Summit School Waco | A New School for a New Generation

Summit school staff

peter holmstrom

Head of School

Peter Holmstrom currently serves as the Head of School at Summit School and is entering his third year in the role. Since joining Summit, he has helped guide the school’s growth, expanding from a community of approximately 50 students to now serving over 100. Since then, the school has continued to develop new programs, deepen its focus on project-based and outdoor learning, and strengthen its identity as a place where curiosity, creativity, and connection are at the heart of education. Peter holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. He is currently completing his Educational Specialist degree. He enjoys dreaming big, traveling with his family, and finding time to play. When he's not working, you can often find him exploring new places, building Lego creations, or chasing after his adventurous daughters.

deanne coleman

Admissions & Business Director

About DeAnne

DeAnne Coleman grew up in Brazoria, TX and graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor's of Business Administration. DeAnne has combined her passions for the business world and working with children in every career choice she has made. DeAnne has worked as a classroom Teacher, Summer Camp Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program, and worked at an International School in Singapore. DeAnne enjoys spending her time with her husband and two daughters.

Anissa Milburn

Director of Student & Teacher Success

About Anissa

As a dedicated early childhood educator, Anissa has had the joy of teaching and learning alongside learners from Infants to 2nd grade. Her passion extends beyond the classroom, as she has also had the opportunity to share her expertise through leadership and coaching roles, empowering fellow teachers to create engaging and authentic learning environments. Outside of education, she can be found on the soccer field, exploring new running trails, cheering on her Huskers or Chiefs, or spending time with her loyal companion, Lincoln—the lovable dog. She is excited to continue inspiring young minds and collaborating with fellow educators to shape the next generation of curious and compassionate learners.

halle work

Seedlings Studio

About Halle

Halle graduated from Robinson High School in 2017 and has worked in childcare for over 5 years. She has always had a passion for early childhood education and loves working with young children, guiding and watching them grow. She has two kids: her oldest, Brynn, who is 6, and her youngest, Briggs, who is 2. They are her pride and joy. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is excited to be your child’s guide and be a part of Summit again for the 2024-2025 school year.

ainslie bailey

PreK4 Guide

About Ainslie

Ainslie is a cat mom to a 12 pound fuzz ball named Samson and an Aunt to 3 wonderful nieces and a nephew. She loves to read (mystery, romance, biographies) in her free time and she enjoys spending time outside with her plants and growing toad population. She has about six years of experience in child care, both in a classroom setting and out. Ainslie loves getting to be a part of creating a nurturing, inviting and most importantly fun environment that allows children to be excited to come to school!

JENNIFER WILEY

1st/2nd Guide

About Jennifer

Jennifer has known from an early age that teaching was her passion. With 18 years in the field, she has taught early childhood all the way up to high school with many of those years being in special education. Early childhood education is her true love, and holds a bachelor's degree in child development. She thrives to create a learning environment that allows for all of her students to be seen, heard, and supported. In her spare time she loves to spend time with her husband, 5 children, and being "Lolli" to two grandsons as well as cheering on her favorite sports teams.

hollie ustanik

TK/K Guide

About Hollie

Hollie Ustanik will be the guide in Kindergarten, for the 2025-2026 school year. She is going into year 25 in early childhood education. This is her third year with Summit School. She has been a devoted educator in many aspects, from infant to 5th grade. Hollie and her husband have ten children and 3 grands. You will find her most days, spending time with her tribe, gardening, or traveling when time allows. Hollie is very passionate about Summit School and excited to be part of the growth and the future here.

melissa skrhak

Upper Forest Guide

About Melissa

Melissa began her love for outdoor education a few years after high school when she took a Horticulture Therapy class. She graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and minor in Landscape architecture. Along with this degree, horticulture has provided an ongoing curiosity and analysis to each role within my career. As she grew a landscape business that started in 2016, she continued learning an Outdoor Learning Environment design certification from Texas Tech University in 2022. She has a heart to help and a lifelong interest in connecting people with nature. Melissa and her husband, Kelvin have 6 children between the ages of 11 and 28. Along with attending the kids’ activities, Melissa enjoys different crafts, traveling to North Dakota to see relatives and starting new books before finishing the last one. Her life knowledge after raising a blended family of 6 children, Lorena ISD substitute and children’s/youth ministry volunteer has helped her transition into working alongside children. She is looking forward to engaging learners’ natural curiosity, creating empathy towards all things living and inspiring action toward protecting what they love.

malorie montoya

3rd/4th Guide

About Malorie

Malorie was born and raised in Waco, TX. The realm of education and its importance has always been one of her core values. This fall will mark her 10th year in education, and she is excited to be the 3rd/4th Guide at Summit School. Her teaching experience spans from early childhood through 6th grade, with experience in special education, and as a Christian Educator. She has been married to her husband for 8 years, and they have 3 wonderful children. In her spare time, she can be found with her husband and children, likely eating out at the latest and greatest restaurant in town, spending time with their large extended family, or at their church for worship and events!

mason pitts

Seedlings Studio

About Mason

Mason is excited to be at Summit School! This will be her second year at Summit, and she is the Pre-K 3 Teacher. She graduated from Lorena High School in 2019. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also likes to travel and explore the outdoors. She is very excited to be the Pre-K 3 Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year!

Gabriel Garmelo

Campus Floater

About Gabe

Raised in San Antonio, TX, Gabe moved to Waco 11 years ago for University. With degrees in Religion, Psychology, and Public Health he focuses on promoting holistic health through Outdoor Education. Gabe and Meagan, his wife, are also the co-founders of GTG Outdoors a local non-profit created to support the outdoor adventures of all people. He is also on the board of the Wilderness Education Association and Co-chair of the Texas Children in Nature Network HOT region. In his free time he enjoys exploring movies, boardgames, and playing Mobile Legends with Meagan!

camree schraeder

Lower Forest & 4H Guide

About Camree

Camree Schraeder was born and raised in Robinson Texas. She graduated from Robinson High School in 2016. When she graduated high school she found a passion for guiding and teaching kids through volunteering at her church. From a very young age the wildlife and outdoors have been a huge passion of hers. This will be her 3rd year as the early elementary forest guide. She is very excited to be part of the new 4H program this year. She had an amazing time guiding the learners and watching them grow last year. She can’t wait for the 2025-26 school year!

VICTORIA colyer

2nd/3rd Guide

About Victoria

Victoria Colyer is a passionate and dedicated teacher with over 20 years of experience working with young children. She believes that every child is unique and strives to create a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. Previously, she worked in BISD and KISD Special Education and taught at local private and micro schools. Victoria earned her Master’s degree in Religion & Global Studies, with a concentration in cross-cultural communication. Her passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom through internships in the Middle East and South America. In addition to her teaching career, Victoria homeschooled her daughter, Samantha. Her hobbies include writing, reading, cooking, baking, and hiking with her dogs, Gizmo and Cuppie. She is also an active member of her church and serves faithfully in various capacities.

SUNNY SCHAFFER

5th/6th Guide

About Sunny

Bio coming soon!

VICKIE GONZALEZ

Early Childhood Aide

About Vickie

Bio coming soon!