Get to know the new Mustang teachers
October 2, 2020
Years of experience:
I have been working as an aide for 13 years now.
College:
I attended Eastfield College.
Prior Work Experience:
Prior to coming to Sachse High I worked in Wylie ISD for 5 years. Before that, I worked at Armstrong Elementary for 8 years. I really enjoy working with students of all ages and love what I do.
Pets:
I have a little puppy named Mia. She is my sweet fur baby.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do in my free time is travel and spend time with my family. I have been married for 21 years and have three sons–Jordan, Mark, and Johnny, and my future daughter-in-law Kristyn.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
My greatest advice to give to students is to give it your absolute best in everything you do. It is better to try and fail, than to never have tried at all.
If you could compare yourself to any fictional character who would it be?
If I had to compare myself to a superhero, I guess I would say it would be Superwoman. I feel like I am always trying to do so many things at the same time, both at school and work.
Years of teaching experience:
I’ve been teaching in some way or fashion since 1986, but officially in an ISD this is my 9th year.
College:
I attended Texas A&M University.
Prior Work Experience:
I taught children’s fitness, dance, yoga, & sports in the area in preschools and before that, in Adams Middle School in Grand Prairie & Coyle Middle School in Rowlett.
Pets:
Yes – a dog, I have an adorable, mid-size curly haired mutt.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love road trips especially to college towns. I love the spirit.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
Be consistently responsible and show effort.
If you could compare yourself to any fictional character who would it be?
I am a little like Dory on Finding Nemo, because despite the hardships or bumps in the road, I just try to “keep swimming.” Plus, I have to work at not being forgetful. Because if I work at it, I won’t forget things very often.
Years of teaching experience:
This is my first year teaching, but I was a paraprofessional for five years at another school.
College:
I attended Texas A&M University.
Prior Work Experience:
I was a paraprofessional at Brandenburg Middle School.
Pets:
I have an Australian Shepherd/Chow mix named Lady and a rabbit named Unique.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family. We have game and movie nights together. I also enjoy painting. It is very relaxing and calming.
If you could compare yourself to any fictional character who would it be?
I would say I am like Ms. Frizzle. Life is always an adventure, teaching and learning should always be fun and exciting.
Years of teaching experience:
This is the start of my 17th year teaching.
College:
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin! Go Blue Devils!
Prior Work Experience:
Prior to joining Sachse High School I taught at JJ Pearce High School in Richardson.
Pets:
I have a betta fish. We just call it Betta.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
During my free time I enjoy cooking and baking, reading and spending time with my family. I also like to travel and like to go sailing in the British Virgin Islands every few years for vacation.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
The best advice that I can give students is be active in your education. Participate in class discussions, put away the devices and get to know your peers, take advantage of the lessons your teachers are sharing, and make the most of your time at Sachse High School. As cliché as it sounds, high school really does go by in the blink of an eye!
Years of teaching experience:
This is my first year teaching.
College:
Texas A&M University Commerce (For both my B.S. and M.S.)
Prior Work Experience:
I worked as a clinical exercise physiologist for three years before becoming a teacher. I worked at physical therapy/chiropractic clinics.
Pets:
I have 2 cats named Kingsley and Simba.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do in my free time is to hang out with my Fiancé. It is important that teachers remember to take a break from schoolwork occasionally and spend time with loved ones. It helps keep us sane.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
The greatest advice I can give to students is to try your hardest and communicate with your teachers. High school is a time to grow and solidify who you are. Make sure to use that time wisely.
If you could compare yourself to any fictional character who would it be? And Why?
Katniss Everdeen. I picked Katniss because I love the hunger games series, and because she is a strong, determined and selfless character!
Years of teaching experience:
This is my 15th year to teach. I have taught PreK, 3,4,5,6, and now 11,12.
College:
I graduated from Texas Tech University where I met my husband. I have a BA in English with a minor in Early Childhood Ed.
Prior Work Experience:
I taught one year in Irving ISD, two years in Richardson ISD, 10 years at Heritage Christian Academy in Rockwall, one year in Mesquite ISD, and now I am here at SHS.
Pets:
We have a 1-year-old miniature Schnauzer, Jaxx. We lost our 12-year-old schnauzer last September.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love being at home with my husband and kids–well one kid. The other is at Texas Tech. Home brings me peace and joy. It is my safe space where I can truly be myself and am loved no matter what.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
Do your best everyday. Show up and work hard. Nothing comes easy. Anybody can sit around and be lazy. Be the OTHER person and work hard to make your dreams come true.
Years of teaching experience:
This’ll be my ninth year teaching.
College:
I attended TCC.
Prior Work Experience:
I worked at Fossil Ridge High School in Keller for seven years, and then I worked in San Antonio at Warren High School.
