Meet our TLE® Center team
Team TLE West University
TX
We are proud to share that every staff member at The Learning Experience West University is fully vaccinated.
Tara Bernard
Center Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Grace Charity
Hi, my name is Tara Bernard. I am the Center Director at The Learning Experience at West University. I am from Detroit, Michigan and have worked in Early Childhood Education over 23 years. I have 3 children who all have been in childcare since 5 months. Some of my hobbies include spending time with my boys, shopping, reading, and traveling. As an Early Childhood Educator and Center Director my goal is to provide a safe and happy environment for each child to stimulate the physical, intellectual, multicultural, social and emotional growth at their own pace. I offer loving care that focuses on each child as a unique and wonderful individual. Together with a team of amazing and creative teachers, we are committed to providing your family with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. We look forward in welcoming you and your family to TLE West U!
Lara Loper
Assistant Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Hi, my name is Lara Loper and I am the Assistant Director at The Learning Experience of West University. I am from Alabama and graduated from The University of Alabama with my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. I have worked in the childcare setting for over 11 years and love watching children grow and learn to their fullest potential. I am excited to get to know you and your family and hope to make your experience at The Learning Experience one of the best!
Stephanie Choate
Accreditation Specialist
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Hello I’m Ms. Stephanie! I am the accreditation specialist for The Learning Experience of West University and joined the TLE family in February of 2020. I have my CDA, an Associates in Child Development, and Directors Credentials. I love to see children grow throughout the years and help guide them, while teaching them something new everyday. Penny Polite is my favorite TLE character because she encourages us to be helpful, honest and kind.
Christina Higa
Operations Manager
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
My name is Christina Higa. I have been with The Learning Experience since 2016, as an Operations Manager for franchised owned centers. My role is to provide leadership for centers. I support centers in their ongoing efforts to provide the highest level of service to our children and families. I have worked in the Early Education field for over 25 years. I hold a Child Development Associates and Director Credential through the State of Texas. I am also a member of NAEYC and Early Learners. My goal is to ensure the highest quality early childhood education experience for your child. I want you to feel secure in the knowledge that you have chosen an excellent learning program with nurturing and knowledgeable teachers. Flexi is my favorite TLE character because she teaches the importance of an active lifestyle and healthy food choices at a young age.
Catherine
Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Phoebe Phonics
Hello I’m Ms. Catherine. I have been with The Learning Experience of West University since July of 2019 and have three years of experience in Early Childhood Education. I love working with my students everyday teaching them and helping them grow. Pheobe is my favorite TLE character because I love to read!
Patsy
Twaddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Hi I’m Miss Patsy! I have twelve years of teaching experience and have been with The Learning Experience since June of 2019. I love working with kids because of their infectious and endless energy, happiness and growth. It brings me joy watching them develop and grow! Bubbles is my favorite TLE character because he is such a positive influence on our students.
Fairest
Preschool Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Two Plus Toucan
Hi I’m Ms. Fairest. I am currently pursuing my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and have eight years of teaching experience. I have been with The Learning Experience of West University since September of 2018. Teaching is my true passion. I love watching my students set their goals and achieve them! Two Plus Toucan is my favorite TLE character because I love teaching my students about math.
Torrie
Preschool 3 Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Lionstein
Hello I am Ms. Torrie! I hold my Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science with a concentration in Family and Child Ecology from Michigan State University. Working in Early Childhood Education can be very rewarding as it provides me the opportunity to influence and shape many young minds. Lionstein is my favorite TLE character because I love science!