Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Rise School San Antonio ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://riseschoolsa.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Pages - [Home](https://riseschoolsa.org/) - Discover Rise School San Antonio's inclusive early childhood education. Where all kids shine—nurturing potential, fostering growth. - [Admissions](https://riseschoolsa.org/admissions/) - Explore Rise School's admissions process. Join our inclusive educational community, ensuring every child, regardless of abilities, reaches their full potential. - [Our Team](https://riseschoolsa.org/our-team-2/) - Meet Our Team Leslie GonzalezSchool Director Claudia FosterPhysical Therapist Xochitl Hughes Occupational Therapist Rebecca HartSpeech Therapist Cassie McCraryWaddler Assistant Teacher April PryorWaddler Assistant Teacher Maria VaraWaddler Lead Teacher Zynthia MurilloToddler Assistant Teacher Caitlin Nyunt, M.A., ABAPreK-3 Lead Teacher Janie LopezPreK-3 Assistant Teacher Sarah ThompsonPreK-3 Assistant Teacher Cristian GarciaToddler Lead Teacher Kristin OrthToddler Assistant Teacher Pauline - [News](https://riseschoolsa.org/news/) - News Kindergarten Readiness Drives Third Grade Success - June 2, 2026 A new statewide research study, Kindergarten Readiness Drives Third Grade Success, highlights the powerful connection between early learning and long-term academic outcomes for Texas children. Conducted by Michael Villarreal, PhD of CML Insight, the study found that children who entered kindergarten meeting developmental benchmarks - [Board of Directors](https://riseschoolsa.org/board-of-directors/) - Discover the dedicated leaders guiding Rise School San Antonio. Meet our board of directors shaping inclusive early childhood education. - [Supporters](https://riseschoolsa.org/supporters/) - Thank You To Our Sponsors Every inch of Rise inside and out—from our classrooms to our outdoor areas and playground—is designed to ensure our students are surrounded by safe, beautiful, accessible spaces. We couldn’t do it without our supporters! Gerald N. and Helen B. McAllister Fund Tier #3 - [FAQ](https://riseschoolsa.org/faq/) - Our FAQ Learn more about Rise Have a question? You might find the answer here in our FAQ section. We’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions related to Rise. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us! Contact Us What is the Rise School? The Rise School of - [Donate](https://riseschoolsa.org/donate/) - Support inclusive education at Rise School San Antonio. Your donation empowers children of all abilities to thrive. Make a difference today. - [Careers](https://riseschoolsa.org/careers/) - Explore rewarding career opportunities at Rise School San Antonio. Join our team and make a positive impact on early childhood education. - [Volunteer](https://riseschoolsa.org/volunteer/) - Discover rewarding opportunities to volunteer at Rise School San Antonio. Make a positive impact on children's lives through meaningful engagement and support. - [Family Resources](https://riseschoolsa.org/family-resources/) - Explore valuable family resources at Rise School San Antonio. Find support, information, and guidance to enhance your child's developmental journey. - [Program](https://riseschoolsa.org/program/) - Explore our inclusive early childhood education program at Rise School San Antonio. Tailored learning for every child's success. - [Events](https://riseschoolsa.org/our-events/) - No event found! - [Family Stories](https://riseschoolsa.org/family-stories/) - Family Stories The O'Briens The Surls - [History](https://riseschoolsa.org/history/) - Explore the rich history of Rise School San Antonio, a pioneer in inclusive early childhood education. Learn about our mission and journey. - [Sitemap](https://riseschoolsa.org/sitemap/) - Sitemap ## JetPopup - [Xochitl Hughes, Occupational Therapist](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/xochitl-hughes-biography/) - Occupational Therapist Xochitl Hughes Xochitl Hughes has been a pediatric occupational therapist for over 25 years. She has worked at Christus Children’s Hospital for over 25 years in both full-time and part-time capacities. She has also worked in the school system for 2 years. Xochitl is certified in Sensory Integration, Primitive Reflex Integration, and in - [Claudia Foster, Physical Therapist](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/claudia-foster-biography/) - Physical Therapist Claudia Foster Claudia Foster is a board-certified physical therapist with 3+ years of experience in pediatric physical therapy. She received my bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation services from The University of Texas- RGV and her doctorate degree from the University of St. Augustin for Health Sciences in Austin, Texas. Most of Claudia’s experience comes - [Rebecca Hart, Speech Therapist](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/rebecca-hart-biography/) - Speech Therapist Rebecca Hart Rebecca earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from Texas A&M University and graduated with her master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from