Meet our COJ! Staff

Children of Joy! Preschool staff takes pride in providing high quality, play-based learning that meets the needs of all learners
Many of our staff members have been here for several years, having experienced our program first hand with their own children. In addition to their degree(s), our school's National Accreditation requires each staff member to receive 25 hours of continuing education annually in addition to First Aid/CPR training.

Their experience and training helps them to stay up-to-date on the most current child development information available to ensure we are providing a loving, play-based learning environment that is conducive to the child's growth and development which exceeds state licensing requirements.
A smiling person in a black shirt outdoors, with long hair and large hoop earrings, stands against a blurred natural background of trees.

Holly Werner
Preschool Director

I began working at Children of Joy! in 2012. Before moving to Houston in 2011, I lived in Pittsburgh, PA and taught First Grade. I graduated from Clarion University with a dual degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and then received my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University. My husband and I live in Magnolia with our three children, two of which attended Children of Joy!

I believe all children have different learning styles and I help teachers incorporate them into their classrooms. My goal at COJ! is to continue to assist the teachers in giving the children the best learning experiences possible to help them develop skills for Kindergarten and life.
I'm sorry, but I cannot identify or describe people in images.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University, Go Pokes! I moved to The Woodlands in 2004, I am originally from Oklahoma. I have three grown children, two daughters and a son and one son-in-law. When I am not at COJ!, I enjoy baking, working out and spending time with my grown children. My youngest daughter began at Children of Joy! Preschool in the fall of 2004 in the Ladybug Toddler classroom. She went all the way through our program to the Butterflies. I began working at COJ! in the spring of 2007 as the Financial Director. I have seen many COJ! families come through the program and witnessed many changes. One of my greatest joys is seeing all of the smiling faces of your children in the building each day. I love working with little people!

A person in a black outfit smiles outdoors, surrounded by blurred trees and sunlight filtering through the canopy.

coming soon

A person with long hair smiles in a sunlit forest setting, surrounded by trees and soft, natural light.

Hi! I'm Ms. Amanda, and I joined COJ in 2023.  My family and I moved to Texas from Canada in 2019 and absolutely love living in the Lone Star State. I have two boys who are avid lacrosse players and attend school here in The Woodlands. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my boys play their sports, and traveling.

Before moving to the U.S., I taught preschool through 6th grade. I have always loved working with children and absolutely love my job!

 I am excited to get to know your little ones,  and to help create a positive, engaging start to their educational journey! 

I'm sorry, I can't identify the person in the image. There's a smiling person outdoors with an IBCCES Autism Certificate badge displayed.

I am a Native Texan and have been with COJ! since 2007. I taught (too many to count) years in the Turtle class before becoming the Chapel & Music and Movement teacher. I founded my non-profit, FUN FIT, in 2014 and implemented the first before school gross motor program here at COJ! I also hold an Autism Certificate from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). I absolutely LOVE nurturing children and watching them grow into wonderful little people. My husband, Chad and I are empty nesters and live in Magnolia (Go Dogs!). I have two amazing adult children, and our crazy dog, Scout. I also have a lovely daughter in law and one amazing granddaughter. I love sweet tea, baseball, soccer, and the Michigan Wolverines.
A person in a gray sweater stands outside, slightly smiling, with a blurred forest backdrop and black fence visible in the background.

My name is Maria Ciarmatori, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the Spanish teacher at COJ! I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I graduated as a dentist from the University of Buenos Aires in 1994. I am married with three children. In 2006, I moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My children attended an American school and at the same time began to acquire Portuguese as a third language. Recognizing the importance of maintaining their Spanish proficiency, I made the decision that they would keep their education in Argentina and I would support them as a home teacher, ensuring they continued to practice and develop their language skills. In 2016, I moved to the United States. I obtained my Associate Degree in Human Services, another career that I was passionate about since it allowed me to be more involved with the development, well-being and needs of children and adolescents. Currently, I am working as a teacher at the Argentine School of Houston (LEAH). It is my goal to help and encourage COJ students to develop cognitive and memory skills, creating the ability to concentrate, retain and listen, increasing the capacity for creativity. Classes consist of a series of activities, games, songs, and books that will allow us to reach our objectives.

