TriPoint-NEXUS began serving families in 2023 as the first free public micro-school in San Antonio, Texas with three mixed-aged group pods of 45 students. Now in its third year, it has reached its max capacity of 120 students and continues to make learning an adventure for new and founding families alike. NEXUS intentionally creates a culture and space for students that fosters strong relationships representative of a family. We have a strong community of families that are active in our school who came to us seeking smaller, safer, more personalized learning environments.
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Why "NEXUS"?
Nexus: The central and most important point or place within a connection or series of connections linking two or more things: mid 17th century: from Latin, ‘a binding together’.
NEXUS as a school entails a binding together of the school’s pillars with its beliefs about students to authentically create a network that drives all students to reach their full potential: primarily as the center and flagship school of a growing network of schools within TriPoint Academy.
Our Team
Victoria Martinez
Founding/Lead Learning Facilitator
Kevin Pendleton
Founding/Lead Learning Facilitator
Kathia Garibay
Learning Facilitator
Kathia Garibay's journey is truly inspiring! Her multidisciplinary background in Music and Business from UIW in 2019 has equipped her with a unique perspective. Let's delve into her story:
- **Diverse Experiences:** Kathia's work with children and families across various settings demonstrates her commitment to making a difference. From running the meal program at The Gathering Place to serving as a substitute teacher in NISD, she solidified her passion for education. Most recently, she has been working with the TOPP program through Region 20, at Promesa Academy. She served as a Kindergarten Teaching Resident. She is excited to start her teaching journey at Tri Point Academy!
- **Teaching Philosophy:** Kathia's teaching philosophy reflects her desire to be the teacher she wished she had while growing up. As a neuro-spicy individual (a term that resonates with her own experiences), she understands the need for personalized approaches to learning.
- **Lifelong Learning:** Kathia's curiosity and creativity drive her lifelong learning journey. She embraces each experience with an open mind, constantly seeking growth and understanding.
- **Education as a Calling:** Her struggles in education led her to discover her true calling—to become a teacher. Kathia recognizes that teaching extends beyond academic content; it's about shaping young minds and fostering holistic development.
Kathia has a blended family with two boys of her own and two from her husband, and her family is a diverse array of cultures from Puerto Rican, Mexican, Italian to Guatemalan! When she’s not working she enjoys watching her sons play soccer, her step children perform, and hunting or hiking with her husband.
Kathia Garibay's story exemplifies resilience, empathy, and a passion for education. As she continues her journey, she leaves an indelible mark on those she encounters. 🌟
Edrina Kallashi
Learning Facilitator
My name is Ms. Edrina, and I’m so excited to be starting my fourth year of teaching - and my first year at TriPoint! I’ve always believed that children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and supported, and it’s truly my joy to create a classroom where every student knows they matter.
My teaching style is rooted in connection. I love getting to know my students as individuals and helping them discover their strengths, build confidence, and realize they can do hard things.
When I’m not at school, you can usually find me cooking for my family, running the beautiful trails around San Antonio, or caring for my mini tropical jungle (I have quite a few monstera plants!). Every now and then, I pull out my watercolors or my Canon to capture something that’s caught my eye.
San Antonio is still pretty new to me. My family and I moved here less than a year ago, so you’ll probably hear about my frequent trips to Houston, where most of my friends and family live. Just between us, I think San Antonio might be better than Houston.
I’m so grateful to be part of the TriPoint community and can’t wait for a year full of learning, laughter, and growth for my students and for me, too.
Nelissa Guerra
Learning Facilitator
I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas but was raised in Benavides, Texas. I grew up with a love for nature and spent most of my life hunting and fishing with my dad. Some of my best memories have been in a hunting blind or out on a pier late at night catching fish. With that passion I decided to pursue a Bachelors degree in Agriculture - Range and Wildlife Management at Texas A&M University - Kingsville. Upon graduation I worked at a Veterinary clinic where I spent 3 years helping animals and their owners. After 3 years I decided to take some time to raise my son and work on one of my other passions which is art. For the last couple of years I have worked as a wildlife artist capturing the beauty of all that nature has to offer through oil paintings as well as a recent discovery of soft pastel art! In my spare time I love spending time with my family, and going on adventures. Majority of the time you can catch us fishing, hiking or just enjoying the time we get together. I am extremely excited to start this new journey of educating the next generation of students so that they too can be passionate about nature and their education!
Jennifer Shinde
Learning Facilitator
Hello! My name is Jennifer Shinde, and I’m excited to join the team at Tripoint Academy. I have over 23 years of experience working with students of all ages, from a variety of backgrounds, abilities, and learning needs-across settings ranging from Sports & Recreation to Special Education. For the past three years, I’ve served as an Elementary Physical Education Teacher, and since 2021, I’ve also worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting students through individualized strategies for success. I hold teaching certifications in both Special Education and Physical Education (EC-12), and I’m passionate about helping every student feel valued, capable, and empowered in their learning journey. My husband and I have lived in San Antonio for the past four years with our two sweet cats. I’m looking forward to a great year ahead with the students, families, and staff of Tripoint Academy!
6660 First Park Ten BLVD
Suite 6
San Antonio, TX 78213
*Co-locating with Compass Rose Dream
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