Meet Our Students

Crystal Bush

Assistant Principal, Springridge Elementary- Richardson ISD
M.Ed., Texas A&M University
B.S., Texas A&M University-Commerce

"As educators we have an obligation to prepare students for jobs not yet known or created to further perpetuate our global economy, and impart traits of good character, and citizenship. Education is providing the finest possible holistic education to all students of all backgrounds so they become responsible, well informed citizens in a competitive market place."

Lauren Chism

Principal, Cannaday ES- Mesquite ISD
M.Ed., Texas A&M University-Commerce
B.A., Dallas Baptist University

"Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation."

LaDonna Gulley

Principal, Florence ES- Mesquite ISD
M.A., Southern University
B.A., Jackson State University

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela -- I honestly believe that our job as educators is to help students become critical thinkers and change makers for our city, our state, and our nation. When every child meets his/her full potential, we all benefit."

Jennifer Madding

Assistant Principal, Rosemont Lower - Dallas ISD

M.Ed., Southern Methodist University
B.A., Oklahoma Baptist University

“A strong leader creates a postive atmosphere that cultivates the talents and passions of those around them, inspires others to lead change, and provides the encouragement and feedback needed to make the greatest impact. I believe the strongest leaders do this without needing to take the credit and with a heart that serves others over self.”

Mason Mason

Senior Specialist, Apple Professional Learning, Apple, Inc.
M.Ed., Southern Methodist University
B.A., The Ohio State University

"I am passoniate about helping educators transform teaching and learning through technology integration. Technology is not a silver bullet; however, digital equity does help level the playing field for all students to find and maxmize success. My goal is to inspire innovation and empower educators to change the world one student at a time."

Valerie Nelson

Principal, Tisinger ES - Mesquite ISD
M.Ed., Grambling State University
B.S., Grambling State University

“Empowering the next generation to reach their full potential is what motivates me in the work I do with teachers and students alike. Helping every child in my care to appreciate their uniqueness, build on their strengths and chase their dream is my WHY for all that I do now and in the future.”

Mathew Sipes

Director Expanded Learning Pathways- Plano ISD
M.Ed., Texas A&M University-Commerce
B.S., Carson Newman College

"As an educational leader, it is my mission to ensure that every student has equal access to an education that inspires hope through learning, contributes to one’s career goals, and benefits society both democratically and economically. Our schools and classrooms should be the standard for inclusivity and a place where all children flourish."

Donna Trevino-Jones

Principal, Academic and Behavior School East- Harris County Department of Education
M.Ed., Texas A&M University- Commerce
B.A., Southern Methodist University

"The purpose of an education is to open minds to new learning that would give options in life so that others could be helped, individuals could find their passion and compete globally."

Brandy West

Coordinator, Northside ES- Desoto ISD
M.Ed., Texas A&M University-Commerce
B.A., Southern Methodist University

“I am a firm believer that holistic education + exposure= opportunites. Great lessons happen in the classroom; however even greater lessons happen outside the walls of the classroom. Educators should help each child find purpose through connecting with themselves and others, their community, and the world.”

Michele Broughton

Executive Director, Dallas ISD
M.Ed., Texas Woman's University
B.A., Clemson University

“The role of the leader is to cultivate, as stated by Vergerius, an "education which calls forth, trains and develops those highest gifts of body and of mind which ennoble men, and which are rightly judged to rank next in dignity to virtue only." This is our ethical responsibility and the crux of our work as people builders.”

Nidia Cedillo

Assistant Principal, Webb ES- McKinney ISD
M.Ed., University of North Texas
B.S., Texas Woman's University

“My educational purpose is deeply rooted with changing lives. I believe each learner has inherent worth and value. As leaders it is our responsibility to infuse learning with new life and perspective.”

Lourdes Garduno

Principal, Winnetka Elementary- Dallas ISD
M.Ed., Texas Woman's University
B.S., Texas Woman's University

Charlene Goss

Principal, Smith Elementary- Mesquite ISD

M.Ed., Texas A&M- Commerce
B.S., Texas State University- San Marcos

“I believe that great leaders are always focused on developing people; purposefully awakening their innate interests, abilities, and untapped potential, to the extent that our entire nation is better because of our efforts.”

Holly Grubbs

Principal, Rutherford ES- Mesquite ISD
M.Ed., Texas A&M-Commerce
B.S., Abilene Christian University

“The gift of education is an opportunity for all people to be contributing members of our communities so as we move forward let us impact the heart of people, inspire hope for tomorrow, and ignite a desire of service to those who cross our path.”

