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Gayla Baldacci
Elementary Education - Teacher
My name is Gayla Baldacci and I have been a special education teacher with Fort Worth ISD since August 2001 and this is my 4th year teaching at Jo Kelly School. I have been married for eight years and we live in Fort Worth. We have two children who keep us 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
Assistant to Gayle - Elementary Education
I have been married 26 years. I have 2 children and I have one Grandson. I took my first cruise in October 2016. I have worked in the school district for 17 years, and worked at Jo Kelly for 13 years.
"Jo Kelly has the best students. I am very fortunate to be here. And I Love my Job!!"
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Michelle Black
Elementary Education - Teacher
Michelle 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 1 son graduating from Trinity University in May of 2017.
" 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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Robyn Irizarry
Assistant to Shelly - Elementary Education
Robyn joined the Jo Kelly staff in August 2014. She is a Mom to 3 sons and 1 daughter, a College Graduate, a Teacher Assistant, an Advocate for Down Syndrome, a Friend and a Child of God. Her favorite color is purple. Her favorite food is chocolate. Her hobbies include bingo, bowling and watching football...GO COWBOYS!
"Potential is not dependent upon IQ." - Special Olympics
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Debbie Croschere
Elementary Education - Teacher
Debbie first came to Jo Kelly as a Teacher of Visually Impaired Students. After three years visiting the campus several times per week, Debbie knew she wanted to be at Jo Kelly full - time. She joined the teaching staff as an elementary teacher in the fall of 2015. Before entering the field of Special Education, Debbie ran a fitness business on the West Side of Fort Worth.
" Jo Kelly is a joyful place for both teachers and students alike! To be a part of this enthusiastic staff is a privilege."
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Vanessa Swanson
Assistant to Debbie - Elementary Education
Vanessa has been a part of Jo Kelly School for 20 years, and with FWISD for 28. She has a 22 year-old son. Her mom and son mean the world to her and she is drawn to the children at Jo Kelly School.
"My calling is working with special needs children as well as the elderly."
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Pat Oliver
Elementary Education - Teacher
Pat has been teaching for 34 years, 31 of those at Jo Kelly School. He has experience working with children and adults with physical, mental and behavioral challenges.
"I've learned more at Jo Kelly School than I've learned in any other setting. I've been fortunate enough to be surrounded by colleagues who share their ideas and are always willing to help each other."
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Maria Arriaga
Assistant to Pat - Elementary Education
Maria originally joined teh Jo Kelly staff righ out of High School. She left Jo Kelly to join the military shortly after, and returned to Jo Kelly in 2015. Before returning to Jo Kelly, Maria worked for J.P. Elder Middle School Language Center, a receptionist for J&J Supply Inc., and in the U.S. Army Reserve.
"Working at Jo Kelly feels like home, and I plan to work here until the day I retire. I feel extremely blessed, and humbled to be able to work with so many great students and staff on a daily basis."
