The best organizations – the ones that really shine in what they do – are the ones led by brilliant people who are interested, involved and invested in every facet.
RHONDA PAVER, M.A., Child Development
Founder, Owner & Executive Director
Rhonda Paver
Rhonda Paver represents the rare unity of passion, caring and logical decision-making that has led her to create this community where children learn and thrive, and teachers are happy and excel in their work.
Ever drawn to education, Rhonda earned her Bachelor of Arts in History, with minors in philosophy and theology, at Spokane’s Gonzaga University. She also worked as a high-school teacher and a college program director before she and her husband, Bill, landed in Austin with their three young children in 1979.
Rhonda created Stepping Stone School as a solution to her own challenge of finding high-quality, educational child care. While simultaneously raising her children and launching her business, Rhonda immersed herself in the study of early care and education. As Stepping Stone School and her children grew, so did Rhonda’s knowledge and expertise. During this time, she earned her Master’s Degree in child development from The University of Texas.
Rhonda used her early care and education mastery to develop Stepping Stone School’s Trademarked Curriculum and worked diligently to ensure her rigorous standards weren’t compromised as the business expanded.
Today, not only is Stepping Stone School Central Texas’s largest privately owned and most respected private preschool, but its training program and Quality Assurance system – both developed by Rhonda – also remain at the leading edge of the early care and education field.
Rhonda is regarded as a leading expert in early care and education. She:
- Was appointed by the Governor to the Texas State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care;
- Is an active member of the Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition and of the Early Childhood Education Consortium;
- Serves as a business consultant on child care needs as employee benefits;
- Is an oft-sought writer and speaker, having presented multiple times at the World Forum on Early Care and Education, and at the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s National Conference;
- Has received the Jeannette Watson Award (Advocate of the Year) from the Austin Association for the Education of Young Children;
- Has been named as a Distinguished Alumnus by The University of Texas; and
- Has been named the Small Business Administration’s Small-Business Person of the Year.
DR. WILLIAM PAVER
President
Working in tandem with Rhonda is her husband, Bill Paver, who supports and augments the Stepping Stone School curriculum and vision.
Dr. Paver holds a Ph.D. in education and educational administration. He is an author and has spoken nationally and internationally on matters pertaining to education and administration of educational entities.
Rhonda and Bill have five grown children, most of whom live in Austin and two of whom work at Stepping Stone School in organizational development. They also enjoy their five granddaughters, many of whom attend Stepping Stone School.
A Culture of Stability
Rhonda Paver hand-selects her executive team and works closely with them to play an active role in the day-to-day management of all 19 Stepping Stone School campuses.
But Rhonda’s guidance may best be seen in the culture of stability she and her staff create for Stepping Stone School teachers, parents and children – because they know that happy, engaged teachers mean classrooms full of happy, engaged children.
Rhonda’s personal involvement and support perpetuates a cycle of successful teachers and successful school children.
Stepping Stone School team members receive consummate support from our leadership, including:
- Comprehensive in-house orientation and training, custom-designed by a team of early education and care experts;
- Extensive information, input and insights related to classroom curriculum;
- Ongoing opportunities for continuing education – including scholarships, conferences, local, state, and national trainings, and principals’ symposiums; and
- A work experience where great ideas are respected and rewarded, promotions happen from within, and help is provided whenever and however it’s needed.
