Meet The Little School of Keystone Staff
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Then
Now
Dena Hoenig Valdez
Head of Preschool
Hello! Welcome to The Little School of Keystone! My name is Dena and I joined
the Keystone staff in April of 2012. I am thrilled to have started Keystone’s first
preschool program! I have my Masters in Education and my Elementary Teaching
Certification with a specialization in Early Childhood from Southwest Texas
University, now referred to as Texas State University. I have a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Family Studies with a Minor in Psychology from The University
of Arizona. I am a native of San Antonio and graduate of Robert E. Lee High
School.
I have always loved children! My Early Childhood experience has included being a
camp counselor, teacher and Early Childhood Director. After finishing graduate
school, I was hired as the Director of Heintz Preschool of Congregation Agudas
Achim. I started their early childhood program and was there for 14 years before
leaving in 2012 to start The Little School of Keystone.
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Christian. We have two wonderful
children. Sari is 7 and graduated from The Little School of Keystone. She will be
entering First Grade. Gavin is 8 and entering Fourth Grade.
I would describe myself as a hugger and a kisser. Each day I look forward to
greeting the children when they walk in our preschool doors. As the Head of
Preschool, I look forward to working with each of you and making your child’s early
childhood education a very positive and memorable experience here at The Little
School of Keystone.
Then
Now
Glenda Akers
Office and Classroom Assistant
I will be joining Little Keystone’s staff for my fourth year as an assistant to the
teachers. For the last 8 years, I have been the supervisor for Keystone School’s
aftercare program. I have enjoyed my time with Keystone School so much that I
wanted to extend my work hours and become a devoted full time staff member.
I have nurtured and cared for children for 35 years. I have taught children from
infancy to 12 years in a child care setting. I have also been a Director for 3
preschools. I have a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from California
State University Fullerton and a certificate in Administration from Santa Ana
College California. I have six children, nine grandchildren and four great
grandchildren.
I am a native of California. When my husband passed away nine years ago, I moved
to Texas to be close to my daughters. I am so excited to be a part of Little
Keystone and to be a part of your child’s life here at The Little School.
Isabel Rodriguez-Henry
Terrific Turtles Teacher and Afterschool Spanish Enrichment Teacher
Welcome to the Little School of Keystone! My name is Isabel Henry and I am
excited to be teaching in the Terrific Turtles classroom.
I was born in Havana, Cuba and came to the United States when I was two years
old. I have resided in San Antonio since 1973. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early
Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education. I am certified to teach PreK through 6th grade. Teaching Pre-K brings me the most joy because I enjoy
creating a safe, nurturing classroom environment, along with fun hands-on learning.
I completed a three-year program with the University of Houston for reading
readiness for pre-kindergarten aged children. I am also bilingual certified.
Along with teaching the Terrific Turtles, I am the afterschool Spanish enrichment
teacher for the Little School of Keystone. My passion for the Spanish language and
culture allow me to teach its importance and relevance with your children!
In my spare time, I enjoy spending my time with my children Douglas and Luis
Andrés, going to the beach, baking, and walking.
I see teaching as a reciprocal relationship: As I teach, I also learn from my
students. I will work with your children to become active learners, and most
importantly, to never lose their love for learning.
Then – Erin and her brother
Now – Erin, Jason and Baby London
Erin Ochoa
Hi there! My name is Erin Ochoa and I am very excited to be your child’s teacher this year
at The Little School of Keystone.
I was born and raised in San Francisco, California for the first five years of my life. I
moved to San Antonio, TX, just in time to begin my school year in Kindergarten. It was
then at that young age that I realized I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I aspired
to bring that type of passion and enjoyment into a classroom with my own students.
I graduated from Texas State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in
Interdisciplinary Studies. I am certified to teach Early Childhood through 4th grade and
English as a Second Language.
While in college I met my husband, Jason, a civil engineer graduate from Texas Tech
University. We married in June 2010, and enjoy traveling, doing home improvements, and
cheering at Texas Tech and Texas State football games. I also enjoy doing crafts,
shopping, baking, writing, watching movies, reading, and spending time with friends and
family.
