top of page
About My Time
ABOUT

My Time Kids Academy offers an unparalleled preschool experience with a warm learning environment, professional and degreed teachers, low teacher to student ratios, while offering an engaging, high interest curriculum created especially for young minds. My Time curriculum was designed to stimulate a child’s innate desire to move, explore, play, and learn.​

  • Year-Round, Licensed Preschool for ages 3-6 years

  • Summer Program for ages 3-7 or 3-8 years (Bee Creek)

  • Days/Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 2:00pm 
    with extended hours offered until 5:00pm 

  • Spanish, Music, Gymnastics, STEM LabsKindergarten Bridge, Art

  • Child-Centered Learning

  • Open Play

  • Character Development & Mindfulness

WE ALSO OFFER:

  • Hourly After-School Enrichment Classes including Gymnastics,

         Dance, Languages, Music, and more!

  • School Holiday Break Camps

  • Summer Session Camps -

    • Choose 4 weeks in June/July or ALL 8 weeks!

Locations:

Bee Cave:

3698 Ranch Rd 620 South

Ste 101 - 104

Bee Cave, TX 78738

512.291.7730 (Bee Cave)

512.682.0001 (fax)

Bee Creek/Rough Hollow:

3108 Bee Creek Rd

Spicewood, TX 78669

512.518.4151 (Bee Creek)

512.727.5610 (fax)

Founder & Administrative Team

About the Owner

"Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love, is
called passion."

- Simon Sinek

 

Lorie Baez  Founder & Owner


known as “Miss Lorie” to her students, is a native Austinite and has over 25 years experience teaching children in elementary and preschool. During her time at The University of Texas, she taught young children dance and gymnastics and found she had a true love for teaching. Today, Lorie has established a reputation for high caliber instruction designed to maximize a broad learning experience. She believes the role of a teacher is to assist children in learning and self-discovery through movement, creative expression, and a variety of hands-on experiences that tap into the natural curiosity of children.

387259_3101869667328_1154408533_n_edited

Lorie has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas in Applied Learning & Development with a specialization Reading and English as a Second Language (ESL). Lorie is an active volunteer in the Lakeway area and enjoys spending time with her husband and three active sons. Her hobbies include photography, fitness, camping, boating, and travel. 

KTC badge.jpg

Ms. Karly  Director/Registrar/STEM/Curriculum Specialist/Professional Development

 

Ms. Karly is a native Texan! Karly graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Texas. She immediately began her teaching career with Keller ISD as a 4th grade teacher serving on the science committee and fostering her students love for nature and “critters” as often as possible. Her desire to empower children and spark their love for adventure led her to spending her summers as the Camp Director of YMCA Camp Grady Spruce on Possum Kingdom Lake. Karly’s love for adventure eventually took her to South Africa. Her new job title: “foster mom” to a baby rhinoceros at Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center. Upon returning to the states, Karly met her Prince Charming and soon found her way to Austin. Excited to return to her life’s passion, Karly began her Austin teaching career as a PPCD 4-year-old teacher with Austin ISD and then on to Eanes ISD where she taught 3rd and 1st grades. Karly partnered with the Gifted and Talented teacher in Eanes to lead professional development for staff to integrate differentiation and higher order thinking in the classroom.

Her son attended 2017 Summer Preschool at My Time and Karly offered to volunteer. She knew immediately that My Time was a special place for children and she had to be a part of it. Karly holds the “All other Duties as Assigned” job title at My Time, as she can be found assisting in the classroom and office as needed. She brings her a passion of STEM/STEAM curriculum and draws on her experience as a Gifted and Talented Services Trainer for the Region XIII educational service center to integrate STEM activities and opportunities for My Time children. Her passion for science in the elementary classroom and a desire to encourage children to explore, discover and learn benefits My Time as she works alongside our staff with STEM/ STEAM Curriculum Development ideas.

