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.

Erika Spannagel

Center Director

Hi! I'm Erika, your Springwood Montessori Center 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 8 years, my two daughters, and our little boy.

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

Caitlyn A.

Assistant Director

Hi! My name is Caitlyn and I'm one the Springwood Assistant Director. 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

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!

Kylie P.

Acorn Class - Lead Teacher
Montessori Certified

Hello! My name is Kylie and I am the lead teacher 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!

Chloe D.

Acorn Class- Assistant Teacher

Profile coming soon!

Jemma W.

Acorn Class- Assistant Teacher

Profile coming soon!

Miranda J.

Peach Class- Lead Teacher

Montessori Certification In Progress

Hey there! I'm Ms. Miranda and I am your Peach Class Lead Teacher! I am working on my 2nd year at Springwood but, 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!

Hope G.

Peach Class- Assistant Teacher
Montessori Certified

Hi there- Mrs. Hope here! I am one of the Peach Class Assistant Teacher's and I love it! I have over 5 years of childcare experience and now have 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!

Myra P.

Pecan Class - Lead Teacher
Montessori Certified

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 daughter and son and my family. We absolutely love to go shopping, or just hang out at home and have dance parties :) After I tuck them in at night, and I get some down time, that's when you'll find me crocheting nice big blankets!

Latorya Y.

Pecan Class- Assistant Teacher

Hey there! I'm Latorya- your Pecan Class Assistant Teacher! I came to Springwood with over 18 years of experience in childcare, so its easy to say I love working with kids! Watching them grow and learn and getting to play and interact with them is so rewarding! I also love spending time with my family- I am a mother AND a grandmother and I love it! On the weekends I love spending time with my friends and enjoying some quiet down time to catch up on my favorite shows!

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.

Alizae C.

Magnolia Class- Assistant Teacher

Oh hi! I'm Alizae and I am the Magnolia Class Assistant Teacher. I am a Dallas native but have lived in Houston before, so I moved back as quick as I could and here I am! I love working with kids- its definitely a passion of mine. I plan on going to school to get my degree in teaching so I can learn and do more with kids. When I'm not at Springwood, I love spending time with my family and my boyfriend, probably having some good food or going for a jog.

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.