As the Program Director of a before- and after-school program and a current 3rd-grade teacher, Teana is deeply passionate about creating inclusive educational opportunities for children. She taught second grade for three years and was as an Abuse and Neglect Investigator for the Texas Department of Family Protective Services for five years. In this role, she worked to protect and advocate for children in need.

Teana's love for helping and educating children started at a young age. She vividly remembers being in 5th grade, skipping recess to help her 2nd-grade teacher read to students and grade papers. Those moments shaped her lifelong commitment to serving and educating her community.

Ms. Cruse graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her personal educational journey has been fueled by her belief that every child deserves the tools and support to reach their full potential.

In addition to being an educator, Teana is also a makeup artist who enjoys helping others enhance their beauty, while teaching them about self-love and proper skin care.
She is dedicated to building a community where all children have access to opportunities that inspire growth, confidence, and success. Her mission is to empower, educate, and uplift the next generation.