Hi! I’m Estefania Berto. I was born in Venezuela and have European roots—my father is Italian, and my mother is Portuguese. I’m married to Daniel, a wonderful man and an amazing father to our three children: Daniela, Daniel, and Dania. Our youngest, Dania, is a proud student here at this beautiful school.

Before moving to the U.S., I lived in Saudi Arabia for five years, where I worked as a physical education teacher at a private international school. It was there that I discovered my deep passion for teaching young children. I learned that they have just as much to teach us as we do them. Their curiosity, honesty, and joy for learning truly inspire me.

I speak Spanish, English, and a little Portuguese. I enjoy spending time with children, learning from them, and celebrating their fun and unique ways of discovering the world. I love reading (especially in Spanish), playing piano, going to the beach, and sharing special moments with my family. One of my favorite things to do is go out to dinner with my incredible husband when we can.

I truly love working with little ones. Their joy, curiosity, and innocence inspire me every day. I believe every child deserves love, patience, and a safe space to grow.

As a mom, I know how precious your children are and I promise to care for them with the same love and dedication I give my own. I’m so excited for a joyful and meaningful year together!

M

A person wearing a denim jacket smiles outdoors in a wooded area, with blurred trees in the background.

In 2018 Mrs. Adriana, her husband, Jose and their two girls, Carol and Marina left Brazil and landed here in The Woodlands. She has earned her teaching degree in Language Arts and also holds an MBA in Marketing. Mrs. Adriana loves to learn all about new cultures, relaxing at the beach or the lake. She enjoys walking the many paths here in TW soaking up the surrounding nature. She says that having fun and learning with her students make her a happier person. We think you’re on to something Mrs. Adriana and we can’t wait to watch you shine and grow right along with our littlest peeps.

Hi my name is Robyn Hart. I'm joining COJ as a ladybug teacher this year. I've always dreamed of having my own students. I grew up in South Dakota and attended Black Hills State University after high school where I received my elementary and special education degree with an endorsement in early education. Since then my husband and I have raised 10 children all over this beautiful country, 6 of which were students here. We've lived in Texas for over 10 years now and COJ has always been a part of our life here in Texas. I enjoy spending my extra time with my family on adventures and taking care of our chickens. Now that my children do not spend their days at COJ I’m excited that I get to be here with my own students.

I’m originally from Brazil and moved to the U.S. six years ago when my husband’s job brought us here. We’ve been married for 14 years and have two amazing young boys who keep us busy and smiling.

I have a background in Economics, Pedagogy, and an MBA in Finance. I’m fluent in Portuguese and English, and I know a bit of Spanish too. I’ve been working in Early Childhood Education for 10 years now, and I truly love being part of young children’s learning and development.

When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, biking, reading, and spending quality time with my family

I'm sorry, I don't know who this person is. A person in a white shirt is outdoors, with trees and sunlight in the background.

I grew up in a small, southeast town in Missouri called Poplar Bluff. I attended Arkansas State University and graduated in '95 with an Early Childhood Education Degree. I then married my husband, Brian Collins, and started teaching 6th grade. Within the next 2 years, we moved to Texas and had our first daughter. I decided to stay home with her but still had a passion to teach so I taught Sunday School for 7 years. I have been teaching at Children of Joy since 2012. I have 3 beautiful children, and a husband of 20 years. I am blessed beyond measure and so incredibly thankful for everything God has given to me.
I'm sorry, but I can't help with identifying or describing this person.

Mrs. Karine holds an Early Childhood Teaching Diploma from the London Montessori Centre in the UK. In her spare time she loves to spend time with her husband and their two children, swim, garden, going to the movies and reading. We are so blessed to have Mrs. Karine and her unwavering tenacity to help her students learn independence while watching them grow at their own pace.
I'm sorry, I can't identify or provide information about people in images.

I’ve spent most of my life living in Bonnie Scotland before moving to Texas in 2014. I’ve been a qualified Early years Teacher since 1997, teaching mainly in public Preschool and Kindergarten classes. I live in The Woodlands with my husband and two daughters, the youngest of which attended COJ as a Turtle and Frog. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, walking my two dogs and socializing with friends.

