Our Team
Collective work requires coexistence, cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork based on the goals defined as a collective. Our school places collaboration and collective work at the center of all student and staff experiences.
Teachers
Judy Kehm, She / Her
Goes by: Mrs. Judy or Judy
Kinder Teacher
Judy is Latina and a San Antonio native whose parents were migrant workers and whose father is an immigrant from Mexico. She is a proud wife and mother of two. Judy enjoys traveling, making new memories with family and friends, loves animals, and being outdoors. She has a passion for teaching and has held positions within the education industry for over 16 years. At The Gathering Place, she is breaking out of her norm, shaking up her passion and taking off the barriers to see the innovative side of her students. Judy has a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.
Margaret Rodriguez-Casas, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Margaret
Kinder Teacher
Margaret is a San Antonio native. She enjoys spending time with her daughter watching Anime. Margaret loves coffee, old films, and collecting anything that is Hello Kitty. She is also an animal lover who has a pet dog named Yuki. She believes all creatures are precious. Margaret is passionate about teaching and wants her students to feel loved and be their authentic selves. She holds a Bachelor's in Fine Arts (English) from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Chad Munn, He / Him
Goes by: Mr. Chad
Kinder Teacher
Chad is a father to two loving and beautiful girls—puppies named Brooklyn and Pearl. He enjoys spending most of his time playing with and watching his girls while drinking his favorite drink—coffee! Chad loves exploring the world and its cultures through food and travel. He spent half his life in Hawaii, where he attended the University of Hawaii—Go Rainbows! Now back in Texas, he completed his degree at the University of Texas San Antonio—Go Runners! Chad spends his summers back in Hawaii. He is excited to be an Axolotl at The Gathering Place, where he is one of the founding Kindergarten teachers. His passion is making a positive difference in the lives of others through teaching. Aloha!
Vanessa Scism, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Vanessa
Kinder Teacher
Vanessa is so excited to join the Kinder team! She is passionate about helping young children manage and process their feelings in a safe way. She knows that the job of playing such a big role in your child's life is special and she cherishes this opportunity to help them grow. She has a wonderful family at home and loves to spend her free time with them. Her favorite thing to do with them is play board games and snuggle in bed for a movie night. She looks forward to having a wonderful school year filled with love and new relationships!
Antoinette Avalos, She / Her
Goes by: Mrs. Avalos
1st Grade Teacher
Antoinette was born in Austin, TX, but was raised here in San Antonio. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in Criminal Justice. This is her 4th year in education. Prior to becoming a teacher, she was a caseworker for CPS and has extensive training in trauma-informed care. During her free time, you can catch her supporting her children at their various extracurricular activities, from theater and dance performances to soccer and track events. She also enjoys exploring the local "foodie" scene with her husband. She strongly believes in nurturing the whole child and building authentic connections with her students that are rooted in love and empathy.
Zelina Cruz, She / Her
Goes By: Ms. Zelina
1st Grade Teacher
Just a small town girl is a way to describe Zelina as she was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley (southernmost tip of Texas) and it was there that laid the foundation for her values on family and education. Living in a small town, her life experiences centered around family and therefore have kept Zelina grounded and humble as she traversed her way through life. Zelina “bleeds green and gold” as she is a proud alumna from Baylor University as that is where she decided to attend college at the young age of 10 and therefore is the first goal she accomplished for herself with the loving support of her family. Now as an educator, Zelina hopes to create a family atmosphere in her classroom that is supportive and loving as she lays the educational foundation for her students.
Rebecca Miller, She / Her
Goes by:
Mrs. Rebecca
1st Grade Teacher
Rebecca was born in El Paso but has lived most of her life in the San Antonio area. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys solving puzzles, binge-watching the newest show on Netflix, reading, and singing along to the radio during road trips. She can also be seen cheering on the San Antonio Spurs and UTSA football team with her husband and two sons. Rebecca graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. This is Rebecca’s 21st year in education and first year at TGP. She is thrilled to be part of the TGP family and looks forward to nurturing a sense of wonder and love for learning in her first-grade classroom.
