DISCOVERY SCHOOL AT PROJECT PLAY
- Intentionally small.
- Childhood protected, not rushed.
- Academics that challenge without overwhelming.
- We focus on growth of the whole child.
- STEM embedded into daily learning.
- Screen free.
- A minimum of one hour outdoors, every day.
- Play as a strategy, not a filler.
- A part time hybrid model for more family time.
- Excellence rooted in connection.
CHOOSING DISCOVERY SCHOOL SHOULD BE A
Choosing a school is a meaningful decision. It shapes not only how your child learns, but how they begin to see themselves, their abilities, and their place in the world. In these early years, children are forming beliefs about whether they are capable, curious, confident, and valued. The environment around them matters deeply.
At Discovery School, we are intentionally small so every child is truly known. We notice their strengths. We support their challenges. We nurture their confidence. No child is overlooked.
Our days are hands on, relational, and thoughtfully structured. We hold strong academic expectations while protecting the wonder of childhood. Through meaningful play, conversation, projects, STEM exploration, art, nature, and healthy habits, children build both knowledge and character.
If you value individualized attention, a close-knit community, and an environment where childhood is honored alongside academic growth, Discovery School offers a beautiful place to begin.
Here, your child will be seen, challenged with intention, and deeply loved.
*Click Each Team Member's Name To Learn More
Our teachers are the heart of Discovery School. Each one is here because they believe, the way we do, that children deserve to be truly known, not just taught. They learn each child's name, their favorite book, the way they like to be comforted on a hard day. They celebrate the small wins and hold space for the big feelings. Behind every degree and certification on this page is someone who shows up every single day simply because they love these kids like their own.
Our Discovery School Team
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Alera Owens: Director & founder
Alera Owens: Director & founder
Alera is the founder and owner of Project Play Discovery School. She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Baylor University and is a certified Gifted & Talented and ESL educator. Her background spans early childhood through elementary education and specializes in curriculum development, play-based learning, gifted education, and project based learning.
Before founding Project Play, Alera spent eight years teaching elementary students in both public and private school settings. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2015 and received numerous educational awards throughout her classroom career.
This past year, Discovery School received a school grant in recognition of its innovative approach to education. Alera is incredibly proud of how far the school has come and even more excited for what’s ahead. She is thrilled to lead the Discovery School team once again this year and cannot wait to welcome our families into this next chapter of our school.
Bobette Gore: teacher
Amanda Schumann: teacher
TINY TYKES | TWOS
Bobette Gore: Tiny Tykes | twos
Mrs. Gore brings more than 40 years of teaching experience to Discovery School. She holds a Master of Education with Autism Certification from UNT, a Bachelor of Science in Special and General Education from Texas Woman’s University, and certifications spanning Early Childhood, General Education, and Special Education.
A two-time Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Gore is known for creating nurturing classrooms where children feel valued, curious, and excited to learn.
Amanda Schumann: Tiny Tykes | twos
Mrs. Schumann brings more than 30 years of early childhood experience to our youngest learners, including 22 years teaching Early Childhood Special Education in Grand Prairie ISD and most recently serving as an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist.
She is certified in Elementary Education, Elementary English, Special Education PK–12, and ESL Generalist PK–6. Her patience, expertise, and nurturing presence make her an incredible teacher for our Tiny Tykes.
Ashley Devine | Associate Teacher + Wednesday Pre-K Enrichment
Dr. Natasha Shelley | Lead Teacher
SPROUTS | THREES
Ashley Devine | Associate Teacher + Wednesday Pre-K Enrichment
Ashley brings experience in education, including Special Education and supporting elementary Art and Physical Education in a private school setting. She has also spent years homeschooling her own children and has experience supporting a variety of ages and learning styles.
Ashley is currently pursuing her teacher certification and is passionate about play-based learning, outdoor exploration, creativity, and creating classrooms where children feel confident and excited to discover something new.
Dr. Natasha Shelley | Lead Teacher
Dr. Shelley brings nearly two decades of experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and college professor. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education along with certifications in Early Childhood–Grade 4, ESL, and Principal EC–12.
From teaching young learners their first letters to preparing future educators and even serving in the Peace Corps in Madagascar, Dr. Shelley brings an incredible breadth of experience to our Sprouts classroom.
Kylie Echols | Assistant Teacher
Traci Childs | Lead Teacher
THE HIVE | OLDER THREES/YOUNG FOURS
Kylie Echols | Assistant Teacher
Kylie is a familiar and much-loved face at Project Play and has been part of our team for several years. After working in Sprouts last year, she brings a strong understanding of our culture, routines, families, and play-based approach into The Hive.
