Staff Profiles
Rod Harding - Head of Primary
(see Leadership Team)
Alison Schneider - PYP Coordinator
(see Leadership Team)
Karen DesHotels - Primary Counselor
Karen DesHotels is the Primary Counselor at Westlake Academy. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and received her Masters of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas. She has been in education for 15 years; 7 as a counselor. She is very honored to be part of the WA staff and enjoys working with all of the Primary students.
Cyndie Jacks
Cyndie Jacks is one of the Westlake Academy Kindergarten teachers this year. It is her 5th year at the Academy and her 18th year in the classroom. Prior to Westlake Academy, she taught 7 years with Carroll ISD, where her daughter Abby, a 10th grader, is presently a student. She was born and raised in Kansas City, MO (Home of the KC CHIEFS!) and attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, where she earned a BSE with a minor in English. Cyndie has received training in everything from Brain Research, Differentiated Instruction and Cooperative Learning to Cognitive Coaching and Gifted and Talented instruction. She considers herself a "lifelong learner"...and enjoys growing her knowledge in different directions with IB! She spent time visiting the MIS (Munich International School), has plans to visit several more IB schools this year and attended the first EY (Early Years) conference in Spring 2008. It was at that conference, that Cyndie decided to become an IB TRAINER. She conducts workshops for fellow IB teachers in North America, and visits other IB schools in North America who are seeking authorization through IB. She has four books published by CTP-Creative Teaching Press, and is currently working on another resource (for K teachers this time!) that she hopes to have completed in the near future!
Tonja Taylor
After teaching third grade at Westlake Academy for the past two years, Mrs. Tonja Taylor is returning this year to her favorite grade level as a kindergarten teacher. She graduated Suma Cum Laude from the University of the Incarnate Word, in Alamo Heights, Texas with a BA in Early Childhood Education. She majored in Primary Education, with a minor in French, and is certified to teach Pre-K through fifth grade. This will be Mrs. Taylor's tenth year as an educator and, besides third grade and kindergarten, she has taught fourth and fifth grade in the Lewisville ISD.
Mrs. Taylor was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and she and her family have lived in Texas over fifteen years. She has been married for twenty-two years and she and her husband have two sons, Dax, who is a junior at Texas Tech, and Dylan, who is a senior in high school. She currently resides with her family in the city of Argyle.
Mrs. Taylor feels that every year she works with children is a new adventure, and considers it a privilege to have a career that allows her to be such a huge part of a child's life. She says the joy her students bring her is priceless!
Mimi Turbeville
I am Mimi Turbeville, and I am the aide for Ms. Jacks' kindergarten class. I am a proud mom of four Westlake Academy students. My son Tyler started WA in its inaugural year and is currently in the 8th grade. My other children are David in 6th grade, Adam in 4th grade, and Meggie in 2nd grade. I graduated from the University of Texas, Arlington with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. I am a Texas certified teacher of grades 1-8. Before having children of my own, I taught 5th grade in Dallas and 3rd and 4th grades in California. I have been a WA substitute teacher for the last four years and am excited to now join the kindergarten team.
Lois Cowan
Lois Cowan has been a proud parent, volunteer, and substitute teacher at Westlake Academy for six years. She holds a BBA from the University of North Texas, M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling, and an M.A. in Christian Education from Southwestern Theological Seminary. Lois has enjoyed serving in many capacities at Westlake Academy throughout the years, and looks forward to being a valuable part of the Kindergarten team as a teacher's aide in Ms. Taylor's class.
First Grade
Missy DeMoss
Westlake Academy has been Missy DeMoss' teaching foundation. She began as a student teacher in 2007 and became a long-term substitute for special education. Now, celebrating her third year as a first grade teacher at Westlake, Missy's true passion for teaching became evident after volunteering with children in schools and church. She chose to pursue her teaching career at the University of North Texas where she obtained her post-baccalaureate certification and also holds a Bachelors of Business degree.