Sabrina Earl, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Earl
1st Grade Teacher
Ms. Earl was born in Germany and has been a military dependent traveling the world. She moved to San Antonio in 2012. Ms. Earl has experience working in the early childhood education field and a total of 9 years teaching in a public school setting. In her free time she enjoys going to amusement parks with her son or volunteering at a local animal shelter. Her passion is to make a difference and foster relationships, creating beautiful memories. She is looking forward to being part of the TGP community.
Adrienne Abrego, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Adrienne
2nd Grade Teacher
Adrienne was born and raised in San Antonio. She graduated from Texas A&M University Kingsville with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Science and Kinesiology with Education. She loves to read and play volleyball. She is a huge San Antonio Spurs fan and feels really blessed to be a part of the TGP family.
Crisol Chavez, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Crisol
2nd Grade Teacher
Crisol is a natural plant lover. If she’s not relaxing with a book or discovering new places, she’s buying more plants for her classroom or home. She’s a mother to two wild boys and feels blessed to be able to call herself a mother. One of her goals for next year is to climb Machu Picchu. She loves learning and is looking forward to “being the light” in her classroom while sharing many “aha!” moments with her students this year!
Enjoli Mallet, She / Her
Goes by: Mrs. Mallet
2nd Grade Teacher
Enjoli is a wife, doula, and fur mom. She graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology. She enjoys being creative (crocheting, painting, design), plants, and being in nature. When not in the classroom she enjoys taking dance and yoga classes, going swimming, and quiet time at home watching anime with her husband. This is her 7th year in education and she is excited to be apart of the TGP team!
Heather Sammis, She / Her
Goes by: Mrs. Sammis
2nd Grade Teacher
Heather Sammis is entering her 7th year of teaching and has 20 years of experience in education. She has taught worldwide, thanks to the Army, and now resides in San Antonio after her husband retired in 2020. Heather holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from the University of Tulsa and is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention at the University of Florida. She is passionate about making learning engaging and memorable, often using songs and hands-on experiences to bring subjects to life. Heather is also a proud mother of two children, ages 16 and 13.
Patricia Prieto, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Patricia
3rd Grade Teacher
Patricia was born in Alpine, Texas and raised in Chihuahua,Mexico. After working in schools for multiple years as a substitute, this will be her first year teaching. During her off time, she likes to ride bikes, take walks, read or garden. She can often be found at home with her family cooking some yummy food or watching a comedy movie. Patricia holds a Bachelor in Interdisciplinary Studies, and she cannot wait to combine her knowledge with the brilliance her students.
Elizabeth Gonzales, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Liz
3rd Grade Teacher
Liz was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Liz graduated from University of the Incarnate Word with a Master’s Degree in Education. Liz's strength is teaching and working with children for over 20 years. Liz loves spending time with her family and is excited to be at TGP and can't wait to see what the future holds!
Edrina Kallashi, She / Her
Goes by: Mrs. Edrina
3rd Grade Teacher
Edrina is a mom of one tiny human, 6 fur babies, and a Chinese Water Dragon (large lizard). Her family moved to San Antonio this year from Houston and are happily exploring all the wonderful nature spots San Antonio has to offer! When she is not cooking for her family or working, Edrina enjoys a good book, painting, yoga, and hiking. She is looking forward to a wonderful year growing as a teacher and human alongside all students at TGP!
Crystal Garcia, She / Her Goes by: Ms. Crystal 4th Grade Teacher
Crystal is excited to begin her third year of teaching. She attended Texas A&M San Antonio University where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Generalist (Grades EC-6). With a love for adventure, she enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s exploring new trails at local parks, or relaxing at the beach.
When she is not in the classroom or out in nature, you can often find her with a good book or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She is looking forward to an amazing year of learning and growth with all of TGP students!
Cullen Ogden, They / Them
Goes By: Cullen
4th Grade Teacher
Cullen is a queer and non-binary artist, advocate, and educator who passionate about and believes in the power of people and experience. Growing up in the southwestern United States as a self-proclaimed desert baby, and having spent the last twelve years between South Korea, the United Kingdom, New York City, the Netherlands, and San Antonio, they believe every experience and encounter between people, cultures, and ideas is a chance to learn something new and do something good in solidarity with others. When not at TGP, Cullen is an avid ceramics artist, yogi, reader, explorer of San Antonio, dog parent to Frida the ratchacha, and can be found bopping to a beat and usually in the sun and nature. This will be Cullen’s fourth year in education, third year at TGP, and their third year as a homeroom teacher - this time for fourth grade!