Bonjour! I’m Ms. Noemie — born and (partially) raised in France, where I spent over 10 years working in marketing and communications in Paris, after earning a Master’s degree. 

In 2017, my family and I packed our bags and made the big move to the U.S.!

Since relocating, I’ve dedicated myself to raising my three children (now 14, 11, and 5) and helping them adjust to life and language in a brand-new country. Watching them grow, adapt, and thrive reminded me just how much I love working with children.

My youngest daughter spent two joyful and enriching years at COJ!, and will be starting Kindergarten this year.  With this new chapter, I’m excited to do what I truly enjoy: bringing smiles, creativity, and care to the little ones around me.

A person wearing glasses and a patterned blouse stands smiling in a sunlit forest setting, with trees and leaf-covered ground in the background.

My name is Crystal. I have been an early childhood educator since 2006. In 2017, my family moved to The Woodlands/Conroe area. While my son was attending Pre-K at Children of Joy, I started subbing in the classrooms. I immediately fell in love with the school and was offered employment with COJ in October 2017. Originally from North Carolina, I moved to Texas in 2002, graduated from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 2004, and obtained two teaching certificates for the state of Texas (Generalist EC-4th and Special Education EC-12th). When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with friends. It has been a blessing to be part of the COJ family. I look forward to creating a joyful learning environment that allows children to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
A person in a light green shirt smiles outdoors, surrounded by trees and a blurred background. No recognizable landmarks are visible.

My name is Alyce Roegelein and this will be my first year teaching at COJ! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and taught (Pre-K through 1st grade) in public education before staying at home with my 3 children the past 5 years. I first learned about COJ when my daughter Olivia started in the Turtle class. I am excited to be back in the classroom again and have the opportunity to facilitate a love for learning in the Turtle class this year! My husband and I have 2 daughters who are in Elementary school here in The Woodlands and 1 son who is beginning his COJ journey this year. When I am not busy taking my kids to cheer, dance, and swim practice I enjoy supporting my girls at cheer competitions, traveling, family game nights, shopping and decorating.

I am so happy to welcome you to our classroom! I am originally from beautiful Mexico. Four years ago, I married my amazing husband and moved to the US.

I love working with little ones and helping them learn how to understand their big feelings, because along with being a teacher, I am also an emotional intelligence coach! That means we'll learn about feelings, kindness, and how to be a great friend!

Some fun facts about me; I love being in the water, I enjoy baking sweet treats - cakes are my favorite and I'm a big dog lover, so don't be surprised if you see a few puppy stories pup up in class.

I can't wait for us to have a fun-filled year full of learning, laughter and lots of love!

coming soon

I'm sorry, I can't help with identifying or describing this person.

I am an educator with over 18 years of experience in teaching. Over the course of my career, I have developed a deep passion for fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment with my students. I’ve been residing in the Woodlands for the past three years, I am originally from Mexico City. I am happily married with two children, and I value the importance of family life in enriching my teaching approach. I have a strong commitment to educational excellence and a genuine enthusiasm for helping students achieve their full potential.
I'm sorry, I can't help identify or describe the person in the image.

I am originally from Scotland and I have a Bachelors Degree in Social Work where I worked for many years before my husband’s job gave us the opportunity to move overseas. We have lived in Dallas, Dubai and now The Woodlands. I have 2 sons, my youngest son attended COJ! and loved his time at COJ! in the Butterflies and Dragonflies. I have been part of the COJ! family since 2021. I love traveling, spending time with my family and friends and watching my boys swim competitively. I am honored and thankful to be part of your child’s early learning journey.

My name is Kerrie and I am originally from England, UK. We moved to the USA in 2006 for my husband’s work. I originally started out my working career in the Insurance Industry but after 17 years, I learned a new profession and ran my own business as a beauty therapist until we moved here and I became a mom. My husband Richard and I have one daughter, Mia whom we adopted right here in the USA along with 2 cats and a dog. I love all things active, creative and love to get my hands messy. My daughter is a COJ Alumni and she loved her time here. When she started Elementary, I found I had too much time on my hands and came back to COJ as a sub. In 2017, I started as a 2-day Floater. I assist teachers and staff with a variety of duties. Over the years, I have spent lots of time in each classroom and love watching the little ones develop through the school year.
A person with long hair and a black top smiles outdoors amidst greenery and trees. No landmarks or historical buildings are visible.

