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Our Christian Childcare in San Antonio Leadership Team

The Pillars Christian Learning Center attracts and retains staff members who have a true heart for children. The Pillars preschools are professionally managed and staffed by teachers and administrators who seek to contribute to your child’s growth in loving and meaningful ways – for a positive impact that lasts a lifetime. We strive for all members of our lead teaching staff to be certified in early childhood development or education. Many have advanced degrees.

Our Leadership

Melissa

Melissa Anderson​

Founder and COO

Melissa Anderson​

Melissa Anderson has been in the early childhood education field since 2009 and has a BS from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She believes that children in childcare should feel safe and loved while being academically prepared and learning about God’s love. Melissa and Geren have been married since 1999 and have two children. She enjoys reading, Pilates, camping, and exploring Texas Hill Country wineries.
Geren A

Geren Anderson

Founder and CEO

Geren Anderson

Geren Anderson is the co-founder of The Pillars Christian Learning Center and oversees the company's financial, marketing, sales and strategic-growth activities. He earned a BS from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Since 2009, his vision and leadership have helped the business to grow from one location to multiple locations across the San Antonio and Dallas/Ft. Worth areas. He enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, and Texas Aggie Football.
Kellie

Kellie Copeland

Vice President of Finance and Administration

Kellie Copeland

Kellie Copeland earned a BBA in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin. With experience in corporate finance and valuation consulting, she currently serves as VP of Finance and Administration and has been with The Pillars since 2018. She and her husband have been married since 1999 and have two wonderful sons. She enjoys lake time, traveling and scuba diving with her family.
Kerstin Brinson Redo

Kerstin Brinson

Vice President
of Operations

Kerstin Brinson

Kerstin Brinson is an accomplished early childhood industry executive with over 30 years` experience driving profitability and academic learning within preschool settings. She offers a laser focus on providing best in class early learning preschool experiences for children. She is the mother of two girls and wife to her husband James, a US Army veteran.
Teddie

Teddie Gamel

Regional Director of Operations - Dallas/Ft. Worth

Teddie Gamel

Teddie Gamel is The Pillars Regional Director for Dallas-Ft. Worth. Teddie has more than 30 years of experience in early childcare education and is a TLCCA board member and certified trainer. Teddie is actively involved in her church and enjoys gardening, reading, and outdoor activities. She and her husband also love spending time with their three children and four grandchildren.
Susan Sm

Susan Harr

Vice President of Marketing Operations

Susan Harr

Susan Harr is the Vice President of Marketing Operations at The Pillars Christian Learning Center, with responsibility for leading the company’s internal and external communication strategy, marketing, and sales activities. She has experience in all aspects of marketing and scaling for growth and is focused on leading new initiatives to cultivate and strengthen The Pillars brand in current and new markets.
Laura Nelson redo

Laura Nelson

Director of Academic Development

Laura Nelson

Laura graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, majoring in Early Childhood Education. Laura celebrated 20 years of working with families in education by answering the call to serve as Director of the fifth Pillars Christian Learning Center, located in the Creekside Community of New Braunfels, which opened in January 2021.
Janet Delicia de Carejo

Janet Delicia De Carrejo

Regional Director of Operations - San Antonio Area

Janet Delicia De Carrejo

Janet Delicia de Carrejo is The Pillars Regional Director for San Antonio. Janet brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the early childhood education industry and plans to continue her educational journey by pursuing a PhD program in Educational Leadership. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren, gardening, reading, and listening to all types of music.
Cara

Cara Bass

Director of Human Resources

Cara Bass

Cara Bass, The Pillars' Director of Human Resources, brings 16 years of diverse HR experience in healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, and education. Her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies allows Cara to relate to teachers and understand their perspectives while her previous experience helps her focus long-term solutions to meet the organization's needs. She's dedicated to implementing innovative HR tools and benefits to ensure organizational success.
Dawn

Dawn Spainhower

Director of Spiritual Development

Dawn Spainhower

Dawn Spainhower has a lifelong passion for education and faith. With a degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University, she has devoted over four decades to teaching and serving in children's ministry. As a member of The Pillars team since 2010, her heart for ministry shines through as she spiritually nurtures children and empowers parents to foster spiritual development in their homes. During her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her children and grandchildren.

