challenged with high expectations and supportive care. Her approach is joyful and character formation and academic excellence is fostered.
Outside of school, you will find Mrs. Williams spending time with her husband of 20 years, 4 children, plants, and fish. She enjoys traveling, reading a good James Patterson novel, and satisfying her sweet tooth.
She looks forward to creating a meaningful learning environment for every child she teaches!
Lois Chapa
KC Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Mrs. Chapa grew up in McAllen, Texas , and moved to San Antonio when she was 10 years old. Mrs. Chapa graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and has taught all grade levels at some capacity. Her love for teaching comes from her mother who taught Kindergarten for 40 years.Mrs. Chapa’s love for Great Hearts comes from the classical model which was part of her elementary education. She has worked for Great Hearts for seven years and is one of the founding members of Great Hearts Live Oak.
Mrs. Chapa is married to her husband of 44 years and have three children and eight grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren, gardening and traveling with her husband.
Mykenzi Goodman
KD Lead Teacher
Ms. Goodman is delighted to join the Great Hearts Live Oak community as an Apprentice Teacher serving in our kindergarten classrooms!Originally from Kerrville, she is a proud mother to an incoming 1st grader. Ms. Goodman has passionately been teaching for ten years. With a love and background in Art, and Athletics. This is her second year at Great Hearts serving the kindergarten team. She brings strong communication skills and compassion to the classroom. Her experiences have shaped her into a reflective and supportive educator, eager to help students thrive each day.
Mariana Pinon Sanchez
1A Lead Teacher
Ms. Piñón is thrilled to be teaching first grade for her second year with Great Hearts Live Oak. Originally from Mexico, she moved to the U.S. at the age of thirteen. As a bilingual student herself adjusting to a new environment, she developed a strong passion for creating a place where all students feel welcomed, supported, and valued.She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley and is currently working toward her Texas Teacher Certification. After graduating, she returned to Mexico to teach English to kindergartners and also worked as a preschool substitute. During her first year with GHLO, she loved participating in her role as a kindergarten apprentice teacher, where her experiences deepened her love for early childhood education.
Ms. Piñón eagerly anticipates a joyful year of learning and supporting her students as they become the best version of themselves.
In her free time, Ms. Piñón loves to draw, play the ukulele, watch movies, and spend quality time with her loved ones.
Marie Beheler
1B Apprentice Teacher
Mrs. Beheler is excited to continue her journey as an Apprentice Teacher at Great Hearts Live Oak. She is a native Texan, born in Laredo, Tx, eventually moving to San Antonio.She received her Bachelor’s Degree from U.T.S.A and has many years of experience in a classroom setting. Her love of wanting to help children learn and grow has kept her in a teaching environment.
Mrs. Beheler and her husband have been married for 31 years and have 2 sons. They enjoy road trips, music concerts and spending time with family.
Toria Day
1C Lead Teacher
As a founding Great Hearts Live Oak teacher, Mrs. Day is a teacher committed to helping her students reach new heights every day. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Delinquency from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Before coming to Great Hearts, Mrs. Day taught 3rd and 2nd grade. This will be her 8th year teaching and her 6th year teaching first grade.Mrs. Day was drawn to the rich and deep curriculum that Great Hearts endeavors to teach their students. The constant questioning and the thirst for knowledge is what Mrs. Day strives to instill in her students.
While Mrs. Day is a Texas native, she spent a majority of her childhood in Plymouth, MA. Living here is what developed Mrs. Day’s deep love and respect for history especially our country’s history. Mrs. Day lives in San Antonio with her husband, infant daughter, and 14 year old dog. She loves to read, swim, and cross-stitch. Mrs. Day’s favorite classics to keep book is the Beatrix Potter series. She read them as a child with her sister and she can’t wait to share her love of literature and all things beautiful and good with her students.
Margarita Maiorano
1D Lead Teacher
Mrs. Maiorano has been in Education since 1998. She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from PCCC and a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, with a Special Ed Certification from Montclair State University in New Jersey. She has a Master Degree in Education as well. Mrs. Maiorano worked for 18 years in a Title I Community as a teacher in New Jersey before joining Great Hearts Live Oak.