After graduating from Texas State, I was a substitute teacher for Northside ISD for
half a year before beginning a teaching position at a Primrose School, teaching Preschool,
Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten. In my last three years at Primrose, I was the
Administrative Assistant and Mentor Teacher. In 2014, I became one of the Terrific
Turtles’ teachers at The Little School of Keystone. I absolutely love being part of the
Keystone family and am now able to bring my passion for teaching to my Keystone
classroom.
In February 2016, we were blessed with the arrival of our miracle daughter London after
pursuing IVF. London joins our family along with our “fur baby” Ollie, an 8 year old Shih
Tzu. We feel very fortunate to have London in our lives and love experiencing the
wonderful milestones she achieves.
Then
Now
Alle Neesham
Busy Bug Teacher
My name is Alle Neesham and I am so excited to be your child’s teacher this year!
I am a San Antonio native and graduated from the International School of the
Americas. I received my bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the
University of North Texas, Denton, and am certified to teach Early Childhood
through 6th grade and ESL students.
I come from a long line of teachers and always knew that I would be a part of my
family’s legacy. During my high school’s internship program, I was fortunate
enough to intern in my mom’s kindergarten classroom. From that wonderful
experience I knew that teaching young children was my passion and where I
belonged.
Although my time spent in North Texas over the past 6 years was rewarding, I am
very happy to be back in my hometown and teaching at The Little School of
Keystone. When I am not in the classroom, I love to draw, paint, read, play tennis,
and spend time with my family and friends. I also love to travel and explore new
and exciting places every chance I get.
I absolutely love a nurturing, yet challenging school environment and hope to pass
my passion for learning on to your child!
Then
Now
Viviane van Poppel
Busy Bug Teacher and Soccer Enrichment Teacher
Hi! I am Viviane van Poppel. I was born in Belgium, Europe and moved to San
Antonio when I was 11 years old. I became an American Citizen last year but I am
recognized as holding a dual citizenship in the Netherlands, so I am still Dutch as
well. I grew up speaking French and Dutch. I still speak both as much as I can.
It was my 2nd grade teacher in Belgium that inspired me to become a teacher. I
also always knew that I wanted to be a mother and have children of my own. I have
2 great boys. Chase is 13 and Vance is 10.
I am certified to teach and graduated from UTSA with an Early Childhood
Education degree. My most recent venture in teaching has been working for the
past 7 years as a Pre-K teacher (3’s, 4’s & 5’s). I feel a great sense of joy when I
see a child grow socially, emotionally, and academically. This is why I really enjoy
teaching. One thing that can always bring a smile to my face is when a student
comes up to me with a great sense of accomplishment from doing his or her work
and that I know, as a teacher, that I helped that student feel that confidence.
I have also enjoyed coaching a number of team sports over the years (mostly
soccer) and it has been exciting to help build a love of sports in these younger
children and watch them grow.
I am so excited to be a part of The Little School of Keystone and I can’t wait to
meet everyone!
Then – Janet and her brother
Now – Janet, her two children
Janet Whitworth
Rainforest “Monkey” Room Teacher
Welcome to The Little School of Keystone! I am excited to say that I am one of
the pre-K 4 teachers! I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a
bachelor's degree in Human Development & Family Sciences, and I am certified to
teacher Early Childhood through 6th grade. I am also proud to say that I have
been with The Little School of Keystone since they opened their doors!
I am blessed with a wonderful husband and two silly children: Liam and Olivia.
I am looking forward to getting to know each of you this coming year!
Then
Now
Angela Brysch Garcia
Rainforest “Monkey” Room Teacher
I am a San Antonio native. My family of 3 dogs, 3 children and patient husband
enjoy an active lifestyle in northwest San Antonio. I have a Bachelors of Art in
Psychology with continued studies in child development, CDA in early childhood
studies and teaching certification EC-6. As early childhood education is my passion
I continue to develop my craft by attending professional seminars and researching
teaching methods and their strategies to further reach every learner.
I feel privileged to call The Little School of Keystone my school home. It is
exciting to work with this team of excellent teachers. Educating young children
inspires me and I am incredibly impressed with the compassionate strategies The
Little School of Keystone applies to inspire their students and teaching teams.
