claire mello
Claire is the Director of Children’s Place and brings over 20 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas A&M University and a Master's degree in Education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis. Claire is also a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Texas.
Having grown up overseas, Claire has a deep love for travel, which she enjoys with her husband, Tony, and their two teenage daughters, Annie and Lily. Passionate about early childhood education, Claire is dedicated to fostering a warm, inclusive community at St. Andrew's, where every child feels loved and valued.
Minerva Rojas-lopez
Minerva has been a dedicated member of the St. Andrew’s team since 2007, beginning her journey as a teacher and gaining experience across various classrooms. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from HCC and currently serves as the Assistant Director and Parent Volunteer Coordinator.
Minerva is passionate about early childhood education, especially sensory play and promoting the use of process art in the classroom to encourage creativity and exploration. A fan of all things Disney and Harry Potter, Minerva brings her enthusiasm and dedication to every aspect of her work at St. Andrew’s.
Isis Piñon
Isis Piñon is our Curriculum Coordinator and has been a dedicated member of St. Andrews since 2016. With a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Isis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Her passion for educational excellence is evident from her three years teaching Sunday School, her experience with art education for students from kindergarten through 5th grade, and her time teaching 5th and 8th grade. At St. Andrew's Children's Place, she also taught 3- and 2-year-olds, further demonstrating her versatility and commitment to early childhood education. Isis was an active youth member, which eventually led to her leading both middle school and high school youth groups, reflecting her deep dedication to nurturing and guiding students across all age groups. Her love for teaching Jesus and integrating faith into her curriculum underscores her commitment to education and spiritual growth.

