Staff Profiles
Primary Staff Bios
Jamie Schmitz - Head of Primary
(see WALT)
Terri Watson - PYP Coordinator
(see WALT)
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.
Kindergarten
Cyndie Jacks
I am Cyndie Jacks, one of the Westlake Academy Kindergarten teachers and this is my 5th year at the Academy (my 17th year in the classroom). Prior to Westlake Academy, I taught 7 years with Carroll ISD, where my daughter Abby, a 7th grader, is presently a student. I was born/raised in Kansas City (Home of the KC CHIEFS!) and attended Central Missouri State University, where I earned my BSE with a minor in English. The areas for which I have been trained are numerous, and include everything from Brain Research, Differentiated Instruction and Cooperative Learning to Cognitive Coaching and Gifted and Talented instructions. I am a "sponge" when it comes to learning all I can about the IB! I spent time visiting the MIS (Munich International School), have plans to visit several more IB schools this year and attended the first EY (Early Years) conference in Spring ‘08 with my teaching partner! I have been published 4 times by CTP-Creative Teaching Press, and I am currently working on another resource (for K teachers this time!) that I hope 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.
Second Grade
Emily MacFarlane
I am Emily MacFarlane and I come from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This is my fourth year as a second grade teacher at Westlake Academy. I attended Carleton University where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Following this, I set off to Australia to take on a Masters in Teaching, at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. I undertook the study of character education for my thesis, with the primary focus pertaining to the PYP set of attitudes.
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.
Third Grade
Alison Schneider
Alison Schneider earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Texas Christian University. She joined the Westlake Academy staff when the school opened in 2003 and has taught both first and third grades. Ms. Schneider is a trained IBPYP site visitor and consultant, allowing her to visit other North American schools at various stages of IBPYP implementation.
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.
Fourth Grade
Jim McMahon
A native of Rome, New York, Mr. McMahon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the State University of New York at Potsdam. His eighteen years of experience teaching in public and private schools has given him the opportunity to work closely with parents and colleagues to insure the success of a diversity of students. Beyond the classroom, he has written nonfiction for Harcourt Brace Educational Measurement. Writing for Harcourt has given Mr. McMahon a greater awareness of the special skills that good writers must possess to engage the minds of young readers and inspire them to become better writers.
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.
Fifth Grade
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.
D’Ann Sullivan
D’Ann Sullivan is beginning her fourth year at Westlake Academy. She continues to teach fifth grade and has also taught two years of fourth grade. D’Ann has also taught eighth grade English, eighth grade Math, Pre Algebra, seventh grade Pre Algebra, sixth grade Language B (Language Arts) at an IB school in Colorado Springs, Colorado, sixth grade Social Studies, kindergarten through sixth grade Gifted and Talented, and fifth and sixth grade Computer classes.
D’Ann has an A.A.S. degree in Accounting, a B.S.O.E. degree in Business, and a Master of Education degree (reading specialist) and is certified to teach all subjects kindergarten through eighth grade. She also serves as Activity Coordinator for the school.
Amanda Metzler
(bio forthcoming)
Sixth Grade
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.
Tara Schwirtz
Tara Schwirtz will be the new 6th grade teacher this year. She has been working with 6thgrade for a year now as both an aide and a student teacher. She graduated from Texas A&M Univeristy with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is certified Pre-K through 6th grade generalist and 4-8 grades History, Language Arts and Reading, as well as ESL certified. She has lived in Texas for about 4 years now and has lived in many other places including Arizona, Hawaii, and Wyoming. She is looking forward to an exciting up and coming year at Westlake Academy.
Primary Art
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.
Primary Music
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.
Primary Spanish
Veronica Covarrubias
My name is Veronica Covarrubias and this is my first year at Westlake Academy, I’m teaching Spanish grades K through 4.
I am a native Californian and have been living in Texas since 2005.
I graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering.
I began teaching Spanish and Early Childhood education at Northwood Learning Center 4 years ago; I am very excited about being a part of the Spanish program at Westlake Academy!
Scott McMickle
This is Scott's second 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 role as the G5-G6 Spanish teacher and taking on a new position as the 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.
Primary Special Education
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.
Secondary Staff Bios
Rod Harding - 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 - Secondary Counselor
My name is Sonya Barron, and I anticipate an exciting year as I join Westlake Academy in the role of Secondary Counselor. I graduated in May of 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in English and Secondary Education and will graduate from Texas Christian University in December of this year with a Masters of Education and Counseling. I have seven years of experience in education, and I served the last six at North Hills Preparatory, another IB charter school currently ranked #9 in the nation by Newsweek magazine. During my time there, I served in many different capacities: Academic Counselor, English Department Chair, (HL) English IB Instructor, and Senior Class Sponsor. In my roles as Counselor and Senior Class Sponsor, I have assisted students with credit alignment, transcripts, graduation, college research and applications. I am proud to say that many of our students have been successfully accepted into and matriculated through their universities of choice. In addition to my educational counseling roles I enjoy being a part of the planning team and participating in senior graduation, class trips, class retreats, prom and more. Because of my experience at NHP, I have valuable knowledge of what is needed to implement the IB curriculum and effectively support the students, parents, and staff. I look forward to working with all members of the Westlake Academy community to ensure the academic and personal success of each student.
Secondary Art
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.
English/Drama
April Harrell
This year is April Harrell’s third year teaching English in MYP 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.
Robert Kai
Teaching is a second career for Robert. During his corporate career he held several executive positions including Executive Vice President of Transamerica Premier Insurance and Sr. Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer of the Houston General Insurance Company (a subsidiary of Tokio Marine and Fire). Robert also served on the boards of Houston General, The Idaho Survey and Rating Bureau and The Mission Viejo Ballet Conservatory. His teaching career includes teaching English at Nolan Catholic High School (FT. Worth) and DP and MYP English at Westlake Academy. Robert has a BA Degree in English Literature from Gonzaga University and a Master of Humanities Degree (Literature Concentration) from the University of Dallas.
