Meet Our Instuctional Team
Eren Hays,
Director and Lead Teacher
Eren Hays founded Live Oak Learning Montessori in 2020 during the COVID pandemic when she began teaching online to several students who were homebound. Eren is an educator specializing in Montessori for exceptional learners. After staying home and educating her own children for several years, she made the switch to traditional teaching. She taught in the public school system for several years before obtaining her 3-6 Montessori certification. Eren has been designing dynamic, out-of-the-box learning programs for many years. Eren's training in Trauma Informed Classrooms and her Montessori credential inspire her educational philosophies and practices. She graduated with a degree in Biology from Oklahoma State University. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Montessori Education with Xavier University. Eren is partner to Matt and mother to 19-year old twins, Zane and Ian and 16 year old Wyatt. Yes...all boys. Zane is currently serving in the US Air Force and Ian attends Tarleton State University. She and her family raise cattle, chickens, bees, cats and Hazel the farm dog.
"I can't wait to show you how different education can be here at Live Oak Learning Montessori. Let's get started!"
Mae Nieves,
Primary Assistant Teacher
Mae has been teaching in one form or another for the past 6 years, most recently teaching kickboxing, martial arts and women's self defense. Mae grew up in a Montessori home in North Dakota and fell in love with Montessori again as a parent. Mae also brings to the classroom, her experience with neuro-diverse learners and has a special way of connecting with these gifted children. She is currently pursuing her Montessori certification through Center for Guided Montessori Studies. Mae brings joy to all of her students as she shares her love of physical movement in the classroom through sports, fitness, and yoga! She also has a talent for writing lyrics to silly songs....ask her about a moose who likes to drink juice! Mrs. Mae is a mother of 3 amazing kids and wife to Richard; Olivia is 5 and in our classroom, Evalyn is 7, and Anthony is 12.
"We have such and amazing community and I am so excited to spend time learning with your kiddos. I share with you the desire to give our kids something different when it comes to development of mind and body!"
Peyton Busby,
Art Instructor
Peyton is a trained Montessori instructor and an accomplished artist in her own right. She has been teaching for 11 years and has been a working artist for 13 years. Peyton has taught students from pre-k to high school and has worked alongside many professional artists. She draws inspiration from such artists as Frida Kahlo, Wassily, Kandinsky and Claude Monet! Her favorite colors are sage green, lavender and black. When she is not teaching, Peyton can be found in the mountains hiking and camping. She is a proud mother to 4 year-old Braxton.
"I can't wait to share my love of art with each and every
one of you."
Rene Floyd,
Music Instructor
Rene Floyd has been playing music for 25 years now. He began his journey with music first through brass instruments in middle and high school, and continues today with guitar and voice. He was a drum major in high school and was a music major while in college. While performing in bands he has had the opportunity to travel to Pakistan, Dubai, Bahrain, China, and Japan. He also has experience teaching guitar lessons for children in an academy setting. He was a teacher’s assistant at Weatherford High School working with students with Autism. Currently, Rene runs a DJ business in the DFW area and plays in a rock band. Rene is married to Allie and they have 4 children ranging in age from 18 to 4.
"I am looking forward to learning more about music with your students!"