Meet the Teachers

Our Staff

The teaching staff at Woodlands Tree House is comprised of professional educators with knowledge and experience in teaching young children. All employees meet the licensing requirements to teach in a licensed facility in the State of Texas, including background checks, and FBI fingerprints.

We strive to hire dedicated and nurturing teachers with a passion for teaching young children. We are committed to building on that enthusiasm by supporting their professional training and continuing education. In order to work at Woodlands Tree House Preschool, all teachers and teacher assistants must receive 24 hours of in-service training every year in addition to training in CPR and First Aid.

Meet Our Teachers

Cecilia Sanchez | Director
I was born in Mexico City and grew up as a bilingual child. I am a mother of 3 bilingual children and have been living in The Woodlands since 2005. I have a B.A. in Bilingual Education, a Masters Degree from Columbia University in Early Childhood Education and am also a certified Montessori Guide. I worked for 15 years as an English Teacher at the American School Foundation and the ETON School in Mexico City before moving to the USA. My dream was to open my own bilingual preschool which came true with Woodlands Tree House Preschool. My passion is to educate children in an environment where they can learn through play, discovery and while having fun. My door is always open to parents, children and past Tree House families.
Patti Miller | Office Manager

I have a degree in Business Law but have been in the education field for over 25 years as a kindergarten teacher, university registrar, state testing facilitator and grade level assistant. I welcomed the opportunity in 2012 to open Woodlands Tree House Preschool with Cecilia and be a part of making her dream a reality. I am married to a Marine and have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.

Julie Blount | Private Kindergarten Teacher

I am originally from England but Texas has been my home since 2005.  I am married with two grown-up children, one grandson and live in The Woodlands.  I worked for many years as head teacher at two preschools in England.  I have a Diploma in Preschool Education earned in the UK and hold numerous certifications in related fields. Above all I am passionate about working with children. I have worked at Woodlands Treehouse Preschool for 7 years and I am very happy to be part of the “Treehouse Family”. As each school year comes along I look forward to working with and getting to know both the children and their families. My goal is to provide a safe and happy learning environment whereby children are excited to come through my classroom door each day.  I believe if you can achieve this a child will naturally flourish.

Maria Robles Gil | English Teacher 4-year-olds

I was born in Mexico City and when I was 9, my family moved to the U.S., I grew up speaking Spanish and English.  I am an AMI (America Montessori International) Teacher and have worked (on and off) with children ages 3-6 yrs since 1994.  I’m passionate about teaching four-year-olds and my mission is to inspire my students to love learning through structured yet fun activities.  I have been married for 23 years and have two daughters.  I’m very excited to work with your children.

Maru Elizondo I Spanish Teacher 4-Year-Olds
Originally from Mexico, I have lived in The Woodlands for 16 years and have been teaching preschool for 9 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree and enjoy reading, playing tennis and spending time with my family. I am extremely caring, nurturing and demonstrate a very patient approach in the classroom. I am excited to be working at the WTHP with your children.
Beatriz Sanchez | Spanish Teacher 4-Year-Olds
Jessica Figueroa | English Teacher 3-Year-Olds
I come from a Mexican background, am bilingual, and have lived in Texas for most of my life. I graduated in 2011 with an Associate Degree. I have been working with children ages 18 moths to 4 years old for the last 8 years and have been with  Woodlands Treehouse Preschool for 3. I love teaching through play as children learn best when they are having fun. My goal for your children is for them to be happy and love to learn. I am very excited to be working with your children this year.
Claudia Herrera | Spanish Teacher 3-Year-Olds
I was born and raised in Mexico. My husband and I moved to the States 22 years ago where we had our two children. We’ve been living in The Woodlands since 2001. I have a BA in Chemistry and Biology. I started working with preschool children 13 years ago. I really enjoy working with young children and stimulating their curiosity in learning through discovery, exploration and play.
Andrea Etcharren | Spanish Teacher 3-Year-Olds
I have been living in The Woodlands for 21 years after doing my studies in Mexico City. I have been educating children for 17 years and I am very happy to be working at the Woodlands Tree House Preschool.
Keri Finnegan I Lead Teacher 2-Year-Olds
I was born in Houston, TX and currently reside in Tomball with my husband and three daughters. I have a BS in Psychology and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have worked with children for the past 10+ years in a variety of settings, ranging from coaching cheerleading and tumbling, to play therapy, to teaching preschool children (including those with special needs). I am passionate about early childhood education, and I am thrilled to be at Woodlands Tree House Preschool. I look forward to a wonderful year of growth, learning, and lots of FUN with your children!
Sierra Lamza I Lead Teacher 18-Month-Olds

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, but lived in North Carolina with our two dogs as my husband was in the Marine Corps. Recently completed my Bachelors degree from Kansas State University and looking to start a Masters program for Elementary Education in the future. I have been married for 3 years. I am happy to be a part of the Woodlands Tree House Preschool and I am excited to have a fun and adventurous school year with your children.

Angela Yeh| Gardening Teacher

I have lived in The Woodlands for 5 years after relocating from Virginia. I am originally from Canada where I grew up on a large working farm. I have been married for 8 years and have 2 children who attend WTHP. I have a degree in Psychology and a love for gardening. I am excited to watch your children grow and flourish like flowers in the garden.