Educational Staff at Liberty Hill Collective

Rachael is a National Board Certified Teacher with over 15 years of elementary teaching experience in Austin ISD and Round Rock ISD. She holds Texas teaching certifications in both general and special education and earned her M.Ed. in Educational Administration from The University of Texas at Austin in 2019. Rachael has taken on various educational leadership roles, including serving as the Arts Integration Coordinator at an arts integration school in Round Rock. Additionally, her tenure at the Texas Education Agency in the Department of Educator Preparation and Certification involved ensuring teacher readiness and leading a statewide forum on special education certification and redesign. In response to Liberty Hill ISD's new school calendar, Rachael founded Panther House Friday School, a vision that has since evolved into the Liberty Hill Collective. She developed LHC's educational philosophy of 'plearning'—an intentional approach that merges purposeful learning with meaningful play and emphasizes community engagement. As the Director of Nature School and lead Children's Theater teacher, Rachael is dedicated to crafting joyful, engaging educational programs that ignite curiosity, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Outside of LHC, she cherishes spending time with her husband, Pat, their daughter, Carly, and actively supporting the Liberty Hill community.

Courtney is a Certified Parent Coach, Reiki Master, homeschool educator, and mother of two adventurous learners. She believes children thrive when given the freedom to explore, create, and connect with the world around them. Drawing from her experience in Montessori, holistic wellness, child development, and nature-based education, she fosters an environment where curiosity, confidence, and wonder can flourish. As part of her commitment to community engagement through innovative educational programs, she is honored to serve as a Math Steward with the Liberty Hill Collective, where she looks forward to helping children discover the beauty and practicality of mathematics through real-world hands-on learning.

Ali is a devoted mother, lifelong reader, and a passionate advocate for learning through play within the community engagement of Liberty Hill Collective. She believes that literacy extends far beyond merely recognizing words on a page; it unlocks pathways to curiosity, creativity, confidence, communication, and meaningful connections. In her role as LHC’s Reading Steward, Ali collaborates closely with Rachael to thoughtfully support each child’s developing literacy skills and foster a genuine love of reading through various educational programs. With a nurturing spirit and a commitment to continual learning and growth, she brings stories to life via engaging read-alouds, imaginative play, nature exploration, music, conversation, and hands-on experiences. Ali is passionate about creating a warm and encouraging environment where children feel safe to ask questions, express their ideas, build confidence, and learn at their own pace. Her hope is that every child leaves feeling valued, inspired, and empowered to discover—and eventually write—their own story.

Makayla is a warm and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant who is passionate about fostering community engagement through educational programs. She creates a fun, welcoming environment where every child feels supported and encouraged. Makayla loves inspiring children to explore the world around them, believing that nature offers some of the best opportunities for hands-on learning and discovery. As a part of the Liberty Hill Collective, she looks forward to helping each student build confidence, create meaningful memories, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Joreé is passionate about fostering community engagement and creating meaningful connections within the Liberty Hill community. As Community Coordinator, she strengthens relationships with local families, businesses, and organizations while supporting educational programs, events, partnerships, and experiences that cultivate a sense of belonging. She believes that strong communities, like the Liberty Hill Collective, are built through shared experiences, genuine relationships, and welcoming spaces where everyone feels at home.

Sherí is the owner of Bijou's Blooms and serves as the Nature Consultant for Liberty Hill Collective. With a deep passion for plants, gardening, and outdoor learning, she is instrumental in designing and cultivating the gardens and natural spaces that will serve as living classrooms across the LHC property. Through her partnership with Liberty Hill Collective, innovative educational programs will offer children and families numerous opportunities for community engagement, allowing them to connect with nature, foster curiosity, and experience the joy of lifelong learning.