Our Team

The Heart and Soul of Springwood

Han Tran

Owner & Operator

Hello! I'm Han and I am the General Manager our great school, Springwood Montessori! I took over operations and ownership of the school in 2019 and have enjoyed it since day one! I have a Bachelors Degree in Architecture and a Masters Degree in Buisness Adminstration with 10 years experience in both fields. I was raised in Vietnam but came to Texas years ago and love it! My absolute favorite thing about Texas is the bar-be-que- pass the steak! I have a five year old son who inspired me to pursue Montessori education and schools. When I'm not at Springwood, I enjoy traveling as well as spending time with my family. The team at Springwood are so amazing and make everyday day seem like a day with friends instead of working.

Shelly Andersen

Center Director

Hi! I'm Shelly, your Springwood Montessori Center Director. I started at Springwood Montessori in September of 2019 and have thoroughly enjoyed all of my time here. I started in the early childcare industry in 1997 and quickly found my passion! From 1997 to 2011 I worked in the classroom setting with all age groups before starting my career as a Center Director. Working in this industry has been extremely rewarding, and I wouldn't trade it for anything! When I'm not at work, I'm most likely spending time with my family. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 26 years, and we have two grown children in their 20's. and one absolutely beautiful and perfect granddaughter who I enjoy spoiling very much!

Erika Spannagel

Administrator

Hi! I'm Erika, your Springwood Montessori Assistant Director. I've been with the school since 2018 and have found my second family. I am a native Houstonian and Texan having graduated from Texas Tech University in 2012 with a degree in Education.- Wreck'em Red Raiders!

I enrolled my oldest daughter in Springwood Montessori in 2018, and loved it so much that I decided to pursue a career here. Now I feel like I have found my second home! When I'm not working I love to spend time with my husband of 6 years, my two daughters, and our baby boy.

I enjoy traveling- either to other places or to my back porch with some chips and queso!

Alexa M.

Chef

Hello! I am Alexa- your Springwood Montessori Chef! I have been with Springwood Montessori since 2015 and have loved it! I'm originally from Ecuador, but have lived in the US since 2000. In that time, I have gained 13 years of childcare experience.
I love spending time with my husband of 20 years, and my children ages 19, 17 and 9 years old. I adore working with children because they are filled with so much tenderness! When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time outside walking or running and I also love to travel!

Ceara T.

Acorn Class-Lead Teacher

Hi, my name is Ceara and I am your Acorn Class Lead Teacher. I have over 10 years of childcare experience and am so excited to have joined the Springwood Montessori team!
On the weekends you'll typically find me spending quality time with my 3 kiddos, hanging out with family and friends or reading a good book.

Kylie P.

Acorn Class - Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Kylie and I am one of the assistant teachers in Acorn Class. While I have only been at Springwood for a short time, I absolutely love working with kids, especially the babies! I have my license in cosmetology but have found my true calling in working with kids. When I'm not at the school, you can find me relaxing at home or out shopping with my mom- her and I are super close!

Caitlyn A.

Acorn Class - Assistant Teacher

Hi! My name is Caitlyn and I'm one the Acorn Class assistant teachers. I have been at Springwood since 2022 working with Acorn Class as well as Pecan Class. I have 6 years of previous childcare experience working with all ages.
When I'm not at work, you will most likely find me planning my next travel adventure! Some of my favorite places to travel to are Boston, New Jersey and most of all, Disney World! (I went 3 times last year and am planning my next visit already) :)
My absolute favorite thing in the world is hanging out with, and loving on my niece <3

Hope G.

Peach Class- Lead Teacher
Montessori Certified

Hi there- Mrs. Hope here! I am the Peach Class Lead Teacher and I love it! I have over 5 years of childcare experience and am currently in the process of getting my Montessori certification for 1 to 2 year old's.
When I'm not working with kids at work, I am at home spending time with my family including my two daughters! I love going to church as well as eating out with my family! My favorite food is CiCi's Pizza cinnamon rolls- yum!

Miranda J.