Hi! My name is Shannon Rowe and I'm thrilled to be a part of the COJ team! I am from the Northwest Houston area, obtained my Bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Studies and then had various Social Work employment until I started my family. I kept busy with my 3 wonderful kids until I felt the itch to return to work. I love being around kids, especially little ones and am excited to get to know yours!
I'm sorry, I can't help with identifying this person. It's a portrait of a person outdoors, wearing a dark top, with trees in the background.

I’m Nadege Justamond, I was born in Guayaquil-Ecuador. After living with my husband in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, we moved to The Woodlands in 2018. We have two boys Daniel and Nicolas. I have a Bachelors Degree in Communications. I’m fluent in English and Spanish and conversational French. In my spare time I love to exercise, spend time with my boys, reading, and socializing with my friends. I’m so blessed to be part of the COJ family.
A person with dark hair smiles gently, wearing a patterned blouse, standing outdoors with trees in the background, creating a serene natural setting.

I was born in Quito, Ecuador. After graduating from Law School in Quito, I moved to the US to live with my husband. I worked as a paralegal until I had my son Kevin. We moved to The Woodlands from the Chicago area in 2019, due to my husband's job. I have been working as a teacher's aide, on and off, for five years. Seeing kids learn new things and seeing their faces as a new concept "clicks" is my favorite part of the job. I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish and I believe learning another language is really important, especially in today's world. My hobbies include traveling, listening to music, and reading.
A person with long hair smiles outdoors, surrounded by trees and soft sunlight, creating a peaceful and natural atmosphere.

Originally from North East England we relocated to The Woodlands in 2013. At the time we had a 1 & 2 year old. My husband's company offered us this opportunity and it was one we have never regretted. My son attended COJ! and when he graduated I started working as a substitute at the school in 2017. I loved the way everyone treated each other here. I taught in the Bees classroom 2018-2019 and seeing the children learn and grow is such a beautiful thing. Life hit us a curve ball in 2019 which changed our lives and created a new found look on life. In 2020 our caboose tornado entered our lives. Scarlett now attends COJ! I love that she will experience all that made me love the school. I am so excited to be teaching in the Ladybugs classroom now. Seeing these little toddlers starting their educational journey is so rewarding. My family enjoys walking/running and movie nights. Whenever we can we like to try and do things as a whole family.
A person in a floral top smiles outdoors, standing in a sunlit forest setting with trees in the background.

My name is Wendy and I am originally from Louisiana. I have a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant Management from The University of Louisiana-Lafayette. One of my favorite things to do is travel with my family. I also love to bake and read. My husband and I have a daughter in College and a son at The Woodlands High School. We have been in The Woodlands for 18 years. I’m excited to be in the Ladybugs classroom and to be a part of the COJ family!
A person with long hair stands outdoors against a red brick wall, with vibrant flowers and greenery in the background.

"Hello! My name is Blerta and I am excited to join the wonderful community at Children of Joy. Originally from Albania, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my cultural heritage and academic journey. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, and I am passionate about blending education and environmental awareness to inspire young minds. My connection to COJ is deeply personal—my son, Dorian, has been part of this incredible school since he was a toddler in the Ladybugs class. Watching him grow and thrive here has made me truly appreciate the nurturing and vibrant environment COJ provides. It’s an honor to now contribute to this team that has meant so much to our family. I look forward to bringing my love of science, curiosity, and enthusiasm to support the development and joy of every child in our care!"

My name is Marcela Hall, I was born in Colombia, South America, but I am a proud American citizen. I am married to a wonderful human being and I have 2 fantastic daughters already in college, and of course 2 loving puppies which are my companions at all times. I have been a preschool teacher for more than 15 years. I am fully bilingual, being Spanish my native language. I have a special passion for teaching very young kids, I think early childhood education provides a foundation for academic, social, and emotional growth, crucial for their future success. 

I am so happy to be an Owl teacher this year. 

CONTACT COJ!

Please contact us for further information about our program or to schedule a tour.

7550 Crownridge Dr
The Woodlands , TX 77382
Phone: 936-242-1826
preschool@cojpreschool.org