This is a third year working at GHLO. She has passion for students and loves teaching the whole child and supporting the parents. She believes that if she can reach a child she can teach him/her. She has been married for 35 years to Tony and has 3 boys, Anthony, Jonathan and Giovanni. She loves dancing and listening to music.
Audry Harper
1D Apprentice Teacher
Ms. Harper is excited to join the Great Hearts Live Oak community as an Apprentice Teacher serving in our 1st grade classrooms.Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Ms. Harper moved to San Antonio to pursue a degree in Education at UTSA. She enjoys animals, music, and cooking. Her big aspirations include traveling to Asia again and learning Korean.
Toi Lilly
2C Lead Teacher
Mrs. Lilly is overjoyed to start her second year at Great Hearts Live Oak. She will be continuing as a Lead Teacher for 2nd grade.
She is a graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication. She was fortunate to find her way to education 15 years ago while teaching at private schools in San Antonio. She discovered a love for classical education, and she is genuinely thrilled to witness and take part in the development of young minds. She brings her communication skills and adaptability to the classroom.As a San Antonio native, she is the proud mother of two amazing sons. She and her husband have enjoyed traveling, fine dining, and cultivating meaningful friendships all over the world. She enjoys time with her family, her dog and cat. She also enjoys movies and biographies.
She looks forward to creating a classroom where every scholar feels loved, nurtured and seen.
Beth Jones
2C Apprentice Teacher
Ms. Jones is a GHLO parent and joined us at the end of the 2022 school year. She has lived in Seattle, Northern Virginia, and Columbia, South Carolina, but has been in San Antonio since 2013. Her daughter is in 5th grade, and her two sons are in second grade and kindergarten.She is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Science degree in General Studies with a concentration on Child Development from Fort Hayes State University. She plans to start an urban agricultural club to Great Hearts to inspire a love of functional plant life and healthy natural living in the city.
Ms. Jones has a dog and a cat and is an aspiring homesteader. She loves to learn about outdoor and survival skills, and eventually wants to have a second home in Alaska or Montana to summer in. Hobbies include singing, spending time with her children and friends, attempting to garden, fishing, cuddling with her animals, and recently bought an RV for expanded travel opportunities during school breaks.
Ms. Jones is excited to be a lifelong learner and aspires to advance her career with GHLO.
April Leiwig
3A Lead Teacher
April Leiwig was born in New Mexico but has been in the San Antonio area since 2009. She graduated from Wayland Baptist university in December 2023 and has enjoyed growing her career in education.
She has a husband and a wild four-year-old and a feisty 6-month-old. Great Hearts popped up in her search to find a place to start her career in education. She has enjoyed her first year at Great Hearts taking the step from Apprentice Teacher to Lead teacher.
She really enjoys being the lead teacher in 3A and cannot wait to welcome the new group of scholars this year. Her favorite classic to keep from the third-grade list so far is Alice in Wonderland. April has enjoyed her experience at Great Hearts thus far and is looking forward to seeing the growth to come.
Mrs. Leiwig is really excited to see the impact that classical education has on future generations as she continues to learn and grow within classical education.
Fabiola Menn
3A Apprentice Teacher
Mrs. Menn is thrilled to return to Great Hearts Live Oak as Apprentice Teacher in 3rd grade.She was born and raised in Puebla Mexico and moved to Texas 10 years ago, she is happily married and proud mother of a very energetic a sweet girl, she grew up in classical education and seeking the same for her daughter she found Great Hearts as a home away from home.
She has strong communication skills and creates great relationships with the scholars. She is very supportive and eager to help students to thrive.
Amanda Turner
3B Lead Teacher
Amanda Turner is excited to be a part of the Great Hearts Live Oak community. Ms. Turner has worked as a substitute for the Judson School District for two years, and at a daycare before coming to Great Hearts. She graduated from University of Texas of San Antonio with her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in English as a second language. She also graduated from Texas A&M International with her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Reading.Ms. Turner is ready to bring and use her skills in the classroom. She is looking forward to the third-grade history and science curriculum this year. In her free time she enjoys reading, puzzles, spending time with her cats, and gardening.