Leishka Felix, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Leishka
4th Grade Teacher
Leishka Felix (Laysh-kuh) is a proud born Puerto Rican who’s grown up in San Antonio since she was five years old. This is her second year at The Gathering Place, but will be her fourth year teaching Kindergarten and she couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of the TGP collective. She is a huge believer in the fact that representation matters, especially in our youth, and always encourages her students to express their creativity in outside-the-box ways. Leishka graduated from UTSA in 2020, and when she’s not in the classroom, you can find her spending time with family and her 2 cats, Willow and Garfield.
Kassandra Noriega, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Kassandra
4th Grade Teacher
Kassandra grew up in San Antonio, TX, and is proud of her cultural heritage. She is a first-generation Hispanic college graduate from Texas A&M University-San Antonio with a deep-rooted passion for education. This will be her 6th year teaching and second year at TGP. Over the past nine years, she has dedicated herself to shaping young minds, emphasizing academic achievement, self-advocacy, and the importance of self-love and acceptance. Outside the classroom, she cherishes time with her daughter and their trio of cats. Pinks, neutral colors, and the autumn season bring her joy, as does the outdoors, where she often enjoys working out, taking walks, and reading. There won't be a day you see Kassandra without her Dunkin' coffee.
Maia Russell, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Maia
5th Grade Teacher
Maia Russell has been a teacher for 7 years, and this is her third year at The Gathering Place! She previously taught at Great Hearts as a second-grade Teaching Assistant and Lead Teacher. She has experience as a long-term Substitute Teacher, teaching 6th and 7th grade ELAR. She loves English and Writing! Maia loves to make learning fun and exciting and is so happy to be at TGP!
Destiny Gartmond, She / Her Goes by: Ms. Destiny 5th Grade Teacher
Destiny is a fun-loving southern girl. Born and raised in the state of Alabama. She moved to San Antonio in 2017 and has grown to love and adore the beautiful culture and experience that San Antonio offers. San Antonio would also be the place where she truly discovered her passion for children and education. She has been working with students at various schools for the past five years. In 2020 she obtained her Associates Degree in Teaching from San Antonio College and her Bachelors from Pacific Island University in Spring of 2022. Destiny enjoys reading, shopping, church, and spending time with her family. In her free time, you can catch her discovering a new park for a picnic. She is excited to begin another year at the TGP and the chance to pour love and knowledge into the future generation.
Tabytha Clearwater, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Clearwater
5th Grade Teacher
Denisse Aimar, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Denisse
6th Grade Teacher
California born and Texas raised, Denisse is a first generation Mexican American with an education in Psychology and Political Science from Texas A&M University, as well as Trauma-Informed Life Coaching and Yoga teacher certifications. Denisse is passionate about creating social change through supporting individuals in their mental/emotional healing and wellness, and is a firm believer that nurturing the social-emotional and mental health of students is one of the most important ways to create positive change for the future. Outside of TGP, Denisse spends ample time in nature, practicing and teaching Yoga at local studios, hanging out with her two dogs, Nipsey and Franny, and organizing community events centered around healing and wellness!
Miranda, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Miranda
6th Grade Teacher
Miranda is a San Antonio native who lives off of bean and cheese tacos, matcha lattes, and the music of Selena. An avid roller skater and a self-proclaimed foodie, she spends her weekends hanging out with her dogs, Jasper and Luna, reading, dancing to cumbia or buying another plant for her plant cemetery. Miranda will definitely ask you what your big 3 are and if she can read your birth chart in great detail, color coded of course. It’s her most Virgo trait! With a Bachelor’s in Theatre, she’s definitely got a flair for the dramatics, although she’ll blame the moon cycle. Miranda has a Master’s Degree from UIW. Go Cards! She has taught all across the city since 2012 and feels extremely grateful to call TGP her community.