Pets:
I have two dogs, a black lab and a red heeler. I also have a cat that I found underneath the band trailer.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Even though I teach color guard full-time, my favorite thing is to sit and watch more color guard and just talk to peers, spit out creative ideas and grow in this field.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
The greatest advice that I have always given my students is any ounce of progress in general, and I as long as you move one step forward you’re on the right track.
Years of teaching experience:
I have been teaching for 22 years, all in GISD.
College:
I graduated from Texas A&M University with my Bachelor’s Degree and from Texas A&M- Commerce with my Master’s Degree in Counseling.
Prior Work Experience:
I worked at Freeman Elementary in Garland before I came to Sachse this year. Prior to that, I was a counselor at Liberty Grove Elementary in Rowlett for 10 years.
Pets:
I have a 5-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy who weighs 50 lbs.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
In my spare time, I enjoy watching my daughters play sports and watch Aggie football.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
The best advice for students is to live every day to the fullest and never allow yourself to be defined by someone else’s opinion of you.
Years of teaching experience:
I am starting my eighth year of teaching.
College:
I graduated from Texas Tech University. Fun fact–I actually have a degree in Finance and Accounting, but went back to get my degree in Music Education after that.
Prior Work Experience:
Before coming to Sachse, I worked in Northside ISD in San Antonio and Highland Park ISD in Dallas.
Pets:
Currently I do not have any pets, but I am looking into getting a dog.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do in my free time is cook. I started having an interest in and loved watching cooking shows on TV, which led to me start practicing cooking different recipes. I like to cook all different types of cuisines from Indian to Mexican to Italian and everything in between.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
The greatest advice I can give to a student is to be a good person. We all have struggles in life, and those struggles are different than anyone else’s. I think one of my main jobs as a teacher is to teach students to become well rounded, “good” humans.
Years of teaching experience: I have been teaching for 2 years.
College:
Ouachita Baptist University
Prior Work Experience:
A high school in Benton, Arkansas.
Pets:
None
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do in my free time is to watch movies/tv shows and hang out with friends and family.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
The best advice I could give to students is something my mom used to tell me: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” So when school, classwork and life get a bit overwhelming, just take baby steps and eventually you will get there!
Years of teaching experience:
This is my very first year of teaching.
College:
I graduated from UNT with a degree in Political Science with a specialty in Law, with minors in women’s studies and criminal justice. I intended to go into Law school but changed my mind at the last minute.
Prior Work Experience:
Before Sachse I worked for CPS as a caseworker. Through that I realized I loved working with kids and wanted to become a teacher. Last year I was a para and now I’m here. Both of my parents are teachers, so it’s in my blood.
Pets:
I have a dog named Luna who is the love of my life. She’s a perfect baby angel, but she’s also very feisty. She’s a Mountain Cur-Whippet mix and loves wearing clothes.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
In my free time I love listening to true crime podcast and reading. I’m a huge nerd and have a weird obsession with Greek mythology. I just love learning fun facts and like to constantly be prepared for the chance I’ll end up on cash cab.
If you could compare yourself to any fictional character who would it be?
If I could compare myself to a fictional character it would be April Ludgate in “Parks and Recreation.” I think she’s hilarious but also a little dark and weird, and I definitely relate to that.
Years of teaching experience:
I’ve been an educator for 23 years.
College:
I did my undergrad at Binghamton University in NY and got my M.Ed. at UT Austin
Prior Work Experience:
I taught a discussion section of Biology 114: Intro For Majors, as well as serving as a writing tutor, at Binghamton University in NY.
I taught English Literature and Rhetoric at the Maple Street School in Manchester, Vermont.
I taught English as a Second Language at the Chosun Ilbo’s hagwon in Seoul
I taught Physics at Uvalde High School in Uvalde CISD
I taught Physics, Debate, Forensic Science, and Environmental Science at Cedar Ridge High School in RRISD
I taught Technical Writing and Physics for Huston-Tilotson University’s AUSPrep Program
I taught Physics and Astronomy at the Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy in DISD
Pets:
My wife and I have three cats.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
The greatest advice that I can give to students is that you’re the only one who actually has actual control over your education. If you are determined to learn, no force in the universe can stop you. But if you refuse to learn, no force in the universe can make you.
If you could compare yourself to any fictional character who would it be?
My wife would tell you that my spirit animal is the BBC’s Sherlock Holmes crossed with Looney Tunes’ Tasmanian Devil because I’m intensely rational and analytical, but I can also be cheesy and/or chaotic.
Years of teaching experience:
This is my eighth year teaching.
College:
I graduated from Texas A&M Commerce where I played collegiate volleyball for all four years and was apart of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.
Prior Work Experience:
I have had the opportunity to work/coach at several schools but this past year I was in Little Elm ISD
Pets:
We have an amazing black lab named Harley.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my husband and two little girls. This can be going to his football games, playing outside, watching a movie, etc.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
My greatest advice would be no matter what, continue trying and doing. Do something new. Try even if
you fail. Work harder than you did the day before.