Rosalia Castaneda
3B Apprentice Teacher
Hello! My name is Rosalia Castaneda. I have an Associate of Arts, and I am working toward earning my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education through Grand Canyon University. This will be my second year at GHLO as an apprentice teacher for the Emergent Bilingual program serving K-5.
There are a few reasons why I chose Great Hearts and one of them is that we are here to provide our scholars with the most enriched learning experience to the best of our abilities to cultivate and nurture our children’s’ minds, without leaving out the importance of learning what feeds their soul through the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty in all they seek. The mission rooted in viewing the child as a whole child inspires me to always stay present and grounded to acknowledge that our children are precious and gifted in their own unique way.
I moved from South Georgia last summer to follow my family here in San Antonio, while it was a life alternating decision it ended up being a rewarding life changing experience. I am a mother of two beautiful boys, a four-year-old and seven-year-old. I enjoy writing, coloring, traveling, trying new foods and working out during my free time. My favorite subject is everything under the umbrella of literacy and language, writing being my favorite, and my favorite poet is Pablo Neruda.
I am looking forward to a year of joyful teaching and wholesome learning!
Jessica Vazquez
3D Lead Teacher
Mrs. Vazquez graduated from Texas A&M University in 1998 and married the love of her life in 1999. She finished her Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas in 2000. Her career began at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas working alongside neuroscientists aiding in their research, and as the local Coordinator for the American Parkinson Disease Association.
She absolutely loved her patients and educating the public about Parkinson’s Disease, until she fell in love with something bigger – her first child. With her husband’s support, she decided to stay home and spend every precious moment with her children. Her love of watching them grow and blossom ignited her passion for home education. Four children, many incredible experiences, and 20 years later she embarked on the journey to share her passion for education in the classroom setting.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking state parks and gardening, family get-togethers and good movies. Mrs. Vazquez is very excited to be a part of the Great Hearts Live Oak 3rd grade team and cannot wait to meet you.
Susan Kyker
3D Apprentice Teacher
Mrs. Susan Kyker is excited to begin her third year with Great Hearts Live Oak! With a B.A. in Philosophy and Political Science from Texas Lutheran University, the classical education model drew Mrs. Kyker to Great Hearts when her oldest child started kindergarten in 2019. Her favorite subjects in school were Latin, logic, and of course, her philosophy courses, so she was eager to have her children study those same topics.Mrs. Kyker grew up in Garden Ridge, TX and after living abroad and then out of state for a time, came back to the San Antonio area to raise her own family. She and her husband have three children, all scholars at GHLO. They have three dogs, two cats, and a bearded dragon making for a fun-filled household!
Mrs. Kyker enjoys reading, puzzles, photography, taking walks with her family and dogs, and traveling. As a lover of literature, she is most excited about the wonderful Classics to Keep that GH scholars read, especially her own childhood favorites, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Phantom Tollbooth. Mrs. Kyker is so grateful for the love of learning that Great Hearts teachers have instilled in her own children and looks forward to nurturing that curiosity and passion in the scholars in her classroom!
Emily Miller
4A Interim Lead Teacher
Ms. Em Miller is honored to join the Great Hears Live Oak community as an Apprentice Teacher serving both 4th and 5th grade classrooms. This will be her second year serving Great Hearts scholars.Originally from the Marshall Islands, Ms. Miller spent a lot of her earlier years in metro Detroit, Michigan. Ms. Miller brings a background in Montessori education and a focus on creating a calm, respectful classroom where students feel confident, safe and supported as they grow.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Miller is the head coach of the GHLO Middle School girls’ soccer team and is the captain of her country’s National Womens’ soccer team.
She’s looking forward to a great year of growth, connection, and discovery!