Mary Shepard, She / They
Goes by: Mary
Special Education Teacher
Mary Shepard is a fun-loving and dedicated mom of three from San Antonio, Texas, with a background in studying architecture, mechanical engineering, journalism, early childhood education, and fine art. As a nonbinary cancer survivor in remission for eight years, Mary brings resilience and unwavering hope to the classroom, excelling in behavior management and creating inclusive environments. Mary’s superpower is breaking down complex concepts into bite-sized steps, making learning accessible for all students. Outside of teaching, Mary enjoys raising and breeding birds and reptiles, getting over her head in home improvement projects, and trying to keep her garden alive. She is on a mission to earn a Master’s Degree in Psychology to improve the lives of children by teaching them how to self-manage their behavior, fostering independence and confidence in their daily lives.
Dani Mullen, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Dani
Special Education Teacher
Dani is a San Antonio native, but spent some time living overseas in Germany. She has 5 years of teaching experience in both general education and special education classrooms. Her passion is providing special education services to students, and you can find her in the life skills classroom! Dani's hobbies include yoga, traveling, and entertaining her dogs.
Mariela Aguilera, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Mariela
Special Education Teacher
Mariela is a Mexican-American, first-born daughter of immigrant parents and Air Force brat. She has traveled to 18 countries, loves to read, paint, sew, dance, and meditate in nature. She is married and has a beautiful boy who attends TGP. She is a mom, entrepreneur, and self-published author. She is very passionate about closing the gaps in equity and building an amazing transition program that will help our kids reach their full potential, prepared for the world!
Dee Dee Pettit, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Dee Dee
Special Education Teacher
Dee Dee was a retired Special Education Teacher who couldn't stay away from teaching. She was officially retired for two weeks. Dee Dee coached Special Olympics for the Pfugerville Falcons for 20 years. She moved to San Antonio from Austin, Texas 4 years ago where she had lived for 30 years. Dee Dee has a grown son who is also a Special Education Teacher in San Antonio. When she is not teaching you can find her walking her dog Biscuit or talking to her 47 year old parrot.
Ugunda Cooper, She / Her
Goes By: Ms. Ugunda
Dyslexia Teacher
Ugunda is a mother of 5 and has 6 grandchildren that she loves spending lots of time with. On any given day, you can find her in the kitchen baking. Her favorite thing to bake is her mom's famous pound cake recipe. Ugunda recently relocated to San Antonio from Wisconsin. She has been enjoying exploring the area and loving the many things it has to offer, especially finding places to enjoy some good food! Ugunda is looking forward to forming relationships and nurturing the kiddos and their caregivers this school year.
Laura George, She / Her
Goes by: Laura
ESL Teacher
Laura is super excited to work at TGP as the ESL Teacher! She has been happily married to David, her husband, for almost 38 years. They have a beautiful daughter together named Katie, who lives in Dallas, and a very handsome son named William, who lives with his husband in New York City. She is also a beagle mom to Bonnie and Clyde, who are over 2 years old. Laura enjoys reading cooking magazines and mystery novels, cooking, baking, canning, gardening, hiking, going camping, and trail walking on the weekends.
She graduated with her BA from UTSA in May 2005, with a focus in Early Childhood through 4th grade. She received her MA in Reading and Literacy from UTSA in December 2013. She is a certified Reading Specialist and a Master Reading Teacher. In 2021, she added the ESL certification to her teaching toolbox. She has taught Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. She also has six years’ experience as an Instructional Interventionist for Reading while teaching for NEISD.
Lisa Poston, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Lisa or Coach L
P.E. & Health Teacher
Lisa is a first generation Mexican-American college graduate. When Lisa is not taking naps (her favorite) she is trying new local coffeeshops, going hiking, and traveling to find cool waterfalls! Lisa believes that children can be activists at any age. She believes that it is important to continuously educate ourselves as well as children, to encourage children to question systems, and to discuss how we can all make a change. Lisa majored in Women's Studies with a minor in sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Eventually, Lisa wants to obtain her Master’s Degree in Counseling to continue breaking stigmas surrounding mental health.
Cheryl Rodriguez, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Cheryl
Immersion & Performing Arts Teacher
Cheryl Lane is your classic city girl that carries a fierce love for the 3-for-$10.99 deal at Chili’s (RIP), her handsome pug Winston, and good music that gives her the chance to demolish the dance floor. She firmly believes that all children are naturally creative and that you discover your artistic passions at a very young age. Cheryl hopes to foster a classroom environment that allows her little artists to explore and use their active imagination all while nurturing and protecting their creative spirit! On her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends doing nothing but shenanigans! She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Cal Gonzalez, They / Them
Goes by: Cal
Digital Fluency Teacher
Cal is a performer & community advocate with a passion for learning and the arts! They also currently work as a Youth facilitator for a local non-profit supporting LGBTQ2+ Youth and Young adults. Their interest range from basking in the sun to rollerskating as fast as they can. They have also been a vegetarian for almost nine years, their favorite foods are chickpeas and Chipotle.
