Sandra Karnstadt

Sandra Karnstadt MEd: Sandra is the Director of Lake Hills Montessori Austin and Bee Cave.

I feel so privileged to have worked with the children and families of Lake Hills Montessori for the past 13 years. I have filled the role of teacher (7 yrs) as well as director (6) during that time.

I have two children, and my wish for them is to find a profession, like I have, that is truly their passion. I have truly felt a part of this amazing community for all that time and can honestly say I love coming to work each day. The children and their families brighten my days.
My story: I met my husband 23 years ago when I decided to move to Texas (from Tulsa, OK) to go to graduate school. I came here with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from OSU. In 1994, our first son , Chase, was born. At the time I was directing a large day care, after completing my graduate degree. Soon I decided to start my own consulting business and needed a preschool for my then 3 year old. A friend suggested Montessori, my plight began almost immediately and back to graduate school I went. Through the eyes of my child, I discovered Montessori. It was an “ah ha” moment, truly life changing. Through that first year of discovery all that I knew from my education, which included a masters degree in education administration , I reevaluated and began my quest to learn all that I could about Montessori. Within two years, I was certified and teaching a primary classroom, and haven’t stopped learning/experiencing all that Montessori has to offer. By 1998 we found out we were having another child and it was the right time to open our own school. So, Lake Hills was born in the spring of 1999, just months before Walker was born. At the time I was the only primary guide at the school so Walker became a part of my classroom (a true practical life lesson). As an infant, it was a great experience for the children, Walker and myself. He can truly say he was born a Montessori kid.

I want to thank all the parents that have supported our school and have watched it grow through the years. You and your children are what makes LHM a wonderful school.