Mariana Casillas
4B Lead Teacher
Ms. Casillas is delighted to start her second year serving as a lead teacher in our 4th grade classrooms!She was born in Mexico and raised San Antonio. She earned her bachelor’s degree at St. Edward’s University in Austin and has previously worked in administration in the medical field. Ms. Casillas has always loved reading and learning anything and everything that catches her interest. Her favorite book is “Frankenstein” and her favorite 4th grade classics to keep is “The Phantom Tollbooth.” When she is not teaching, you can find her exploring a new bookstore, crafting something new, or spending time with her family.
She looks forward to getting to know all the scholars that will come to her class and sharing her love of literature and classical education!
Sandy Castaneda
4C Lead Teacher
Ms. Castaneda returns to Great Hearts Live Oak for her fourth year in 4th grade! Her favorite book from the 4th grade classics to keep is Carry on Mr. Bowditch and she enjoys math!Ms. Castaneda received her B.A in Criminal Justice in 2020 from the University of Texas San Antonio. While working for her bachelors, she interned with BCFS Health and Human Services with PAL. Ms. Castaneda helped educate youths in foster care about Preparation for Adult Living services. After a year and a half of working as an educator, she decided to join the general education field!
She was born in Houston, TX and raised in San Antonio, TX. Ms. Castaneda loves arts crafts and spending time with her daughter with family activities.
Mariajose Garcia
4D Lead Teacher
Mrs. Garcia was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Antonio, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication arts from the University of the Incarnate Word. She’s taught 5th grade at Great Hearts for the past two years and is excited to start her third year as a 4th grade teacher. Along the way, she’s also had the chance to live in both Barcelona and Orlando, which sparked her love for learning and new experiences.This summer, Mrs. Garcia got married and loves spending time with her husband and their dog, Checo. When she’s not teaching, you can probably find her at an indoor cycling class or enjoying time with family. Science is her favorite subject to teach, her favorite book is Where the Red Fern Grows, and her favorite poem is Jabberwocky. She’s looking forward to a fun and meaningful year ahead!
Vivian Woolbright
4th Grade Apprentice Teacher
Mrs. Woolbright is a retired Pharmacy Technician. She worked for Eckerd’s, now known as CVS, for twenty years. She then went on to work at JCPenney as the Operations Supervisor for nineteen years before retiring the second time. She has served as a Kindergarten AT at Monte Vista South before transferring to Live Oak last school year. This past year she served in KA as the Kindergarten AT. This will be her first year in Fourth grade and she is eager and excited to meet all her new scholars.Vivian is a mother to three adult ‘children’ and has five grandchildren. Her two oldest grandkids attend GHLO and are in the 4th and 10th grade. Her oldest daughter founded the GHLO volleyball team and led them to an undefeated state title in 2022. Vivian is also no stranger to GHLO athletics and proudly supports the Owls. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports, being outside, and hanging out with her grandchildren. Go Owls!!
Olya Rucker
4th Grade Apprentice Teacher
Mrs. Rucker is excited to become part of the Great Hearts Live Oak community as an Apprentice Teacher, working in our 4th grade classrooms!Originally from Russia, Mrs. Rucker has been a proud U.S. citizen for the past decade. She is married and a proud mother of five. Her experience homeschooling her children has deepened her appreciation for classical education and motivated her to pursue teaching. With a background in small entertainment business and an inventory quality specialist at Amazon, she brings strong communication and organizational skills to the classroom. These experiences have molded her into a thoughtful and supportive educator, enthusiastic about helping students succeed daily.
She is eager to foster a joyful, nurturing, and academically enriching environment for every child she teaches!
Katharine Ritchie
5A Lead Teacher
Katharine Ritchie is thrilled to be back with the Great Hearts Live Oak family in her fourth year as the Fifth Grade Team Lead!After residing in Michigan and graduating from Eastern Michigan University with her Bachelors in Elementary Education, Mrs. Ritchie moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she quickly found a home as a Kindergarten Teacher with a local charter school that focused primarily on the impact of the environment. She thoroughly enjoyed helping to create the curriculum from scratch and guiding her students on hikes where, as a class, they discovered the beauty that nature has to offer.