Victoria Romo, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Victoria
Culinary Arts Teacher
Victoria is a queer, chicana, caretaker of the land, plant enthusiast, leisure baker and cook, and an overly proud mother to her rescue dachshund, Herman. Often in her free time one might find her tending to her plants, watercolor painting, or doing someone's nails. Victoria finds inspiration from the relationships between Madre Tierra and all living things and has a vision for a world that is just and equitable to the land, and everyone who occupies it. She also believes that conversations about social justice and equity can start at any age and are immensely important for creating the change we need to see in this world. She has always felt her authentic self when exploring new outdoor spaces and interacting with young people, and feels that she has chosen the perfect role in life as an educator and facilitator of learning.
Support Staff
Anna Valenzuela, She / Her
Goes by: Anna
Lead Special Education Paraprofessional
Anna is in her fifth school year with The Gathering Place. She has been a member of TGP since before buildings existed! Anna’s goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students to realize how brilliant they truly are. She spends her free time teaching karate as a third-degree black belt and cuddling her guinea pig, Boomer. Anna holds a Bachelor’s and Masters in Early Childhood Education from Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Alex Duran, He / Him
Goes by: Mr. Alex
Special Education Paraprofessional
Alex began his career helping students as far back as being a tutor in college. He has worked with children for years from Boys and Girls Club to swim instruction and coaching. Being an active person, he enjoys playing basketball or going to see sports games. In his free time, you can also catch him doing anything art or music related. He’s hoping to bring his active nature to inspire students to take part in engaging with their community and making friends along the way.
Stephanie Adams, She / Her
Goes by: Mrs. Adams
Special Education Paraprofessional
Stephanie was born and raised in Northeast Texas. She and her husband share two children and a Mochie Cat. Stephanie prides herself on gluten—and dairy-free baking. She enjoys all things Disney, planning vacations, and window shopping. Stephanie will be entering her seventh year in education. She looks forward to expanding her love and knowledge to the community of The Gathering Place.
Joy Lara, She / Her
Goes by: Joy
Special Education Paraprofessional
Joy was Born and raised in San Antonio, TX. Her favorite things to do are travel during her free time, try local coffee shops and new restaurants, spend time with family and friends, and take naps. Joy also plans to further her education and attend Texas A&M San Antonio to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology. Joy has years of experience working with children and is excited to grow and learn at TGP!
Mayra Silva, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Mayra
Special Education Paraprofessional
Mayra was born in Texas, had her childhood in Colorado, moved to Mexico at 10 years of age, and is now back in Texas with her husband and two kids (dogs). Her favorite place to be is high up in the mountains with friends, enjoying good food and making memories. She believes that every child deserves to be set up for success and it is our job as educators to advocate for it to happen.
"To embrace our authentic selves and live in the raw expression of being fully human is our greatest risk and our richest reward." -E. McManus
Diana Ayala, She / Her
Goes by: Diana
Special Education Paraprofessional
Diana enjoys daily yoga and meditation and reading books is a must for her! Diana has three brothers and two sisters. She has attended San Diego Community College and earned three credits in Child Development courses. She truly enjoys educating children.
Maria Hilario, She / Her
Goes by: Maria
Special Education Paraprofessional
Born in Mexico, in the state of Coahuila, Maria is a proud Latina willing to take on new challenges. Mostly experienced in Early Childhood Development, she has decided to pursue her career in Education. She enjoys crafts and scrapbooking, watching endless Disney movies, and spending time with her husband trying new restaurants and finding escapes in different cities, or small towns all over Texas.
Veronica Talamontes, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. T / Veronica
Behavior Interventionist
Veronica is a mother of three, who loves painting on recycled material, transforming something old into something new. She enjoys surprising her family and friends with new recipes because she believes the kitchen is the heart of the home. Veronica takes great pride in her garden, not only does it provide an outlet but allows her to feel connected with her space. She started her career working with children over 20 years ago. Twenty years later, Veronica still believes in the importance of providing resources in the education of children with mental and emotional needs.