Missy is a native Texas who grew up in Fort Worth. She now lives in Trophy Club and is married with 2 elementary aged daughters, Allison and Megan. Missy's greatest joy is her family. She also likes playing hand bells in the church choir, reading, scrapbooking, walking, and spending time with friends.
Joanna Rains
Joanna Rains graduated with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Art. Before joining the Westlake Academy faculty, she spent four years teaching First and Second grade at Hastings Elementary in Duncanville, TX. This will be her third year to teach First grade at Westlake Academy.
Jill Riche
Jill Riche is excited to return to Westlake Academy. She was one of the originating teachers when the school opened in August 2003. Jill taught second grade and fourth. She is originally from Missouri, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. After working in the corporate world she returned to school in Denton at North Texas State where she received her Texas Teachers Certification. Her first teaching position was with Irving ISD for nine years.
Kathryn Calzini
Kat Calzini is excited to join Westlake Academy as a second grade teacher. She has 15 years of experience in independent schools in Atlanta, Georgia; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Belgrade, Serbia and Norfolk, Virginia. She has taught grades two, three, and five and sixth grade math, worked as a learning resource specialist and was a K-12 librarian. She holds a BA from Duke University, a M.Ed. from Lesley University, and a MLS from the University of Maryland at College Park. Kat is a lifelong learner who keeps abreast of best practices in education through reading and attending conferences. She, her husband Clint, and their three children, Ben, Jill, and Dan, are looking forward to becoming part of the Westlake Academy community.
Nadia Akhtar
Nadia Akhtar has been part of Westlake Academy for the last two years. Prior to joining the 5th grade team, Nadia taught both 5th grade and 2nd grade as a long term substitute. A true Texan, Nadia was born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and attended the University of Texas at Arlington. She graduated with honors and received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies; she also holds a generalist teaching certificate for Pre-K through 6h grade.
Erin Austin
Erin is very excited to return to 3rd grade at Westlake Academy this academic year!
She received her original BA from Hawaii Pacific University in International Relations, with a minor in History. Her career at Westlake Academy began the first year it opened in 2003, while she was pursuing her Texas Teaching Certificate. She fulfilled her student teaching requirement at Westlake, substitute taught at Westlake, and was a 3rd grade teacher at Westlake for three successful years. For the past two years she
has been the AISD River Legacy Liaison, coordinating & teaching the outdoor environmental science program for the Arlington School District,s 4th grade. Erin is a self-professed "science geek" a proud Texas Master Naturalist, and fluent in French.
Randi Rosky
Randi Rosky is originally from Prince Edward Island, Canada. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Development from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and her Education Degree from Roehampton University in London, England.She has recently completed her Masters Degree from the State University of New York. Before coming to WA she spent time teaching in the Czech Republic, England and the last nine years teaching in various locations within the Middle East. Randi feels fortunate to have been involved in the PYP curriculum for the past seven years.
Cheryl Hassell
Cheryl Hassell is a native Texan and a proud parent of two Westlake Academy students. She has a B.B.A. from Texas A&M University, and followed that degree with nearly a decade working in I.T. for Fortune 50 companies in the Dallas Area. She "retired" when she had children, returning to work as a math teacher when the younger child began Pre-K. She has worked at Westlake Academy as a substitute for all grades and specials for the three years and as an aide to Kindergarten for one year.
Jean Misner-Smith
Jean Misner-Smith has been at WA for six years teaching 6th Graders. She graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science and holds Texas certifications in All-Level Art, All-Level Special Education, and General Education K-8.
Amanda Metzler
Amanda Metzler is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin and has been a resident of Texas for 7 years now.
Amanda graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas Arlington with her Bachelor of Science in
Interdisciplinary Studies. She holds her Texas teachers certificate in grades Kindergarten – 8th. Before joining the excellent staff at Westlake Academy, Amanda was a long term substitute and 5th grade tutor in HEB ISD as well as managing her family’s pizza franchises.