Anne Kamper

Section 504 & Testing Coordinator, North Garland High School- Garland ISD
M.S., Stephen F. Austin State University
B.S., Stephen F. Austin State University

“It is our responsibilities as leaders in the field of education to ensure that we always do our best to teach and support ALL students equitably so they have the best and most fair opportunities. Also that we are always challenging the status quo to improve the world of education to create opportunities for our children to prosper and grow.”

Catherine Kelly

Principal, Mark Twain Elementary- Richardson ISD
M.Ed., University of Texas at Arlington
B.A., Austin College

“Strong educators change the lives of students. It is important to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for educators so that they can make the greatest impact possible in the lives of their students. When we promote educator growth, we, in turn, support student growth.”

Robert McLaurin

Principal, Dallas ISD
M.Ed., University of St. Thomas
B.A., Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College

“The purpose of education is to ensure our future generations look out from a higher plateau than the previous generation and are able to excel in our progressive global society. To achieve this, educators must commit to empowering all students to reach their full social, emotional, intellectual, civic, and cultural potential. My mission is to inspire innovation and empower educators to develop the well educated global citizens needed to enrich the communities of tomorrow."

Cheryl Nevels

Executive Director, P-TECH & Early College Programs- Dallas ISD
M.Ed., Texas A&M University- Commerce
B.A., Texas A&M University- Commerce

“Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.”- Rita Pierson As a champion for children, I want to continually advocate for educational equity and access to high quality educational programs, as there is no higher charge, no precedence more important than a quality education for all."

Agueda Paredes

McLaughlin/Strickland Elementary, Carrollton- Farmers Branch ISD
M.P.A., University of Texas at Dallas
B.A., Austin College

“Education is vital to the development of humanity and the growth of democracy. As educational leaders, is crucial we provide support to those involved in the education of our children so that every child receives a high quality education that fosters the growth of the whole child."

Denise Patton

Founder/Lead Developer, North Texas College Prep
M.A., Hardin-Simmons University
B.A., Hardin-Simmons University

“I am passionate about strengthening students’ learning by increasing the involvement of their community’s stakeholders in their education. My mission is to engage those stakeholders in discovering what they have to offer students and to empower them in putting those offerings to use."

Phillip Potter

Principal, Walnut Hill Elementary- Dallas ISD
M.Ed., University of North Texas
M.M., Depaul University
B.M., University of Cincinnati

“The purpose of education is to aspire to the highest form of human art, the shaping of lives, to expose our children to beauty, curiosity, and wonder that creates the richest human experience."

Olga Romero Quiles

Principal, L.K. Hall Elementary Dallas ISD
M.Ed., Southern Methodist University
B.A., University of Puerto Rico

“It is imperative we understand that the work we do today as educational leaders will take us closer to our dream of social justice. As we profess education as the means to an end, we must be clear that it is not the final destination. Providing our scholars a life of choice and self-efficacy through meaningful learning is the ultimate goal."

Tanya Shelton

Executive Director, School Leadership Dallas ISD
M.Ed., Texas A&M University- Commerce
B.S., Paul Quinn College

“As Instructional Leaders, we have the moral responsibility of ensuring that all children receive the quality education they deserve. Having the belief that all students truly can and want to learn—drives my passion to continuously work towards improving my craft as a leader in order to have a positive impact on student outcomes."

Ellen Alexandrakis

English Teacher, Dallas International School
M.A., Columbia University
B.A., Southwestern University

"Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation."

Jameile Choice

Principal, New Technology High School- Dallas ISD
M.Ed., University of North Texas
B.A., Letourneau University

"Education is the most powerful weapon used to change the world.” Nelson Mandela. As a leader, it is my charge to promote equity amongst all learners and advocate for undeserved populations so that they develop the passion and courage to become innovators and change makers. I believe that the goal of education is to empower generations exponentially to utilize their gifts and acquire the skills necessary to live out their dreams and make remarkable contributions to the world around them."

Erin Crosby

Director of Operations, Southern Methodist University
M.S., Boston University
B.A., Southern Methodist University

"As a community development practitioner within PK-12 education, my mission is to equip cross-sector partners to collaboratively “reimagine, reform, resist and recreate” systems that have produced poverty, achievement gaps and disempowerment. By creating an equitable education system, we fulfill a promise to our children and we offer society hope for liberation."

