Zexi moved to Austin from Portland in April of 2022 and joined us in July. Zexi holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Business Economics from Ohio University and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Columbia University. Zexi has worked with infants through school-aged children in general and special education programs, monolingual and bilingual settings, and private and public schools. From 2023-2026, Zexi was a Teaching Assistant in several Lab School classrooms, supporting the learning of both undergraduate students and children. During the summer of 2027, she was the lead teacher for our Younger Toddler Camp. Zexi believes in observing children carefully, recognizing their strengths, and differentiating instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. Zexi will  teach our afternoon 3's class for the 2026-2027 school year.

Zexi completed her practicum in a wide range of settings – including general and special education programs, monolingual and bilingual settings, and private and public schools – with children ranging in age from infant to 5 years of age. After graduating, she worked with children with special needs at a special education school in New York and a pediatric clinic in Shanghai, China. As an early childhood educator, Zexi believes in following the child’s lead/emotions to understand their interests and abilities and using the power of relationships and human connections to promote an individual’s development in social-emotional, language, cognitive and positive behaviors. She also believes it is important to demonstrate our respect when we interact with children by observing, listening, questioning, wondering, and carefully responding to children’s words.

When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her son and husband. She likes to cook, watch old movies, and explore coffee shops around Austin.