Faculty and Staff

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Whitney Zisman

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Whitney Zisman is a dedicated and experienced school leader with a deep passion for early childhood education. She holds a Master of Education from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Arts in History, with minors in Political Science, Economics, and Education, from Trinity University.

Whitney has served as Head of Primary School and Early Childhood at Holy Spirit Episcopal School in Houston, where she successfully led curriculum development, teacher mentorship, and parent engagement, while fostering a nurturing, play-based learning environment. She also works with Rice University’s School Literacy and Culture program as a Literacy Specialist and Consultant, mentoring educators across Houston and Austin and presents nationally on best practices in early education.

A native Texan, Whitney recently returned to the state after several years living abroad and is excited to now call the Austin area home. She looks forward to building strong connections with families and the community while continuing her lifelong commitment to meaningful early childhood education.

In her free time, Whitney enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, floating in Lake Travis, reading, scuba diving, and snow skiing.

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    Jessica Crawford

    ADMISSIONS & COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR

    Jessica was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has lived in Austin for over 7 years. She first became a part of the St. Mark's family as a parent, and then subsequently became a substitute teacher and is now so excited to be at St. Mark's as the Marketing Designer and Events Coordinator.. She has a degree in graphic design from Auburn University and has a special interest in fostering creativity through play and art. She is also a certified children’s yoga instructor.

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    Lila Ford

    SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

    Bio Coming Soon!

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    Cassie Hartle

    CLASSROOM ASSISTANT

    Ms. Cassie, originally from Austin, Texas, is a passionate educator with a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, specializing in painting and drawing. She has been a dedicated summer camp staff member at St. Mark’s since 2019 and is a proud alumna, having attended St. Mark’s for pre-K in 2006. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Cassie enjoys painting, sewing, swing dancing, watching live music, and spending time with her dog, Kolache. With a deep appreciation for the humor and imagination of children, she strives to create a nurturing environment where students can grow, socialize, and learn through creativity and play.

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    Mayra Alvarez

    LADYBUGS CLASS- 2’S LEAD TEACHER

    Ms. Mayra has taught at St. Mark's for many years as a Lead Teacher for one of our 2's classes. She completed her Child Development Associate certification in 2013. Ms. Mayra also teaches after school enrichment classes and provides childcare for St. Mark's Church.

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    Dani Espino Ramos

    LADYBUGS CLASS- 2’s ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Ms. Dani is a born and raised Austinite. She’s been in childcare for 5 years with babysitting experience in between. She enjoys working with children, watching them grow as well as helping them reach their milestones. 

    During her free time, she likes to read books, paint and watch tv shows/sports. She is thrilled to be a member of St. Marks and looks forward to continue learning and growing alongside our community.

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    Stephanie Marmolejo

    BEARS CLASS- 2’S LEAD TEACHER

    My name is Ms. Stephanie, I am from San Marcos, Texas. I graduated from Texas State University in December 2020. I have my BA in Psychology with a minor in Family and Child Development. I have been a Toddler/Two's teacher for four years. I have always had a love for early childhood education and helping children reach developmental milestones. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environment for children to grow and have fun! I am so excited to join the St. Marks team this year!

    During my free time, I enjoy exploring the city, watching movies, thrifting, hiking, and volunteering.

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    Doris Frederick

    BEARS CLASS- 2’s ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Ms. Doris has been working with children over 20 years with various age groups. She attended Austin Community College and received her Certificate in Child Growth and Development. Ms. Doris is a mother to a lovely, amazing daughter, and loves to spend time with family . Ms. Doris enjoys working with children and experiencing their growth, creativity, interest and learning skills. She is thrilled to be part of the St. Mark's team and is looking forward to the school year, exploring with the children in all the areas of early childhood development.

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    Beth Hodgson

    BUTTERFLIES CLASS- Prek- 3 LEAD TEACHER

    Ms. Beth a Canadian moved to Austin with her family from the UK in 2015. Her son is in 7th grade at the local middle school. She is a huge fan of the great outdoors and loves to travel and cook with her family.

    She is super thrilled to be part of the St. Mark's community and working with all the wonderful children. She most enjoys helping the students explore their creative and curious side. She loves to see them all learning together as a group in a respectful and nurturing environment.