My favorite things? The expressions on a child’s face when that “light bulb” shines
because of new learning and the pride of mastering a milestone. Banana chips are
high of my list also.
I believe there is more to learn during the process of learning than the result. I
continue to seek methods to challenge children to higher thinking thus appreciating
their individuality and creating lifetime learners.
I look forward again working within the dedication, encouragement, and heart that
is The Little School of Keystone.
Then
Now- Michelle with her husband and baby girl
Michelle Gann
Rainforest “Frog” Room Teacher
Hello there! My name is Michelle Gann and I am excited to be your child’s teacher
at the Little School of Keystone!
I was born in Kennesaw, GA and lived there for about 6 months before my father
was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, California. All my life I have moved
around experiencing different cultures from Alaska to the southern coast of the
U.S. In all of these adventures I attended 8 different schools. This experience is
what sparked my interested of being a teacher. All of my teachers welcomed me
into their classrooms with open arms; even if this was in the middle of the school
year and treated me as if I was there from the first day of school. Finally, after
all of our moves I settled back into my home state of Georgia where I graduated
from high school and attended college.
I graduated from Berry College in Rome, GA in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in
Early Childhood Education with an ESL endorsement. While I was attending Berry
College, I worked as an assistant teacher at the Berry College Child Development
Center working with 3-5 year olds. After graduating from Berry College, I
accepted the Private Kindergarten teaching position at Primrose School of Huebner
Village, where I worked for four years.
I met my husband when I was 8 years old in my Nana’s Sunday school class. You
could say it was love at first sight! We married in August of 2012 in Castroville,
TX. Even though Georgia is our forever home, we have enjoyed Texas and the
adventures it has brought us thus far. We enjoy traveling, taking cruises, visiting
our home state, playing co-ed soccer, and enjoying the outdoors together. We also
have our “dog daughter,” a Maltipoo named Snowflake who we adopted in October
of 2013 and in February of 2016 we were blessed with our daughter, Georgia.
I am very excited to be a part of the Little School of Keystone and getting to know
the families new and old! This year will be fantastic!
Then
Now
Lizzie Perez-Wences
Rainforest “Frog” Room Teacher
Hi! I am so excited to be fulfilling my dreams at The Little School of Keystone. I
will be a part of your child’s life in the classroom by nurturing them and teaching
them during the school day.
I was born and raised in Mexico City. I am fluently bilingual and bicultural. I am
proud to call UTSA my Alma Mater and very happy to be living in San Antonio. I
have two little dogs that I love very much. They make my life fun and interesting.
I enjoy reading, practicing yoga and golf every opportunity the weather allows.
I consider myself very lucky to have the opportunity to work with your children
during this school year. I hope to get to know each and every one of you.
Creative Imagery Movement
Ballet & Tap
Motor Development
Acrobatics
Physical Fitness & Agility
Floor
Jennifer Reid
Dance Teacher
My name is Jennifer Reid, my students call me Ms. Jennifer. Since 2004 I have
had the joy of being a Kinderdance® Franchisee and a Certified Early Childhood
Movement Specialist.
I am a Texas Native and San Antonio has been my home
since 1978!
I have been married 25 years to a wonderful man and we have three beautiful
children. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends,
antiquing and exploring the Hill Country. Throughout my childhood I enjoyed dance
and consider myself very blessed to have the best "job" in the whole wide world!
My staff and I are excited about being a part of your child’s learning experience at
The Little School of Keystone. KDAC is committed to positively impacting our
children and families by instilling self-confidence and self-esteem while fostering a
love of movement and dance in an inclusive, noncompetitive environment. We place
special emphasis on celebrating milestones and accomplishments of each child
through the use of our uniquely designed curriculum and teaching method.
We look forward to getting to know your children more throughout the coming school
year!
Then
Now
Jackie Shepherd
Music Enrichment Teacher
Greetings! My name is Jackie Shepherd and I am thrilled to be joining the staff of The
Little School of Keystone. I just concluded a 32 year career in public school education.