Peach Class- Assistant Teacher

Hey there! I'm Ms. Miranda and I am your Peach Class Assistant Teacher! Even though I am new to the Springwood family, I have over 4 years of experience working with kids and am very excited for my journey here. In my spare time, I enjoy going on dates with my boyfriend and journaling about my day as well as cleaning and organizing. Fun fact about me is I love to travel! I hope to visit Tennessee one day-- its a bucket list item!

Tori H.

Pecan Class - Lead Teacher
Montessori Certified

Hi there! My name is Tori and I'm your Pecan Class Lead teacher. I am in the process of becoming Montessori Certified and couldn't be more excited for this journey! I started working in childcare 5 years ago and feel like I have found a my passion for helping little minds grow!
On the weekends you'll typically find me playing with my cats, cooking something scrumptious or trying out new restaurants.

Myra P.

Pecan Class - Assistant Teacher

Hi, I'm Myra and I'm your Acorn Class Lead Teacher! Although I have only been in the childcare industry a short time, I feel like I have truly found my passion! One of my favorite things about working with children is watching them reach those major milestones.
When I'm not at work, I most enjoy spending time with my 4 year old daughter and my family. We absolutely love to go shopping, or just hang out at home and have dance parties :) After I tuck her in at night, and I get some down time, that's when you'll find me crocheting nice big blankets!

Moira H.

Magnolia Class- Lead Teacher
Montessori Certified

Hi, I'm Moira and I am your Magnolia Class Lead Teacher. I have been with Springwood since 2016, and I truly enjoy what I do. I have been Montessori Certified for over 5 years and came to Springwood shortly after it was first open. My favorite thing about working with the children is being able to teach them the Montessori method and watching them grow! On the weekends, I love spending time with my two daughters, watching tv, shopping with my family, relaxing, doing yard work or cooking different dishes for my family to try. During the holidays, my family and I visit my parents in my native country- Sri Lanka! I enjoy all the people at Springwood and love all the children I teach. They are each different and unique and special to me in different ways.

Reese K.

Magnolia Class - Assistant Teacher

Hi! My name is Reese and I am your Magnolia Class Assistant Teacher. I am originally from Seattle Washington, but moved to Texas 2 years ago (I sure do miss that cold weather)!
I have 2 years of previous childcare experience, and I'm very excited to be working in a Montessori environment!
My favorite thing about working with children is seeing how they grow throughout the year in their abilities and confidence.
When I'm not working, you'll usually find me reading, playing games or watching a good movie with my family!

Marlen P.

Willow Class - Lead Teacher
Montessori Certified

Hi! My name is Marlen and I'm your Willow Class Lead Teacher. I began working at Springwood Montessori in 2018, and have spent some time working with all age groups around the school. I am enjoying my time with the primary age little ones in Magnolia Class, and can't wait to see them continue to grow and blossom! I most enjoy watching them develop their own personalities!
In my spare time, I love going to try new food, scrapbooking and spending time with my husband and three beautiful daughters!

Shantel R.

Willow Class - Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Shantel and I'm your Willow Class Assistant Teacher. I came to Springwood Montessori with 3 years of previous childcare experience, mostly working with toddler age children. I'm excited to now be working with the primary age group!
I'm originally from California and just recently moved to Texas. Although I miss the California beaches, I love being around my family and trail riding with them.
When I'm not at work, I'm usually hanging out with my Texas family or relaxing at home.

Jazmin M.

Apple Class- Lead Teacher
Montessori Certified

Hi there! I'm Jazmin and I'm your lead teacher for the Apple Class at Springwood Montessori. I started at Springwood in 2015 as full time floater. I quickly fell in love with the Montessori concept and decided to pursue a Montessori certification. I have found my home and passion with the primary age group in Apple class and have been their Lead teacher for 3 years now. I love that the Montessori concept is so transferable from the school environment to their everyday lives.
When I'm not at work, I traveling and spending time with my husband and family.

Laura P.

Apple Class- Assistant Teacher
Montessori Certified

Hello! My name is Laura and I'm an assistant teacher for your Apple Class. I have been at Springwood since 2019, and love every minute of it. My favorite part about working with the primary age group is helping them gain independence and watching them become their own person.
When I'm not at work, you'll fid me practicing photography, reading a good thriller or spending time with my loved ones.
I am also a certified nurses assistant and a phlebotomist.

Meet Our Team: Staff