A Mother's Day Out Program
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays | 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
-Psalm 118:24
To cultivate an environment for learning through our Catholic faith. A time for children to gain the skills to become school-age-ready by learning academics, social-emotional development, and peer cooperative relationships.
For more details or to join, contact Melissa Smith | smithm@ssjwoodlands.com
Virtual Tours
Meet the Staff
Melissa (Missy) Smith | MDO Coordinator
Melissa (Missy) Smith has been a parishioner for nine years since moving to the Woodlands area as a newlywed from Western New York. Melissa received a Bachelor's in Philosophy and a Master's in Special Education in New York. Before teaching in Conroe ISD, Melissa moved to Winchester, Virginia where she taught special education in elementary school for two years. She has experience in teaching children as young as three years old up to high school students. Melissa has also taught confirmation and faith formation classes over the years. She has been a volunteer for the Tiny Catholics ministry for the last two years. Upon moving to the Woodlands area, she participated in a small group which has enriched her faith life and helped create a family atmosphere here at Sts. Simon and Jude. While teaching in Conroe ISD, her focus was on behavior management as well as the prek TEKS. After having her first child, she decided to become a stay-at-home mom. “I have always had a love to teach young children. Since having my children, I see the importance of raising them in the Catholic faith from a young age. I have an ongoing passion for learning about how children develop, learn, and grow in their social and emotional development. Over the last five years, my love for the church has evolved and I want to share all that I have been learning with others no matter their age. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to take the knowledge I have learned and implemented over the years and apply it to this important new ministry at our church.”
Carolina Henriquez | MDO Staff
My name is Carolina Henriquez and I am excited to be a part of Rise and Shine: Mother’s Day Out Program. I am from El Salvador. My husband Jose and I along with our children, Jasmine, Cristian and Jose David have been active members of SSJ Parish for 6 years. As Catholic parents of three children, we strive to plant that seed of faith and love for God in our children. By being involved in our church community and praying for God to guide our children along their life journey. Our family enjoys traveling, playing sports, horseback riding, watching movies and exploring nature. It is important to me as a teacher, to help my students learn in a fun way recognizing each child’s gifts and strengths. Teaching at Rise and Shine will give me the opportunity to help parents with the emotional and academic growth of their children. I will nurture them as they explore their world, discover their potential, and develop their character. A child is a blessing and God's greatest gift to a family. As a teacher, taking care of them is my privilege. “Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.” -Proverbs 22:6
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Valquiria Botega | MDO Staff
My name is Valquiria (Val). I am a Brazilian teacher who recently moved with my family to The Woodlands (2023). My family and I are parishioners of SSJ Parish. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree (Portuguese and Spanish languages) and I have extensive teaching experience in middle and high schools in Brazil. I also volunteered at St. Dominic Parish in Brazil in the infant ministry. I am excited about the opportunity to utilize my skills and experience to develop children as part of Rise and Shine program. As a Catholic, I draw inspiration from the Virgin Mary to help children's growth and learning. In my free time, I enjoy reading biographies and crochet.
Louisa Ackley | MDO Staff
My name is Louisa Ackley. I am a graduate of The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I look forward to helping each child in their academic, social, motor, and faith development. I strive to create a fun community to nurture growth and positivity. I enjoy volunteering at church. My journey started with Wednesday morning playgroup. I have taught Bible Story for elementary faith formation. I also had the joy of teaching first communion prep. Now I am a small group leader for the youth group. For the past ten years, I have had the opportunity to coordinate the preschool section at Vacation Bible School at St. Simon and Jude. I love working with four-year-olds! I look forward to watching preschoolers learn and grow! I am excited to be involved in the Rise and Shine program! My husband, oldest son, and I moved to Texas 15 years ago. I have been married for 16 years. My husband and I have four wonderful children ages 8, 10, 13, and 15. For the past 15 years, I have been blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. This year we will have four kids in four different schools! It has been a joy to watch them grow.
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Lindsay Scheet | MDO Staff
My name is Lindsay Scheet and I am a parishioner at Saint Simon for the past several years. My husband Aaron works for Exxon Mobil and we have been married for thirteen years now. We have four rambunctious boys (Gabe, Hudson, Jacob, and Connor) who enjoy sports, video games, band (Gabe will be learning the saxophone this year!), and playing with our Bernedoodle Teddy. Last year I taught at the Divine Mercy Co-op in the pre-k four room and this year I will be co-teaching in the two year old room. I’m really looking forward to getting to know your little ones and helping them to grow socially, academically, and spiritually!
Rosanna Morales | MDO Staff
Hello, My name is Rosanna. I am from Venezuela. I live with my husband and my 2 children. I love being and working with children, teaching through play. Create a safe and positive environment for them, where there is understanding, empathy, and respect for others. I am excited to start this new stage in Mother's Day Out.
Hang Nguyen | MDO Staff
Mrs. Hang Nguyen is a commited, creative and community-oriented individual. When she is not working as the MDO teacher, she is also a Real Estate Professional. She enjoys reading, crafting, volunteering, and family life. Her diverse career and hobbies reflect her dedication to both professional excellence and personal creativity.
Cathy Shea | MDO Staff
So excited to start my second year at MDO. First year was great! I am looking forward to seeing students from last year and meeting new students this year. Watching the children grow and learn is so rewarding. It feels like I now have more grandchildren!!!!!!! It is a blessing to be a part of making special memories for them as they begin this new chapter of their life. I am a mother of two sons and a grandmother of three very important people in my life. My granddaughter just graduated College Park, my grandson will be a junior at College Park, and my youngest grandson will start Kindergarten at Birnham Woods.
Beatriz Duran Velez | MDO Staff
I am Colombian by nationality and an Industrial Engineer by profession, but my immense love for children led me to leave my country and my life there to be closer to my daughter and my grandchildren. During these three years I have been in the United States, I have had the privilege of being a teacher at Magic Oak and Saint Anthony of Padua. It has been a blessing to share my care, values, love for God and the Virgin, as well as my knowledge and experience, with the children, guiding them to become better individuals. This journey has filled my heart with purpose and gratitude, and I am proud to contribute in shaping the future of these wonderful little souls.
