302 Country Estates Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666, United States
Meet the staff
Mr. Jim Fife Principal/Director
Carl Contreras Assistant Director
Carl Contreras Assistant Director
I graduated from San Marcos High School in 1978 and went on to graduate from Southwest Texas State University in 1983 where I received my Bachelors in Business Administration. I also received my teaching certificate in Business and Physical Education.
I then went on to receive a Masters in Educational Administration and a Mid Management certificate in 1993 from Southwest Texas State University.
Switching gears, I taught High School and coached at Klein Oak High School from 1984-1995. It was that year where I finally found my calling and came to Wonderland where I have been Principal since 1995.
Carl Contreras Assistant Director
Carl Contreras Assistant Director
Carl Contreras Assistant Director
Lucy Silguero ~ Little Lambs 8weeks-16months
Carl Contreras Assistant Director
Monique Montoto ~ Little Lambs 8 weeks-16months
Holy greetings! I have been a part of the Wonderland family for nineteen years! I love Wonderland because of our motto - “Praising Him with every breath we take!” 😍
Monique Montoto ~ Little Lambs 8 weeks-16months
Monique Montoto ~ Little Lambs 8 weeks-16months
Monique Montoto ~ Little Lambs 8 weeks-16months
Dakota Lauer~ Tiny Tots ~ Toddlers 16- 24months
Monique Montoto ~ Little Lambs 8 weeks-16months
Valeria Baracatt~ Tiny Tots Toddlers -16-24 months
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Hi, My name is Dakota Lauer. This is my second year at Wonderland and I have enjoyed participating in the toddler team and along with this is my fourth year working in childcare. I am in my last year at Texas State with a major in Psychology and a specialty in Children.
Valeria Baracatt~ Tiny Tots Toddlers -16-24 months
Monique Montoto ~ Little Lambs 8 weeks-16months
Valeria Baracatt~ Tiny Tots Toddlers -16-24 months
Hello, my name is Valeria Baracatt, I'm from Bolivia (South America). I came to the United States about 18 years ago. I lived four years in College Station and then we moved to San Marcos. I have three children: Diego 14 and Geronimo and Kevin 12 years old, they keep me very busy with various activities.
My husband also is from Bolivia and his name is Diego.
When I'm not working, I like to go to the river, spend time with my family, cook and bake. Every year we try to go back to Bolivia to see our families.
I've worked at Wonderland School since 2018. I love working with children and seeing their eyes light up when they discover something new.
Olivia Chavez ~ Monkeys 2yr old
My Name is Olivia Chavez. I was born and raised in San Marcos, Tx. I graduated in 2013 at SMHS. My husband and I got married in 2022 and we have 4 beautiful daughters. In my free time I'm usually busy with my daughter's sports and other activities or coloring with them at home. I've been working in daycares for 5 years and this will be my 2nd year at Wonderland. I enjoy watching children grow up and do amazing things. So excited for this year!
Taylor Prado ~ Turtles 2yr old
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I was born in Harlingen, Tx and raised in Beautiful San Marcos. I'm married to my high school sweetheart and together we have 5 sons! I graduated San Marcos High School in 2011, and in November of 2022 I became a Certified Paraeducator. In my spare time I'm usually busy with whatever sport my boys are playing at that moment. From basketball, baseball, football and soccer, we do it all! This is my third year working at Wonderland as a 2-year-old Teacher and I'm so excited to see what this year brings!
Taryn Grannis ~ Tadpoles 2yr old
Taryn Grannis ~ Tadpoles 2yr old
Hello! I am a first year teacher, having just graduated from Texas State University with my BFA in 2023. In addition to teaching, I am a children's book author and illustrator! Reading with children is so important, and I hope to leave a positive impact on the little minds in my classroom. 💕
Crystal Delgado ~ Cheetahs~ Pre-K 3
Raquel Barajas ~ Sunflowers ~ Pre-K 3
Taryn Grannis ~ Tadpoles 2yr old
Ashley Forster~ Sloths~ Pre-K 3
Raquel Barajas ~ Sunflowers ~ Pre-K 3
Raquel Barajas ~ Sunflowers ~ Pre-K 3
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Hello. My name is Ashley Forster. I was born and raised in San Marcos TX. I am the youngest of 4.
I started working at Small Fries from Aug 2017-Sept 2023.. I have worked with all ages Babies-5 years olds. That's how I found the age I love to work with. Since then I've loved coming to work, seeing my co-workers and seeing all the kids' happy faces. They are filled with so much energy, every day. Seeing them grow up and become so independent is such a pleasure.
Raquel Barajas ~ Sunflowers ~ Pre-K 3
Raquel Barajas ~ Sunflowers ~ Pre-K 3
Raquel Barajas ~ Sunflowers ~ Pre-K 3
First and foremost I have been in childcare for over 8 years or so. I have had an amazing experience getting to meet such bright young children and their loving families. I've been a part of the Wonderland family for nearing 2 years and how great it has been to me. I'm looking forward to have the opportunity to teach more young minds and prepare them for the future.
