Our Leadership

Melissa Anderson

Founder

Melissa Anderson had a vision to start a combined early childhood and day care center that would deliver an unrivaled, holistic approach to the San Antonio region. Her program addresses the comprehensive needs of the whole child – cognitively, socially, physically and spiritually. She received her Child Care Director’s License from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Melissa holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix, San Antonio, Texas, and a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Texas A&M University. “I manage my learning centers largely from a parent’s perspective, and make decisions in the best interest of the children in our care,” she said. “I want the children to feel safe, comfortable and loved while learning and progressing through the various developmental stages of growth.” She and her family attend Northrock Church. Melissa has been married to Geren since 1999 and has two teenaged children. Her hobbies include reading, Pilates, camping, and traveling.

Geren Anderson

Founder

Geren Anderson is the co-founder of The Pillars Christian Learning Center and oversees the company’s financial, marketing, and strategic-growth activities. Since 2009, his vision and leadership have helped the business to grow from one location to multiple locations across the San Antonio area. His background includes extensive financial management, marketing, advertising, strategic planning and business development. Geren has owned and operated other small businesses and brings extensive corporate executive experience to his position as well. He earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University. Geren serves on the Board of Trustees at Northrock Church and his hobbies include fishing, hunting, camping, and golf.

Kellie Copeland

Director of Finance and Administration

Kellie Copeland is the Director of Finance and Administration of The Pillars Christian Learning Center, where she oversees accounting, finance and administrative responsibilities for each of the centers. Her background is diverse as she has experience ranging from bookkeeping to corporate finance to valuation consulting. She has also spent many years volunteering her time as an officer and treasurer of Wilderness Oak Elementary PTA as well as Bulverde MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Kellie and her family attend Community Bible Church. She and her husband have been married since 1999 and their two sons keep them on the go! She enjoys scuba diving with her family, traveling, camping, games and outdoor activities.

Joan Zamagni

Director of Human Resources

Joan Zamagni is the Director of Human Resources of The Pillars Christian Learning Center. She oversees the overall administration, coordination, and evaluation of the human resource function.  Joan is a veteran of the US Army and has worked in a variety of industries including entertainment, the federal government, healthcare, and education.  She earned her Master of Labor Relations and Human Resources from Cleveland State University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. She is also certified as a Professional in Human Resources.  Joan and her husband have been married since 2000 and have one daughter and two four-legged “boys”.  They are members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and Joan enjoys reading and traveling.

Dawn Spainhower

Director of Regional Operations

Dawn Spainhower is the director of the Bandera location of The Pillars Christian Learning Center. She served as the director of the Reed location for two and a half years before our founder asked her to manage the opening of the Bandera location. She develops strong and trusting relationships with both children and parents so that they feel comfortable with her and the center. “As a director, it is important to partner with teachers and parents to enhance the spiritual, educational and social development of children,” she said. The idea of a weekly chapel service for the children was introduced by Dawn, who has been working with young children in her church since she was a little girl. She is actively involved in her church on both a state and local level and volunteers at summer church camps. Dawn believes that teaching and working with children should be enjoyable for everyone involved – children, teachers and parents. “As a parent, I want what is best for my children. As an educator, I am sensitive to the developmental needs of our children at every level.” Dawn has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Ohio University. She has been married to Donald since 1990 and has two children in college. Her hobbies include reading, singing and playing the guitar and saxophone.

Valerie Lewis

Director, Reed Road Center

Valerie Lewis is the director of our Reed Road location. She possesses 15 years of experience in early childhood development. Ms. Valerie spent 10 years teaching in infant and toddler classrooms. She was promoted to an administration position and later became director. “I have been very blessed to have been given the opportunity to be a part of The Pillars Family. Along with the staff, I work hard to continue the legacy of success established at The Pillars by building strong relationships with parents and the children. We focus on character education initiatives, fostering a nurturing, safe environment and spiritual growth to increase our children’s achievements. As Director, my door is always open and I welcome input from parents and staff.” Valerie has been married to her husband since 1997 and has three children. She attends City Church and enjoys volunteering there. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and baking.

