About Us
Stepping Stones Preparatory Academy of The Woodlands, TX
Our vision at Stepping Stones Preparatory Academy is to provide an environment that offers advanced instruction to children, so they’re academically, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually prepared for grade school and beyond. We’re committed to providing a quality preparatory program where children are not only excited to learn, but one in which they feel safe and secure enough to reach their full potential. If you’re a prospective parent interested in enrolling your child in one of our programs in The Woodlands and Spring, TX, we encourage you to learn more about our staff below.
A Woodlands Tradition for more than 20 years! See why our Students choose to carry on the tradition and send their families here!
Meet Our Owners: Erin McDowell & Kellie Anderson
As cousins, it was always Erin and Kellie’s dream to own and operate their own preparatory academy. They designed and built both facilities from the ground up beginning in 2000, making Stepping Stones Preparatory Academy indeed a family-owned and family-operated enterprise. We hope to develop a mutually interactive relationship throughout The Woodlands community, not only for the betterment of our families and employees but for the betterment of the community at large. Working with families and children has always been our passion. We embrace this opportunity to serve you and your precious family.

Erin McDowell
My name is Erin McDowell, and I am a mother of a college senior and a college freshman. My husband and I have lived in The Woodlands area for the last 22 years. I earned both my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University. Whoop! In addition, I have volunteered my time in many local organizations, such as National Charity Roundtable, Yes to Youth, AVM Research Foundation, TWHS Baseball, Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, and AIM Athletics to name a few. I have enjoyed serving The Woodlands community for over 20 years.

Kellie Anderson
My name is Kellie Anderson, and I am the mother of two college students. My husband and I have lived in Montgomery for over 20 years. Together, he and I have owned and operated Stow-A-Way Marina and RV Park on Lake Conroe for over 10 years. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Texas A&M University. I earned my Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Finally, I earned my Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology back at Texas A&M University. In addition, I have served as the President for the National Charity League, Bentwater Volunteer Families, and the Bentwater Tennis Association. I served on the Montgomery ISD School Board for three years as well. I am also a member of the Bentwater Civic Association and St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Meet Our Director: Chanda Mathieu
Chanda Mathieu has been working in early childhood for more than 25 years. She attended Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology. She went on to pursue her Child Development Associate Certificate in 2003. Chanda worked as a personal nanny before joining Stepping Stones where she has dedicated her professional career now for more than 20 years. Chanda earned her Director’s Certificate in 2009 and has overseen the school for well over 13 years. She has been married to her husband for 27 years and has a college and high school student at home. Chanda is dedicated to upholding the vision of Stepping Stones Preparatory Academy, and her passion for children is evident in her daily interactions.
Meet Our Qualified Educators in The Woodlands & Spring, TX
As highly-motivated and dedicated early childhood professionals, all of our teachers are trained in the principles of child development and methods in early childhood programs and child guidance. We’re committed to our teachers and recognize them as vital components of a successful program for your children. We value each teacher’s life experience and want to empower him or her as individuals. Interested in pursuing a career at Stepping Stones Preparatory Academy? We’d love to hear from you! For additional information about joining our growing family, please contact us!