DeDee2021.jpg

 

Ms. Dedee  Administrative Assistant

DeDee has been working with young children for the last 15 years and has 3 children of her own. She is currently working as an administrative assistant to support administration. She has taught in the 2-3's Caterpillar classroom for 3 years and has many worked in the childcare industry prior to being hired at My Time. Dedee has a background in the medical field as she worked as a Registered Medical Assistant for 12 years. In 2021, Dedee received her real estate license and enjoys helping local families find their forever home. Additionally, she is a travel agent and loves helping families book trips to Disney and around the world!

 

A native of New Jersey, DeDee moved to the Austin area years ago and immediately fell in love with the hill country and friendly Texas people. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, concerts and spending time with her kids/family.

Kelsey Link Headshot.jpg

 

Ms. Kelsey Operations Director/Registrar- Spicewood/ Rough Hollow

 

Ms. Kelsey is a native Texan with roots in Austin since 2011. Her passion for the art of dance led her to Oklahoma City University, where she studied Dance Management and graduated with a bachelor of science degree. After college, she landed a role as a dance director where she gained years of experience teaching young children and managing administrative duties including communication with families and employee supervision. Kelsey’s oldest daughter started at My Time Kids Academy in 2018, and her family knew then it was an incredibly special place. Her other two children have been a part of the program also and she feels so blessed to be a part of something so wonderful!  She is extremely passionate about serving families in the Lake Travis area while prioritizing communication, organization, safety, and FUN for children and parents! 

 

Kelsey loves the hill country and spending time with her husband and 3 children. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exercising, being outdoors, and traveling with family!

Shayla website 2021_edited.jpg

Ms. Shayla Curriculum Director/ Staff Onboarding & Support- Spicewood/ Rough Hollow

Ms. Shayla joined My Time as a lead teacher in 2021 at the Bee Cave campus. Shayla is from Southern California and moved to Austin with her husband the summer of 2021. She was the Firefly teacher at the original My Time campus in Bee Cave before moving over to the Spicewood/ Rough Hollow campus the summer of 2023. Shayla moved to Kentucky to pursue her dreams of becoming an Early Childhood Educator. While attending Union College in Kentucky, she was a substitute teacher at a local Elementary School and taught dance for 5 years.  She obtained her Associates degree in Social Behavioral Science and graduated in May 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

 

Shayla and her husband welcomed their first son in October of 2023. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places in Texas, hiking, being outdoors and spending time with family.

Mer.jpg

Ms. Meredith  
Administrative Assistant & Teacher/Parent Support- Spicewood/ Rough Hollow 

Ms. Meredith has been an essential part of the successful opening of My Time Kids Academy Spicewood/ Rough Hollow campus! She has worked alongside Lorie from the first day we received the keys to the building! Together they have worked hard to prepare and organize the perfect space for young children. Meredith has been in the Lake Travis area for over 10 years and is passionate about our community and its wonderful families. She comes from a diverse career background including human resources, executive assistant, office management, and most recently Director of two music schools. Additionally, Meredith is a published author of positivity journals and a children's book.

 

Meredith lives on Lake Travis with her husband and two sons. When not at work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, spending time on the lake, shopping and enjoying live music.

 

OUR AMAZING TEACHERS & TEACHER ASSISTANTS

*All of My Time Kids Academy staff are background checked and fingerprinted for your child's safety.

Bee Cave Campus:

Tori website pic.jpeg

 

Ms. Tori 

Tori joined the My Time Team in 2021 as the Lead Teacher of the Busy Bee class. Tori is from Sacramento, California, but moved to Texas as soon as she could! Tori comes to My Time with previous years of classroom experience and holds a degree in Child Development for Elementary Education from California State University. Tori has always wanted to be an educator and has a true passion for early childhood education. She is beyond excited to be a part of the My Time team! In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, and she loves spending time with her family, friends and 2 kitties.

