Cynthia Smith McCollum
Executive Director
cynthia@opendoorpreschool.org

"I care deeply about high-quality, accessible education for all children. As a parent, we sought out Open Door for our children based on its inclusive model and incredible reputation. Because of the wonderful care they received and the supportive community our family found here, I am so excited to be part of ensuring that Open Door continues to serve Austin in such a special way."

Victoria Vlach
Executive Assistant
victoriav@opendoorpreschool.org

“What captured my attention about Open Door Preschools was their intentional inclusiveness and diversity! Classes at Open Door Preschools are not just ethnically and racially diverse, but they also include children with a variety of developmental abilities and children from families across the economic spectrum — all learning and growing together. Providing a high-quality preschool experience for all children has the potential to truly transform society.”

Krista Anderson-Hill
Director of Development and Community Relations
krista@opendoorpreschool.org

“As an individual, professional and community member, I deeply hold the values of equity and inclusion. I love serving an organization that is deliberately diverse and intentionally inclusive. Just like Sesame Street, Open Door is a village that nurtures ALL colors, abilities, backgrounds, shapes and rainbows.”

Sheila Matthews
Director of Operations
sheila@opendoorpreschool.org

"Every child is special, unique, and deserves a chance to attend a quality, safe, and loving educational environment."

Laura Minnigerode, M.Ed., IMH-E
Child Development Specialist
laura@opendoorpreschool.org

“What I love most of all is working with early childhood educators. I’m SO honored to be working with Open Door as a child development specialist. I look forward to being in touch with parents in our community!

My background is in research and teaching. I’m an early childhood mental health advocate, certified parent educator, and working towards Reflective Supervision certification. I have a Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and teaching credentials to teach elementary and secondary grades.

Open Door is a special community with an incredibly big heart. The teachers and administrators are some of the best people I've met, ever.”

Leslie Fierro, B.A.-EIS
Family C.A.R.E.S Specialist
leslie@opendoorpreschool.org

“Open Door really is a place where everyone is welcome — Open Door is here for kids AND families. We are here to walk alongside parents and support in whatever capacity they need to be their best parenting selves. Before joining the Open Door staff, I worked as a community collaborator with Open Door for over 10 years through Texas Rising Star and Early Child Intervention Services.  I help Open Door families navigate connections to community resources, tuition and emergency assistance and provide one on one parent education and support on all things preschool.“

Gabby Arevalo
Site Director, Open Door North
Gabby@opendoorpreschool.org

“As an educator, I deeply appreciate and hold the values and mission that Open Door Preschools represent. I strongly believe in intentional inclusivity and diversity, and that it is important to teach at a young age and encourage children to learn and grow together. “

Missy Sanchez
Site Director, Open Door Central
missy@opendoorpreschool.org

"I believe that every child should have an opportunity to learn and grow in an emotionally supportive environment that values and fosters their natural curiosity. It is a child’s innate curiosity that makes them our world’s greatest explorers. It is our job, our responsibility, as early childhood educators, to provide each child in our care with a road map that will set them up for success as they pursue their future educational journeys."

Angie Young
Site Director, Open Door M Station
angie.young@opendoorpreschool.org

“My educational philosophy is that all children can learn and grow. It is up to us to determine what will help them to be successful. I was drawn to apply to Open Door because of the inclusivity of the schools. It is important for all children to experience a diverse educational program as it teaches them empathy, adaptability , flexibility, and even skills on meeting the needs of their friends. I look forward to working as partners with the staff, families, and children for this amazing program.”