Tiffany DeVivo
Tiffany DeVivo is originally from San Angelo, TX and is in her fourth full year at Westlake Academy. She continues to teach 5th grade and really enjoys teaching children this age. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and has a 4-8 Generalist Educator Certification. Tiffany has also taught high school Biology and meets the "Highly Qualified"requirements for teaching Life Sciences 8-12.
Sarah Stack
Sarah Stack is from Blagdon, England, a small village in the Mendip Hills between Bath and Bristol.
Sarah attended Portsmouth Polytechnic and Roehampton University in England, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree with honours in education and environmental science. While living, in Alexandria Virginia, Sarah graduated from Marymount University with a M.Ed. in English as a second language. Sarah also has professional qualifications in publishing, she earned while working as an editor for a British educational publishing house.
This is Sarah's fourth year at Westlake Academy. Prior to teaching here, Sarah taught in England and The Netherlands.
Sarah now lives in Keller, with her husband Trevor, and their children Alexander and Isabel.
Terri Watson
Terri Watson is beginning her sixth year at Westlake Academy.
Terri received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tulsa and then attended the University of Oklahoma College of Law where she received her Juris Doctorate. After serving as in-house counsel for various energy companies for approximately 15 years, Terri made a career change to teaching. She is certified as a generalist teacher in grades 4 - 8 and as a special education teacher in grades K-12
Niru Karkhanis K-G6
Nirupama Karkhanis came to Westlake Academy with many years of teaching experience in an IB international school in Indonesia. Nirupama has a BFA degree from Sir J.J. School of art, India and an M.A in technology, from Shenandoah University - U.S.A She has several art credits from BYU and Michigan University and Asia.
This is her third year at Westlake academy and she is teaching K- PYP art.
Both her children graduated with an IB diploma and studied at the universities of Houston and Stanford. Nirupama has had solo art exhibitions in India, Malaysia and Jakarta. She plays the sitar and enjoys playing badminton and table tennis.
Jaime Estrada KG-G6
Jaime Estrada has been teaching music at Westlake Academy for two years, and is thrilled to be back her third. She graduated from Texas Woman's University with a bachelor of arts in music, and taught private vocal lessons for three years before moving to Texas. Previous to Westlake Academy Jaime taught at Highland Meadows Christian Preschool where she taught pre-kindergarten and developed a music and movement program. Mrs. Estrada was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and has been living in Texas with her husband for seven years now.
Mrs. Estrada feels truly blessed to be able to bring music into children's lives, and to help them learn through it, and about it. She is very grateful to have such a rewarding and enjoyable career.
Lisa Redding - Strings Program
This is Lisa Redding's second year at Westlake Academy. She is the Facilitator of the Strings program for grades two through five and also an Instructional Aide. Ms. Redding also works with the two extra-curricular Strings groups, which include Advanced Strings and Ensemble. Both groups performed at several events last year. Please see Ms. Redding if you are interested in joining!
Ms. Redding received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas. She also has earned teacher training certificates at both the Ottawa University Institute in Ottawa, Kansas and the TCU Suzuki Institute in Fort Worth,Tx.
Veronica Covarrubias
Mrs. Covarrubias has been teaching at Westlake Academy since 2009, she teaches Spanish grades K through 4.
She is a native Californian raised in Mexico and has been living in Texas since 2005.
Mrs. Covarrubias graduated from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering.
She began teaching Spanish and Early Childhood education in 2005 and then continued to obtain her Educator Certification, she is certified in the State of Texas to teach EC-12 Spanish.
She has received training through the IB Organization on "The Role of Language in the PYP" and "Cooperative Learning in Primary". She has also participated in cutting edge programs such as "Teaching to Strengths" and "Differentiated Instruction".
Mrs. Covarrubias is honored to be a part of the Spanish program at Westlake Academy.
