Entering preschool is one of the most important educational experiences in your child's life, and we want your first contact with our school to be a positive experience. Parent and teacher partnerships are important to your child's success and our administrative team is the here to help you feel comfortable with entrusting your child to us.
Administrative staff
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Leigh Anne Haverland, Director
Leigh Anne has been with the CDC since 2001. She received her degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also certified in Early Childhood Education and English as a Second Language. She taught for ten years in public school before beginning at the CDC.
Leigh Anne believes that children need a loving and nurturing environment in which they are able to explore learning through a hands on approach. She has two sons, Garrett and Marshall, who both started in the nursery at the CDC and graduated from the program.
Leigh Anne is active in her church, Manchaca UMC, where she serves as the property manager. She enjoys sports such as basketball and football. Her greatest joy is spending time with her husband, Karl, her sons and her fur babies, Kiya and Max.
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Kim McCracken, Assistant Director
Kim, has more than six years experience in a school settings, including roles with Hays CISD, and Austin ISD. She loves working with children and supporting their growth, development, and excitement for learning.
Kim’s husband, Gary and her have two adult sons, Tyler and Ryan. Kim enjoys traveling, and attending concerts, spending time with family, and relaxing at home with their dogs.
Kim looks forward to getting to know your families and being a part of Manchaca United Methodist CDC family!
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Natalie Castano, Curriculum Coordinator
Natalie Castaño has been at the CDC since 2023. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Applied Learning and Development. She is a certified teacher with certifications in Early Childhood Education as well as English as a Second Language. She found her way to the CDC after teaching Kindergarten for two years.
Natalie believes in getting down on each child’s level and making them feel important - because they are! She loves letting children take the lead and explore through play-based learning.
Natalie has two daughters, Alba and Ximena, who both attend the CDC. She loves that her girls have a warm, safe, Christ-filled environment in which to learn, play, and grow! Natalie values family time with her daughters and husband, Jorge. She also enjoys staying active by exercising and running.
