Space Family Directors
At SFEI, our leadership team is deeply committed to nurturing each child’s growth through joyful learning, safety, and meaningful connection. With decades of combined experience in early childhood education, our directors bring passion, creativity, and a strong sense of community to everything they do. They believe in fostering curiosity, confidence, and kindness—ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and inspired. Together, they work to create an “out of this world” experience for every family we serve.
Karen Holt
Director
Teresa Gill
Assistant Director
Karen Holt
Ms. Karen is a longtime Clear Lake resident with deep roots in early childhood education. After years as a preschool teacher and assistant director, she earned a degree in Early Childhood Care and Education and a National Director Credential from University of Houston Clear Lake. Her experience spans both for-profit and non-profit settings, where she’s developed curriculum, led safe and well-managed centers, built strong teams, and created memorable family events.
She’s also a dedicated community volunteer—facilitating for the National Association for the Education of Young Children, supporting families through Family Promise, and championing music education in local schools. Earlier in her career, she managed building services projects, gaining valuable expertise in safety, maintenance, and team leadership.
Ms. Karen is passionate about nurturing every child’s unique learning style and believes in sending graduates off with confidence and a love for learning. Since joining SFEI in 2019, she’s committed to providing a joyful experience for JSC Families.
Teresa Gill
Ms. Teresa brings a rich background in education and child development to SFEI. She holds degrees from Michigan State University and Kellogg Community College, along with a Texas teaching certification in Physical Education and Health. Her career began in Pasadena ISD, where she taught students of all ages at a school for parenting teens with an onsite childcare center.
Since 2007, she’s been a beloved part of SFEI, teaching movement, music, and sign language. Her classes help children build essential readiness skills—like coordination, language development, and problem-solving—through active play, music, and literacy-based activities. Her sign language lessons follow the SFEI Curriculum, blending themed books, songs, and props to make learning joyful and engaging.
Ms. Teresa is deeply committed to early literacy and believes it’s never too soon to start reading to children. As Assistant Director, she continues to enrich SFEI’s curriculum and build lasting connections with families.