Faculty & Staff
Ana Barraza Co-Teacher, 4x4s
Ali Miller Assistant Teacher, 2x3s & 3x3s
Ana Barraza Co-Teacher, 4x4s
Ana Barraza has called Virginia home since 2003, when she moved here with her husband, Carlos. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education in 2000 and has spent more than two decades nurturing young learners and creating joyful, engaging classroom environments. Ana is deeply committed to supporting each child’s growth and development, bringing warmth, steadiness, and enthusiasm to her work each day. She believes in meeting children where they are and helping them build confidence through connection and care.
Ana and Carlos are the proud parents of four daughters — Cecy, Monica, Andrea, and Mariana — and one beloved dog, Canela. Outside of school, she enjoys staying active and can often be found coaching her daughter’s volleyball team.
Amanda Gould Assistant Teacher, 5x5s
Ali Miller Assistant Teacher, 2x3s & 3x3s
Ana Barraza Co-Teacher, 4x4s
Amanda Gould is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native who brings curiosity and dedication to her work with young learners. She earned her BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in History, from the University of Maryland. She is currently enrolled in the iTeach program, where she is working toward her Virginia teaching certification while gaining hands-on classroom experience.
Amanda is passionate about supporting children as they grow in confidence and independence, and she values creating a classroom environment that feels welcoming and steady. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, playing board games, crocheting, and spending time with her family.
Ali Miller Assistant Teacher, 2x3s & 3x3s
Ali Miller Assistant Teacher, 2x3s & 3x3s
Ali Miller Assistant Teacher, 2x3s & 3x3s
Alexandria (Ali) Miller grew up in Mansfield, Texas, and earned her degree in Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her early experiences as a dancer and an aunt inspired her love for working with young children and supporting their creativity and growth. Through her involvement in Tri Delta and its philanthropic partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she developed a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
Ali brings the values she learned through dance — discipline, teamwork, creativity, and self-expression — into the classroom. She is dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and joyful environment where each child feels known and celebrated. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, staying active, and savoring a good cup of coffee.
Maggie Riojas Co-Teacher 4x4s,Lead of 5x5s
Maggie Riojas Co-Teacher 4x4s,Lead of 5x5s
Maggie Riojas Co-Teacher 4x4s,Lead of 5x5s
Maggie Riojas was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, and has always felt drawn back to Northern Virginia’s natural beauty and strong sense of community. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Oxford Brookes University in England, where her studies deepened her love of culture, storytelling, and connection — themes she enjoys weaving into the classroom.
Much of Maggie’s professional background is in the nonprofit sector, where she created programs that fostered growth and belonging. As a mother of three boys and the founder of The Critter Club, a child-led nature program, she brings a whole-child perspective to her teaching. A certified Master Naturalist in Texas and Louisiana, with her Virginia certification underway, Maggie believes children thrive when their curiosity, imagination, and well-being are nurtured together. She looks forward to creating a joyful, nature-connected classroom community for her students.
Cynthia Silva Lead Teacher, 2x3s & 5x5s
Maggie Riojas Co-Teacher 4x4s,Lead of 5x5s
Maggie Riojas Co-Teacher 4x4s,Lead of 5x5s
Cynthia Silva grew up in a Coast Guard family, spending her childhood hiking, skiing, and camping as her family moved across the country. These experiences shaped her love of nature and appreciation for diverse communities and cultures. She earned her BFA in Painting from Boston University and later completed her Master’s degree in Historic Preservation at the University of Pennsylvania. Her early career included conservation and educational work with museums, cultural institutions, and the National Park Service.
Becoming a mother of two boys sparked her passion for early childhood education. Cynthia joined Tauxemont as a parent in 2012 and has since served in many roles, including Board member, substitute, assistant, and lead teacher. She enjoys sharing her love of art, music, and the outdoors through hands-on exploration at our little school in the woods. Cynthia believes in honoring each child’s individuality while nurturing growth and connection within the classroom community. Outside of school, she enjoys birdwatching, hiking, and playing soccer.
Katie Stadler, Director
Maggie Riojas Co-Teacher 4x4s,Lead of 5x5s
Katie Stadler, Director
Katie Stadler brings more than a decade of experience in early childhood and elementary education to her role as Director of Tauxemont Cooperative Preschool. She previously served as a kindergarten and third grade teacher, literacy coordinator, and grade-level team leader at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, innovative approach to literacy instruction, and dedication to building strong classroom and school communities.
Katie holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Hendrix College. After spending several years focused on her family, she is grateful to return to school leadership in a community-centered setting that reflects her values. Outside of work, Katie enjoys painting, gardening, and spending time with her husband, Cody, daughter, Violet, and dogs, Waffles and Keda.