Megan badge.jpg

 

Ms. Megan 

Megan joined My Time Kids Academy as an Assistant Teacher in 2020. Her compassion for children and joyful demeanor make her the perfect match for our teaching team. She is currently completing coursework towards her Early Childhood Certification and hopes to become a preschool teacher in the future. Megan wears many hats at our school from Early Care and After Care Lead teacher to classroom assistant and lending a hand in the office with paperwork and files. Megan enjoys working with children and enjoys being an integral part of their growth and development. Students adore Megan and her patient ways of implementing fun and engaging activities. In her spare time, Megan enjoys her 5 dogs, hiking and babysitting. We are blessed to have such a dedicated passionate teacher at our school. 

brie bio photo.jpeg

 

Ms. Brie  

BrieAnna (Ms. Brie) earned her degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Applied Learning and Development.  She has several years experience teaching Pre-K through 6th grade. Brie has been fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom to her two children, which has been the most fulfilling and rewarding experience. As her kids grew more independent,  she began volunteering at their schools and realized how much she had missed teaching. Brie not only has a passion working with children but also teaching yoga. In 2012, she became a certified yoga instructor and has applied many of those principles towards the growth and well being of the young minds she has helped shape over the years.  She is eager to return to teaching at 'My Time' and share her love of Child Development. 

 

“I’m honored to be part of this magical school and community. My goal is to encourage exploration, whilst building a lifelong love for learning and creativity in every child.”

Rachel_edited.jpg

 

Ms. Rachel

Ms. Rachel is a native Texan and grew up in Wimberley, TX. Rachel has been working with kids for 10 years in various settings including childcare and the YMCA. Rachel earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and Education from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi.  Rachel has always had a passion for working with children and has truly enjoyed being an educator. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, crafting and woodworking, and spending time with her family, boyfriend and dogs!

Bridget.jpg

 

Ms. Bridget

 

Ms. Bridget is a Master Teacher with over 25 years classroom experience with certifications in the practice of play in Early Childhood. Bridget draws on her wealth of knowledge to deliver high quality play based learning opportunities that engage and ignite children's inner curiosity. Bridget leads our Learning Enrichment Team at both My Time campuses and works with students to support their developmental needs through one-to-one or small group lessons. Ms. Bridget's patience and love for children has made her a My Time favorite amongst staff and students. We are so fortunate to have an incredible educator on our team!

kris bio photo.jpg

 

Ms. Kris 

Ms. Kris is the Co-teacher of the Butterfly class as well as the Music Specialist for both My Time campuses. Kris started teaching at My Time in 2019. Kris holds a Masters Degree in Music and studied Opera and Music Theater. For over 20 years, her passion has been working with young children with a focus on growth and development rather than performance. As an entrepreneur, Kris started a thriving Kindermusik business and private music studio in Southern California along with teaching elementary music. In 2007, she and her husband moved to Austin to raise their children closer to extended family. Her oldest daughter, Helena, is pursuing her dreams at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as a sophomore in Upstate New York. They adopted their daughter, Julia, from Siberia, when she was six years old and it is through that experience that Kris learned about brain development, delays, trauma, ADHD, autism spectrum, home schooling and lots of patience! Julia is now a bright and funny student at LTHS! Ms. Kris continues to run a private music studio at her home in Lakeway called Studio 405. There, she teaches voice, guitar and piano. Outside the classroom, Kris enjoys having fun with her animals, photography, hiking, natural health, and reading. From Ms. Kris~ 

"I could not be more excited to be teaching your children in the pre-k classroom this year in addition to continuing as My Time’s music specialist."

Lizzie2.jpg

 

Ms. Lizzie

Lizzie is a Lake Travis native who has been in the area for 28 years. Ms. Lizzie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University as well as a an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Childcare and Development from Austin Community College. She has worked in many different fields from teaching preschool and first grade, to working in for foster care, to working with Integral Care as a truancy case manager. Lizzie is familiar with our local district as she worked for Lake Travis ISD as a special education paraprofessional with elementary students and the high schools 18+ program. Her true passion is teaching and little learners. Lizzie will be joining us for the 2023 school year as the Firefly teacher. In her free time she loves to travel to new places and go camping with her boyfriend and their dog Dixie Jane.

