Clarissa López has been teaching instrumental music at the secondary level since 2006. Prior to working at Pearson Ranch MS, Clarissa was the Orchestra and Band Director at Meridian World School for grades 6-12, Inaugural String Orchestra Director at Hernandez Middle School and Associate Band Director at Covington Middle School in Austin ISD. Clarissa has experience teaching middle school string and full orchestra, concert band, jazz, rock, and mariachi ensembles.  

She was born and raised in Alice, Texas and credits her father and band directors for her passion to pursue music education. She often gets invited to clinics and adjudicates instrumental ensembles each year in central Texas.  She earned her Bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University Kingsville in Music Education and her Master's degree from the University of Texas in Music Performance.  Her main instruments include trumpet, violin and piano.

She believes in instruction that is student-centered and energetic that promotes a student climate of acceptance, compassion, and respect towards others. She works to provide enjoyable learning experiences that build independent musicianship, teamwork, and creativity. She is inclusive of all disciplines in her instruction and collaborates with as many teachers as possible to help build unity within the school.

Some of her recent honors and recognitions include Middle School Teacher of the Year, (2022-2023) Grammy Music Educator Award Quarter Finalist (2019-2020).  In addition to these awards, ensembles under her direction traditionally earn Superior ratings at UIL evaluations and/or Music Festivals.  She consistently looks for creative ways to serve her community and works to find performance opportunities for her students.

When she is not teaching, she spends her time reading, practicing her instruments, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and son. She loves learning about others' cultures and meeting new people!

Kristi Manno, Associate Orchestra Director, brings more than 30 years of teaching experience and has completed Suzuki training through Book 8. She earned her Master’s degree in Violin Performance with an emphasis in Suzuki Pedagogy from the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut, and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. Prior to completing her master’s degree, she served on the faculty of the Bermuda Conservatory of Music, where she maintained a full teaching studio and taught in the Kindermusik program.

Kristi is a highly sought-after clinician and has served on the faculties of the Armadillo Suzuki Institute, the Texas State Suzuki Institute, Nashville Suzuki Institute, and the Santa Fe Suzuki Institute. In addition to her work at these institutes, she regularly teaches at workshops and professional development events. Her interests outside of teaching include history, building stained glass, playing chamber music, and spending time with her family.

Kristi has experienced every side of the Suzuki triangle—as teacher, parent, and student mentor. She began teaching during her senior year of high school and later built successful studios in Houston, Bermuda, and Connecticut. She and her husband, Tim, currently co-direct the Bluebonnet Suzuki Studio in Round Rock, Texas, where they work with a vibrant community of enthusiastic and motivated students.

Kristi was also a Suzuki parent to her two daughters, Samantha and Ellie, who have both grown into accomplished musicians. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her two dogs, Riley and Shadow.