Educators
Team
Director and owner
Taylore Oldfield-Jackson
Dr. Oldfield-Jackson is excited for this new adventure as the director and co-owner of The Willow School. Her passion has always been education. Dr. Taylore Oldfield-Jackson is an Early Childhood- 6th grade certified teacher in the state of Texas. She also holds certifications in ESL, Special Education, & Gifted and Talented. Dr. Oldfield-Jackson taught in the Texas public school system for 7 years and spent the last two years as a full-time education consultant for a private literacy consulting firm. Mrs. Oldfield-Jackson has a B.S. in Education, B.A. in Spanish, M.A. in Curriculum and Learning, and an EdD in Learning and Organizational Change.
Owner
Kyah Spence
Mrs. Kyah Spence is thrilled to be co-owner of The Willow School. She spent the last 10 years as an Emergency Manager to better prepare organizations and communities when disasters strike. She worked in disaster recovery for the State of New Mexico and then as the Divisional Emergency Manager for a large healthcare system in Texas. She has been an Adjunct Lecturer II for the University of New Mexico Emergency Services Academy since 2012. She has her B.S. in Emergency Administration and Management and M.S. in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. She most recently became a licensed loan originator.
Primary Guide
Jennifer Preciado
Jennifer was born and raised in Beloit, Wisconsin. She is the youngest of three children. She and her husband have been together for 10 years and have two beautiful boys, who keep them quite busy. They enjoy being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with their extended family. They moved to Texas in search of better job opportunities, more advanced schools for their children, and to be closer to family. Jennifer has worked in the retail industry for over 15 years but has always had an interest in teaching. She is so grateful to have just gained her AMS certification in Early Childhood from Houston Montessori. Jennifer looks forward to helping the children grow in all areas of the curriculum.
Primary Assistant
Adriana Talamantes
Adriana Talamantes is excited to join the Willow School as a teaching assistant. Adriana has two children of her own and enjoyed being able to stay at home and raise them when they were younger. After spending time at home with her children, she became a dedicated elderly caregiver and a Human Resources Intern. Adriana realized her love for working with children, so she enrolled in the paraprofessional certification program at McLennan Community College. She received her paraprofessional certification in June of 2022.
STEM Instructor and Primary Assistant
Luis Moreno
Luis brings a unique blend of educational and technical expertise to our STEM program. He holds an Associate's Degree in Teaching and has hands-on experience working in public schools as a dedicated paraprofessional. His academic journey also includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Applied Statistics, equipping him with a strong analytical and problem-solving foundation that enriches his classroom instruction.
Currently pursuing a degree in Nursing, Luis exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning and versatility across disciplines. He is passionate about helping students explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through engaging, real-world applications.
Luis is married and the proud parent of a son who is also a student at our school, making him an invested member of our school community both professionally and personally.
Primary Assistant
Susan Zvoncovik
Susan is a retired teacher with decades of classroom experience. Susan brings a deep well of knowledge, patience, and compassion to our school community. As a devoted grandmother, she naturally nurtures every child with warmth and care, creating a comforting and encouraging presence for students and staff alike.
Susan serves on the board of the Temple Children’s Museum, where she continues to support educational initiatives that inspire curiosity and creativity in young learners. Her professional background includes extensive work with children of diverse needs, equipping her with the skills to meet students where they are and help them thrive.
Susan's unique blend of experience, heart, and dedication enriches our school environment—fostering inclusivity, understanding, and a sense of belonging for all. We are grateful to have her as a guiding presence in our halls.
Toddler Guide
Haley Glueck
Haley brings valuable experience from her previous role as a lead teacher and has a natural gift for connecting with children and families. Engaging, friendly, and full of positive energy, Haley creates a classroom environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore. She is passionate about helping children grow into confident, independent learners and takes great joy in guiding their development through hands-on learning and meaningful relationships. Haley is currently pursuing her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, further deepening her knowledge and commitment to the field. We are thrilled to have her as part of our school community!
Toddler Aide
Jadyn Lee
With a background in early childhood care, Jadyn brings both experience and enthusiasm to our team. Having worked in various child care settings, she has developed a deep passion for nurturing young children and supporting their social, emotional, and cognitive development. She is eager to expand her knowledge of Montessori philosophy and practices. She is excited to learn how to support the development of the whole child through hands-on, child-led experiences that honor each child’s individuality. Known for her warmth, patience, and natural ability to connect with children, she aims to grow as an educator while making a meaningful impact in the lives of the children and families she serves.
Toddler Aide
Brianna Zaragoza
Ms. Bri is excited to work with the Willow School families as one of the toddler aides. Starting her career in early childhood education in 2015, she built her foundation working for the U.S. Army’s Child and Youth Services program for infants, toddlers, preschool and school age. From there, she worked as a paraeducator in various school settings both in California and here in Central Texas, alongside certified teachers and registered nurses in the school clinic. Ms. Bri utilizes her health care background as well as her education background to provide excellent child guidance and advocacy for children in her care. She enjoys spending time with her 3 year old son and her husband, being outdoors and cooking. She is looking forward to growing in the Montessori community and building newfound relationships with families!
Toddler Aide
Courtnie Newbanks
Courtnie Newbanks is an energetic military veteran and devoted mom of two. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Business and has spent two impactful years in education creating supportive learning environments where every student feels valued and encouraged. She thrives on empowering others, tackling challenges head-on, and bringing positivity to every project she embraces.
Toddler Aide
Phoenix Carlisle
Coming soon
Toddler substitute
Zuleima Gonzalez
Mrs. Zuliema Gonzalez is excited to enter into the field of education as a toddler assistant. For the last several years she has been a pastry chef and has enjoyed baking for all of her clients' special occasions. Her love for working with children led her to The Willow School in hopes of a new and fun experience!
Infant Guide
Glorie DeLeon Cruz
Mrs. Glorie De León is so happy to be the infant teacher assistant. She is happily married and has two children, ages 13 and 14. She loves children and is excited to grow and learn with them. Glorie has begun her Certified Childcare Professional classes and will receive her certification in the spring of 2025.
Infant Aide
Nadya Hernandez
While she is new to child care, Nadya brings a warm, nurturing spirit and a genuine passion for working with young children. She is especially excited to be in the infant room, where she can support our tiniest learners and help create a safe, loving, and engaging environment. Nadya is eager to learn and grow alongside our experienced staff, and she looks forward to building strong relationships with our babies and their families. Nadya is also fluent in Spanish, which is a wonderful asset to our diverse school community.
Infant Aide
Erika Garcia
Though new to the child care field, Erika brings valuable experience from the medical world, where she developed a strong foundation in care, attention to detail, and compassion. Her calm, nurturing demeanor makes her a natural fit for working with infants, and she is excited to be part of their early growth and development. Erika is also fluent in Spanish, which is a wonderful asset to our diverse school community. She looks forward to building strong relationships with our babies and their families as she begins this new chapter.