Asmita .jpg

 

Ms. Asmita

Asmita joined My Time Kids Academy as Assistant Teacher at the beginning of 2022. Asmita is the lead teacher in the Caterpillar class. After coming to the US and being a stay at home parent of two boys for a decade, she realized that working with children was definitely what she would like to pursue. Her love for children convinced her to be an early child care educator. Asmita has completed her undergrad in Psychology and earned a Masters degree in Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management. She has previously worked as an Assistant Lecturer, teaching Human resources and Communications to Undergraduate students for a few years in India. Besides spending time with her two boys and family and friends, Asmita enjoys baking. Decorating and eating deserts is one of her favorite things to do.

Nel .jpg

 

Ms. Nel

Ms. Nel joined our school as an assistant in the spring of 2023. Our school is so lucky to have Ms. Nel on our team! Nel is a local Lake Travis mom of two LT high school students. Nel has lived all over the world in some amazing places like- Australia, Iceland, China, Bahrain, Philippines, Houston, and Austin. In May of 2024 she will celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary. This April marks her Year Anniversary of working at My Time. Ms. Nel is a staff and student favorite. She LOVES LOVES working with all of our littles. Ms. Nel covers "all the things" "all the time" at our school. She is the assistant for the Caterpillar, Butterfly, and Firefly classes and they LOVE her. Nel leads our Early and AfterCare programs and helps with camps through the school year. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated loving staff member on our team!

paulas badge.jpg

 

Ms. Paula

Ms. Paula moved to Austin from Brazil in 2023. She holds a degree om System Analysis and Software Development from university in Brazil. Ms. Paula is fluent in Portuguese and is excited to share her language with our students. Ms. Paula is part of our assistant team, working with all age groups in our school.

Fran Guzman 1.JPG

 

Ms. Fran

Ms. Fran is excited to join the My Time Team as our Spanish teacher. She is from Santiago, Chile. After getting her Business Administration degree she worked in Human Resources and Customer Success for 10 years. Five years ago, she moved to Texas with her husband, three daughters, and their dog and became a full-time mom. She enjoys being with children and helping the community. She volunteers with her daughter's Elementary School helping at the library, organizing the book fair, and co-chairing the school Talent Show, among other things. Fran enjoys spending time with her family, running, and visiting new places.

She is super excited to be part of My Time teaching her native language to our students. 

Ellen 2.jpg

 

Ms. Ellen

Ms Ellen is a native Texan, born and raised in The Rio Grande Valley. She completed her degree, a BS in Education, at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ellen taught grades K-5 in Houston ISD, Clear Creek ISD and Round Rock ISD. She retired from RRISD in 2012 to care for her grandsons. Ms. Ellen decided to teach at the preschool where both boys attended, in Georgetown. Her only granddaughter, Quinn, is a MTKA alum. In 2022 Ellen joined the MTKA team as a PreK teacher and now teaches Art to all of our students.

Spicewood/ Rough Hollow Campus:

Courtney P.jpg

 

Ms. Courtney

Courtney started out in 2006 as a Singer/Dancer at Six Flags Over Texas before studying Choral Music Education K-12 at The University of North Texas. She has over 10 years experience in the Preschool setting, with the majority of her time working with children aged 2-3. Courtney has worked as a Preschool Music Teacher and has been a Professional Vocalist and member of many Choral communities throughout the DFW and Austin areas for many years. She spent 3 years as a traveling Piano/Voice Teacher for children within the Steiner Ranch community. Courtney has her Teaching Certification in "Music Together" and is all about spreading joy to young children! She is an avid homebody and enjoys spending quality time with two furry babies, Theo and Basia Bean.

Amanda.JPG

 

Ms. Amanda

Ms. Amanda is the lead teacher of the Rabbits classroom. She brings 7 years of teaching experience and a deep passion for Early Childhood Education. An Austin native, Amanda graduated with honors from Texas Tech University with a major in psychology and a minor in Spanish, and holds her state teaching certification in EC-6th grade. Her most recent teaching position was in Round Rock ISD where she also worked as the Talented and Gifted Math Teacher for Kindergarten- 5th grade. With a love for early childhood education, Amanda is excited to contribute to the educational journey of your children, including her own 3-year-old daughter, Daisy, who will be joining MTK this year. Outside the classroom, Amanda enjoys spending time with Daisy, swimming, reading, attending concerts, and working on her A license for skydiving. She recently completed her first successful solo jump from a “perfectly good airplane” and it has become her new favorite hobby! She is beyond excited to join MTK this year and share her love of children.

