Meet our Staff
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Marla Whittaker - Executive Director
My name is Marla Whittaker, and I am delighted to be here. I have been married to Gerard since 2021, and I have three children aged 22, 20, and 18, as well as an 18-year-old stepdaughter. My professional experience includes teaching in a private school and working within the local school district. Additionally, I have spent over 10 years serving as a Children’s Ministry Director. I am deeply passionate about children's education and believe that a strong foundation in faith, academics, and play is essential for their future learning. In my free time, I enjoy watching football, shopping on Amazon, and spending quality time with my family.
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Maria andrade - 3 Year old's Assistant teacher
My name is Maria, and I am originally from Ecuador. I have two daughters, aged 2 and 6. I have lived in several countries, including Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and the USA. I am fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. My favorite color is white, and in my free time, I enjoy dancing and spending time with my family.
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Felicia Rocha - 2 year old's LEAD TEACHER
Hello, my name is Felicia. I am proud to be a part of the Shepherd's Little Hearts Academy! I am from Dallas but moved to the Houston area in 2023. I'm happily married to my best friend and have a beautiful daughter and a super energetic fur baby. I love to sing, play guitar and spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy trying new things and exploring new places. This will be my seventh year in childcare, and I have absolutely loved every second. I have a true passion for working with the little learners and really helping them progress in their early development-academic, social language and motor. I strive to help create a classroom that will nurture growth in a positive, fun and loving environment.
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Susie Morales - Pre-K lead teacher
My name is Susie Morales, and I am incredibly excited for this new school year. I am looking forward to getting to know you. I know we will have a fun, educational and overall fantastic year here at Shepherd's Little Hearts Academy.
I recently moved here from Corpus Christi, where I taught at Seashore Early Childhood Academy for 16 years and Montessori school for 2 years. This will be my 19th year teaching. I am committed to creating a fun, safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. I believe that each child is an individual and as an educator, I will value and develop each child's strengths, interests, skills, abilities and knowledge to advance their learning.
My husband, Cesar and I have been married for over 27 years. We have a 23-year-old son, Marcus. We also have three silly dogs, Snowball, Gizmo and Lucky. In my free time I like to spend time with family and friends, watch football, movies and go on walks.
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Ashley howard - 2 year old's assistant teacher
Hi my name is Ashley Howard, I have been a childcare provider with 15 years of experience. I have numerous training hours and certificates over the past few years of experience. In my free time , I enjoy spending time with my family and my "me time" I love baking, make up and designing nails . I'm originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Me and my two handsome boys relocated back in 2016 to Texas and now we call it home. See y'all soon at Shepherd's Little Hearts - ❤️ teaching little humans
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Michelle thompson- 18 month old's Lead Teacher
Hey parents, I’m Michelle, born and raised in Houston. Texas is my home, and I’m a family person- mom, three kids, and a 1yr old granddaughter. I love seafood! I’ve worked with kids since 2006. I subbed at Shepherd’s Little Hearts last year and got hired in November. I’ve worked in every classroom, helping out wherever needed.
Thanks again for trusting me with your kiddos!
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Lillian Vereen - 18 month old's Assistant Teacher
Bio coming soon...
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Daniela viteri - 3 year old's co teacher
Bio coming soon..