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Our Educators

Meet the Passionate People Behind Young Minds

Our team brings warmth, expertise, and genuine dedication to every child in our care — each day, at both campuses.

Leadership

Our Leaders

Eliisa Mesa, MA

Eliisa Mesa, MA

Founder & Owner
Both Campuses

Originally from Finland, Eliisa became part of the Young Minds community in 2018 when she and her husband Luis became the school's owners. She holds a Master's degree in Infant and Early Childhood Development with an emphasis in Mental Health.

Angelica Villarreal, AMS

Angelica Villarreal, AMS

Head of School
Cedar Park Campus

Angelica holds over 20 years of experience in Montessori education. She received her American Montessori Society credential from Dallas Montessori Academy in 2005 and brings deep knowledge and a warm leadership style to our Cedar Park community.

Rebecca Preciado

Rebecca Preciado

Head of School
Leander Campus

A proud Austin native with 13 years of experience supporting young children and families. Rebecca began as a toddler teacher for 10 years before stepping into leadership. Her approach is rooted in love and respect for each child's unique path.

Cedar Park Campus

Cedar Park Team

Tor Cavazos

Tor Cavazos

Asst. Director / Music Teacher
Cedar Park

Tor joined Young Minds in 2022 with over 6 years of Montessori experience. A trained musician, she leads our music program believing every child has musical potential and the ability to express themselves through music.

Sylvia Stiehl, MA & MACTE

Sylvia Stiehl, MA & MACTE

Primary Lead Guide
Cedar Park

Ms. Sylvia brings over 15 years in early childhood education. She holds a Master's in Education and is certified through a MACTE-accredited program. She relocated her family from New York to Texas in 2021.

Leah Faldyn, NAMC

Leah Faldyn, NAMC

Primary Lead Guide
Cedar Park

Leah's Montessori journey began over 25 years ago. She earned her NAMC certification in 2010 and spent over a decade working under an AMS-endorsed guide. She brings patience, creativity, and a deep love for helping children thrive.

Paola Abreu, BA

Paola Abreu, BA

Toddler Lead Guide
Cedar Park

Ms. Paola relocated from NYC and has worked with children for over 12 years. Part of the Young Minds family since 2020, she is completing her Bachelor's in Child and Youth Studies with a minor in Spanish.

Serena Salinas

Serena Salinas

Primary Assistant Guide
Cedar Park

Ms. Serena has 5 years of experience in early childhood education with a special skillset in helping children with varying needs thrive in the classroom setting.

Leander Campus

Leander Team

Sabrina McKenzie-Reid, NAMC

Sabrina McKenzie-Reid, NAMC

Assistant Director & Toddler Program Lead
Leander

Sabrina brings over 8 years of Montessori experience. She earned her NAMC certification in 2018 and has guided toddlers at several highly regarded Montessori schools in the Austin area, while also mentoring and training new teachers.

Makayla Solomon

Makayla Solomon

Toddler Guide
Leander

Born and raised in Austin, Makayla began working with children in seventh grade. She loves creating calm, welcoming spaces where children feel comfortable exploring, learning, and becoming more independent.

New team member profiles coming soon!

Meet Us in Person

Come Meet Our Team

Schedule a tour and meet the educators who will care for your child. We'd love to answer your questions.

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