Maria badge.jpg

 

Ms. Maria

Maria Paz-Tripi joined My Time Kids Academy as an Assistant Teacher August 2022. After coming to Austin over 22 years ago and being a full time parent of 3 boys for 20 years, she realized that working with children was something she would like to pursue. Her love for children and the possibilities to enrich their lives with her knowledge convinced her to be an early child care provider. Maria completed her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts and Art History and earned an Associates in Culinary Arts, as well as a Certification in dietary Management. She continues to work as a cookbook recipe developer, nutritionist, and restaurant consultant.  She has significant knowledge in allergy free cooking, and diet modification and has taught cooking from preschool children to adults, sharing in what she believes is the transformational power food can bring to any experience from learning to celebrating a special event. 

Maria and her 2nd son cater events from time to time, and she bakes for her husbands' restaurant in Driftwood. A foodie through and through, Maria and her family love to go on culinary adventures throughout the Country and the World.  

Haley Carter.jpg

Ms. Haley  

Ms. Haley was born in Oceanside, California, moved to Austin in 2005 and has been here ever since! She attended Bee Cave Elementary, Lake Travis Middle School and Lake Travis High School. She was a gymnast from age 4 to 12 and then began cheerleading until 18 years old. Haley attended Texas Tech University and Graduated with her Bachelors in University Studies with a concentration in Human Resource Management, Integrative Studies and Organizational Leadership. In 2015, she had her beautiful daughter McKenna who is now attends West Cypress Hills Elementary. In 2018, she enrolled in the Houston Montessori Center to become certified in Montessori practices for children Birth - 3 years old. Ms. Haley is passionate about animals and has worked in the Vet Tech field and fosters for a few different local rescue organizations when she can. Ms. Haley joined the Spicewood campus of My Time in April of 2023 and has enjoyed every minute of it! 

Bia Jackson teacher pic.jpeg

Ms. Bia  

Ms. Bia joined My Time January 2024 as our newest passionate, pre-school educator. Born and raised in Brazil, she is fluent in three languages, and creates an inclusive and diverse multicultural atmosphere. Experienced in special needs care and education, Bia’s background includes equine therapy for children with special needs, in-home special needs care, and property management. Bia brings vibrance and warmth to the little one’s classroom while fostering a love for learning in young minds. Bia is a mother of three, a life-long military spouse, loves coffee, chocolate, church and traveling abroad with her family.

KAT 2024 mtk2.jpeg

Ms. Kat  

 

Katiuska "Kat" is our newest assistant, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her on board. Katiuska, fondly known as Kat, brings a wealth of enthusiasm to our team. With a passion for children and education, Kat is already making an impact in her role. Kat earned her business degree from a university in Venezuela and has an extensive background in the hotel industry where she led the childcare program for seven years. Kat was also supervisor at a private middle school before relocating to Texas. Outside of work, Kat is coffee enthusiast who enjoys spending time with her 12 year old twins, 14 year old son, and her husband. She and her family have been settled in the Lake Travis area for about two years, and we are so glad to have her!

Angie.jpg

Ms. Angie  

 

Ms. Angie began working at the Spicewood My Time campus in Summer of 2023 as part of the assistant and AfterCare team. She lives in Spicewood on an educational farm with a variety of animals and a garden. Angie is the second oldest of four children and was homeschooled from 6th- 12th grade. Angie has a brother with special-needs, who she adores and helps to care for at home. Angie loves children and has had several years of experience being a babysitter, and assisting at other preschools. She is so excited to see the children at My Time grow and explore.