Scott McMickle
This is Scott's third year teaching at Westlake Academy. He has a BA in History from UNT, and a Masters in Education from Concordia, Austin. Before coming to WA, Scott spent five years as a bilingual teacher at a Title I school in various primary grades for the Dallas ISD. Besides teaching, he served as an administrative intern responsible for textbooks and Special Education compliance, led staff development sessions, and served on the Campus Leadership Team at Stephen C. Foster Elementary.
This year he will be continuing his roles as the G5-G6 Spanish teacher and PYP Reading and Dyslexia Specialist. Scott is certified to teach several content areas PK-12 and is also qualified to be a principal in the State of Texas. His interests include: enjoying his young family of five, being handy, cooking, traveling, and reading books and articles on education, psychology, history, current events, and economics.
Lisa Valentine
Ms. Valentine grew up in Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Anthropology. She has done additional coursework at various colleges in Virginia, Georgia and here in Texas. She is currently working on her Masters of Education degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in English Language Arts. She is certified in Texas to teach Early Childhood through Fourth Grade, Special Education-Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade, and English as a Second Language. Additionally, she has more than 130 hours of training in the Special Education.
Ms. Valentine joined Westlake Academy full-time in 2007 as a First Grade Teacher. She moved to Primary Special Education for the 2008-2009 school year and continues to work in this area. Her family has been at Westlake Academy since it first began and is very proud that they are part of the IB program and Westlake Academy.
Clint Calzini - Head of MYP
(see bio under WALT)
Stacy Stoyanoff - DP Coordinator
(see bio under WALT)
Tracy Odom- MYP Coordinator
(see bio under WALT)
Sonya Barron - DP Counselor
Sonya Barron is serving her second year as Secondary Counselor of Westlake Academy. She graduated in December of 2009 from Texas Christian University with a Masters in Education and is a Texas Certified Counselor. She also graduated in May of 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in English and Secondary Education. She has eight years of experience in education. Prior to working at Westlake Academy, she served six years in another area IB charter school currently ranked #9 in the nation by Newsweek magazine. During her time there, she served in many different capacities: Academic Counselor, English Department Chair, (HL) English IB Instructor, and Senior Class Sponsor.
Vickie Nees - MYP Counselor
Vicki Nees is excited to be serving her first year as MYP Counselor at Westlake Academy. She graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a Masters of Education with emphasis on Counseling and is a Texas Certified Counselor. She is a member of the American School Counselor’s Association. Prior to Westlake, Vicki served as Special Educator and Counselor at various schools in Irving and Keller as well as spent time in the corporate world. Vicki, and her husband Garrett, have 3 children, one of whom will be attending PYP at Westlake
Roy B. Odom - G8 Art
This is Roy's first year to teach at Westlake Academy, and he is excited about the opportunity to instruct eighth-grade students in ceramics. Roy earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Wesleyan University, and has thirty years of experience in education field. Roy spent the first twenty-one years of his career teaching general and choral music to students in grades K-9, and the following nine years training teachers in the use of technology as a teaching tool in the classroom.
As an artist, Roy has worked with ceramics for 40 years, and has worked full-time on this craft for the last six years. Roy is looking forward to providing the students of Westlake Academy with an additional opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity.
Gail James G10 / DP 11-12
Gail James is originally from Kokomo, Indiana but has lived in Texas since 1970. She has taught PYP / MYP / DP Visual Arts and Film Making at Westlake for the past six years. Gail is costumer /costume designer and has owned her own business for 16 years. She costumes around 26 different plays a year. Some of her work includes: Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera (the Weber musical), Music man, The King and I, La Bette, Once Upon a Mattress and many more. She also assists our Drama Department with their productions. Gail graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana in 1970 with a BS degree in Art Education, area major advertising design specialty. Her MS is from East Texas State University now Texas A & M at Commerce, TX in illustration and advertising design. In addition, she is certified in Vocational Education. Gail taught art four years in Houston, one in Decatur, and four years in Vocational Commercial Art at Keller High School. She owned an art business with her father for 15 years and returned to teaching after 22 years. She has two daughters; Jennifer, teaches French at Fossil H S and Jackie a TCU grad in Radio /TV/ Digital Media. She and husband Jeff have lived in the area since 1977. They have two dogs, Star a Sheltie and Roxy Heart, a Cocker Spaniel with a heart shaped white patch on her side. All of Gail's hobbies all involve a combination of art, vintage clothing, and theatre.
