The Primary Classroom Team

Ms. Carly Kethan

HI! I began at The Olive Tree in 2009, designing and implementing the after-school program. In May 2010, I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelors’ degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I am certified to teach Early Childhood through Fourth Grade, as well as English as a Second Language, EC-4. After graduating I returned to the Olive Tree. I have had the privilege to join the Primary class as a co-guide with Mr. Adrian.

I am from Galveston, Texas and moved here to Austin in 2003. I am recently engaged to my wonderful fiancé Joe and am looking forward to planning the wedding! We love to cook at home and to find new great places to eat out at around Austin. My best times are spent with friends and family.

I love Reggio because I am able to fulfill the children’s interests. My favorite part of the day is listening in on their conversations to see where our projects and their interests will go next. It is amazing to watch the classroom itself evolve from everything the children have discovered and created. The best part of working with children is that each day is different and special.

Mr. Adrian Quintero

I am proud to say I am continuing to teach with The Olive Tree since 2009. I am a Co-Guide in the Primary class and I feel privileged to have this
opportunity to continue on my career path in early childhood education and
development. As I plan to move forward with my education in visual arts and
art education, I anticipate sharing my knowledge with the students and
staff. I have enjoyed every second that I have spent being inspired by the
Reggio philosophy. Embracing the child led group work, organic gardening,
and the building of a strong family-like community. My favorite part of the
Reggio experience is the classroom itself, acting as the third teacher, 
walls covered in documentation, and the children can reflect on what they have learned in the past. I am eager to apply my artistic skills and love for music with the children, helping them progress and hone their artistic abilities, while deepening their love for music of all types.

Since childhood, I have been creative and followed that creativity into 
adulthood, I am an active artist here in Austin. Concentrating on painting 
in my studio and performing live painting demos, I have been displayed
around the city since 2001, from ACL Music Festival to 6th Street galleries.
In addition to displaying my art, I donate some of my work to local
charities and fundraisers. As of lately, I have been DJing, strictly
spinning vinyl at different events.

Six years ago, I had the honor of marrying my high school sweetheart,
Stacy. We have been members of the South Austin Community for 10 years now,
and continue to love it more and more each day. We live comfortably with our
wonderful baby boy, Ames, and our basset hound, Little Guy Patterson.