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Gayla Baldacci - Teacher
Gayla has been a special education teacher with Fort Worth ISD since August 2001 and this is her 7th year teaching at Jo Kelly School. She has been married for eleven years and her family lives in Fort Worth. Gayla has two children who keep her busy and active.
"The grass may look greener on the other side, but you never know what is truly going on with someone else and within their lives. Be Kind and take time to understand"
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Tracy Beams -Teacher Assistant
Tracy has been married for 29 years and has 2 children. Her son Jordan works for Oncor and daughter Allison is finishing up her degree at Texas Womens in Education. She has one Grand Son.
Tracy has been in FWISD for 20 years and here at Jo Kelly School for the last 16 years.
"Jo Kelly has the best students. I am very fortunate to be here. And I Love my Job!!"
"For we live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
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Michelle Black - Teacher
Shelly grew up in Kansas City and came to Texas to attend TCU. She graduated in 1989 with a degree in elementary education with a specialty in special education. She was hired by FWISD and began teaching at Jo Kelly in the fall of 1989. She is married and has one son who is a graduate from Trinity University.
"I feel blessed to be here at Jo Kelly teaching these students. Not everyone gets the chance to have their dream job"
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Adam Chittum - Teacher Assistant
"Adam came to Fort Worth from the Kansas City area last year. He has been working with the special needs population for over 25 years. His sister-in-law Jayne has Rett Syndrome and is his favorite person in the world! (just don't tell her sister/his wife)
Adam and his wife Jill, have 3 cats- Hank, Bandit, & Taco- that keep them extremely busy and entertained. Adam's hobbies include playing guitar and singing for money, eating chocolate ice cream, and taking naps- although not necessarily in that order.
FUN FACTS: Adam is a preacher's kid and got into a lot of trouble growing up. Moving to Texas marks the 8th state he has lived in as well as the 37th and 38th time he has moved (in his almost 43 years on earth.)"
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Caress Abrams - Teacher
Caress was born in Chicago Il. Raised in Arlington Texas, attended and graduated from Southern University A&M College, Baton Rouge LA. Caress Abrams, has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Sociology background and Texas Teacher Certification K-12 Special Education.
Her future educational goals are a Master of Education in Leadership form UTA. Mrs. Abrams worked has a Paraprofessional in Mansfield for three prior to joining the Fort Worth ISD team.
She has dedicated her life to her husband, children and community. Mrs. Abrams believes every child can shine with encouragement and promoting a developmental atmosphere.
“When you realize God’s purpose for your life isn’t just about you, He will use you in a mighty way.” DR. Tony Evans.
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Robyn Irizarry - Teacher Assistant
Robyn joined the Jo Kelly staff in August 2014. She has three sons (one with Down syndrome), one daughter and a grandson. Robyn is a fierce advocate for the special needs community.
Her favorite colors are purple and teal. She loves Jack in the Box ♥ tacos ♥ and the best snack is anything chocolate! Robyn enjoys playing bingo.
GO COWBOYS!
"Potential is not dependent upon IQ." - Special Olympics
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Mary McKinnie - Teacher
This is Mary McKinnie's seventh year of teaching and her third year teaching at Jo Kelly School and in FWISD. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus in Special Education from TCU. She has volunteered at Jo Kelly since she was a child. She loves purple, the TCU Horned Frogs, arts and crafts, and reading.
"I have always enjoyed the positive atmosphere on campus and it is a privilege to serve the kiddos and staff here.”
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Treasett Horner-Davis - Teacher Assistant of the Year
treasett.horner-davis@fwisd.org
Treasett worked with Pat Oliver before he retired, and continues this year in room #122 with Mary McKinnie.
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Kirstie Buggar - Teacher
Kirstie graduated From TCU in 2012 with a Bachelors in Child development but life led her on another path for a few years. She received her CNA certification in 2013 and had been working in the hospitals until she decided to start substituting in 2016. She found out she had a passion for teaching and loved working with the special needs population so she started the path to getting her teaching certification. She is extremely happy to be here and believes that her medical background makes her the perfect fit to work with the population of students here at Jo Kelly and she plans to be here for many years to come. When Kirstie is not here at school she is a wife and mom to three great kiddos and enjoys spending as much time as she can with her family.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
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Eileen Baze - Teacher Assistant/Web Manager
Eileen is a Teacher Assistant at Jo Kelly School. The 2020-2021 school year will begin her 23rd year of serving Jo Kelly. She worked primarily with the elementary students for the first 18 years. For the next four years she was the Floating Assistant and/or assigned as needed. Eileen is Jo Kelly School's Web Manager and has been for the last 3 years. "I believe the webpage is a great tool to illustrate to families and our community the unique educational program of Jo Kelly School."
In her spare time Eileen is a cyclist who loves gardening.
"By Perseverance the Snail Reached the Ark!"
