Afterschool Program

Ms. Lynn Smith

I moved to Austin in March of 2011 and am so glad that I got to be a part of The Olive Tree’s After School program right away. This year, I am excited to continue the After School program and assist Ms. Kellie in L’ Atelier. My introduction to Austin through The Olive Tree community has been such a positive one.

I grew up outside of cold, cold, Detroit but spent most of my adult life in fabulous New Orleans. After receiving my Bachelors in Visual Arts from Loyola University, one summer I spent teaching at my brother’s school in Taiwan and that was what set me on my path of teaching. It was amazing to see these children come to the school having never heard English before, and after a few weeks carrying on a complete conversation in English. I knew I had to continue working with the absorbent minds of children. The curriculums in Taiwan stresses learning through play and use of language and I definitely see it within the Reggio philosophy.

Right now, my boyfriend, Mike, and I are starting a food trailer. I like to spend free time outdoors with him and our chocolate lab puppy, Darleen, or, at home, with our two ridiculous cats: Hushie Pushie and Ludwig. I love to bake and experiment in the kitchen and I just fixed up my sewing machine , so look out fabric stores. I miss singing a great deal but I have a pretty good feeling this city may have a musical opportunity or two.

Ms. Bianca Hernandez

Hola, my name is Bianca Alexandra Hernandez and I am absolutely ecstatic about joining Olive Tree Learning Center’s staff as an After School Teacher. Since late September, I have been a Substitute Teacher working with the Pre-Primary, Primary, and After School programs.

I was born in El Paso, Texas and moved to Austin in 2005 when accepted to St. Edward’s University. In 2008, I graduated with a degree in International Relations. I have worked as a Gallery Educator at the
Austin Children’s Museum and as a Swim Instructor for Saint Street Swim in Houston, Texas. Last year I moved to Spain to teach elementary students English as a Second Language in La Roda de Andalucia, Seville, Spain. Teaching children abroad changed my life and ignited a passion for education.

The Reggio-Emilia Approach allows for students to express their creativity, develop a strong sense of self, and respect and enjoy each other’s differences all while having fun. I truly believe in this educational philosophy.

In the future I plan on studying Sustainability/Sustainable Agriculture. I have a passion for languages. In fact, I am a native Spanish speaker and studied Modern Standard Arabic. Being back in Austin (after Spain) is wonderful and it’s even better this time around being a part of Olive Tree!