Texas State University. Rebecca has experience working in a variety of settings including school systems ECI-12th grade, hospital, and clinic settings. Her passions are supporting children and - [Janie Lopez- Assistant Teacher, PK3 Classroom](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/janie-lopez-assistant-teacher-pk3-classroom/) - PreK-3 Assistant Teacher Janie Lopez Janie was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, where she learned the importance of community and helping children grow. She earned a Bachelor’s in Child Development Studies from Texas A&M San Antonio, graduating with honors. This education helped her gain 17 years of valuable experience working with children, which - [Sarah Thompson- Assistant Teacher, PK3 Classroom](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/sarah-thompson-assistant-teacher-pk3-classroom/) - PreK-3 Assistant Teacher Sarah Thompson Originally from Canada, Sarah is thrilled to have recently made San Antonio her new home after spending the last 19 years in the Rio Grande Valley. With a strong academic background, she holds degrees in Visual Arts and Design as well as Education and Training, and she is currently pursuing - [Caitlin Nyunt- Lead Teacher, PK3 Classroom](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/caitlin-nyunt-lead-teacher-pk3-classroom/) - PreK-3 Lead Teacher Caitlin Nyunt Caitlin holds a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and has over 10 years of experience working in early childhood and special education settings. Caitlin is passionate about creating inclusive, affirming learning environments where all children can thrive. Outside the classroom, she stays busy with her six kids, two - [Kristin Orth Teacher](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/kristin-orth-teacher/) - Toddler Assistant Teacher Kristin Orth Kristin holds a master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Texas at San Antonio and brings over 11 years of experience working with children, primarily in Early Childhood Special Education. She is deeply passionate about supporting young learners and believes that every child is unique, capable, and - [Zynthia Murillo](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/zynthia-murillo/) - Toddler Assistant Teacher Zynthia Murillo Zynthia initially joined Rise as an after-school caregiver in the fall of 2024 and was offered a full-time teaching position in the spring of 2025. She states that she has always been passionate about working with children. From volunteering at her mom’s in-home daycare to taking care of children at - [Cristian Garcia- Lead Teacher, Toddler Classroom](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/cristian-garcia-lead-teacher-toddler-classroom/) - Lead Teacher, Toddler Classroom Cristian Garcia Cristian graduated from Texas A&M San Antonio with his Bachelor’s Degree in Bilingual Education in 2018. He is originally from Del Rio, and he has worked in early child education for the past six years. In his free time, Cristian loves spending time with his two Shih Tzus and - [April Pryor](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/april-pryor/) - Waddler Assistant Teacher April Pryor April was born and raised in San Antonio. She left to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Communications at UT Austin, which she completed in 2025. While at UT Austin, she spent time working as a student teacher at the on-campus childcare facility, which is where - [Cassie](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/cassie/) - Waddler Assistant Teacher Cassie McCrary Cassie graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Sam Houston State University, where she completed Student Teaching in Kindergarten. Her background ranges from experience in Church childcare with early learners, as well as First, and Second Grade Teaching roles. She enjoys helping children see their own value as - [Maria Vara - Teacher](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/leslie-gonzalez-biography-2/) - Teacher Maria Vara Maria has been working with children for the last 20 years. She has held roles ranging from site director for an after-school program to teaching children who are deaf and hearing impaired. She is passionate about helping children learn and build life skills, and she loves watching them grow into their own - [Leslie Gonzalez](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/leslie-gonzalez/) - School Director Leslie Gonzalez Leslie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2008 and her Master’s in Occupational Therapy in 2010 from Texas Woman’s University. As an OT, Leslie worked in various settings including rehab, geriatric, and pediatric settings. She spent nearly eight years working as a pediatric occupational therapist with Christus Children’s Hospital prior - [Pauline Calame](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/pauline-calame/) - Assistant Teacher in Toddlers Pauline Calame, MT-BC, NMT™ Pauline is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) and is a licensed Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT™). She