Jennifer Arredondo ~ Unicorns ~ Pre-K 4
Liz Bustamante ~ Butterflies~ Pre-K 4
Liz Bustamante ~ Butterflies~ Pre-K 4
Liz Bustamante ~ Butterflies~ Pre-K 4
Liz Bustamante ~ Butterflies~ Pre-K 4
Liz Bustamante ~ Butterflies~ Pre-K 4
Priscilla Castillo ~ Kindergarten
Liz Bustamante ~ Butterflies~ Pre-K 4
Carolyn Doherty First Grade
This will be my 5th year teaching at Wonderland School. I was a preschool teacher at Rocking Horse Academy for 6 years, and a teacher assistant for 1 year at Bonham preschool prior. Teaching Kindergarten has been my favorite! I studied at Texas State University. Go Cats Go!
My passion lies within early education focusing on the whole child to develop academic and social emotional intelligence through playful group learning.
Carolyn Doherty First Grade
Carolyn Doherty First Grade
Carolyn Doherty First Grade
I graduated from Texas A&M. I was a public-school teacher for 30 years. I have taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st grade, and K-5 reading intervention. I am excited to be the resource teacher here this year.
Heather Russell~ Second Grade
Carolyn Doherty First Grade
Heather Russell~ Second Grade
I am a retired teacher after 38 years in the public school system. I have taught pre-K through fifth grade. I am a reader and a writer and my favorite subjects to teach are language arts and science. However, there’s nothing like seeing the excitement in the eyes of a student who suddenly “gets it” in math! I have two boys who are grown. One lives in Austin with his wife and the other currently resides in New Jersey with his wife, but may be relocating to Texas as well! I love sports, spectating and participating and I am travel obsessed. I am very excited to meet and to get to know the Wonderland family!
Vicky Kepler~ Third Grade
Carolyn Doherty First Grade
Heather Russell~ Second Grade
After graduating from ETSU in Commerce, Texas with a degree in Social Science, I began working in a small, family-owned school in Houston as Administrative Assistant to the principal. After four years of working in the office, I began teaching first grade. Later I taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades at Catholic schools in Port Lavaca and La Grange before “retiring” and moving to San Marcos, where I found Wonderland! This is my nineth year here and my thirtieth-year teaching.
Lisa Sensat ~ 4th & 5th Grade
Lisa Sensat ~ 4th & 5th Grade
Lisa Sensat ~ 4th & 5th Grade
I attended Southwest Texas State University and graduated from University of Houston in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Consumer Sciences and Merchandising. After graduation, I worked in business management for 21 years until going into education. I earned my teaching certification through Texas Teachers and have spent the last 20 years as an educator.
Debangana Banerjee ~ Art
Lisa Sensat ~ 4th & 5th Grade
Lisa Sensat ~ 4th & 5th Grade
I was born and raised in Santiniketan, India. I received my MFA in printmaking from Visva-Bharati University (2005), India. I was a National Scholar in India before earning her second MFA at Louisiana State University in 2010.
I worked as a visual designer in Communication across the Curriculum program at LSU. I participated in many solo and group exhibitions in India, Japan, Australia, England, Canada, and the United States.
I published a poetry chapbook Come Back River (Finishing Line Press) in 2014. I taught art in middle school and also taught art classes to children with disabilities and economically disadvantaged children and youth in India.
I have curated art shows at the San Marcos Public Library and at the Activity Center. I am a member of San Marcos Art League. I have taught art at El Centro, San Marcos and conducted art camp at the Wonderland School and San Marcos Public Library in summer 2019. I also give private one on one art lessons to children.
I live with my husband and daughter in San Marcos.
Charlotte Massey ~ Librarian
Lisa Sensat ~ 4th & 5th Grade
Matt Contreras ~ Physical Education
I graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1990. I taught fourth grade, first grade and kindergarten before becoming an elementary school librarian. In 2017 I was librarian of the year for Hays CISD. In 2022 I retired from the public school system after 28 years of service. I have been married for 33 years and have two children, Jackson (24) and Ava (17). I am honored to be at Wonderland as the librarian.
Matt Contreras ~ Physical Education
Matt Contreras ~ Physical Education
Matt Contreras is a San Marcos native, and a Wonderland alumnus. While in college here, Matt was a private tennis coach giving lessons around the San Marcos area.
Matt enjoys coaching kids and teaching Physical Education and Sports Specific Training.
He is currently the head middle and high school tennis coach, as well as the Head Middle School Football coach at San Marcos Academy.
Holly Gandy ~ Music Teacher
Kerin Robinson ~ Office Manager
I graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1990. I taught Kindergarten for 14 years and Music for 15 Years. I retired from Hays CISD in 2019. I began teaching music at Wonderland School in February of 2023.
I live in Kyle with my husband Billy. I have two grown sons. One son lives in New Braunfels with his wife, my 3 grandchildren and two dogs. The other son lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, two dogs and a cat.
I hope to make music fun and engaging with a focus on performance.
I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. Psalms 13:6
Kerin Robinson ~ Office Manager
Kerin Robinson ~ Office Manager