Dania Echeveste, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Dania
Behavior Interventionist
Dania is a proud Latina who loves to indulge in the little things in life and looks at the glass-half-full. She enjoys long car rides, trying new foods, hiking, and playing with her Cocker Spaniel, Benny. She is a kid at heart and believes that laughter truly feeds the soul. She whole heartedly believes in the power of young people and thrives to harness a safe, loving, and supportive environment for all kids. Dania graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor in Psychology and a minor in French. She's currently working on her Master's of Education in School Counseling at UTSA.
Jon Rodriguez, He / Him
Goes by: Jon
Facilities Associate
Jon was raised right here in San Antonio! He has always liked working with his hands and is very eager to learn as much as he can. He loves watching movies and combat sports (especially boxing). If you’re ever looking for someone to talk your ear off about either of the two, Jon’s your guy! He also loves listening to indie rock and going to see his favorite bands live.
Diana Pliego, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Diana
Lead Meals Associate
Diana was born in California, and she just moved to Texas in September of 2023 with her husband, two daughters -who also attend TGP- and their puppers, Opie. She started as a Volunteer and Caregiver Co-Facilitator of the TGP Caregiver Collective, and now she’s a Meals Associate! If you know Diana, you’ll always catch her with Starbucks iced coffee in hand in the mornings. She loved hiking and spending time at the beach with her little family in California. She can’t wait to explore Texas more and hopefully make it to some cool hikes here in Texas!
Renetta Araiza, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Renetta
Meals Associate
Renetta is the proud mother of four and grandmother of one. She has worn many hats, from being in the USAF to being self-employed as a tailor to running an in-home child care. She loves reading, sewing, cooking and hiking when she can find the time. Renetta’s favorite place in the world is the beach.
Crystal Tabhan, She / Her
Goes by: Crystal
Front Office Receptionist
Crystal is a born and raised Texan of Latina and Filipina descent. She is very proud of her Filipino heritage and is always willing to share about her culture! Crystal was a stay-at-home mom for twelve years with three daughters and one son. As a founding TGP caregiver, Crystal knew TGP was where she needed to be! On the weekends, you can find Crystal with her family enjoying a crab boil, hanging out at the movies, or spending time shopping.
Robin Gray, She / Her
Goes by: Robin
Registrar
Robin was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina (go Bulls!) She is an avid animal lover and can be found on campus taking care of the 8 feral cats that call TGP home. She loves french fries and all things sweet. In her spare time, you can catch her rewatching New Girl or The Office and working on a puzzle.
Destiny Drummond, She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Destiny
Substitute Teacher
Destiny is a small business owner with a passion for community, connection, and creativity. Introduced to education in 2015 as an English tutor, she realized building connections & empowering the youth through creativity was one of her passions. In her free time, Destiny can be found watching her favorite anime shows with her husband, enjoying the outdoors with her daughter, and drawing new illustrations for her stationery brand. She is excited to step into her role as a TGP substitute teacher & build the confidence of your littles!
Helen Tiseth, She / Her
Goes by: Mrs. Helen
Substitute Teacher
Helen retired from the Civil Service and USAFR in 2004. She was a Military Training Instructor in both drill and academics for ten years. Over the years, she has volunteered in schools to help children read and write and was awarded UTSA's city-wide mentor of the year. She has also participated in Junior Achievement teaching in underserved schools. Helen is an herbal healer, artist, photographer, and avid traveler, along with her wife Sheryl. Together, they have three adult children, four dogs, and two guinea pigs. Helen learned to box from middleweight world champ Jesse James Leija and was a professional banked track roller derby skater for the SA Thunderbolts.
Leaders
Andrea Castillejo,
She / Her
Goes by: Ms. Castillejo
Principal
Andrea (pronounced on-dray-uh), brings her vibrant spirit and strong commitment to education to her role as Principal at The Gathering Place. A proud Latina originally from Bastrop, TX, Andrea's passion for ensuring all students receive a top-tier education is unwavering. Beyond her dedication to student advocacy, Andrea finds joy in exploring new destinations, especially beach getaways, alongside her husband and their beloved 2-year-old doggy daughter, Azucar.