Denise Schulte
This is Denise Schulte’s first year at Westlake Academy and her tenth year of teaching theatre. She has had the opportunity to teach PYP, MYP, and DP Theatre. Additionally, her students have competed and received numerous awards for one-act plays well as poetry and prose interpretation competitions. Denise graduated from Monmouth University in New Jersey (Miles Austin’s Alma Mater as well as the setting for Daddy Warbuck’s mansion in the original Annie Movie).
Denise began performing at three years old and has been in a myriad of plays including an off-Broadway stint of Guys and Dolls as Adelaide and Finian’s Rainbow as Susan the Silent. Other shows that she either directed, choreographed or performed include Picnic, Our Town, Gidget, South Pacific, Sound of Music, Brigadoon, Butterflies are Free, Godspell, The Bald Soprano, Suppressed Desires, Quilters, Snot Stew, Our Town, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, Wrestling Season, Girl in the Mirror, Voices from the Shore, Once Upon a Mattress, The Coffee Shoppe, Asylum and many more.
Tracy Odom
(see Leadership Team)
April Harrell
This year is April Harrell's fourth year teaching English at Westlake Academy. Prior to coming to Westlake in 2008, Mrs. Harrell taught English at a variety of grade levels for seven years, first at Episcopal Collegiate School, a small, private college prep school, and then at the historic Little Rock Central High, a large, urban public school. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Arkansas and her Master of Arts in English from the University of Central Arkansas, where she also worked for two years as a graduate assistant doing research for the department chair, assisting in publication of the university poetry journal, Slant, and writing and publishing a departmental quarterly. Before teaching, Mrs. Harrell worked in the fields of real estate research and corporate property management.
Katie Estrada
This is Katie Estrada’s first year at Westlake Academy, and her sixth year as an English teacher. Katie earned a dual concentration in English and Psychology from the University of Michigan. She went on to teach English in McAllen, Texas and then at an international school in Mexico City, Mexico. Since she returned to Texas, Katie completed her Masters of Arts in Teaching and was a writer for a curriculum support system adopted by 750+ school districts in Texas.
When she is not teaching, Katie enjoys traveling and going on adventures with her husband and two young daughters. Katie and her family reside in Trophy Club.
Livia Miller
My name is Livia Miller and I come from Los Angeles, California. This will be my fourth year at WA. I have taught grades 1st, 5th and 7th, 8th. I have BA in Psychology from California State University Dominguez Hills, a K-12 Multiple Subject Credential from California and a 4-8 Credential from Texas. I also have my Masters in Cross-Cultural Education.
Maria Andrea Busico-Flight
Maria Andrea (Maru) Busico-Flight, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, will be starting her fourth year at WA as our Technology Coordinator. Maru is responsible for Group 7: Technology, and this year will also teach Technology to Grade 10. In addition to all things technological, she also runs the Scottish Dancing Club and the Summer Activities Camps at Westalake Academy.
Ms. Busico-Flight has a Graduate Degree in IT Systems from the Universidad de Belgrano (Buenos Aires, Argentina) and a Postgraduate Degree in Teaching with ICT from Cambridge University. Since 1996, she has taught English as a Second Language and Technology at primary and secondary levels. Her experience working with IB (International Baccalaureate) began in 2000 at Northlands School (Olivos, Argentina) where she was the IT PYP Head of Department and the Extra Curricular Activities Coordinator.
Maru's qualifications and experience with the IB have also earned her the positions of IB trainer: workshop leader, site visitor and consultant. She truly enjoys the opportunities that this provides her to visit other IB or candidate schools, train teachers as well as to participate in curriculum development meetings at the IB Curriculum and Assessment headquarters in Cardiff, UK.