Director team

Aly

Aly Wehde

Director
The Pillars: Singing Hills

Aly Wehde

Aly began her ECE career as a Pre-K assistant teacher, swiftly advancing to lead Toddlers. Progressing further, she took on the AA role, aiding the Admin team and teachers. After a brief break, she returned to her passion for working with children and mentoring teachers. Now, as Singing Hills Education Coordinator, Aly is eager for the next chapter at The Pillars, Singing Hills, where she looks forward to fostering stronger relationships with teachers, children, and families.
Christy

Christy Strawn

Director
The Pillars: Cibolo

Christy Strawn

Christy Strawn is the Director of The Pillars - Cibolo. Christy brings with her more than 20 years experience in childcare, and has experience working both as a teacher and Director. Christy resides near Canyon Lake and enjoys balancing city life during the week with the serenity of the Hill Country on weekends. Married for two decades with one son, she's a dedicated dog lover, and enjoys caring for their six Boston Terriers.
Stephanie Vasilio

Stephanie Vasilio

Director
The Pillars: Mountain Peak

Stephanie Vasilio

Stephanie Vasilio is the Director of The Pillars - Mountain Peak. Stephanie has 25 years of experience in childcare and finds true joy in working with children. In her spare time, she enjoys quality time with her family and spouse. Her favorite Bible verse is John 3:16.
Marissa Witkop Photo

Marissa Witkop

Director
The Pillars: Walnut Grove

Marissa Witkop

Marissa Witkop is the Director of The Pillars - Walnut Grove. Marissa has 11 years of experience in childcare with 6 years in administration. She is the loving mother to her son, Elijah, and enjoys teaching him about God’s love and how God makes each of us special in our own way. She also enjoys visiting bookstores, going on mother & son dates to Legoland, and spending time with family.
Heather

Heather Hallenbeck

Director
The Pillars: Bandera Rd

Heather Hallenbeck

Heather Hallenbeck is the Director of The Pillars- Bandera. Heather has worked in early childhood education for 7 years, starting her career as a toddler teacher and moving up to Director. Heather is a San Antonio native and enjoys spending her time outside of work with her husband and their two children.
Adriana

Adriana Armstrong

Director
The Pillars: Creekside

Adriana Armstrong

Passionate about Early Childhood Education and devoted to Christ, Adriana is committed to creating a nurturing space for children to explore, learn, and grow spiritually and academically. In her free time, she enjoys moments with her two daughters, who also attend The Pillars.
Monique

Monique Almazan

Director
The Pillars: Reed Rd

Monique Almazan

Monique Almazan is the Director of our Reed Road location. With over 12 years of experience in the field of education, she has dedicated herself to nurturing young minds and fostering a school that offers a love of learning for both children and teachers. Monique believes in the power of knowledge and the profound impact it can have on the lives of children.
Tiffany Marie Edwards

Tiffany Marie Edwards

Director
The Pillars: Colleyville

Tiffany Marie Edwards

Tiffany Marie Edwards is the Director of The Pillars - Colleyville. Tiffany has 24 years of experience in various childcare roles and her goal is to help families foster a genuine love for learning and a deep connection with God. Tiffany has three children, aged 15, 11, and 4. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering in her church's children's ministry, working on projects, and singing.

OUR LOCATIONS

location1

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about The Pillars?

210-817-5198

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this location?

210-523-2613

New Braunfels

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830-396-5435

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830-310-0017

mountain peak

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972-833-2287

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972-775-5688

location 2

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210-866-8278

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210-521-8111

location 4

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about The Pillars?

210-361-6598

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210-664-3366

Potranco

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about The Pillars?

726-224-7213

COMING SUMMER 2024

Talley

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210-864-9207

COMING SPRING 2024

location 3

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210-934-3463

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830-980-2520

wg

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about The Pillars?

469-457-4783

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972-775-5855

Colleyville

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about The Pillars?

817-961-9418

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this location?

817-605-9102