Years of teaching experience:
This is my first year teaching full time. I was a substitute teacher for three years.
College:
The University of Kansas
Prior work experience:
University of Texas El Paso
Pets:
I have one dog, Chief. He is a German Shepard-Husky Mix.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Not counting football, because it technically counts as work, I love to either work out and exercise OR go out and eat and try new foods in my free time. It really just depends on the mood, but I like to work out because I enjoy being active and playing sports. At the same time, I will always be a fat kid at heart, so that’s why I love to eat.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
Take school serious enough to help it get you where you want to go in life (even if you don’t know where you want to go in life right now). Don’t take life so serious; you’ll never get out alive. You have to find the right balance of fun and productivity to be successful.
Years of teaching experience:
I have been teaching for seven years at the college/university level.
College:
Bachelor’s degree at Texas Woman’s University
Master of Fine Arts at the Cambridge School of Art located in Cambridge, England
Prior Work Experience:
University of North Texas
El Centro College (DCCCD)
Northwest Campus (TCCD)
Howard College
Pets:
None
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Be outdoors in nature doing things such as camping or traveling around the world. Nature brings me back to my true self and calms my spirit and traveling gives me the opportunity to learn about the human condition, teaches me how others live and how we choose to exist.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
Live & be compassionate.
Years of teaching experience:
First year teaching, I made the decision to make a complete career change about six months ago.
College:
I’m a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. I have a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.
Prior Work Experience:
The last eight years I’ve worked as the Director of Research for Austin College. Prior to Austin College I was a Project Change Manager in IT at Raytheon.
Pets:
We have two dogs, a Boxer named JC and a Dachshund named Charlie, two fish, SpongeBob, and Mrs. Puff and two freshwater shrimp, Plankton and Karen.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. I love to read and love to learn, so I’m always researching and looking for new and creative ways of doing things.
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
The greatest piece of advice I can give to students is you don’t have to know tomorrow what you want to do with the rest of your life. There are so many options and possibilities, find something that you have a passion for, what drives you, makes you a better person? When you find something that you love, it’s not work.
Years of teaching experience:
This is my 18th year in education. My last two were as assistant principal at Harper Elementary in Long Beach, Miss. The previous four years I served as athletic director and head football coach for the district. I have been a head football coach for 11 years, one year in Alabama and 10 years in Mississippi, winning the 2009 4A state championship at St. Stanislaus. I started coaching in Texas in 2003. I coached the other Coach Williams at Connally High School in Waco.
College:
Graduated with BS in Sports Communications from Mississippi State University. Played wide receiver there for three years. Masters in Education (Sports Administration) from Northwestern State in Louisiana. Currently working on EdD in Educational Leadership at Southern Mississippi.
Prior Work Experience:
Six years in Long Beach, Miss. – all administration
Three years in Madison, Miss. – Madison-Ridgeland Academy – head football coach
Three years in Bay St. Louis, Miss. – St. Stanislaus High School – head football coach, taught law, entrepreneurship, health
Three years in Waco – Connally High School – assistant football, taught geography, world history,algebra, webmastering, business image & multimedia
One year in Athens, Ala. – Clements High School – athletic director & head football, taught Contemporary issues and PE
One year in Waco – Bosqueville – assistant football, taught MS science & PE
Pets:
Bruiser (named after Baylor mascot), six-year-old Boxer
Years of teaching experience:
This is my seventh year teaching.
College:
East Central University in Ada, Okla.
Prior work experience:
Hudson Middle School
Pets:
I have two dogs, Callie and Muttly both rescues.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love reading. Huge nerd. I have a library in my house. I like being outside, watching sports, spending time with family and friends. I like to shop and go to craft shows. Who doesn’t like sleeping, am I right?
What is the greatest advice you can give to students?
Be unapologetically you. Be yourself no matter what anyone else thinks or how they feel about you or what you like. Best thing you can do for you, is be who you are.
Years of teaching experience:
This is my fifth year teaching.
College:
Kilgore College
University of Texas at Tyler
Prior Work Experience:
Sam Houston Middle School
Garland High School
Arp ISD
Pets:
I have two dogs that are brother and sister. Their names are Steph and Mocha–not sure what breed; they are rescue pups–and two kittens, also Siblings TJ and DJ.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my family in my free time. My family makes me feel loved and blessed, and my children give me the motivation and encouragement I need to take on each day. I also love to be active and play games–whether it’s sports, cards, dominoes, board games, bike rides–I enjoy the fun and friendly, mental and physical challenges that come from them.
If you had to compare yourself to one fictional character who would it be?
If I had to compare myself to a fictional character it would have to be Haley, the main character in the movie “Stick It.” She has a rebellious, stubborn spirit but a very sweet heart that has been hurt by the mean world. She chooses to fight for what is right and fair and defend others. She is also a tomboy who doesn’t care what other people think which is totally me.