With a deep-rooted belief in creating educational environments that prioritize students' needs, Andrea is thrilled to lead a team of passionate educators at TGP who share her vision of putting students first.
Andrea has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Saint Mary's College, a Master's Degree in Education from Texas State University, and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Trinity University.
Jamael Hunte, He / Him
Goes by: Mr. Hunte
Assistant Principal
Jamael is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful school community. With 15 years of experience in education, he has had the joy of teaching in multiple states and across most elementary grade levels. Jamael firmly believes that the best educators are those who never stop learning themselves, continuously growing alongside their students.
When he's not in the classroom, Jamael enjoys spending precious moments with his family, hitting the gym (to balance out his unhealthy obsession with McDonald's!), and indulging in his love for music, both playing and listening. Education is his passion, and he's dedicated to creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment for your children. Jamael can't wait to embark on this exciting journey together and make this school year the best one yet!
Bre Rivera, She / Her
Goes by: Mrs. Bre
School Counselor
Bre, a native Texan from the Rio Grande Valley, immersed herself in her hometown's culture and close-knit, family-oriented community from a young age. Growing up in this community, Bre noticed two critical needs going unmet: accessible mental health support for all and a reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. Motivated by this, she moved to San Antonio to pursue her education, eager to meet others who also recognized these disparities.
Over the past four years, she has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor in a school setting, advocating for the importance of mental health support for students, caregivers, and the community as a whole.
At TGP, she looks forward to aiding in the fight against mental health stigma, particularly for students and families affected by generational trauma, through relationship building and trauma-informed interventions. Outside of work, Bre loves listening to a true crime podcast and reading a psychological thriller, as well as spending time with her husband, Hector, and their goldendoodle, Rory. Bre holds a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UTSA.
Dr. Elsa Galindo, She / Her
Goes by: Dr. Elsa
Exec. Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment (RLA, SEL, Social Studies)
Books have always been a passion for this first-generation Mexican-American and college grad. Reading and writing have always served as windows, sliding glass doors, and until recently, mirrors. Elsa is a proud momma of two amazing kids (Adam & Emma), wife, reader, educator, and life-long learner. Elsa earned a Bachelor of Science with a Reading Endorsement and Bilingual/ESL Certification (EC-12), a Master's in Education as a Legacy Master Reading Teacher (EC-12), and leadership. Sharing her love of reading and writing is both a passion and her mission!
Andrea Lucas, She / Her
Goes by: Andrea
Exec. Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment (PBL, Math, Science)
Andrea is an instructional leader with 20+ years of experience teaching, mentoring, advocating, and pioneering new ideas. She graduated with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Trinity University where she learned economics, swam on the swim team, and ultimately decided to be a teacher.
Andrea has taught Kinder, 3rd, and 4th grades, but has spent the last four years teaching teachers. She is passionate about designing thoughtful professional development and implementing instructional practices that provide all students with authentic learning opportunities. When she isn't reading Twitter threads about teaching, she loves to spend her time hiking, traveling, reading, visiting her parents in Minnesota, and improving her newly learned pickleball skills.
Lena Dobečka, She / Her
Goes by: Lena
Director of Family & Community Engagement
Lena is a founding TGP caregiver, artist, advocate, and all-around friend. Whether she's out hiking with her family, engaging in creative expression, or brewing a warm cup of tea (or coffee!), Lena is guided by her highest-held values: creativity, growth, and connection. Lena was a founding co-facilitator of the TGP Caregiver Collective and is excited to be our Director of Family & Community Engagement! As the daughter of an innovative educator, she grew up immersed in a growing school and community that prioritized children and their unique gifts. Because of this, Lena is an advocate of play, nature, and creativity for children and adults alike. When she isn't at TGP, she can be seen spending time in nature, wandering the botanical gardens, and moving through creative spaces!
Jaclyn Conroy-Wild, She / Her
Goes by: Jaclyn
Director of Operations
Jaclyn lives in Boerne with her husband and two adorable sons. When not at work, Jaclyn spends her time playing with her sons, reading, sampling new coffee and learning! Jaclyn considers herself a life-long learner and is currently enrolled in her second Master's program: Data Science at Eastern University! Prior to coming to TGP, Jaclyn worked as a Math teacher and Instructional Coach. Her first year at TGP, she was the Front Office Manager, and this year, she is delighted to have moved into a new role as the Director of Operations!