Janine Fields

Executive Innovation Officer, Garland ISD
M.A., City University
B.A., Western Washington University

"A high-quality education for all is essential for individual development, equity of opportunity, and the advancement of a global society that supports democratic principles. It is our moral imperative to question education’s status quo, strive for continuous improvement, and seek effective solutions on behalf of students, ultimately improving the future for all.”

Tiffany Gilmore

Director of Guidance and Counseling, Garland ISD
M.Ed., Texas A&M University- Commerce
M.S., Texas Woman's University
B.A., University of North Texas

"As educators, we are responsible for helping students cultivate the life of their dreams. My mission is to facilitate learning opportunities that challenge student thinking, leverage resources to ignite student interest, create partnerships and programming to support the needs of families, and engage students in activities that foster creativity.”

Justin James

Assistant Principal, Malvern Elementary- McKinney ISD
M.Ed., University of North Texas
B.A., Southwestern Assemblies of God University

"The investments leaders make in education today will create great rewards in the lives of the next generation. That is why it is my mission to foster opportunities that create leaders, learners, and lovers of life to ensure empowerment and hope for all through their educational experience.”

Tomika Johnson

Principal, Price Elementary- Mesquite ISD
M.Ed., Prairie View A&M University
B.S., Jarvis Christian College

"Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education." -Martin Luther King Jr.....It is my mission to foster a never ending LOVE for learning in students and teachers that empowers them to continuously strive for excellence in everything they do. Being a servant leader allows me the opportunity to grow students and teachers, as well as, model for them the character traits that will allow them to impact themselves and others.”

Jamie Lakey

Principal, Cobb Middle School- Frisco ISD
M.Ed., Middle Tennessee University
B.B.A., Middle Tennessee University

"My passion is improving the practice of teaching through systematic and strategic professional learning practices. I believe that the educator is not only our greatest resource in the classroom, but also our greatest resource for system-wide improvement.”

Derek Little

Assistant Superintendent, Early Learning- Dallas ISD
M.Ed., The Broad Center
Ed.S., Northwestern State University
B.S., Tulane University

"Working in education connects deeply to my personal desire to help others transform their lives. That transformation can lead to greater opportunity and equity for all. In the end, my hope is the students I served have not only transformed their life and elevated their potential, but also deepened their desire to serve others in the process."

Lisa Lovato

Principal, Henrie Elementary- Mesquite ISD
M.Ed., University of Texas at Arlington
B.A., University of North Texas

Sarah Petelik

Digital Learning Coach, Ted Polk Middle School- Carrollton ISD
M.Ed., Southern Methodist University
B.A., Elon University

"The purpose of education is to enable youth to be college ready, career ready, or future ready through rigorous academics, character development, and social/emotional flourishing. It is important to empower and build the capacity of educators in order for them to make the greatest impact on our youth.”

Cloris Rangel

Director of Dual Language Programs, Dallas ISD
M.B.E., Southern Methodist University
B.S., Texas Woman's University

"The purpose of education includes personal and societal goals. The goals include high standards in academics, human flourishing, and character development. It takes hope and love to stay true to the purpose and goals of education for all students.”

Danielle Riddick

Assistant Principal, Sewell ES- Garland ISD
M.Ed.,University of North Texas
B.S., Elon University of Texas at El Paso

"As leaders in education, we must pave the way in ensuring that we have the right people at all levels of the education system strategically advocating, creating access, making accommodations, and implementing the means necessary so that all children can learn, grow, and blossom into the best version of themselves.”

Alexandra Sabater

Director, Spanish House Elementary
M.B.E., Southern Methodist University
B.A., Tulane University

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." John F. Kennedy. With historic roots in our own community, this quote captures the immense responsibilities and profound joys of leading schools for learning, for we too arrive on campus ready to grow through authentic, critical challenges and intentional, principled reflection every day. School leaders create cultures of meaningful learning by modeling the values we seek to grow in our students and our teachers: curiosity, creativity, and humility.”

Emmanuel Trevino

Instructional Facilitator, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
M.B.E., Southern Methodist University
B.S., University of North Texas

"Every moment as an educator is an opportunity to teach and cultivate respectful, mindful, and groundbreaking global citizens; those who question, challenge, and advocate for our world. With that comes great responsibility to provide an equitable education through research-based instructional practices, continuously grow our cultural competence, and also teach emotional intelligence. Each child deserves our very best and it is our duty to ensure we support them all to their highest excellence possible.”