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.
Technology
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.
Humanities
Lindsay Lemons
(bio forthcoming)
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.
Maths
Simon Aisthorpe
I am Simon Aisthorpe and I am a British Citizen. I was born in Devon in the South West of England. I have been at Westlake Academy for two years. I teach mathematics to the secondary students. In 1996 I graduated from Aston University in Birmingham, UK with a degree (MEng) in Civil Engineering with European Studies. I gained my teaching qualification at Exeter University, UK (Post Graduate Certificate of Education, Secondary Mathematics) in 1998. In 2006 I received a Master’s degree in Education from Southern Methodist University, Texas.
Saki Milton
Saki Milton is the 7th and 9th grade MYP mathematics teacher (pre-algebra and geometry). She has an M.B.A. in marketing from Southern Methodist University and a B.A. in mathematics from The University of Texas at Austin. She is also certified in math (8-12). Ms. Milton decided to teach after spending five successful years in marketing and project management for Texas Instruments. At TI, she was privileged to work alongside some of the most gifted math and science leaders in the education industry, while helping develop leading TI technology products.
She is also a firm believer in equitable education for all students, regardless of background. In 2009, she co-founded Milton & Liniado Educational Services (Logos2400), an approved TEA Supplemental Educational Services Provider that provides free tutorials for low-income students attending low-performing schools. She enjoys spending time with friends, reading, writing, and playing with her cat Frodo. Ms. Milton says, "This is my 2nd year at Westlake, and I hope you will grow to love it as much as I do!"
Science
Elizabeth Golden
Elizabeth Golden is a returning for a second year as a secondary science teacher at Westlake. Previously she worked in the special education department at Westlake. This year she will be teaching 7th grade science, 9th grade biology and 11th grade DP biology.
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 20th year of teaching this year! This is her 3rd year at Westlake Academy. 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!
Secondary Spanish
Maria Magdalena Liñan
Maria Magdalena Liñan comes from Peru. This will be her third year at WA teaching Spanish to Secondary students.
Graduated from The Sacred Heart Women’s University (Lima-Perú) with a Bachelor Degree in Education and also has a postgraduate studies in Pre School Education in The Sacred Heart Women’s University (Lima-Perú).
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 teachers’ 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.
Nicolau Pereira
Nicolau Pereira is a native of Bordeaux, France. After studying philosophy and history at the Université de Bordeaux III - Michel Montaigne, he continued his studies at the University of Texas atArlington where he earned a BA degree in Spanish Language and Literature. While studying at UTA, Mr. Pereira was a member of Pi Delta Phi National French Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, Alpha Chi National Honor Society, and was on the Dean’s List. He has taught MYP Language B (French) courses for the past two years and firmly believes in the MYP tenants of holistic learning, communication, and intercultural awareness. In Mr. Pereira’s classroom, students connect their study of Language B to other disciplines, consider multiple perspectives, and develop the four macro-skills of speaking, writing, reading, and listening in real-life situations. He is excited to be joining the Westlake Academy team this year.
Aurora Morales
(bio forthcoming)
Secondary Special Education
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.
Physical Education
Ja’cette Aguiar: Athletic Director
(see WALT)
Alan Burt: MYP PE - Head Football, Baseball and JH Basketball Coach
Alan Burt brings 20 years of experience of physical education and coaching to Westlake Academy, and is beginning his second year at the school. This year, Alan’s duties include teaching MYP Physical Education and Health, in addition to coaching several sports. For the 2010-2011 season, Alan will serve as Head Football Coach, as well as Junior High Basketball & Baseball Coach.
Alan grew up in the south Texas town of Mission, and earned 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.
“I am absolutely delighted with my new position at Westlake Academy, and can’t say enough about the wonderful kids I have already had the pleasure of coaching”.
Alan resides in North Richland Hills with his wife and four children.
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 and his wife Nicole currently reside in Little Elm. Chad has recently served as a Physical Education instructor in Frisco ISD for last two years. Chad will spend his time focusing on PYP Physical Education and will also be the Head Junior Varsity and Varsity Boys Basketball coach.
“I look forward to coaching at Westlake Academy and being apart of a great academic tradition. I believe with hard work and dedication we can continue to flourish in Westlake Athletics. I want to thank the Westlake staff and the Town of Westlake for this wonderful opportunity”.
Chad and his wife currently reside in Little Elm.
Head Volleyball Coach: Katie Viator
Katie Viator 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 eight years as a coach.
Katie grew up in Duncanville, where she began playing volleyball in Junior High. Katie had the privilege of competing in the UIL Volleyball playoffs and winning the 5A State Championship Title during her senior year. After high school, Katie went on to compete for three years at the collegiate level while completing her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas at Arlington.
“I love playing this sport and coaching it. Volleyball is 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!”.
Katie resides in Trophy Club with her husband and two children.
Head Cross Country Coach: Clarence Hosey
Clarence Hosey was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and currently lives in Dallas with his 3 children.
“My passion for running began at the early age of twelve. As I entered high school, my talent began to develop making me an integral part of the cross-country and track and field program at West Oso High School. In four State Cross Country appearances, our team was able to claim 3 State Championship titles. Through these experiences, I learned running is not about winning but developing a lifelong habit of physical fitness. After high school, I went on to compete at the collegiate level. My love for running still carries on today. I continue 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 2010-2011 cross-country season is to coach and mentor the runners to achieve excellence through dedication, discipline, and hard work”.