Summer Institute 2024

Elizabeth Porter is the Master Teacher in the Dogwood and Magnolia classrooms at the Lab School. She received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and her master’s degree in Fine Arts from Hunter College (CUNY) in New York. She is a state-certified educator, with a specialization in early childhood art. In addition to being an educator, Elizabeth is an artist whose work has been exhibited in museums and galleries in California, New York, and throughout Texas.

Erin Soward graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of science in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a concentration in Early Childhood. She was involved at the PPFCFL as a Research Assistant and an Undergraduate Learner in the Crape Myrtle and Plum classrooms. In the past, she has had experience with research, as well as hands-on guidance in Austin’s children’s museum, the Thinkery. She has a passion for children’s mental health and plans to attend graduate school for Social Work and/or Psychology in the future. In her free time she enjoys crafting, writing, and attempting to try every queso in the city of Austin!

Stephanie is the Senior Academic Program Coordinator. She is a National Board Certified educator who has worked in the field of early learning for more than 20 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. She also holds a master’s degree in education, with a specialization in reading, from Shippensburg University. Most recently, Stephanie served as a literacy coach. In that role, she helped teachers plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and she provided training and coaching to teachers to support their professional development goals. Stephanie has worked in the primary grades as a reading specialist and as a middle school reading interventionist, providing intervention to students struggling with the development of literacy skills. And, she has more than a decade of experience teaching PreK, Kindergarten, and First Grade. Stephanie is an avid reader, writer, speaker, and listener. She enjoys traveling and actively exploring the great outdoors with her family, peaceful early morning movement, and the most delicious, perfect last bite.

Dayne graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of science in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a focus in early childhood. She completed her practicum at the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory working in the Pecan classroom. After graduating she taught at University United Methodist Church Early Childhood Center as the three’s teacher. She enjoys working with different age groups and developing her skills as a early childhood educator. Her focus in early childhood is learning more about social and emotional development. In her spare time she volunteers helping/training shelter dogs at Austin Animal Center. She also enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family and dogs.

Amy Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Learning and Development (Early Childhood Education), a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, and a doctorate in Human Development and Family Sciences. She has enjoyed successful careers in teaching, school counseling, and social work. Dr. Bryan has taught a variety of undergraduate courses in Human Development and Family Sciences. In addition to serving as the director of the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory, she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor in private practice. Dr. Bryan’s research and clinical interests include early childhood development, education, and mental health—especially understanding and strengthening caregiver-child relationships.

Maud Morgan is the Master Teacher in the Redbud classroom at the Lab School. She received her bachelor’s degree in French Studies and Refugee and Forced Migration studies from York University in Toronto, Canada, and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas at Austin. She began teaching preschool in 2012, and joined the Lab School as a Graduate Assistant concurrent with her Master’s program in 2020. Her experience is in play based learning, emergent curriculum, conscious discipline, and Reggio Emilia. Her practice is informed by an interdisciplinary approach that views learning as a collaboration based in mutual trust, and children as social agents. We grow the community we want to see in the world, and the classroom is where this takes root. Apart from teaching, Maud is a practicing visual artist and performing musician. She enjoys spending time with her partner and their one-year-old, Reggie, swimming, and playing music.

Lara Pauley is the Master Teacher in the Plum and Maple Classrooms at the Lab School. Lara received her BS at The University of Texas at Austin in Child Development and Family Relationships. She took classes requiring involvement with the Lab School and completed her practicum at the Lab School. She received her MEd with a focus in Early Childhood from The University of Texas at Tyler. Lara is passionate about helping children build a strong self-concept and social-emotional health in a positive classroom that enriches all areas of development. Her interests outside of school include enjoying time with family and friends and reading.

Zexi moved to Austin from Portland in April of 2022 and joined us in July. Zexi holds her Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Business Economics from Ohio University and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education combined with a bilingual extension from Teachers College, Columbia University. Zexi completed her practicum in a wide range of settings – including general and special education programs, monolingual and bilingual settings, and private and public schools – with children ranging in age from infant to 5 years of age. After graduating, she worked with children with special needs at a special education school in New York and a pediatric clinic in Shanghai, China. As an early childhood educator, Zexi believes in following the child’s lead/emotions to understand their interests and abilities and using the power of relationships and human connections to promote an individual’s development in social-emotional, language, cognitive and positive behaviors. She also believes it is important to demonstrate our respect when we interact with children by observing, listening, questioning, wondering, and carefully responding to children’s words. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her son and husband. She likes to cook, watch old movies, and explore coffee shops around Austin.

Amy Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Learning and Development (Early Childhood Education), a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, and a doctorate in Human Development and Family Sciences. She has enjoyed successful careers in teaching, school counseling, and social work. Dr. Bryan has taught a variety of undergraduate courses in Human Development and Family Sciences. In addition to serving as the director of the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory, she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor in private practice. Dr. Bryan’s research and clinical interests include early childhood development, education, and mental health—especially understanding and strengthening caregiver-child relationships.