Summer Institute 2025

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.

Emily Funderburg is the Master Teacher in the Live Oak Classroom at the Lab School. Emily received her BS at The University of Texas at Austin in Child Development and Family Relationships and her MS in Early Childhood Services at Arkansas State University. She has spent the last 20 years involved with families and children in professional and volunteer positions. She has a passion for creating dynamic learning environments for children and helping caregivers understand children’s behavior through the lens of child development. She has experienced the lab school not only as an undergrad but also as a parent herself. Her now 20 year old, 17 year old, and 6 year old all attended the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory. In her free time she enjoys sewing, running, and hiking.

Adriana Threet is the Administrative Manager. She was born and raised in North Austin with her older brother and three younger siblings. She graduated from Westwood High School in 2010 and then became a full-time nanny. During that time she traveled to Brazil and Malaysia. She graduated in 2019 from UT Austin with a bachelors degree in psychology, minor in sociology and a focus on child development. Since January 2020, she has worked as a teaching assistant at the Priscilla Pond Flawn Lab School in the Magnolia, Live Oak, and Pecan classrooms and in 2023 transitioned to the Administrative Team. In her free time she enjoys working on jigsaw puzzles, building LEGOs, camping in the mountains, and cuddling with her two cats Scrambles and Daisy.

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.

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.

Elizabeth Bayer Morgan is an educator and innovator at Long-View Micro School in Austin, Texas. She holds an Ed.M. in Learning and Teaching from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Sociology from Rice University. With twenty years of experience as a teacher and administrator in a variety of schools, she is passionate about providing excellent learning experiences for learners of all ages.

Becca Johnson is the Master Teacher in the Pecan classroom at the Lab School. Becca has her B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a focus in Early Childhood, from the University of Texas at Austin. She earned her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. Becca spent much of her time as an undergraduate in various Lab School classrooms and completed her practicum in the Magnolia classroom. She went on to become a certified teacher and work in the Houston Independent School District for 5 years, teaching 3rd grade and pre-k. In addition to teaching in HISD, Becca served as the pre-k team lead on her campus, as well as a mentor to a new pre-k teacher. Becca believes very strongly in the power of play and giving children the freedom to make choices based on their individual interests and abilities.