Meet The Teachers
of Oak Hill UMC Preschool

Hello, I'm Ms. Maureen, the Director of Preschool Ministries here at OHUMC Preschool. While I am new to this community, I bring 27 years of experience in early childhood education and a deep passion for nurturing both children and the educators who guide them. My goal is to lead with heart and purpose, helping teachers cultivate classrooms where curiosity thrives, learning is joyful, and where every family feels a true sense of belonging. I believe these three essential pillars of early education allow children to follow their natural curiosity, allow teachers to create environments rich in inquiry and relevance, and allow all of us to build strong connections that embrace the whole OHUMC Preschool Family. I see it as my role to support our teachers with the necessary tools, encouragement, and community they need to flourish in this foundational work. Outside of the preschool, I enjoy yoga, spending time with my (now adult) children, Megan, Abbi, and Ian, and my husband of 35 years, Brian. I am also fond of gathering with friends and family for game nights and laughter.

Hi, I am Rita Moose, and I am excited to be starting my 13th year teaching at OHUMC Preschool. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with certification in Early Childhood Education. I have spent most of my time at OHUMC Preschool working with the Pre-K age group. I love the challenge of helping students get ready for kindergarten, as well as teaching reading camp each summer. I am married to Michael, and my wonderful family includes a son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons who live in the Austin area. In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening, crafting, and traveling. I am grateful to be a part of the OHUMC Preschool family and can't wait for another amazing year with my students.

Hello, my name is Mildred Yadi Martinez, but friends and students call me "Ms. Yadi"! I was born in Guatemala and lived most of my life in Southern California. 18 years ago, we moved to Austin in search of a more family-oriented environment. We certainly found this in our new home in the Lone Star State. I have been married for 31 years and have two wonderful children. I am so excited to be at OHUMC Preschool for my 8th year. This year, I will be the Lead 3's teacher and the Librarian. I studied Child Development in college and have 18 years of preschool education experience. I thoroughly enjoy working with children, and find great joy in seeing all the kiddos develop. This is going to be a wonderful year!

My name is Merideth Greenleigh and I am thrilled to be teaching again the 3's MWF class this year at OHUMC Preschool. I grew up in Austin and graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development and a concentration in Educational Psychology. I've worked as a 1st grade teacher and reading interventionist in Austin ISD and as a teacher at a literacy based tutoring company in New York City. After having children, I was fortunate to be able to resume my passion for teaching as they began attending preschool here at OHUMC, working with both the 3's and 4's groups. I always tell people that this job is the best because it is all of the most fun parts of teaching, all of the time! I consider myself a life-long learner and hope to pass my love of learning onto your children. My goal is to create a warm and caring classroom so that every child feels comfortable enough to take risks as they engage in learning through play. I believe in hands-on experiences and want to help your child relish in there school time and find their strengths.

Hi, my name is Maryann, and I this is my second year as a part of the OHUMC Preschool. This is my first year as a lead teacher, and I am so excited to be working with the 2's class. I love watching children learn, grow, and explore through play. One of the things I love most about OHUMC Preschool is the warm, supportive environment and the joy that fills each classroom. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, baking, drawing, and just about anything creative! I also love spending time outdoors whenever I can.

Hello, I am Ms. Alyssa and I am currently the 1's lead teacher at OHUMC Preschool. This is my 3rd year at Oak Hill and my second year as the lead 1's teacher. I am an Austin native, and have been married to my husband, Calvin, for 10 years. My two children, Grace (11) and Isiah (5) keep me on my toes when I am not teaching. Being with the 1's reminds me of just how important and precious the first years of a child's life are. I am grateful to be a small part of cultivating a nurturing environment for each and everyone of the kids that pass through the OHUMC Preschool doors. In my spare time, I love to be with my husband, kids and extended family. A fun fact that most people don't know about me is that I love to go hunting! Some of my fondest memories were made with my grandpa hunting in various places in Canada, Australia and Africa!

"Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand." - Chinese Proverb Being an immigrant to this country, my mom has always taught us the power of engaging in anything we do or who we do it with. This quote is one that I whole heartedly believe in. This is mt 5th year at the OHUMC Preschool as the Assistant to the Preschool Director. Prior to being the Assistant Director, I was a Lead 3's teacher here for 7 years. while I miss being in the classroom, I do enjoy being able to hop in any classroom and have the chance to engage with all of the children at any given time. While I have held many other roles, this one in particular keeps me coming back. The engagement not with the children but with the families throughout my time at OHUMC has brought me tremendous joy, love, and laughter. I am blessed to be a mom to two wonderful daughters, Catherine (24) and Caroline (21), two Yorkies (Leo and Lacey), and a wife to my husband of 31 years, Patrick. We moved to the Austin/Dripping Springs area 18 years ago from California. We love being here and have enjoyed every minute of it. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from San Jose State University. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, getting lost in a good jigsaw puzzle, and believe it or not, organizing and cleaning!

Hi, I am Cindy Roberts and I have been a part of the OHUMC Preschool family since 2018. I've worn many hats here, starting out as an assistant, then shining as a Lead 2's teacher, and now I bring my energy to our Pre-K class as an assistant. I am passionate about working with children and I am also pursuing higher education in Business. When I am not nurturing young minds, you can find me enjoying walks with my family, traveling to new places, and trying all sorts of delicious new foods!

Hi there! My name is Laura Everett and I have been a part of the OHUMC Preschool family for 10 years! The first 5 years, I was a parent, with my now 5th and 9th graders being students here. Then my little one started kindergarten and I didn't want to leave this lovely little community, so I started as an assistant teacher in 2020. I spent three years in the Pre-K class, and now I am in my second year with the 3's class and the wonderful Ms Yadi! This is truly not just a preshcool, but a village. And I am so happy that I get to be part of it!

My name is Sophia Martinez, and I am so excited to be joining the team at OHUMC Preschool this year as an assistant teacher in the MWF 3's class with Ms. Merideth! I just graduated from high school and have always had a passion for art and teaching. Over the past few summers, I have had the opportunity to work at some of the OHUMC Preschool camps, and I absolutely loved it! That experience, along with taking Child Development courses in high school, helped confirm that working with children is what I am meant to do. My dream is to become an art teacher, and I can't wait to bring creativity and fun into the classroom this year. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the wonderful kids and families here at OHUMC Preschool!

Hi, I am Autumn Kaylor, and I am so grateful to be joining the OHUMC Preschool team this year. What I love most about working here is the warm, faith-filled environment and the joy of watching each child grow and learn through play and curiosity. The supportive community and caring staff make everyday a blessing. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring nature, and finding creative ways to stay active. Whether it's through cooking, reading, or spending time outdoors, I love activities that bring joy and peace. I am so excited for a great year of learning, laughter, and love at OHUMC Preschool!

Hello, I'm Ms. Darla! I am a recent graduate from Dripping Springs High School, and I am currently furthering my education in college. I bring valuable experience to OHUMC Preschool from my time assisting teachers at Oak Hill's summer camps since 2022. This is my second year as an assistant teacher in the 1's class, and I am excited to help Ms. Alyssa create a welcoming environment for children to flourish and learn as individuals. During my spare time, I enjoy drawing and listening to music.