Jimmy Agnew, He / Him
Goes By: Mr. Jimmy
Director of Innovation & Development
Jimmy is a lifelong educator, coach, leader, and learner. He is entering his 21st year in education and 4th at The Gathering Place, located in his hometown of San Antonio. As a teaching school leader, he has launched multiple innovative community initiatives, including producing an award-winning school documentary that centered unicycling as a way to promote growth mindsets for children across Texas, Colorado, and North Carolina. In 2021 he continued that momentum and founded The Wheelhouse at The Gathering Place, a makerspace designed to inspire creativity and hands-on learning. He values the importance of connecting classroom learning with meaningful real-world experiences. His teaching philosophy is rooted in community, connection, and learning through critical thinking and constructive play. He prides himself on creating inclusive child-centered environments that are safe, warm, and welcoming for all learners.
Along with his partner and their three boys, Jimmy enjoys traveling to backcountry camping sites, hot yoga, and human-powered travel (two wheels, one wheel, and no wheels). Jimmy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology from Texas Lutheran University and a Master's in Education from Texas State University. He is grateful for the opportunity to funnel his extensive knowledge and experience into helping The Gathering Place become a lighthouse for inclusive innovation well into the 21st century.
Vanessa Gonzales, She / Her
Goes By: Vanessa
Director of Business Office Administration
Vanessa is a lover of nature and animals. She is passionate about social justice, advocacy, and empowerment. When she's not nurturing her succulents or going for a run, she likes to go on road trips and explore the world around her. Vanessa received her Bachelor's Degree at Texas State University and her Master's Degree at Our Lady of the Lake University. Vanessa joined TGP as a teaching assistant for lower elementary where she learned, unlearned, and grew with the help of her TGP Collective. Now you can find Vanessa sitting behind a desk geeking out over spreadsheets and budgets as she is now the Director of Business Office Administration for TGP.
Thomas Villa, He / Him
Goes by: Mr. Thomas
Director of Facilities
Thomas Villa first came to The Gathering Place as a caregiver, then as a volunteer, and now, happily, as part of the staff. He is the very proud dad of two radiant kids. Thomas has spent many years working in education in K-12 settings and a variety of non-profits in California and San Antonio. He hopes every child, caregiver, staff, and visitor who step onto the TGP campus will see the beauty of our home and our community, and feel welcomed.
Adriana Ruiz, She / Her Goes by: Adriana Director of Talent & Staff Culture
Adriana was born in San Antonio but moved to Utrera, a small town in southern Spain where she spent most of her life and calls home. Adriana began studying Social Work and stumbled on the opportunity to teach ESL at a local school and discovered a love for teaching and being surrounded by little ones. She knew that taking a career turn was the way to go and decided to pursue her Bachelor’s in Primary Education with a focus in Bilingual Education. In 2018 she returned to San Antonio with her family to begin new adventures and in 2020, she found the coolest school ever —The Gathering Place!
Adriana has a passion for making meaningful connections with kiddos and, most importantly, loves helping young learners advocate for themselves, their community, and being their most authentic selves. If she is not on campus, you will likely find her with her husband and daughter exploring all and any restaurants with a good vegan option, planning their next vacation, or escaping to nearby towns and parks with their rescue pups, Pepper and Poppy.
Brian Sparks, He / Him Goes by: Brian Superintendent
Brian is a three-time graduate of Trinity University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Teaching and Administration. He has built a rich career in education, serving as a Special Education Teacher, 5th Grade Teacher, and Math Instructional Coach, and has held various administrative positions, including leading two schools that focused on both Project-Based Learning and Social and Emotional Learning.
Brian is a firm believer that students learn by doing, and that it is our role as educators to facilitate experiences where kids problem-solve, innovate and dream.
When he's not helping shape tomorrow's leaders, artists and innovators at school, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, who is his college sweetheart, and their two incredible children. They enjoy time spent outdoors, camping around the state, exploring San Antonio and spending time with family and friends. He also loves to play golf, watch every sport possible, read a good book, and is always, always learning.