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!
Amy Naranjo
Assistant Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Miss Chievous
Hi, my name is Amy Naranjo and I am an Assistant Director here at The Learning Experience at West University. I am from Cleveland, Oklahoma and have worked in Early Childhood Education for over ten years. I currently hold a bachelor’s degree in Juvenile Support Services with an emphasis on Social Work. My love for Early Childhood Education stems from having my two sons enrolled in an education facility from a young age. Having the opportunity to watch children flourish academically, socially, and emotionally is the highlight of my career. I cannot wait to partner with you and your family on your child’s unique learning journey!
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.
Ms. Yasmin
Infant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Ms. Yasmin has been with TLE West University since 2022. She is from the Philippines where she obtained a Bachelors degree in nursing. She has 3 three children of her own. In her free time she enjoys reading, going to the gym and shopping.
Ms. Tessy
Infant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Ms. Tessy joined our TLE Family in 2021. Ms. Tessy is originally from the Philippines. She has her CDA in Early Childhood and enjoys caring for her Infants. In her free time she enjoys cooking, baking and fishing.
Ms. Leah
Infant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Ms. Leah has been with our TLE Family since 2021. She is from Houston, TX and is a student at University of Phoenix studying Law. Ms. Leah enjoys reading, attending events and shopping.
Ms. Cinthya
Infant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Ms. Cinthya joined our TLE Family in 2022. She is originally from Honduras and now lives in Houston, Texas with her family. She enjoys crafting, playing kickball, cooking and spending time with her children.
Ms. Johannah
Infant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Two Plus Toucan
Ms. Johanna is originally from England and has lived in Houston, Texas for 6 years. She studied Law, Psychology and English Literature while in college. Ms. Johannah enjoys horse back riding and being outside.
Ms. Alva
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Alva has been with TLE West U since 2022. Ms. Alva is from Houston, Texas. She enjoys spending time with her kids and shopping. Ms. Alva loves teaching her preschoolers and watching them learn.
Ms. Vera
Infant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Ms. Vera has been with our TLE Family since 2022. She is from Brazil and now lives here in Houston, Texas. Ms. Vera enjoys swimming and knitting baby quilts in her free time.
Ms. Whitney
Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Ms. Whitney is from Houston, TX. She has been working in childcare for over 13 years and has her CDA in Early Childhood Development. Ms. Whitney enjoys shopping and reading in her free time.
Ms. Taylor
Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Lionstein
Ms. Taylor has been with our TLE Family since 2022. She is from Houston, Texas. Ms. Taylor enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Madison
Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Ms. Madison joined our TLE Family on April 2022. She is from Trenton, NJ and graduated from Texas Southern University in May 2021, where she played 4 years on the women's soccer team. Ms. Madison enjoys working out, listening to music and playing soccer.
Ms. Esmerelda
Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Ms. Esmerelda joined our TLE family in 2022. She is originally from El Salvador. Ms. Esmerelda enjoys singing and spending time with her family.
Ms. Blanca
Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Ms. Blanca joined the TLE family in 2021. Ms. Blanca is originally from El Salvador and now lives in Houston, Texas. In her free time she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.
Ms. Catherine
Twaddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Phoebe Phonics
Ms. Catherine has been with The Learning Experience of West University since July of 2019 and has three years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She loves working with her students everyday teaching them and helping them grow.
Ms. Patsy
Twaddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Ms. Patsy has twelve years of teaching experience and has been with The Learning Experience since June of 2019. She loves working with kids because of their infectious and endless energy, happiness and growth. It brings her joy watching them develop and grow! Bubbles is her favorite TLE character because he is such a positive influence on our students.
Ms. Ala
Preschool Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Ms. Ala joined our TLE Family in 2021 and is originally from Jordan, Amman. Ms. Ala has a Bachelor degree in Hospital Management and Health Administration from applied science university in Jordan. She enjoys art and cooking. Ms. ala is excited to teach and enjoys watching children learn new things.
Ms. Ala
Preschool Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Ms. Ala joined our TLE Family in 2021 and is originally from Jordan, Amman. Ms. Ala has a Bachelor degree in Hospital Management and Health Administration from applied science university in Jordan. She enjoys art and cooking. Ms. Ala is excited to teach and enjoys watching children learn new things.
Ms. Fairest
Preschool Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Two Plus Toucan
Ms. Fairest is currently pursuing her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and has eight years of teaching experience. She has been with The Learning Experience of West University since September of 2018. Teaching is her true passion. She loves watching her students set their goals and achieve them!
Ms. Tayla
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Tayla has been with our TLE Family since 2018. She is from Houston, Texas and enjoys art and writing in her free time. Ms. Tayla is excited to get to know you and your children.
Ms. Indya
Chef
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Ms. Indya has been with our TLE Family since 2021. She enjoys trying new foods, hanging out with friends and relaxing. Her main goal is to serve good, quality food to all of her children here at TLE West U.
Ms. Sharon
Floater
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Ms. Sharon joined our TLE Family in 2022 and is originally from Houston, Texas. Ms. Sharon attended Baylock Nursing School where she obtained her CNA. She also enjoys dancing, football and horseback riding and getting to spend time with her family.