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 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 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 Copeland

Vice President of Finance and Administration

Kellie Copeland

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. She has solid experience ranging from bookkeeping to corporate finance to valuation consulting.

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 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.

Kristin Nelson

Director of Family Relationship Management

Kristin Nelson

Kristin Nelson, our Director of Family Relationship Management, joined The Pillars in 2019 as a Pre-K 4 teacher at Singing Hills campus. In 2020, she transitioned to the Family Relationship team, bringing valuable experience from both the classroom and as a parent of two Pillars children. Kristin is dedicated to providing a smooth enrollment and onboarding experience for Pillars families, ensuring they receive the same quality care she values for her own children.

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 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.

Dawn Spainhower

Director of Spiritual Development

Dawn Spainhower

Our Director of Spiritual Development and Administration is Dawn Spainhower. Prior to her current role, she led our Reed Road location for two and a half years, our Bandera Road location for seven and a half years, and our Regional Director of Operations for two years. In combination with her expertise, we have been able to create this unique role for her within the industry. Dawn holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University.

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.

Director team

Amber Mendoza

Director, Singing Hills Center, Bulverde

Amber Mendoza

Amber started her journey at The Pillars as the Assistant Director and was soon promoted to Center Director. She says at The Pillars, “We are not just a learning center but also a family”. As Center Director she strives to build strong relationships with parents, children, and staff. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and spending time with her dog.

Christy Strawn

Director, Cibolo Center, 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

Director, Mountain Peak Center, Midlothian

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.

Tammara Shaw

Director - Walnut Grove Center, Midlothian

Tammara Shaw

Tammara Shaw is our Center Director at The Pillars Walnut Grove. Tammara has more than six years of achievements in developing productive student-focused environments in early childhood education. She has experience in quality rating systems such as NAEYC, Cognia, and TRS, and her passion is working with families, students and educators and creating accessible learning atmospheres. Tammara loves to read, cook, travel, arrange floral, and spend time with her fiancé and their dog Chula.

Jessica Rebollar

Director, Reed Road Center, San Antonio

Jessica Rebollar

Jessica Rebollar, a proud San Antonio native, joined The Pillars Reed Road in 2011 and worked her way up through every position, earning the pivotal role of Center Director. Jessica loves to watch children grow and gain independence. A mother of two, she loves to spend time with her energetic 11-year-old daughter and curious one-year-old son, engaging with extended family at weekend BBQ’s, going to the beach or watching movies together.

Heather Hallenbeck

Director, Bandera Rd Center, San Antonio

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.

Shelly Motyka

Director, Creekside Center, New Braunfels

Shelly Motyka

Shelly Motyka started her journey in ECE over 12 years ago as an assistant teacher. She has held many positions since then and earning a director credential has allowed her to pursue a calling for school leadership. A mother of two college-age daughters, she has been married to her adoring husband Gregg for 22 years. As a military family, they were blessed to have traveled the world and determined New Braunfels as the final place of residence for retirement.

Tiffany Marie Edwards

Center Director at 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.