About Us
Meet Our Team
A dedicated staff and parent volunteers keeping the Cactus Wren legacy alive.
Director's Welcome
Welcome to Cactus Wren Preschool! I'm Taylor, and I'm honored to serve as the Director of this warm and vibrant community. My journey in early childhood education began in my home state of Oregon, where I developed a deep love for nurturing young minds through hands-on work in daycares and preschools. After moving to Arizona in 2020, I expanded my experience by supporting children with special needs — an experience that shaped my inclusive and compassionate approach to education.
At Cactus Wren, we believe in the power of play as the foundation for learning. Our play-based approach encourages children to explore, create, and problem-solve in ways that build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. More than a school, we are a community where families are welcomed, children are celebrated, and every voice matters.
I invite you to join us and experience a preschool environment where your child will be seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Teaching Staff
Director
Taylor Brennan
Taylor is very excited for her second year as Director of Cactus Wren. After her daughter attended last year, Taylor fell in love with the school. Her background in early childhood education and office management will enable her to keep the legacy of Cactus Wren alive for years to come.
Pre-K Teacher
Patsy Romero
Patsy first joined Cactus Wren as a parent when her sons attended from 2004 to 2008. She returned as a teacher’s aide in 2022 and soon became a lead teacher. Patsy holds an associate’s degree in early childhood development and homeschooled her sons for 13 years. She is excited to support Cactus Wren’s Pre-K learners with a teaching approach centered on curiosity, individualized learning, care, and respect.
misspatsycw@gmail.com
Pre-K Aide (1st semester)
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Merkley
Elizabeth (“Ms. Lizzy”) Merkley is thrilled to join the Cactus Wren staff. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and has experience in Applied Behavior Analysis, supporting children with autism at home and school. She is passionate about play-based learning and helping children grow socially. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with family. Her eight-year-old son previously attended Cactus Wren, and her daughter, Catherine, is currently in the Pre-K class.
Pre-K Aide (2nd semester)
Liz Davis
Liz comes from a culinary background and worked in home health care for four years. She is a mother of two daughters. One recently graduated from Cactus Wren, and her youngest will attend this school year. She has been an active volunteer for the school for two years and is thrilled to continue working side by side with Patsy after returning from the birth of her son.
Preschool Teacher
Linzy Collister
Preschool Aide
Carly Vieira
Board of Directors
President
Shannon Lenzmeier
Shannon is thrilled to serve as Cactus Wren's Board President! Her family has loved being part of the school - both of her children attended Cactus Wren from 2021-2026. As a home health physical therapist, she enjoys the flexibility to stay involved in classroom activities and school events. She is excited to help support a welcoming, engaging environment for all Cactus Wren families.
Social Media Manager
Stephanie Cespedes
Stephanie is a long time resident of Sierra Vista and former public school teacher. She owns Rustic Rise Sourdough Co., a micro bakery that allows her to be home for her youngest who attends Cactus Wren. Her oldest also attended Cactus for two years. She's excited for all the new changes to the preschool and is committed to keeping you informed.
Financial Director
Brian Lenzmeier
Brian has been a part of the Cactus Wren community for three years and currently serves as our Financial Director. He is an active duty Army officer and enjoys giving back to the community by coaching youth sports. Brian and his family look forward to making Sierra Vista their permanent home when he retires from the Army.
Fundraising Coordinator
Emily Marinaro
Emily joins the Cactus Wren Board as the Fundraising Coordinator. Emily works at Charles Schwab as a Business Risk Analyst verifying account conformity with regulations. She holds Series 7 and 66 investment licenses and has been in the financial services industry for 12 years. Emily earned her bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Emily and her husband, Jason, have one child in attendance this year.
Interested in a Board Seat?
We welcome parents who want to get involved. To learn about filling a vacant board seat, contact our Director, Taylor Brennan, at (520) 222-9485.