After teaching kindergarten for several years, Mrs. Ritchie took a break to become a mother to her two amazing daughters while maintaining her longtime marketing position at her local Costco Wholesale. She later moved to Texas to be closer to family and reexplored her teaching career, where she found Great Hearts. The idea of educating students in classical liberal arts content and guiding them to become virtuous fascinated her enough to dive back into teaching.
When Mrs. Ritchie isn’t teaching you can find her spending time with her husband and two daughters. Attending live music concerts, exploring Texas’ outdoors with hikes, day trips to new towns, and Florida beach trips are also favorite pastimes with her family.
Andraya Wiedower
5B Lead Teacher
Mrs. Wiedower is thrilled to be celebrating her third year with the Great Hearts Live Oak family. After graduating from Our Lady of the Lake University with her Bachelors in Business Management, Mrs. Wiedower spend time in the cardiovascular sonography and medical sales industry before acquiring her alternative teaching certification and found her home as a second-grade teacher at a local charter school.She made the move into the Judson public school systems as a first-grade teacher for four years where she enjoyed creating lesson plans from scratch and working at a blended learning academy.
After enjoying her time with an ISD, Mrs. Wiedower decided to join the Great Hearts family to pursue a Socratic teaching style along with her daughter and son.
When Mrs. Wiedower isn’t teaching you can find her spending time with her daughter, son and husband spending quality family time enjoying the outdoors and watching movies. Mrs. Wiedower enjoys singing and drawing during her free time.
Stephanie Megosh
5th Grade Apprentice Teacher
Ms. Megosh is a GHLO parent and has joined us for the 2025-2026 school year as an apprentice teacher. Her daughter is also a scholar and has attended GHLO since 2020. Her favorite classic to keep is Sarah Plain and Tall a story about courage and perseverance.Growing up, Stephanie resided in San Antonio for 29 years. During her time at Judson High School, she was on the newspaper and yearbook staff. Stephanie is a graduate from San Antonio College with an Associates of Fine Arts’s degree in Photography. She is currently enrolled in Grand Canyon University to receive her Bachelors of Science in Educational Studies. During her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking and exploring San Antonio with her daughter. She has two cats named Sheba & Cheeto.
This year she is looking forward to working with both Math and Science in 5th grade.
Lillian Vallejo
5th Grade Apprentice Teacher
Mrs. Lillian Vallejo is ecstatic to be part of Great Hearts Live Oak as Apprentice Teacher serving in our 5th grade team.Mrs. Vallejo was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and she is married to Mr. Rivera. They have been married for 14 years, and they have a daughter that is a freshman in Veterans Memorial High School and a son that attends Great Hearts Live Oak. Mrs. Vallejo and her family moved to Texas 6 years ago. Before Texas Mrs. Vallejo lived in Orlando, FL for about 9 years.
This would be Mrs. Vallejo third year at our academy, and she loves working with the kids and seeing them grow every day. Mrs. Vallejo went to a Tech school in Puerto Rico after High School and attended the University of Phoenix with studies in Administrative Assistant and Medical Record.
Mrs. Vallejo hubbies are bringing her kids to their after-school sports and watch them how they grow. Both her kids and husband are wrestlers, and she also serve as volunteer for their team on her free time. She loves making memories with her family, listening to music, and reading.
Teresa Hughes
5th Grade Apprentice Teacher
Mrs. Hughes is new to Great Hearts this year and new to Texas. She is delighted to join the Great Hearts Live Oak community as an Apprentice Teacher serving in our 5th grade classrooms!Mrs. Hughes grew up in Bakersfield, CA, and joins us after living in Wiesbaden, Germany for seven years, where her husband worked for the U.S. Government. With five boys of her own, she has spent much of her life interacting with children. Through her experiences living in different states and countries, and seeing her children navigate the public school system, Mrs. Hughes has developed strong insights into what educational environments best support students’ growth.
She has always felt that working in education would be the perfect fit, and is excited to be at Great Hearts, where she can help children become the best versions of themselves. Mrs. Hughes looks forward to creating a joyful, nurturing, and academically rich environment for every child she teaches.