In addition to her academic achievements, she has worked as a choreographer and director for musical productions at K-12 schools and alumni clubs. Some of her work includes: Les Miserables, Cabaret, Fosse, Cotton Club, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King. Maru has also been a dancer/dance captain at amateur and professional levels for theater and musical productions. She has teaching degrees in Ballet and Tap Dance, a Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancers and Zumba certifications.
Currently, she is working on her masters' degree on Educational Technology.
Simon Aisthorpe
(see bio under Maths)
Craig Talley
Craig Talley has been a classroom teacher since 2000. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1999. He joined the faculty of Westlake Academy in 2009, where he has taught DP European History, DP History of the Americas, and DP Economics in the Humanities Department.
Lindsay Lemons
Lindsay Lemons is starting her fifth year as a classroom teacher. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in History from McMurry University in 2006. She is starting her first year as a full-time teacher at Westlake Academy after starting part-time in the 2009-2010 school year. This year Mrs. Lemons will be teaching World Geography, World History, and U.S. Government for the Humanities department.
Elliot Ventura
Mr. Ventura is very excited to be teaching 7th Grade Texas History and 8th Grade U.S. History this year at Westlake Academy. He is looking forward to sharing his passion for history with the class and how it impacts our lives. He enjoys working with students in their pursuit of academic success and encouraging their growth in athletics, clubs/interests, and citizenship.
Prior to Westlake Academy, Mr. Ventura spent six years at the North Hills Preparatory School in Irving, mainly teaching History. He also served as the school’s Athletic Director and Physical Education Chair, coached multiple sports and co-sponsored various school clubs educational trips.
Teaching is his second career. After graduating with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, he spent 14 years in retail management for various companies in New York City and Miami, and two years as a retail operations consultant. He was born and raised in New York City. Mr. Ventura is married and has three children. When he is not teaching he enjoys cycling, soccer, basketball (almost all sports), reading, board games, music, and traveling.
Lee Rosky
Lee Rosky is originally from Halifax, Canada where he graduated with a BA in English and History followed by a B.Ed. from the University of Alberta. Lee has been teaching internationally for most of his career having taught in England, the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman. Lee had almost ten years experience in teaching IB Diploma History and Theory of Knowledge. Lee has his Masters from the State University of New York.
Simon Aisthorpe
Simon Aisthorpe is a British Citizen, from Devon in the South West of England. He is in his fifth year at Westlake Academy. He teaches Mathematics and Technology Applications to the secondary students. In 1996 he graduated from Aston University, Birmingham, England with a degree in Civil Engineering with European Studies. He obtained his UK teaching qualification in Secondary Mathematics from the University of Exeter in England in 1998.
Mr Aisthorpe taught Secondary Mathematics in England for seven years before moving to Texas where he received a Master’s Degree in Education from Southern Methodist University. He is also TEA certified to teach Mathematics
Jessica Kemmerer
bio forthcoming
Elizabeth Golden-Hallett
Elizabeth graduated from Texas State University-San Marcos with a BS in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She worked at the Austin Nature and Science Center as an informal science educator where she had fun working with kids as well as animals such as snakes, rats, owls, lizards, a bobcat, coyote, hawks and many more native Texas animals. Her passion for teaching science grew so she became certified. Besides working at Westlake, she taught 7th grade science in Austin, TX previously.
When not working at Westlake she hangs out with her boxer Max and works out at the gym.
Kristen Jernigan
Kristen Jernigan, a native Texan, is celebrating her 21st year of teaching this year! She has experience teaching DP Chemistry, AP Chemistry II, MYP, Honors, and regular Chemistry I and 8th grade General Science. A graduate of Baylor University (B.S. in Sec. Ed.) and University of North Texas, (M.S. Sec. Ed.) with a technology endorsement, she has experience in commercial environmental and analytical chemistry laboratories. Mrs. Jernigan also served as an educational consultant for KERA in Dallas as part of the National Teacher Training Institute as a published Master Teacher. In the past she presented staff development, served on the Science Curriculum Leadership Team (Plano) and has been a guest speaker for a teacher education class from UNT.
