Amy Jacobs, Ed.D.

Dr. Jacobs, a twenty-five year educator, is living out a lifelong dream as Live Oak Leadership launches as a model campus for students and educators. As a child of two lifelong educators, Amy has been a part of the education world her entire life.  Her passion for innovation and establishing a learning environment which meets the needs of each student has led her to Hill Country Educational Leadership and Live Oak Leadership Academy.  Dr. Jacobs has served as a classroom teacher at the elementary, middle school and high school levels, a campus administrator, a district administrator, and most recently, a school superintendent.  It was during her time as a superintendent that she discovered firsthand that educators truly do hold the key to unlocking innovation and student engagement to successfully prepare our 21st century students for their future.  During her career, Dr. Jacobs has served numerous education and community organizations, including the UIL State Executive Committee, Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), President of the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club Board, and Highland Lakes Legacy Fund Board.  She was named Region XVIII Superintendent of the Year in 2017, and served as the Superintendent member of the Coahoma ISD Board Team of 8, named the TASA Honor Board for the state of Texas in 2017.  Amy and her husband, Bryan Jacobs have three children: Rylie, a Texas Tech graduate; Grayson, a high school senior  and McCray, a high school sophomore.

Patti Cryer, Ed.D.

Passionate about education from a young age, Dr. Cryer has made a career out of teaching and learning. During her fifteen years as a Texas public-school educator she shared her love of reading and writing with seventh graders, oversaw a district wide Advanced Academic program, and provided teacher trainings on gifted and talented education – focusing on relationships and individualization/differentiation of instruction. While attending graduate school, Patti discovered yoga and has since pursued certification as a yoga therapist with a specialization in trauma-informed care. She looks forward to combining the worlds of public education and yoga through participation with Hill Country Educational Leadership, an organization that promotes a safe/fun learning environment for all stakeholders. Patti believes in considering the whole child in a learning environment – a holistic approach – that includes the opinions and interests of students, as well as their curriculum needs and learning styles.

Brad Jacobs

Brad directs the STEM extension programs, the health and wellness programs and the outdoor education programs for LOLA students. Brad’s experiences as a certified classroom teacher, a fitness instructor, a baseball coach and an actor have prepared him for the whole-child development mission of LOLA.   Brad received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998.  Brad and his wife Jill, are proud parents to four children.

Sydney Upshaw

Being hired at LOLA is a dream of mine! I joined in 2021 to be part of an innovative, creative environment that facilitates students’ current needs, curiosity of learning and creativity. I desired to be part of an organization that prepares students for the future and to be leaders. In my spare time I love to travel, read and exercise. The 3 things I’d you to know about me are I love people, coffee and sports. I have a Golden Retriever named Nash.

I got my Bachelors in Multidisciplinary Skills from The University of Texas Permian Basin. I am currently earning my masters at Angelo State University to become a school counselor.

Jessica Struchen

I join LOLA as the K-2 teacher in 2021 when I moved back to Marble Falls and loved LOLA's vision to nurture the whole child and teach them applicable real-world skills.  I love that students are not labeled or necessarily even separated by grade level so that they can each excel at their own rate and always feel celebrated for the goals they meet individually. One of the most rewarding things as a teacher is seeing the growth your students make from the beginning to the end of the year. I always refer to my students as "my kids" because they hold a special place in my heart. As a child (and even today), I was always very inquisitive. At times, I did not always feel heard. As a teacher, nurturing a child's curiosity is very important to me and I want each one of my students to feel heard.

When I am not teaching I like to exercise or be active, try new recipes, and spend time with family that all live in Marble Falls.

I received my Bachelor's of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and have a Texas State Teacher Certification: Generalist EC-4, ESL Supplemental.

Marianne Gibson

I joined LOLA in 2021 because it is an amazing opportunity to impact/engage children in a new way! LOLA is special because the children guide our instruction and their own learning as well as unique opportunities for the kids.

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In my spare time, I love spending time with friends and family as well as, all things sports. There are three things that I want to share with you; I have over 19 years in early education, I am a sports fanatic, and Mexican food is my favorite. My husband (Travis) and I have 2 sons Ty (13) and Cole (8), a black lab named Coop.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Dawn Nicks

I joined LOLA in 2020 and have been given the opportunity to teach yoga and mindfulness to LOLA students.  I believe yoga is an important element in their lives.  Through yoga, they learn to connect to the world around them, breathe to manage emotional and energetic states, move to improve physical health, focus to increase capacity to pay attention and relax to restore alertness. LOLA is special because LOLA offers both academic excellence and practicing life skills.  LOLA students thrive in this environment. I have two mixed breed dogs named Waylon and Winona.

In my spare time I love to practice yoga, make jewelry and crochet. The three things I would like you to know about me are I moved to Marble Falls eight years ago.  Most of my family lives out of state.  Feeling the strong sense of community here is very welcoming.

I am a registered Yoga Teacher, RYT200 and am certified in Sana Vida Yoga Teacher Training, GO GO Yoga for Kids Training, Little Flower Yoga Teacher Training.

Jennifer Carver

I have an amazing husband. We've been married for 13 years and together for almost 18 years. Together have 2 beautiful children. We also have 2 playful dogs. We love spending time together and exploring.

I felt joining LOLA was the right work setting and opportunity that would allow me teach about things I am passionate about through fun and engaging lessons.  LOLA is special because the flexibility for staff to really support and meet students where they are. The opportunity for students to learn while exploring their passions on a daily basis and through real world lessons. Lastly, students are learning in a student driven environment.

In my spare time I love spending time with my family, baking, watching movies, shopping and traveling. There are three things I would love you to know about me and they are I was born in Puerto Rico and came to the United States when I was 5 years old. I have been teaching for almost 7 years. I love learning new things. I will be starting my own at home bakery this year.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration and Associates of Science in Environmental Science and I am a Bilingual Teacher with a Certification EC-6th grade.