Marcela Cabezas: Marcela is a passionate learner, mom, spouse, and teacher. She loves to spend time with her family, bake with her daughter, and travel. She is a Montessori-trained guide and has worked with 0-6 year-old children for over 10 years. She received her Montessori certification from the American Montessori Association and holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a master's degree in civilization and culture from the University in Salamanca, Spain.

Marcela strongly believes that each child is not a satellite but a unique and wonderful world. She loves observing what young children can do by themselves if we just stop, step back and watch them do it.

"We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being." — Maria Montessori

Renata Sams: Renata believes the best learning happens when children are free to ask big questions, solve real problems, and discover just how capable they truly are.

Renata earned her bachelor's degree from Indiana State University and has built her career around serving children, families, and communities through education, leadership, and mentorship. Her diverse professional background includes serving as an assistant teacher and substitute teacher with Humble ISD, leading youth and family programs with the U.S. Navy's Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) program, and creating memorable experiences for children and families with the Disney Cruise Line Youth Activities team.

These experiences have strengthened her passion for helping young people build confidence, embrace challenges, and develop the skills they'll carry throughout life. As both an Acton Guide and an Acton parent, Renata is passionate about creating an environment where learners feel encouraged, challenged, and empowered to take ownership of their education. She loves watching children discover their strengths, think independently, solve real-world problems, and embrace curiosity throughout their Hero's Journey.

Outside the studio, Renata enjoys traveling, volunteering in her community, spending quality time with her son, Amdriel, and exploring new adventures together. She also serves her local community as a Realtor®, where she enjoys building relationships and helping families through important life transitions. Renata believes that kindness, curiosity, resilience, and a love of lifelong learning have the power to change the world—one learner at a time.

Nikki Sellar: Nikki is a dedicated mother of three who is passionate about how children learn and grow. Her interest in education began in college while studying Early Childhood Education, where she discovered a lasting passion for helping children develop confidence, embrace learning, and reach their full potential.

Nikki was drawn to Acton Academy because she wanted a different kind of education for her own children. She believes young people thrive when they are given the freedom to make choices, take ownership of their learning, and think independently. Watching her own children flourish as part of the Acton community over the past few years has only strengthened her belief in Acton's mission and learner-driven approach.

Nikki loves encouraging children as they explore new ideas, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. She is committed to creating an environment where every learner feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.

Outside of Acton, Nikki enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. As a family, they love exploring new places, playing sports, and camping together.

Vera Stevens: Vera has spent over eight years working in education and behavioral support, helping children learn, grow, and build confidence through individualized instruction and meaningful relationships. With experience in special education, Applied Behavior Analysis, and student-centered learning, Vera understands the importance of meeting each student where they are while encouraging independence, curiosity, and personal growth.

She believes every student deserves to feel seen, encouraged, and capable of success. Vera is passionate about creating environments where students feel safe to take risks, embrace challenges, and discover their unique strengths. As a guide, she looks forward to supporting students as they develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of learning.

Outside of the classroom, Vera enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, playing softball, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.

Fatima Lakhani: Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Fatima is proud of her Indian heritage. She graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and is passionate about community engagement, event planning, and working with children.

As a wife and mother of two, her children have been one of her greatest inspirations. They have deepened her passion for creating meaningful opportunities that help children grow in faith, character, and confidence.

This is her third year at Acton Academy, where she enjoys creating engaging learning experiences and helping students thrive. She is also the co-founder of Little Stewards, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing faith-centered programs that inspire young Muslims to build a strong connection with Islam and their community.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new coffee shops, shopping, and creating memorable experiences for children and families.