Axe ’Em, Jacks!
A message from the director, Crystal Sanders
Hello, families,
Welcome to the SFA Early Childhood Laboratory, where I’m honored to serve as director.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from SFA and completed two master's degrees in educational leadership and school counseling from The University of Texas at Tyler. I hold certifications in educational leadership, gifted and talented supplemental, school counseling, English as a second language supplemental, and as a generalist.
I began my career in education with the Nacogdoches Independent School District as a classroom teacher. My passion for helping children led me to the roles of counselor and assistant principal. I am a strong believer that it is never too late to learn and found joy in working with adults to obtain their GED diploma and enhancing adult reading skills through a college-level remedial course.
I love spending my spare time with family and expressing my creativity through various projects. I'm committed to providing high-quality child care to help ensure the development of young children. I love collaborating with our community, families and staff members to help build the learning foundation for children.
Best regards,
Crystal Sanders
Office staff
Office Coordinator
Office/Teacher Substitute
Office/Teacher Substitute
Ms. Nikki
Hello everyone! My name is NeCole "Nikki" Taylor. Please call me Nikki.
I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of the Early Childhood Laboratory family. Serving others is my passion and I'm so grateful that ECHL has provided an opportunity to serve all the families of our current and prospective students.
I grew up in Hughes Springs, Texas, where most of my family still lives. In 2004, my husband and I married and we lived in Nacogdoches from 2005 to 2015. We were called back to Nacogdoches the summer of 2024 and this is where we plan to retire one day. In 2009, Shawn and I were blessed with a son, Thomas "Tommy" Taylor. Tommy keeps us busy with his baseball activities! When we're not cheering him on, we love to spend time with family and go kayaking.
Ms. Jocelyn
I'm Jocelyn, and I am so happy to be working for the Early Childhood Laboratory! I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and graduated from SFA in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies. During my time as an undergrad, I worked as a teaching assistant at the ECHL for all four years. Since then, I’ve worked with students from the ages of 2 months to 5 years old. My time serving helped me understand more about a child's needs, such as developmental growth, redirecting actions, fine and gross motors skills, etc.
I like to spend quality time with loved ones and learning new hobbies. I would like to continue my education in the school psychology master's program. My overall goal is to provide for the children and their families with any assistance they may need to feel more welcomed at the ECHL.
Ms. Kristyanna
Hi, everyone! My name is Kristyanna and I'm beyond excited to be a part of the Early Childhood Laboratory family. Before coming to the ECHL, I worked as a paraprofessional for three and a half years. During this time, I gained experience with head start, middle school students, and special education students at the middle- and high-school levels. I fell in love with it and am currently earning my degree in teaching.
My husband and I love to travel anywhere and everywhere. We adore our three fur babies: Cleo, Cooper and Nala.
I can't wait to grow at the ECHL and get to know each student and family.
