Nominee Biographies

Courtney Carter (UH Alumni Affiliation)/Ladybug room & Green Room

My children have been attending CLC since 2020, and we have truly been blessed by the incredible teachers and staff who have supported our family’s journey. Serving on the advisory board has been a meaningful way for me to stay informed, advocate for positive change, and help shape an inclusive and supportive environment for all families.

I would love the opportunity to continue:

• Giving back
• Celebrate and uplift our dedicated educators
• Deepen parent engagement across the CLC and UH communities

I’m excited about the opportunity to build on the work we began in 2024–2025 and contribute in even more impactful ways in the coming year.

Jessica Davila (UH Alumni Affiliation)/Red Room

My name is Jessica Davila, and I would be honored to continue serving as a member of the 2025–2026 CLC Advisory Board!

Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of this incredible board while my daughters, Audrey and Lola, have thrived in the Purple and now Red Room at Wheeler. Our family has experienced firsthand just how magical and nurturing the CLC community is.

As a board member, I’m especially passionate about:

• Advocating for our teachers
• Uplifting the Center’s mission
• Proudly sharing what a unique and special place CLC is
• Actively seeking opportunities to connect the Center with new resources—both within the university and in the broader community
• Above all, I find great joy in celebrating the extraordinary teachers and staff who make CLC what it is

I’m a proud Coog mom, wife, daughter, and granddaughter, and I’m committed to giving back to this community in every way I can. Professionally, I bring 20 years of experience in education, having taught preschool and kindergarten in Switzerland, elementary school in Klein ISD, and middle school in the Bronx and East Harlem. I now serve as Vice President at a national education nonprofit, and I look forward to using any resources at my disposal to support and champion CLC.

Thank you for the opportunity to continue contributing to a place that means so much to my family.

Tabbi Martinez (UH Alumni Affiliation)/Lt. Blue Room

Hello, my name is Tabbitha “Tabbi” Martinez. I am a proud University of Houston alumna and currently serve as Chair of the Children’s Learning Centers Advisory Board (CLCAB). I’ve had the privilege of serving on the board both as a student and now as an alumna.

As the current Chair, I’ve been intentional about strengthening partnerships between the CLC and other UH departments, as well as building relationships with the alumni community. I’ve shared CLC services with alumni networks and helped bridge connections between UH students and alumni resources. I also applied for and secured the Coog Moms Grant on two occasions, totaling $1,000 in funding, which was used to support teacher appreciation efforts and family engagement events.

If re-elected, I hope to accomplish the following:

• Continue applying for the Coog Moms Grant to fund teacher appreciation and parent engagement initiatives.
• Explore fundraising opportunities through the CLCAB to sponsor a parenting student, helping offset childcare costs or providing a CLCAB-funded scholarship.
• Increase CLCAB’s visibility by participating in campus engagement opportunities such as tailgates, orientation events, outreach at the UH Student Center, and community-based events affiliated with the university.

Rabbiya Nagra (UH Staff Affiliation)/Ladybug room

Hello, my name is Rabbiya Nagra. I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the CLC Advisory Board. As a parent and community member, I care deeply about providing children with a rich, nurturing environment where they can become independent, curious, and compassionate lifelong learners.

I am a strong believer in the Montessori philosophy — an approach that focuses on developing the whole child by honoring their unique potential, fostering curiosity, and allowing children to learn at their own pace in a prepared environment. It’s a pedagogy that nurtures not just intellectual skills, but also creativity, problem-solving, responsibility, and a deep love of learning.

If elected, I aim to:

• Support high‑quality care and education: Provide insights and ideas to help maintain and improve the center’s Montessori programs, honoring its child-centric approach and strengthening its ability to foster independence and curiosity.
• Strengthen communication with families: Foster a collaborative atmosphere where parents feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and staying informed about their children’s progress — reflecting Montessori’s emphasis on a strong home-school connection.
• Improve resources and facilities: Advocate for additional resources — whether through fundraising, grants, or community partnerships — to enhance the center’s classrooms, materials, and outdoor spaces. This might include securing specialized Montessori materials or updating furniture to align with a child-directed environment.
• Ensure financial stability and sustainability: Provide oversight and input on financial decisions to help keep the center strong and viable for years to come. I will explore opportunities to pursue funding from donors, foundations, and community organizations who align with Montessori education’s mission.

I am committed to putting children first in all decisions and to working alongside the center’s leadership and families to make sure it continues to be a wonderful place for children to grow, learn, and flourish.