Shining Stars Teacher (Infants)
Ms. Neema Pantelakis brings a rich life story, deep compassion, and a lifelong passion for caring for others to her work in early childhood education. Of Egyptian descent, she is proud to call the United States her home. Her journey began with remarkable resilience—after becoming a refugee during Expulsion of Asians from Uganda under Idi Amin, she spent part of her childhood in a World War II military refugee camp in Naples, Italy. There, she learned the Italian language and culture, shaping her deep appreciation for community, perseverance, and education.
Ms. Neema has been a preschool teacher for seven years and is delighted to be part of the UT Child Development Center. Prior to joining UT, she taught at Upbring School of Arts and Sciences, where she worked with infants and toddlers. Teaching young children is truly her passion, and she finds great joy in watching them grow, learn, and develop their own unique personalities. Growing up in a large family with eight sisters and two brothers helped inspire her natural love for nurturing and guiding children.
Before transitioning into early childhood education, Ms. Neema built an extensive professional background, working as an engineering support assistant for 20 years and in the dental field for 15 years, where she also enjoyed serving senior citizens in her community. Her return to working with children began as a nanny, reigniting her sense of purpose and joy in helping young learners thrive.
Ms. Neema holds a degree in Applied Sciences in Medical Administration and is also a certified nursing assistant, with a special focus on supporting individuals with special needs. She has two grown sons and has proudly called Austin home for the past 30 years, after living in Pennsylvania, California, and Florida.
In her free time, Ms. Neema enjoys sharing coffee with friends, cycling, walking, reading, gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, crocheting, and traveling. Her warmth, life experience, and dedication make her a wonderful part of the classroom community.