Ali Ronder (2015 – present)
Executive Director
My educational background is varied, to say the least. I have been home-schooled, Unschooled, Waldorf schooled, Montessori schooled, and public schooled. I have worked for (and my daughters have attended): parent run co-ops, Waldorf-oriented and Montessori pre-schools, Sudbury schools, public schools and public-charter schools.
My previous teaching experience focused on early childhood with: South Austin Children’s Cooperative, Starbright Preschool, Montessori Escuela de Montopolis as well as bilingual Kindergarten at Maplewood elementary (AISD) and Kindergarten/first grade at Austin Discovery School.
I believe that by understanding communities’ needs through language and culture, and by demonstrating respect for differences within our communities, we can truly reach every student or learner.
My board of directors’ experience includes membership:
- People’s Community Clinic patient advisory board (1989-1992)
- Teen Help Line board of directors (1990-1992)
- March of Dimes (1991)
- Clearview Sudbury School (2007-2008)
- Austin Discovery School (2008-2009)
- Education Transformation Alliance (2012 – 2015)
- Conscious Garden (2014 – present)
- Natural Learning Foundation (2015 – present)
I hold an EC-4 teaching certificate from the State of Texas as well as a B.A. from UT-Austin in History/Applied Learning & Development and a M.Ed. from Texas State University-San Marcos in bilingual/bicultural education. I am currently working on my PhD. in Educational Administration at Texas State University-San Marcos. Some of my related volunteer work includes teaching ESL in Mexico and Guatemala at: Colegio Cuernavaca, Casa Xelaju, Colegio Alonzo Morelio, and La Pedrera. Additionally, I was the Community Wellness Program developer and manager of Ruta Maya Coffee House for over 12 years.
You can view my entire electronic portfolio at www.austinyogamama.com for more detailed information including my resume and video documentation.