Our Instructors

Ms. Jerri

I started my career working as a community educator through a non-profit for the entirety of the 1990s. In 2001, I started my professional work with preschool aged children. Between 2001-2015, I worked at both public and private preschools as a teacher and an administrator. In 2015, I started work on my licensed family home childcare. I've tried to marry the best of public/private preschool education with the love and caring relationships of home and family in Turtle Creek Kids. TCK, a converted apartment attached to my home, is licensed for 12 children. My childcare philosophy is a combination of many things. If I were to try to label it, I might say it's predominantly "developmentally appropriate practice” and “play based" with a whisper of Waldorf. My go-to self study resources most often are from National Association for the Education of Young Children and author Janet Lansbury. 

Loving what I do has always been very important to me. Incorporating my personal passions into my profession helps me be the authentic and happy person I want to be. I enjoy music, art, books, mindfulness, kindness, laughter, board games, learning about the world and what makes people tick, peace, love and cheesy bread. 

Mr. Chris

Hi, I'm Ms. Jerri's husband, Mr. Chris! I'm a Waco native, and graduated from Connally High School and the University of Texas. I recently retired from the Health & Human Services Commission, with over 30 years of state service. I am new to the early childhood education field, and while I will mostly be doing paperwork and office work for TCK, I also have had all the required training to serve as a fill-in caregiver. I've been certified in pediatric first aid & CPR, as well as many other areas the state requires training in to work as a caregiver- early childhood brain development, age-appropriate play, proper sanitation, building & grounds safety, and lots more. Most importantly, I couldn't have better mentors than Ms. Jerri and Ms. Rachel. They are seriously amazing, and it's my privilege to be their sidekick!