Who We Are
Elisabeth McAllister
Founder, Director and Guide
Hello, I’m Elisabeth! I’m a native Austinite and was lucky enough to be a free-range child of the 80’s and explore nature every day, which is the intrinsic motivation for creating Austin Butterfly Academy. After years of studying Early Childhood Education and Child Development, my interest piqued with the Montessori philosophy and I became a certified guide in the Primary Environment. I also became a certified children's yoga instructor and founded Shine Your Light Yoga, a children’s yoga and mindfulness program, in 2012 after noticing how my students greatly benefited from our regular yoga and mindfulness classes.
Austin Butterfly Academy blossomed from the desire to create a space for children that not only honors and respects them as individuals, but also nurtures their connection to the outdoors and solidifies a deep appreciation and understanding of nature. My goal as an educator is to always guide with love, kindness, patience and peace and to help children thrive by teaching lifelong valuable skills such as gardening/food sustainability, emotional intelligence, social development and autonomy.
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My favorite way of spending my time is hiking through the Hill Country with my daughters, grandchildren and my two sweet pups, Niko and Coco. Some of my favorite activities include: qi gong, yoga, visiting national parks, reading, music, studying holistic wellness, traveling and spending time with my favorite humans.
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I’m continuously inspired by the extraordinary Maria Montessori’s view on cosmic education:
“Let us give the child a vision of the whole universe. The universe is an imposing reality, and an answer to all questions. We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe, and are connected with each other to form one whole unity. The child finds the universal centre of himself with all things.”
Carigan Suggs
Lead Guide
Hi! My name is Carigan, and I’m originally from West, Texas. I made the move to Austin in 2018 and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. I’ve been working with children since 2016, starting in a more traditional daycare setting before finding my way to ABA (formerly Austin Children’s Garden) in 2019, where I spent four deeply formative years under previous ownership. It was there that I developed much of the classroom approach and philosophy I hold close today.
After some time away, I felt intuitively called back to ABA in 2024, drawn by the deep connection to nature and the sense of community that make this place so special. I’ve been mentored by educators trained in Waldorf, Reggio-Emilia, and Montessori philosophies, and I draw on each to support children in ways that are fluid and responsive to their needs.
My favorite part of teaching is getting to know each child individually and nurturing them in ways that feel most meaningful to them.
Outside of the classroom, I love spending quality time with those closest to me, tending to my internal world, and cuddling up with my two pups and kitty.
Christopher Amorim
Lead Guide
"What are you, a monkey or a man?" Hanuman bowed his head reverently, folded his hands and said, "When I do not know who I am, I serve You and when I do know who I am, You and I are One.” -Tulsidas
Currently, I am a full-time teacher here at Austin Butterfly Academy. I will soon complete a year as an educator at ABA and almost a decade in Austin early childhood education. I'm always excited for what the new day will have to offer us in the school, so that we can handle it together as a class and navigate through anything that comes up.
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Being a teacher and caretaker brings me much joy. I feel it is a quintessential role in society for ensuring the protection of children and helping them learn and grow for a better, brighter future for themselves and their families.
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I was born in Austin, Texas. In my free time, I enjoy hiking the greenbelt with my family, playing soccer at Zilker Park, and gardening every chance I can.
My wife and I also have a herbal shop named Jaguar de Jade. If anyone is interested, we sell herbal tinctures, salves, and lots of art.
Arely camacho
Assistant Director
My family roots are in northern Mexico, and my native language is Spanish.
I moved to Austin in 2015 and began my career in childcare that same year. Over the past 10 years, I've been an assistant and lead guide for infants to 5-year-olds in various school settings. A constant throughout my childcare journey has been outdoor classrooms.I fell in love with being an early childhood educator during my first year, seeing children's curiosity for the world and how they develop their social-emotional skills in a safe and playful setting.
I enjoy setting up open-ended art projects, tending to the garden with the children, making tea, and singing songs with them. I believe children learn through play. I enjoy emergent curriculums where the child is involved in their learning. Children who experience the outdoors and learn about nature are more inclined to become adults who care for our world.
Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors, gardening and being part of our Kalpulli and Danza Mexica. I am also an artist and herbalist. My husband and I recently became parents to our son, León.
Lindsay McAllister
Administrator
I’m a proud mom and wife who cherishes time with my family and being outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, swimming, dancing, or cooking with my son, I find joy in the simple, meaningful moments we share. With a background in Montessori education, I’ve always been passionate about supporting children’s growth and development. I’m also a hairstylist and have been in the industry for 10 years. I love what I do—connecting with people, making them feel good about themselves, and building relationships through everyday conversations. Though I’m new to the world of ABA, I’m excited for the journey ahead and eager to learn and contribute. I value self-discovery in a nurturing environment—where creativity is encouraged and everyone feels safe to grow into their fullest selves.
