Our Staff
John Russo, President
john@agapecor.com
512.777.3477
Ms. Alicia, Director
alicia@sproutingstar.org
512.777.3477
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a love for children and education. It is amazing how children’s minds absorb everything like little sponges!
Before becoming Sprouting Star’s Director, I was a teacher for over 4 years. I love working with young children! As teachers, we have this unique opportunity to help shape students and their future, and I am beyond blessed to be a part of that.
One of my favorite parts of working with children is getting to experience many of their “firsts”! There have been many times when I am teaching a child to write their name, and when they finally do it by themselves, they are so proud! I love that feeling! This is where I know I am making a difference.
My goal as Sprouting Star’s Director is to create a safe space where students can be themselves.
‘Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.'”
Ms. Irene, Teacher
irene@sproutingstar.org
512.777.3477
“Mother, Teacher.
My sixth grade teacher made a huge difference in my life. He taught me respect, speak up, be seen and heard, we are all unique. I didn’t realize until I got older the impact this teacher made in my life.
Growing up I wanted to be the best mother a child could have. Loving, caring, fun, patient, and serious with morals and values. That meant giving and teaching my children love, kindness, respect, honesty and responsibility, the freedom to speak, be heard, and a great education.
Mother of four, began forty three years ago. The rewards are amazing: love, laughter, curiosity, imagination and mischief. The fascinations, frustrations, and excitement of all the amazing accomplishments. My four wonderful, successful college graduate adults, my children. 💗
A teacher twenty years. A teacher can and will make a difference in a child’s life. Providing the tools to succeed, the freedom to speak, ask questions, negotiate the bumps and falls, love and compassion. Having fun learning, through hands on, moving to the beat of their own drum. A child’s heart and minds are priceless– provide an array of tools, knowledge, and encouragement to succeed.💗
‘Let a child be a child!'”
Katie Mac, Marketing, etc.
katie@sproutingstar.org
512.666.8368
“Childhood is the most beautiful part of life. It’s a place where a wild imagination is allowed to roam free. Magic still exists. Love is for all. My biggest goal in providing education is to encourage my students to never let go of that spirit. The most talented artists and inventors and visionaries never let go of these vital elements of childhood.
My professional background is an unusual blend of film, dance, and education. In my public school career, I taught behavior/special education, and later ran a Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) department for an ISD. I remain active with filmmaking; lately I have been focused on documentaries!
At Sprouting Star, I take care of our events, marketing, video production, and our farm animals, too. I feel incredibly lucky to work in an environment where I get to utilize nearly all of my favorite things in one job.
I’m torn between Star Trek quotes and a Jimi Hendrix quote, so here’s all three:
‘But I’m gonna wave my freak flag high. .. high!’✌
‘Without freedom of choice, there is no creativity.’🌌
‘Improve a mechanical device and you may double productivity. But improve man, you gain a thousandfold.🖖'”