Retirement allows me to pursue my passions, which include making music with young
children! This is truly a dream job for me.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Elementary Education from
Austin College, a Master of Arts in Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State
University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from Boston University. (Can you tell I love
school?) My doctoral research focused on early childhood music education and music
education policy. In addition to my academic degrees, I am certified in Orff-Schukwerk
and Dalcroze Eurhythmics music methods.
I was born and raised in San Antonio. My husband Scott and I, along with our four
terriers and four birds, live in the house my parents moved into three days before I was
born. I am the proud mother of two adult sons and a precious 3 year-old granddaughter.
In addition to making music with the children of the Little School of Keystone, I lead
Music Together® classes for The Children’s Chorus of San Antonio and teach Les Mills
BodyPump™ and Pound™ fitness classes in several San Antonio gyms.
In our Keystone music classes, we will engage in all types of music, experiencing them
through active participation. My philosophy of music education for young children is
influenced by the Dalcroze philosophy that active music making, called Eurhythmics,
develops musicianship through singing, improvising, and purposeful and creative movement.
Active learners develop a thorough, long-term understanding of the material and concepts
they are studying, allowing music to become a natural part of their self-expression. We
will have many opportunities to sing, dance, play instruments and explore the sounds of
music from all across the globe. I look forward to sharing these experiences with your
children!
Then
Now
Jackie Litofsky
Spanish Enrichment Teacher
Hola! My name is Jackie and I am so excited to be the Spanish Teacher.
I was born and raised in Mexico City. I have a degree in Communications.
I moved to San Antonio in 1996 when I got married to my wonderful husband,
Martin. We have two fantastic boys Alec, 20 and Jordan, 17.
I worked for Dena as a Spanish teacher for 7 years at her former school and now I
am thrilled to be part of The Little School of Keystone. I really love when I see
the kids learn and absorb another language. As the year goes by it is really
impressive to see how much the children learn.
You are more than welcome to come and be part of my class or to ask me any
questions.
Looking forward to meeting everyone! 
Adios! Te veo pronto!
Then
Now
Diana Rabelo
Aftercare Teacher
Hello! I am Diana Rabelo. I joined The Little School of Keystone staff in 2013. I was
working in the afterschool care program at Big Keystone and transferred over to The
Little School. I love children! I am currently going to UTSA to pursue a degree in the
Interdisciplinary Studies for Early Childhood Education as a Bilingual Generalist. I am
passionate about what I do and I love my job. Every day I look forward to playing,
creating and having a fun afternoon with the children.
Now
Rachel Calderon
Aftercare Teacher
Hi! My name is Rachel Calderon. I will be one of your child’s afterschool care teachers. I
have worked at Keystone School for 4 years. I started with the custodial staff and then
joined The Little School of Keystone’s aftercare team. I love working with children and I
am thrilled to be part of The Little School of Keystone’s aftercare program. I have two
grown children of my own, one son and one daughter. I also have two wonderful
grandchildren. I love the outdoors! I really enjoy bike riding and camping. I look forward
to sharing some outdoor fun with your child!
Then
Now
Hello Everyone! My name is Alexis Hope Tenorio, but feel free to call me Lexi! I
am very excited to be joining the Keystone staff this year as one of the aftercare
teachers here at The Little School. I am 19 years old and was Texas born and
raised by my loving parents who taught me the importance of being hard-working,
caring, and finding what makes you happy. I love dance, art, animals, and most
importantly kids! Helping others is very important to me and I am currently
studying at The University of Incarnate Word to complete my bachelor’s degree in
Nursing. I will be graduating the fall of 2018! I look forward to meeting all your
wonderful kiddos and watching them grow throughout the year!
Then
Now
Megan Cruz
Aftercare Teacher
Hello my name is Megan Cruz and I am so excited to begin working as an after school care
teacher at The Little School of Keystone. I am currently working as a Preschool teacher at
the San Antonio Zoo School Nature Preschool. Early Childhood Education is my passion. I
have my degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and I am certified in both
Early Childhood-6th grade as well as Special Education. I am so looking forward to a fun
and exciting school year!