Who We Are
St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool is a ministry of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and is governed by a Board of Trustees including parents, vestry members,
and clergy.
SMEP has been operating for over 35 years as a fully licensed program. We have 20 classes beginning with toddlers and
going through pre-kindergarten.
Our Teachers
All teachers are required to have an up-to-date knowledge of child development and a clear understanding of how young children learn. Each teacher is expected to relate well with children and adults and shall model a Christian commitment through love. All staff is required to obtain 24 hours of professional training annually to continue education in early childhood techniques and practices in order to improve their skills and stay current with instructional trends.
Toddler and two year-old teachers are trained in Brain Development, Shaken Baby Syndrome and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome annually. All staff are Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certified and are trained in the prevention of sexual abuse of children using the Episcopal Diocese of Texas “Safeguarding God’s Children” program.
Our teacher-student ratios are kept low to ensure that each child’s needs are recognized and met.
Licensing and Accreditation
Member of National Association of Episcopal Schools
Member of Southwest Association of Episcopal Schools
Member of National Accreditation Committee
Licensed by Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services
Our History
St. Martin’s Episcopal Children’s Center (SMECC) began in 1987 as a two day child-care center.
In 1989, SMECC grew into a licensed five day child care center with an enrollment of approximately 100 children. As SMECC grew, so did our curriculum, emphasizing a play-based, developmentally appropriate learning environment that meets the needs of the “whole child”. As we implemented a stronger curriculum, designed to fit the increasing needs of incoming kindergarteners, we evolved to St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool, has continued to grow steadily since its beginning, and now has 20 classes and a faculty of 57.
Our Mission
In the Anglican tradition, St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool’s mission is to love and serve every child: meeting them where they are, celebrating their strengths, and working through their challenges so that they become confident and curious learners for life.
Our Philosophy
At St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool, we believe that God created every child with purpose and with dignity. Our work is to challenge and nurture each child in the classroom, teaching them that they can accomplish all things through hard work, care for others, and a strong belief in God’s love.
Our Goals
St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool’s goal for every child is that they achieve learning confidence, empathy for others, and a strong foundation in God’s love.
Leadership
Kellen Gray
Head of School
Kellen grew up in Houston attending Annunciation Orthodox School and the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. She then attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance.
Upon graduation, she moved back to Houston and began teaching music class at St. Martin’s in 2009. After teaching for 5 years, she decided to pursue her Master’s degree in Education Administration and completed her M.A. in Educational Leadership at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 2015. Kellen also directed the Children’s and Youth Choirs at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church for several years. Kellen has been with St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool for over fifteen years.
Megan Holstien
Assistant Head of School
Megan grew up in Houston attending St. Agnes Academy and completed her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Early Childhood-4th Grade Education) at Texas A&M University.
Before joining the SMEP staff in 2011, Megan taught at Presbyterian School for 7 years and served in several leadership positions, including 5th Grade Dean, while serving that community. She is also currently an Admissions Ambassador with St. Francis Episcopal School where her two sons, William, and Ford, attend school.
Megan, her husband Will, and their two boys are also long-standing members of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
Jennifer Jaeger
Enrollment Coordinator and Preschool Librarian
Jennifer grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, attending the University of Maryland at College Park. After spending several years working in political consulting in Washington, D.C., she moved to Austin and received an M.L.I.S. in Library and Information Sciences. She has worked with Austin Public Library, Harris County Public Library, but considers herself lucky to be a part of the St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool team.
This is Jennifer’s fourteenth year at SMEP. Please contact her for book recommendations, any technology and enrollment questions.
Michael Hoang
Financial Supervisor
Michael brings with him extensive experience in the world of finance and accounting, a strong work ethic, and a wonderful sense of humor. Michael grew up in Houston attending Stephen F. Austin High School. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance and Leadership Management at the University of Houston and has worked in a variety of industries since 2014.
Since 2009, Michael has served at multiple churches within his community and has been in leadership positions while serving as a catechist, youth minister, and musician. He looks forward to answering any questions regarding tuition, payments, and all things finance.
Board of Trustees
Board Chair: Kevin Dunlap
Board Members:
Gretchen Doyle
Morgan Marichal
Betsy Presley
Payton Schramm
John Wooldridge
Vestry Members:
David Leonard
Dan Meyer
Courtney Schilling
Church Staff:
The Rev. Alex D. Graham, III, Associate for Children and Family Ministries
Brandon Firor, Chief Operating Officer
Chanda Cangolosi, Comptroller
Kellen Gray, Head of School
school hours
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Address
717 Sage Road, Houston, Texas, 77056.
Phone
(713) 621-2944