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    Louise Mcloughlin

    BUTTERFLIES CLASS- Prek-3 ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Ms. Louise moved to Texas from England back in 2008 for a 6 month work posting with her husband, they loved Texas so much that they decided to call this home. Ms. Louise has 2 elementary age boys at Barton Hills and in her spare time, she and her family love to travel and are keen campers.

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    Aileen Cox

    OTTERS CLASS- Prek-3 LEAD TEACHER

    Ms. Aileen has a degree in early childhood development from Texas Tech University. She has two sons in elementary school. She loves working with the amazing children utilizing her endless energy, spirit and wonderful organizational skills.

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    Daniela Rangel

    LADYBUGS CLASS- Prek-3 ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Daniela Rangel was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She’s been in early child education for 7 years. Daniela finds teaching very rewarding, and particularly enjoys seeing children hit their milestones. In her free time she enjoys exercising, reading, and watching her favorite shows. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as traveling. She’s excited to start her journey here at St. Mark’s, and can’t wait to see what this school year brings.

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    Valerie Hartle

    OWLS CLASS- Prek-4 LEAD TEACHER

    Ms. Valerie is the lead teacher for one of our pre-k classes. She has a BA in Studio Art from The University of Texas. Originally from San Antonio, she has lived in Austin since 1989. Ms. Valerie loves the curiosity, creativity, and love of learning from her students. She believes that all children deserve patience and respect.

    Some of Ms. Valerie’s favorite things other than the students at St. Mark's are spending time with her family (husband and three grown children), and hunting for vintage things. An example is she collects lunchboxes or Halloween decorations, and she enjoys watching live music.

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    Laura Kamp

    OWLS CLASS- Prek-4 ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Ms. Laura studied Communication Sciences and Disorders at Baylor University. She grew up in Houston and lived in Moscow, Russia during her teenage years. Her favorite things about St. Mark's are the warm community and the seeing the fun and humorous side the children bring.

    Outside of school, Ms. Laura likes to spend time with her husband, their dog Molly, and their family. She is also a huge movie fanatic and is also an active member of the Austin Hill Country Alumnae chapter of Kappa Delta.

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    Melissa Browning

    FOXES CLASS- Prek-4 LEAD TEACHER

    Ms. Melissa has lived in Barton Hills for many years. She first became part of the St. Mark's family as a parent and subsequently became a substitute teacher and is currently a lead teacher for one of our Pre-K classes.

    Ms. Melissa enjoyed a career in Human Resources after graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has been actively involved with children volunteering with Help One Student to Succeed (HOSTS), teaching Sunday school, and volunteering at BHE.

    She has a special interest in helping children with pre-reading and writing skills, encouraging creativity and fostering independence and social emotional growth.

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    Kimbree Gordon

    FOXES CLASS- Prek-4 ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Ms. Kimbree is from Waco, Texas, and move to Austin in early 2020. Before working at St. Marks she was a nanny for 4 years. Her passion is to help children grow emotionally and socially. She joined the St. Mark's team in the summer of 2023 and fell in love with the school and community. She is looking forward to the school year. In her free time, she loves being outdoors and trying new restaurants.

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    Sybi Ward

    MUSIC INSTRUCTOR

    Ms. Sybi teaches music classes each day. Sybi was brought up in a musical family. Her father was the Minister of Music at a Baptist church in Houston, where Sybi began singing in choirs at the age of 3. Sybi continued making music in choirs, band, and orchestra through college. In addition to singing and playing the piano, Sybi is a harpist; and has played for civic groups, churches, and weddings. She currently directs a preschool choir at First Baptist Church, sings in the Sanctuary Choir, and plays in the handbell choir.

2025-2026 Board of Directors

Clay Samford, Board President

Beth Borack, Secretary

Elliot Hendrix, Treasurer

Jim Nolan, Vestry Liaison

Paul Sjoberg, Member

Morgan Mider, Member

Andrea Michael, Member

Laurel Kelly, Member

Lauren Fairbanks, Member

Whitney Zisman, Head of School

The Rev. Zac Koons, Rector