Come & See The Difference
With decades of experience in Montessori education, we are thrilled to build The Nest at Palm Valley from the ground up. Our philosophy of education focuses on the whole child and their individual learning styles, temperament, and multiple intelligences. Our vision incorporates creating a supportive and authentic classroom environment that structures for the success of each child individually, as well as the community as a whole.
Our Mission
Our philosophy of education focuses on the whole child and their individual learning styles, temperament, and multiple intelligences. Our vision incorporates creating a supportive and authentic classroom environment that structures for the success of each child individually, as well as the community as a whole.
Our Goals
Independence with responsibility – Children thrive with pride in their competence as they learn to work independently and responsibly put their work back when finished and care for their school environment
Concentration – The child’s attention span develops as they learn to focus, fostering good study habits.
Coordination – Attractive, fun exercises that strengthen your child’s hand for writing and train the eye for reading are provided.
Order – Our environment is based on order. Order leads to logical thinking for future math concepts, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Socialization – We provide a natural environment encouraging children to meet, interact, and make friends, with guidance when needed.
Academic Growth – Your child is offered opportunities to learn to read, write and form math concepts.
Emotional maturation – Our goal is that your child will develop a positive self-concept, competence with social and language skills, and a love of learning.
Self-Control – Children work on developing their inner discipline and how to become responsible for their own actions.
Our Staff
Our teachers are what make every day special for our children. Our teachers are creative, understanding, and passionate. They work with families to create every child’s own success story.
+ Meet Ms. Shavonda Lawson, Chief Executive Officer
Originally from Denver, Colorado, after being a military spouse for almost ten years Ms. Shavonda, her husband, and their two boys relocated to the Austin, Texas area in March of 2018. As a family, they had the opportunity to travel the world from Japan to Germany and decided to call Texas home! Shavonda has been in the childcare field for 9 years and enjoys being that critical asset to a child’s future. As a child, Shavonda studied German for 13 years and later lived in Germany for 3 years which is also where she found her love for teaching. Shavonda holds a Montessori Credential for the Infant/Toddler Program, she is currently working on her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, and she also has experience in the Medical Field. In Shavonda’s spare time, she enjoys traveling and reading. Shavonda is so excited to welcome families to The Nest at Anderson Mill and looks forward to meeting you all.
+ Meet Ms. Erica Harris, Chief Financial Officer
Erica served in the Army as a logistics sergeant for ten years. She has a Master’s degree in clinical social work with an emphasis in children and families. Prior to moving to Texas, she worked as a trauma therapist for children in confidential shelters. She got an early start in childcare assisting her family’s home-based preschool since the age of 15. As the oldest of 11 children, Erica has always been a natural caretaker and has a strong knack for organization and responsibility. She has a love for children and fell in love with the Montessori method through her son’s Montessori education for the last six years. Erica truly believes that if we proactively raise children as independent thinkers and the caretakers of tomorrow, we can absolutely affect change and create a better world for future generations.
+ Meet Ms. Sachét Harrold, Head of School
Hello! My name is Sachét Harrold and I am beyond excited to be fortunate enough to serve The Nest at Palm Valley! I look forward to creating lasting relationships and core memories for you and your family! I have been serving the childcare industry for 8 years. My experiences thus far have allowed me to grow immensely and see the educational field through a variety of lenses. After exploring many methods of learning, I truly have a passion for the Montessori method. I am ecstatic to be a part of the development of the future minds of this world and assisting you to build their foundation!