MEET OUR TEAM
This is your Team section. Briefly introduce the team then add their bios below. Click here to edit.
Executive Director
Susan Dendinger
Assistant Director
Karina Castaneda
Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Waddler Lead Guide
Mrs. Zina
Ms. Zina is a passionate educator and devoted educator. After graduating as an LPN in Michigan in 2008, Ms. Zina moved to Texas in 2010 where she found her passion for working with children. In 2015, she began her Montessori journey, and she has been teaching ever since. Ms. Zina brings lots of experience and knowledge to our waddler community.
Waddler Lead Guide
Mrs. Martha
Ms. Martha graduated from Universidad de Dios with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Communication and Journalism. She and her family relocated to the United States from Colombia in 2021. She has experience working with children through the church where she serves.
Ms. Martha joined Meadow Oaks in July of 2023 and found a passion in Montessori. She currently attends school to obtain her Montessori Certification.
Toddler Lead Guide
Mrs. Mandy
Ms. Mandy is a passionate educator who joined Meadow Oaks since its opening. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Child Psychology and a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Isfahan, and a Montessori Certification from the American Montessori Society.
Ms. Mandy has made it her life passion to educate children using the Montessori principals with 16 years of experience.
Waddler Lead Guide
Ms. Maria
Ms. Maria is passionate educator with years of experience working in ISD schools in Northeast Texas. She has worked with children with disabilities and young children since 2017. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and enjoys teaching her students in both languages.
Ms. Maria was first introduced to the Montessori approach when she applied for a teacher assistant position at Meadow Oaks in February 2023. She is now attending school to obtain her Montessori certification through the American Montessori Society.
Primary Lead Guide
Mrs. Chusna
Ms. Chusnah has been in the educational field for over 20 years. She is passionate and devoted to the Montessori method holding both a Montessori certification from Colllin College and the American Montessori Society. She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Administration from Jakarta Institute.
Ms. Chusnah places great importance on teaching young children. She believes every child deserves the best educational opportunity possible.
Primary Lead Guide
Mrs. Deepa
Ms. Deepa is a passionate educator who holds an Art Degree from BSVP College for Women in India. In 2002, she and her family relocated from India to the United States. She obtained her Montessori certifications from Collin College in 2002 and from the American Montessori Society in 2017. Ms. Deepa is devoted to the Montessori philosophy and has been teaching it since.
Primary Lead Guide
Mrs. Prachi
Ms. Prachi n a passionate educator who was introduced to the Montessori approach after volunteering at her daughter's school, she then perused her interest and obtained a certification in 2017 through Collin College and obtained a second certification through the American Montessori Society in 2020.
Ms. Prachi joined Meadow Oaks in March of 2024, bringing 10 years of experience with her.
Support Guide
Mrs. Arwa
Ms. Arwa
Support Staff
Ms. Callie
Ms. Callie graduated from Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy in the Spring of 2024 and joined Meadow Oaks in the Summer. She supports the toddler community as a teacher assistant in the Sunflower room.
Ms. Callie pursues to become a teacher or a nurse in the future. She is eager to learn and work with the children at Meadow Oaks.
Support Staff
Mrs. Kala
Ms. Kala has Montessori credentials and 15+ years of experience working with young children. She is in charge of aftercare and supports the teachers with subbing when needed.
Art Teacher | Artsey
Joi Holmes
Ms. Joi is a proud graduate Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where she earned both her Bachelors and Master's Degree.
Through Artsey, Joi interlaced her passion for art, education and entrepreneurship, by creating a space that fosters fun educational, artistic exploration of various art styles, artists, materials and therapy.
Music Teacher | Piano
Teresa Stephenson
Teresa Stephenson has been teaching piano for 38 years. She is the President of Mesquite Area Music Teachers Association and is also a member of Texas Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association. Her students have several opportunities during the year to participate in festivals, community events, recitals, Texas State Theory Exam and many other exciting events. Teresa has a passion for teaching and also sings professionally. Her singing has given her the opportunity to perform across the U.S. , Canada and Bermuda. Teresa is very happy to be teaching piano at Meadow Oaks