Amy Collum

Director, Cibolo Center

Born and raised in San Antonio, now with family roots in the Cibolo area, Amy brings almost 28 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. She started in the classroom and spent most of those years with the “terrific twos”. Amy quickly moved through different roles in the center including Curriculum Specialist, Assistant Director, followed by her 1st experience as a Director in 2008. “This is my calling! The perfect combination of teaching, mentoring and being a part of something bigger than all of us…a vision. “Amy’s nurturing personality, and no-nonsense business approach, help her form bonds and partnerships with her team as well as the families we are blessed to serve. “Spending time with children is still the absolute best part of my day!”

“My journey to The Pillars wasn’t always an easy one, but it has made me into the person I am today. I am here for you all and hope to become a part of your family, as you become a part of ours. Melissa and Geren have set the wheels in motion for something pretty phenomenal! I am truly blessed beyond my imagination to be a part of it.”

Stop by anytime to say hello and allow Amy to show you what The Pillars Christin Learning Center is all about!

Valerie Ragsdale

Family Relationship Manager

We recently welcomed Valerie E. Ragsdale to The Pillars family as our Family Relationship Manager. Valerie is a graduate from The University of Texas at San Antonio, with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her most recent position working with all ages of children and their abilities has given her the experience necessary for her current role. Valerie recognizes the importance of family engagement and a center’s communication to be imperative for a growing child. Fostering relationships with families will be key in her role, and she is ready to serve all current and future Pillar’s families to ensure a joy-filled and successful journey in learning and in life. Upon learning more about The Pillars’ mission statement, it aligns perfectly with her own family values: Love God, love learning, and love children. Valerie has been married to her husband, Chad, for 12 years and together they are blessed with three gorgeous children: Cody, Avery and Brooklyn. Like most families their weekends are filled with their children’s activities and family times. She is looking forward to many years, many families and many children!

Emily Busselman

Director, Bandera Road Center

Emily Busselman is the Director of our Bandera location. She has 16 years of early childhood education experience and has worked with all ages. She has owned and operated her own in-home family childcare facility that was nationally accredited and awarded recognition by the United States Army Child Youth Services department and received National Accreditation of Family Child Care. “It is imperative that every person that walks through my door feels welcome and safe, that is my number one priority as a director. I cherish the relationships being built with the families who make up this center and strive to accommodate their needs as well as foster their child’s education and begin a foundation for their faith.” Emily prides herself on getting to know each family and their specific needs in regard to their child’s education and development and works with her staff regularly to help facilitate an environment to oblige those needs. She has been married for 14 years to an active duty soldier in the U.S. Army and has three girls. Emily’s family attends Community Bible Church and Glorious Pentecostal Church. Her hobbies include crocheting, reading and baking. She also loves to travel with her family.

Vicky Alcantar

Director, Singing Hills Center

Victoria Alcantar is the Director at our Singing Hills location. Vicky has been in childcare for 17 years and has worked with all age groups ranging from infants through 12 years. Vicky graduated from The University of Texas San Antonio with her bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and her teaching certification EC-8. She is a part of our founding staff for the Singing Hills location, beginning with us as the Assistant Director. She was promoted to Director in 2019 and is driven to continue growing her center. “I take the knowledge and perspective of teachers and apply it to the overall operations of my center. Fostering each child’s development and education is my passion. Allowing the teachers to be creative and express themselves in their classrooms further enhances the education of the students.” Vicky has been married for 14 years and has 3 children, 4 dogs and a parrot. Her family are members of Tree of Life Church in New Braunfels. Some of Vicky’s hobbies include cooking, reading and gardening. Vicky and her family enjoy traveling and being outside, her children love volunteering to help at special events at the center and look forward to working for her one day.