Mrs. Jernigan loves teaching and loves sharing her enthusiasm for science with students!
Varghese Koshy
Mr. Varghese Koshy received his Masters degree in Organic Chemistry and a Bachelors in Chemistry and Physics from Bombay University, a reputed Indian institution. He holds a Texas Educator Certificate to teach Science for high school and middle school.
For over 15 years, Mr. Koshy has dedicated himself to the field of professional education. His most recent teaching engagement was at Faith Christian School in Grapevine, Texas, where he taught Chemistry and Physics for high school for 5 years. He also brings over 10 years of teaching experience (both high school and college level), having taught at various institutions in the Indian cities of Bombay(Mumbai) and Bangalore prior to his work in the United States.
As a long-term professional educator, Mr. Koshy has a keen awareness of the difficulties that have to be overcome in the learning process. His qualifications and experiences are complimented by his genuine care for and interest in each student. His ability to connect with students on a personal level has enabled him to gain the love and respect of students of all ages and cultural backgrounds. He is married to his wife, Rachel, and has two children who currently attend universities. Teaching is and has always been Mr. Koshy’s passion. He is very excited to join the family of Westlake academy.
Stacy Stoyanoff
(see Leadership Team)
Secondary Spanish
Maria Magdalena Linan
Maria Magdalena Linan (Malena) comes from Peru.
Graduated from The Sacred Heart Women's University (Lima-Peru) with a Bachelor Degree in Education and also has a postgraduate studies in Pre School Education in The Sacred Heart Women's University (Lima-Peru).
Has an International Certificate of Proficiency in English awarded by the University of Michigan.
Coach for Children, Teenagers and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder / Hyperactivity. I have given lectures at the Congress for Professional Women. Has over twenty four years of professional experience, seventeen working as a homeroom and English teacher at the Peruvian North American Abraham Lincoln School which is an IB School.
She keeps abreast of new teaching trends by attending teacher's workshops and seminars: PYP Seminars, English Teaching Conference "Rewind, Play, Fast Forward" sponsored by the School of Education, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola- June 2007; Conference "Educational Strategies Management for Children with Attention Deficit Disorder with/without Hyperactivity" March 2007 "Language and Learning Institute; How to Handle the Stress; Coaching "How to Manage Children with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder/ Hyperactivity at School"; "Counseling Course for Homeroom Teachers",
"Diploma Workshop" July 2009 and "Middle Years Programme Workshop" July 2010.
Brenda Daniel
Brenda was born and raised in Lima, Peru and lived in Spain, England and France. She received her BA in Translation and Interpretation at Ricardo Palma University, and then attended graduate school at the University of Texas at Arlington obtaining a MA in Modern Languages and Literature – French in 2007.
Upon graduation, she has taught French for freshman students at UTA and El Centro College for almost three years. She has spent her last four years working at a non-profit organization teaching parenting skills classes to at risk children and their families.
Brenda is very excited to be starting the French Program for 7th graders at Westlake Academy this year and to be the new Spanish teacher for the 9th and 10th graders.
Aurora Morales
(bio forthcoming)
Deborah Peebles
Deborah Peebles has been working in the field of Special Education for 16 years and in the field of education for 20. This is her fifth year at Westlake Academy. She has taught all grade levels from preschool through adult. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and is currently working on a Master’s degree.
Mrs. Peebles was raised in New Jersey, and then moved to Florida where she got her degree as a therapist. After the birth of her four children Mrs. Peebles began working in education. Prior to working at Westlake she worked at Broward County Schools in Florida, Keller ISD and Texans Can! Academy in Dallas. She has attended and taught numerous workshops for special education, most recently training others in inclusion techniques.
