WAYA - West Austin Youth Association

Heather Mathers

Preschool Director, WAYA Preschool

Hello! I am Heather Mathers the Preschool Director at WAYA.  I have been working with young children and their families since 1993.  I found my passion for young children and childcare working at a teen parent program in San Antonio.  I also realized that I wanted to know more about Early Childhood to build on my Bachelor of Science in Special Education.  I started my Master's degree at UTSA but felt the pull to UT at Austin.  I finished my Master's in Austin and then worked for a variety of childcare centers large and small that were non-profit and for profit including Head Start.

  In the last 4 years I have been working towards a PhD in Early Childhood Education at UT concentrating on childcare teachers and their interactions with parents. I have also been teaching classes and supervising student teachers as they learn to become certified teachers while at UT.  I love living in Austin and my husband, my son and our dog love it too.  I look forward to meeting you and your children to partner together to help our youngest children enjoy learning. 

Yesenia Prieto

Assistant Director, WAYA Preschool

My name is Yesenia. I am a born and raised Austinite.  My passion for early childhood education began after graduating Austin High School and becoming a teacher assistant at Matthew's Elementary.  Since then I have completed my Child Development Associate and have worked for non-profit, for profit and privately owned centers as well as head start.  After having my second child I decided to leave my position as a lead teacher at UTCDC to join WAYA and complete my sociology degree.  I am passionate about spending time with famiy and working toward a higher education degree.  I see myself as an advocate for all children and hope to foster a happy and healthy preschool environment.  Thank you for your warm welcomes to the WAYA family!

Betsy Davis

Lead Teacher, Pre-K Program

Hi my name is Betsy and I grew up in El Paso, Texas. I graduated from the University of Texas with a BS in Education with a specialization in reading and Kindergarten. 

After a few years away from Austin, I moved back and have been a part of the teaching community for over 35 years.  I taught at Metz, Casis, and Matthews Elementary Schools.  During my teaching profession, I have achieved many accomplishments.  I completed my National Board Certification, was honored with a Creative Teaching Award from the Austin Federation of Teachers, received the Jane Smoot Award for Teaching Excellence from the Heritage Society of Austin, and was named Teacher History Teacher of the Year. 

I feel that it is important for children to develop perserverence, self-confidence and independence.  Children need to become thinkers and problem solvers.  I honor and celebrate each individual and their unique needs. 

Wendy Hereford

Lead Teacher, Frog Room

Hi everyone! My name is Wendy. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas.  I have worked with young children since graduating high school and have taught Pre-K for 7 years.  I am happily married with 2 wonderful children, Kaitlyn who is in high school and Deon who is in elementary school.  I like to spend time with my family, friends and 2 boxers.  My hoobies include scrapbooking, writing and cooking. 

Jo Dominguez

Lead Teacher, Monkey Classroom

Hi my name is Jo!  I was born and bred in Harlow, Essex, England. I graduated from college with a business degree and soon after traveled to the U.S. I met my husband here in Austin in 1996, and we have two children; Kelsey and Liam. I have been working in the Child Development field since 1997. Since 2010 I have been here at WAYA! My hobbies include going to the movies, shopping, swimming, and spending time with my family.

Angie Miller

Lead Teacher, Honey Bee Classroom

My name is Angela Miller but everyone calls me Angie.  I have worked in child care since 2000.  I enjoy teaching children and get just as excited as they do when they've learned something new!  My alma mater is the University of Phoenix where I've just earned my Bachelors Degree in Human Service Management.  I have a son named Aidan. I also have two dogs a Miniature Schnauzer named Ghost,  a Dachshund  named Mia and a cat named Mika.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, seeing movies and of course working here at WAYA!   I look forward to gaining a new level of experience as the new lead teacher of the Honey Bee room and can't wait to see what new adventures await us!

Kandice Fiello

Lead Teacher, Duck Classroom

Hi!  My name is Kandice Fiello and I am so excited to be a part of the WAYA family!  My family and I moved to Austin, TX three years ago and we absolutely love it! I have two handsome boys, Giovanni and Agusten.

Giovanni attends  the Texas School for the Deaf and Gus attends the local elementary school.   My husband and I attended college at the University of Mississippi (Hotty Toddy) with my focus on elementary education! I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, live music, girl’s nights and football!

I have been in childcare since 2000, I love watching these kids grow and learn.  It is such a wonderful experience and I enjoy being a part of it. I started with school age children at the YMCA in Mississippi where I was a counselor and moved up to Assistant Director.  Since moving here, I have been at WAYA and working with the preschool age.  I have learned so much from my experiences and look forward to the opportunity to work with your children.