Kylie is always ready to jump in wherever she is needed, and we are excited for the joy, care, and enthusiasm she will bring to this classroom.
Traci Childs | Lead Teacher
Mrs. Traci Childs brings an incredible 29 years of experience in public education to Project Play. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Texas State University, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas. Throughout her career, she has served as a prekindergarten teacher, college instructor, assistant principal, and diagnostician. Mrs. Childs is passionate about meaningful, engaging learning and creating an environment where children can explore, create, and thrive while still experiencing the joy of childhood.
Jodi Regts | Associate Teacher
Sharon Kelly | Lead Teacher
EXPLORERS | PRE-K
Jodi Regts | Associate Teacher
Jodi holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and an MBA and brings more than 20 years of experience in communications and facilitation.
She has worked with children through elementary school volunteering, youth hockey, and music lessons and was especially drawn to Discovery School’s relationship-focused, play-based philosophy. Outside of school, you can find Jodi knitting, cheering on her family at hockey games, or even learning to play hockey herself!
Sharon Kelly | Lead Teacher
Mrs. Kelly brings years of early childhood and elementary education experience, with a special passion for hands-on learning. As the former STEM teacher at Butler Elementary, she created experiences for students beginning in Pre-K through sixth grade. Under her leadership, her science lab consistently earned Distinguished Lab recognition and achieved the district’s highest ranking in 2026.
Before education, Mrs. Kelly worked as a Zoo Hospital Keeper and participated in primate research at Harvard University. She believes young children are natural scientists, constantly questioning, building, experimenting, and discovering, and cannot wait to bring that spirit of exploration to our Pre-K classroom.
Paula Austin | Teacher
KINDERGARTEN
Paula Austin | Teacher
Mrs. Austin brings a strong elementary education background and a wealth of specialized literacy experience to Discovery School’s Kindergarten classroom. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and is a Texas-certified educator in EC–6, ESL, and Dyslexia. She has also completed specialized training in MTA, SIPPS, and the Science of Reading, giving her an extensive foundation in early literacy, phonics, reading development, and intervention.
Her classroom experience includes teaching in the lower elementary grades as well as working specifically with students with dyslexia. She understands just how foundational the Kindergarten year is, not only for learning to read, write, and build strong number sense, but also for developing independence, confidence, curiosity, and a positive identity as a learner.
And there is an extra special connection behind this addition to our team: Mrs. Austin and Mrs. Owens taught second grade together at Butler Elementary! It is a true joy and honor having her teach Kindergarten at Discovery School!
Abbey Shirley | Teacher
FIRST GRADE
Abbey Shirley | Teacher
Mrs. Shirley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Texas and previously taught first grade in Denton ISD. She is passionate about creating a warm classroom where students feel known and supported while being encouraged to ask questions, take academic risks, build independence, and grow in confidence.
Mrs. Shirley loves the tremendous growth that happens during the early elementary years and looks forward to helping students strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills while still having plenty of room to wonder, create, explore, and enjoy childhood. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her husband, their one-year-old son, Crue, and their cat, Cash. You can often find her on the golf course with an iced coffee in hand!
Sarah Barton | SPEECH THERAPY
Our Monday Enrichment students get the best of both worlds with Spanish Immersion + hands-on STEM exploration each week.
Sharon Kelly | STEM
Señora Jackie Franklin | Spanish Immersion
MONDAY ENRICHMENT
Sarah Barton | SPEECH THERAPY
Sarah Barton is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and owner of LittleSpeak Therapy. She has a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. Since 2012, she has worked to help children and their families overcome communication barriers. She is dedicated to helping kids develop strong language skills, speak clearly, and functionally communicate with their families and peers.
We are excited to have Sarah joining our team as our onsite speech therapist.
Sharon Kelly | STEM
Mrs. Kelly will bring her extensive early childhood and elementary STEM experience to Mondays as students build, design, experiment, create, problem-solve, and investigate through hands-on projects.
Her background as an award-winning STEM Lab educator, Zoo Hospital Keeper, and research participant makes Mondays anything but ordinary!
Señora Jackie Franklin | Spanish Immersion
Señora Jackie is a certified educator with more than 30 years of teaching experience. Throughout her career, she has taught in traditional classrooms, virtual classrooms, and tutoring , supporting children with a wide variety of learning styles and needs.
Her mission is simple: help children develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
¡Nos vemos los lunes! See you on Mondays!