Meet Our Leadership Team
Tedra Jackson
Executive Director
I have been in the Early Education field for over 38 years. After having my first child, I started working with children and I fell in love with being a mother and an early educator. I was able to raise all three of my children going to work with me each day. I started as a teacher, assistant director, and then Director. I opened and operated LMNOP Children’s Academy for 11 years, and now my daughter Kira is the Director – which makes me immensely proud. I received my Director’s Certification in 1992. In my free time I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I have a granddaughter that is 10 and she is so special to me. I volunteer with the homeless and the Children’s Advocacy center. I have served 10 years on the board of Texas License Childcare Association. As an experienced Director I enjoy coaching and mentoring my staff along with visiting all my students throughout the day. I also enjoy building strong relationships with families. I look forward to serving you and your children.
Samantha Robertson
Director - Lakewood / Director of Operations - Merit Children's Academy
I believe that it all starts here! I am extremely passionate about early childhood education. Everyday I am amazed by all the connections you see being made and by the resilience children possess. While attending the University of Maine I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Childhood Development and Family Relations. I have been working with children for the past 10 years. I love getting to know all of our families and am very eager to serve our community. You can find me hoping in my car for a last-minute road trip, in my kitchen attempting a new recipe, or with my sweet cat Jeri. I take great pride in what Merit Children’s Academy stands for and has to offer for your family.
Lizzy Alvarado
Director - Uptown
I’m Lizzy Alvarado and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Last June I moved to Dallas, Texas with my small family, my 3 year old son Damian, and my husband Julio. I have 9 years of Early Childcare experience and I am excited to continue my career. I graduated in 2015 from Los Angeles Mission College with my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Science. In 2017, I graduated from California State University, Northridge with my Bachelors Degree in Child and Adolescent Development. I am currently attending an online program from University of California, Los Angeles to receive a Certificate in Advanced Early Childhood Education. In my free time I love to spend time with my family and discover new parks and playgrounds for my son, I love to build puzzles, and my husband and I love to play board games. I started my management career in California at Private Preschool and when I moved to Texas I started at a Merit sister school as the Assistant director. As a Director I love to spend time in the classroom getting to know your children and the teacher on a more personal level. I love to be hands on and have many ideas to bring to the table. I have an open door policy and I love to hear from parents with any questions, concerns, or compliments they may have. Always feel free to stop by my office and say hello or to chat. I am excited to get to know you all individually and look forward to serving you and your family.
Kelli Mann
Assistant Director - Uptown
I have worked in Early Childhood Education for 12 years and can definitely say this is the career I was meant for. I received an Associates Degree from Collin County Community College and a Bachelors Degree from the University of North Texas in Early Childhood Education. The love and passion I have for children is what motivates and inspires me. Being in a career where I am able to help children reach social, emotional, and academic milestones is truly a blessing. My goal is for each child to get the best education and nurturing care at a home away from home. I look forward to serving you and your children.
Qwin Chambers
Assistant Director - Lakewood
I have been in early childhood education since 2015. I began my career at our sister school in Carrollton where I taught Preschool for 2 years, Pre-K for 1 year and Pre-Kindergarten for 4 years. I am passionate about teaching and helping our young minds grow. I am well-versed in curriculum and strive to provide the best support for our teachers to guide your children in age appropriate lessons while challenging them to meet their greatest potential. As an experienced teacher I am excited to bring my knowledge of education to the Assistant Director role. In my spare time you will find me painting, cooking, or doing something crafty! I have a dog named Banjo who I love dearly. I am thrilled to be a part of Merit Children’s Academy. I look forward to getting the opportunity to care for our families.
Kiara Samuels
Manager - Lakewood
I’ve been working with children since 2016. My experience includes working with typical and special needs children. I believe that children are our future and it’s up to us to create a stable and positive foundation for them. As Curriculum Coordinator at Merit, I will ensure to provide prodigious support to your child and your child’s teacher. I look forward to serving you here at Merit.