Teachers
Teachers
Meet Our Educators!
A true tribe of AAA educators: Artists, Apprentices & Advocates. Walden Pond is honored to have enthusiastic teachers join us in continuing The Pond tradition!
Ms. Jessica Miller
Teacher
As an art educator with over 20 years in public and private schools, I am thrilled to join the Walden Pond experience, especially teaching the Older Kid’s Class! My passion for teaching art began while student-teaching in Mexico and has blossomed into a beautiful calling that gives me great joy. I received a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Art while receiving a Texas teaching certification for grades K-8. When I’m not teaching or creating art, you can find me working in my garden with my husband, our daughter and 3 dogs.
Ms. Jessica Siscos
Teacher & Birthday Party Coordinator
G’Day! My name is Jessica and I am originally from Melbourne, Australia but have called San Antonio home since 2021. By day, I works in commercial real estate, but you’ll often find me trading dirt and development for paint, glitter, and plenty of creative chaos at Walden Pond! When I’m not working, I love traveling, spending time with my husband, and finding a little adventure wherever I can.
For me, the best part of teaching is the laughter, excitement, and big smiles that come along with letting kids be kids and get creative. I am also Walden Pond’s main Birthday Party Coordinator and love helping families turn birthdays into colorful, fun-filled celebrations and happy memories!
Being part of Walden Pond gives me a chance to step away from the grown-up world, have a little fun, and spend time with some pretty awesome little artists!
Ms. Madeleine West
Teacher
Hello! I’m Madeleine West. I grew up right here in Alamo heights and attended AHHS before going to the Savannah College of Art and Design for illustration. I’ve always loved to bake, and not run my own cake business called Mad Cake & Company. When I’m not buy in the kitchen I enjoy drawing, painting, and needlepoint projects. My husband and I married in 2025 and are so happy to be back in the place we both grew up. I am so excited to be one of the Birthday Coordinators at Walden Pond and teach the newAcorn Kindergarten Class. I very much am looking forward to sharing my love of art, baking and creating with the next generation!
Ms. Tierney Fleming
Teaching Assistant
Hi! I’m Tierney Fleming, I am currently a student at University of Texas at San Antonio, studying Multidisciplinary Studies. I have always had a passion for creativity, learning, and working with young minds. Children thrive by having fun while learning and I am experienced at using arts and crafts as a way to encourage kids to express themselves and their imagination. Outside of Walden Pond, I enjoy creating my own art, cooking, baking, and spending time with animals. I’m so excited to be able to help create a fun, welcoming environment for every child at Walden Pond.
Ms. Hannah Tan
Birthday Party Assistant
Hi everyone! My name is Hannah and I am a high school student at the International School of the Americas. Since I was little I’ve had a passion for art and working with kids. In a world like today, I think it is especially important for children to be creative and spend time outside, which is one of the many reasons I love Walden Pond.
Outside of school I love to listen to music, read books, dance, bake, spend time with friends and family, stay active, and watch movies! During the summer I manage my own business where I babysit, and run The Summer Program, which is an experience similar to summer camp but it’s at home! You may see me at birthday parties and camps. I can’t wait to meet and get to know every child at Walden Pond!
Ms. A’reya Colburn
Teaching Assistant
Hi there!! My name is A’reya, I am currently a college student working on my bachelor’s of science in elementary education. I knew from 3rd grade that becoming a teacher was my life’s calling. I’m a military child and have called San Antonio home since 2012, growing up on the northeast side of San Antonio for most of my life I ended up graduating from Byron P. Steele High School in 2022. I have always had a passion for working with children.
My dream is to have my own classroom made to be a safe place for my students. I truly believe that being an educator is what I was put on this earth to do. I have had the amazing opportunity to work at Walden Pond and am having a blast! I love meeting and teaching your children and am very excited for the future at The Pond!
Ms. Abbigail Crane
Teacher
Hello, I’m Abbigail Crane — an artist, illustrator, photographer, and art educator.
For me, art has always been about noticing: slowing down to catch the awe in small moments, the beauty in the everyday, and the sparks of imagination that often go unseen. Whether painting in my studio, illustrating whimsical stories, or photographing families and natural landscapes, I strive to capture both wonder and truth.
My creative journey has been shaped by a blend of fine art, design, and teaching. I began in interior design, moved into commissioned paintings and family photography, and later discovered the joy of teaching art to children. Working with students — especially elementary-aged — deepened my belief in creativity as a source of connection, play, and confidence. I carry that same spirit into every piece I make.