When she is not at work Deborah Peebles enjoys hockey, reading, traveling and tutoring students who are at risk.
Dorothy Harwood
Dorothy Harwood came to Westlake Academy as librarian in 2008. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dorothy has lived in Fort Worth since 1980. Dorothy holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies and a law degree from the University of Texas, and practiced law in Fort Worth for many years. In 2001 she obtained a Masters of Library Science from Texas Woman’s University. From 2002 to 2007 she served as librarian at Country Day School of Arlington. Dorothy is a member of the American Library Association and the Texas Library Association. At Westlake, she strives to administer a well-rounded library program, providing professional library services to students and faculty, using all available library resources to support curriculum goals, IB program standards, and to foster student reading and research interests.
Jacette Aguiar: Athletic Director
(see Leadership Team)
Alan Burt: MYP PE - Head Football & Head Baseball Coach
Alan Burt brings over 20 years of experience of physical education and coaching to Westlake Academy, and is beginning his third year at the school. This year, Alan's duties include teaching MYP Physical Education, in addition to coaching. For the 2011-2012 season, Alan will serve as Head Football Coach, & Head Baseball Coach.
Alan owns a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Management from Dallas Baptist College. He served in the public sector for five years before returning to college. Attending the University of North Texas, Alan earned a Master of Education degree with emphasis on Vocational Education. He currently holds lifetime certifications in Business and Physical Education from the Texas Education Agency. He has been married to Linda for 29 years. They have 4 children, LIndsay (Husband Zac and baby Zac Jr. due in October), Stacey, Holly and Tucker.
"I am excited about another year at Westlake Academy. My first 2 years have been wonderful and can't say enough about the people associated with WA. I am looking forward to another great year of education and extracurricular activities."
Chad Nothe: PYP PE - Head Boys Basketball Coach
Chad Nothe is a graduate of Trinity High School in Euless. After high school, Chad attended Dallas Baptist University, graduating with honors in 2007 attaining a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, concentrations in Child Development and Kinesiology. Chad is entering his second year as PYP PE teacher and head boys basketball coach for both junior varsity and varsity teams.
"I look forward to my second year at Westlake Academy and being apart of a great academic tradition. I believe with hard work and dedication we can continue to flourish in athletics and in the classroom.'
Chad's wife, Nicole and son all currently reside in Little Elm.
Head Volleyball Coach: Katie Viator
Katie Viator will be the 2011-2012 Volleyball Head Coach. Katie is a Certified personal trainer and a boot camp instructor as well as a Tejas Club Volleyball Coach where she has served as for three of her nine years as a coach. Katie, who is a proud wife and mother of two and currently lives with her family in Trophy Club. Katie grew up in Duncanville, TX where she started playing volleyball in Junior High and all through her high school career. Katie had the privilege of competing in the UIL Volleyball play-offs and winning a 5A State Championship Title her senior year. Katie later went on to compete for three years at the collegiate level. “I love playing this sport and coaching it. Volleyball a passion for me and I am extremely excited about this coming season. I plan on working hard to make these young athletes stronger while improving all of their volleyball skills. I am looking forward to an awesome season”! The WA Volleyball program is excited to start the 2011-2012 season.
Head Cross Country Coach: Clarence Hosey
Clarence Hosey was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and currently lives in Dallas. His passion for running began at the early age of twelve. As he entered high school, his talent began to develop making him an integral part of the cross-country and track and field program at West Oso High School. In 4 State Cross Country appearances, his team was able to claim 3 State Championship titles. Through these experiences, he learned running is not about winning but developing a lifelong habit of physical fitness. After high school he went on to compete at the collegiate level. His love for running still carries on today as he continues to train and compete competitively. I am looking forward to working with the students of Westlake Academy and helping them develop into mature student athletes. I am excited and grateful to be part of the Westlake Academy coaching staff. My goal for the 2011-2012 cross-country season is to coach and mentor the runners to achieve excellence through dedication, discipline, and hard work.