Allie Day_edited.jpg

Ms. Allie  

 

Ms. Allie is the co-teacher of the Fox class. She holds her Early Childhood through 4th Grade and ESL teaching certificates. She grew up in Granbury, Texas and moved to Austin to attend college at Texas State University. She taught Pre-k, Kindergarten, and Second Grade and has truly loved finding her calling in helping children learn!  She has two children of her own, Lyra and Parker, that are in Kindergarten and First Grade. They are such amazing children and is so glad to get to be their mom.  In her free time, she plays soccer on the Austin Women’s Soccer Team and playing the guitar. She loves reading, hiking, and swimming too! Allie is so excited to be a part of My Time Kids Academy teaching team and is looking forward to all the exciting adventures to come! 

Holly Fleischman.jpg

Ms. Holly  

Holly is a native Texan and grew up in the Houston area. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a BA in English, Holly moved to NYC to begin her teaching career in the South Bronx. She taught 3rd and 5th grade before landing her dream job as the Physical Education teacher. During this time, she also earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercy College. After 5 years of teaching, Holly and her husband decided to start a family and soon after moved to the Austin area. With the demands of her husbands job, Holly and her family moved back and forth from Austin and the East Coast twice more before permanently settling back here in 2015. Soon after, she reconnected with her old friend and neighbor, Lorie, who convinced her to come teach at My Time, back when it was run out of a small room in the Musician’s Woodshed. Holly played an integral part in helping Lorie launch the first location of MTKA and stayed on board as a lead teacher until summer of 2020. Back from her hiatus, Holly is happy to rejoin the amazing team as a part-time assistant where she enjoys doing everything she can to help out. Holly loves spending time with her 3 teenage kids, her husband, Larry, and their dog, Gus. She also loves to run, swim, play the drums and read.

Gina Ivone 2.jpg

Ms. Gina  

 

Ms. Gina joined the My Time team in 2023 as an Assistant Teacher. Gina moved with her family to the Spicewood area almost two years ago from Phoenix, Arizona. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and minored in Psychology at Sam Houston State University and is eager to continue her journey in child psychology. Gina has been a stay-at-home mom for 9 years before she found My Time and enrolled her youngest into the school. She was so inspired by the program, that she wanted to be a part of nourishing and helping it grow. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated team member and parent at our school!

Outside of school, Gina loves spending time with her family, traveling, music and hiking.

Kelly McG_edited.jpg

Ms. Kelly  

 

Kelly grew up in Kansas and moved to Colorado in high school. Ms. Kelly attended Metropolitan State College of Denver and graduated in 2005 with a degree in Communication Design and a minor in Art History. Kelly met her wonderful husband in college and shortly after graduating got married and started a family. They are a family of five that includes three amazing children. Kelly has bee very lucky to be a stay at home mom for most all 17 years. Her oldest, Kyle, is a junior at LTHS. Paige is in 8th grade at LTMS and the youngest, Claire, is in 5th grade at Rough Hollow. Ms. Kelly has two rescue doggies that are such a fun loving part of the family. 

Ms. Kelly and her family enjoy doing all the Austin things…boating, swimming, exploring. They love to travel and are huge Disney nerds. 

Upon moving to Austin in 2015, Kelly met Lorie and became My Time Kids Academy preschool momma! Her daughter, Claire, is a MTK alumni and absolutely loved it. As parents, she and her husband were happy to have found such an amazing school with so many great teachers that felt like one big family.

Ms. Kelly enjoys sharing her love for Art and all things crafty. It’s been fun to watch the kids creativity blossom and their little minds grow. We are so excited to have Ms. Kelly as part of our preschool team!

Sierra Waddell.jpg

Ms. Sierra 

Ms. Sierra found us in October 2023 when one of her daughters began attending My Time. She has hoped for an opportunity to be involved ever since, and now she is thrilled to be teaching our gymnastics program! Fun fact: her very first job ever (at the age of 15) was coaching gymnastics after having competed for 11 years. Sierra received her Bachelor's in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas and her Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling from UT Southwestern. Her love for kids and the sport of gymnastics have never wavered, and we are excited to have her bring her expertise and fun to our gym each week! Outside of school, Sierra loves spending time with her husband and three kiddos, reading historical fiction, watching true crime documentaries, and listening to music.

bottom of page