Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Dr. Barbara Alexander

SEAS Teacher

Alma Mater: Grand Canyon University 

Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's degree, Doctoral Degree 

Certification: Special Education 

ROAR Success Criteria: It is my hope that students walk away everyday with something new they have learned.  

Biography: I am a mother of three adult children; one son, and two daughters. One of my best jobs is to be their mother. They are truly my jewels. I have two grandchildren, one girl and one boy, my other honor in life. My husband and best friend for 37 years, my best support. 

I have been in Special Education for about 20 years in total. I find this to be one of my callings in this life is to teach. My desire is to help at least one student find their way in life by planting a seed for them to become a lifelong learner. The one thing we all have to remember is; some plant the seed, some water the seed and some reap the harvest, and that is what I think we do as educators. It may not be about where they start, it is all about where they finish. 

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Downs

Alma Mater: University of Phoenix

Degree: Bachelor of Art in Psychology and Master of Science in Psychology

Certification: Qualified Mental Health Professional, Generalist Grades 4-8, English as a Second Language Supplement Grades 4-8

ROAR Success Criteria: I strive to educate students to respect themselves and others in a way that lifts each other up and creates a positive environment.

Biography: I was born and raised in Fort Worth and graduated high school from Fort Worth ISD.  I had three children then went on to get both my bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology. I taught English Language Arts and Reading for 7 years before finding a home with Natha Howell as a SEAS teacher.  Self-publishing two middle-grade novels was my hardest accomplishment of all. I live my daily life believing that children should be respected for whomever they are, so they have the confidence to succeed in anything they set their minds to do.

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Jylyn Hall

SEAS Assistant

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Heather Faaborg

Special Education Teacher
 
Alma Mater: Tarleton State University
 
Degree: Bachelor of Science
 
Certification: Early Childhood-6 Generalist, Special Education, and English as a Second Language
 
ROAR Success Criteria:  To me, success means growth in all aspects of life. Knowing more than you did when you arrived at school today. Growth doesn't always have to be learning a new math strategy or sounding out a hard word when reading. It can also look like someone who sits with a lonely kid at lunch, when someone invites a new friend to play tag on the playground, or helps clean up when the fun activities are over. Yes, we absolutely love it when our students grow their academic ROAR, but we also have to prepare our kiddos to be good humans before they leave Natha Howell.  
 
Biography: I have been an educator for 8 years. This is my 5th year at Natha Howell as a Special Education teacher. When I'm not at school, I like to relax, craft, make beaded jewelry and other objects. I love to hang out with my family, listen to music, and cook. I have 2 teenagers, and a wonderful husband. My family loves animals, and we have 4 cats. 

 

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Laurie Demel

Dyslexia Teacher

Alma Mater: Texas Wesleyan University and Concordia University of TX at Austin
 
Degree: B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading Emphasis, 
M.Ed. in Advanced Literacy
 
Certification: Elementary Education Grades 1-8, Reading Grades 1-8, English as a Second Language Grades 1-8, Master of Education in Advanced Literacy
 
ROAR Success Criteria:   I want my students to soar in their reading abilities, to understand
that their differences are unique and that's what makes them exceptional people.
 
Biography: I have been teaching for 25 years in Fort Worth ISD and I have enjoyed 
working with the students that I have had and currently have.  I believe I have found the 
corner that I need to be in, because I have always had a passion for teaching students who
struggle with reading the most.  I am an avid reader myself and I want my students to
experience the joy of reading as I do.  Besides reading, I enjoy spending time
with my local family and my Mississippi family, my kitties, Blue and Jack, and watching movies

 

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Jeanette Smith

School Psychologist
 
Alma Mater:
University of Houston at Victoria 
 
Degree-
Master of Art (MA) in Psychology 
 
Certification:
Licensed Specialist on School Psychology (LSSP)
 
ROAR Success Criteria-   
I would love to see students expressing themselves clearly; regulating their emotions; and treating each other respectfully and kindly. 
 
Biography-  
This is the beginning of my 11th year as a school psychologist. I entered the field wanting to make a difference in student's lives and continue to strive for that. Every child is different, and my hope is that I can identify those amazing differences to help the staff turn them into incredible strengths for our students. When not working, I love to read, watch my daughter on the soccer field, play with my loveable labrador, and I eat whatever my husband decides to grill for us.  I am very family oriented and this is what I have found at Natha Howell. There is no better family than the Wildcat family. Here I have found nothing short of exceptional educators that build incredible relationships with their students and their families. I look forward to another amazing year at Natha Howell!

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Ashley Wood

Speech Language Pathologist

Alma Mater: University of Texas at Dallas 

Degree: Master of Science in Communication Disorders 

ROAR Success Criteria: My goal is for students to feel that the speech room is a safe space for learning and practicing strategies. I also expect them to share their ideas and spread kindness.  

Biography: Hello! I received a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas. I am passionate about learning how culture shapes communication in addition to early language development. In the speech room, my focus is helping students communicate effectively through developing new approaches and collaborating with student families and other professionals. I am always on the hunt for what works best for the kids as individuals. I love taking walks with my dog, listening to podcasts, and trying new plant-based recipes.