is a graduate from University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX with a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy. Pauline has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults with - [Leslie Gonzalez, School Director](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/leslie-gonzalez-biography/) - After-School Caregiver/Floater Leslie Aguilar Leslie is a graduate student at UT Health Science Center San Antonio, where she is studying to receive her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She received her Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor before moving to San Antonio. She has been working with children for 12 years and - [Monica Lumagbas, Assistant Teacher](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/monica-lumagba/) - Assistant Teacher Monica Lumagbas Assistant TeacherMonica has been living in the San Antonio area since July of 2023, when she moved here from Japan with her husband, who is in the Air Force. Monica is originally from the Philippines, where she obtained Bachelor’s Degrees in Home Economics and Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management. She is currently - [Gabriela Coleman, Lead Teacher](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/marina-monzon-assistant-teacher/) - Lead Teacher Gabriela Coleman Gabriella Alcala’-Coleman has been caring for children in a classroom setting since 2008. She graduated in 2015 with an Associate’s in Early Childhood Studies and is currently working on her Bachelor’s in Child Development, which will be completed in August 2025. She has also had prior experience working with occupational, physical, and speech - [Amel Sharif](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/amel-sharif/) - Lead Teacher Amel Sharif Amel Sharif, who goes by Mel for short, has been working in early childhood education since 2019. She recently moved to San Antonio from Maryland, and she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology. Mel found her passion in nurturing young learners while incorporating her science background. Mel states, - [Norma Contreras](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/norma-contreras/) - Office Manager Norma Contreras Norma Contreras has over 30 years of experience in administrative and customer service roles. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When Norma is not working, she enjoys spending time with family, going to flea markets and farmers markets, and baking. Her oldest - [Rose Anzel, Music Therapist](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/rose-anzel/) - Music Therapist Rose Anzel Rose is a board-certified music therapist and licensed master social worker. She earned her Bachelor of Music Therapy at Loyola University New Orleans and her Master of Social Work at the University of Southern California. She brings over fifteen years of experience working with children and other individuals with developmental disabilities. - [Thea Chase, Assistant Teacher](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/thea-chase-assistant-teacher/) - Assistant Teacher Thea Chase Thea Chase has been working in Early Childhood Education for over 20 years. She has enjoyed working in multiple roles throughout her career including lead, assistant, and inclusion aide. She has a passion for teaching young children through hands on experience, movement, and play. Thea has experience working with children as - [Gabriella Coleman, Lead Teacher](https://riseschoolsa.org/jet-popup/gabriella-coleman-teacher/) - Lead Teacher Gabriella Coleman Gabriella Alcala-Coleman has been caring for children in a classroom setting since 2008. She graduated in 2015 with an Associate’s in Early Childhood Studies and is currently working on her Bachelor’s in Child Development, which will be completed in August 2025. She has also had prior experience working with occupational, physical, ## Events - [Randall King Live concert Benefitting Rise School San Antonio! Join Us!](https://riseschoolsa.org/our-events/randall-king-live-concert-benefitting-rise-school-san-antonio-join-us/) - Join us at Rise River City Roundup 2026! See Randall King perform live at Pearl Stable Hall on October 15th, 2026. All proceeds support Rise School of San Antonio. - [River City Rise Round Up](https://riseschoolsa.org/our-events/river-city-rise-roundup/) - October 9, 6-10 pm River City Rise Round Up TICKETS NOW ON SALE! https://www.zeffy.com/.../ticketing/river-city-rise-round-up The Rise School of San Antonio’s First Annual Fundraiser, River City Round Up, will take place on Thursday, October 9, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM at Bluebonnet Palace. We are honored to welcome Stoney LaRue, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame - [Ribbon Cutting Celebration](https://riseschoolsa.org/our-events/ribbon-cutting-celebration/) - In just one month we will be unveiling months of hard work and showcasing our brand-new campus! We can’t wait for you to see our campus, hear from our leadership, and celebrate our opening with us. ## Categories - [Events](https://riseschoolsa.org/mec-category/events/)