Librarian 

School Nurse

My name is Carly Castaneda, and I’m so excited to be the nurse at Manuel Jara Elementary! I graduated from Tarleton State University with my BSN, and have been a registered nurse for 4 years.  I enjoy getting to know all of the students and making sure that they stay safe and healthy at school so that they can focus fully on their education.

School Secretary 

Bilingual Dyslexia Teacher

I  was born and raised in Fort Worth. I’ve taught at FWISD for 13 years. I earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and this summer I graduated with a Master’s degree in Education from Wayland Baptist University.  I love being part of the Manuel Jara Family!

Head Custodian

Attendance Clerk

Educational Diagnostician

My name is Ingrid Shadow and I am very happy to work as a counselor at Manuel Jara Elementary. I was a School Counselor at M.G. Ellis primary for 5 years and I taught at Alice D. Contreras Elementary for 12 years. Prior to becoming a teacher and school Counselor, I worked as a Social Worker and directed a holistic program at Manuel Jara.

I look forward to helping the students reach their academic, social, and emotional growth. I believe in the power of relationships and fostering a nurturing environment in which all students are able to grow in and learn.  I graduated with a B.S. and Masters’ in Social Work from Rutgers University and a M.A. in School Counseling from Amberton University. I am someone who loves to learn. I believe that learning should never stop! I live in Fort Worth with my husband and two adolescent daughters. 

My Favorites:

Travel: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Listen to  audio books (Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author)

Candy:  Dark Chocolate

Exercise: Power walking

Food:  Plant based meals/vegetarian

Past time: Watch movies with my family

Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist

Bilingual Dyslexia Teacher

I have over 10 years of experience in grades KG to middles school. I am a Dyslexia Teacher at Manuel Jara.  Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by a difficulty in learning to read, write or spell despite conventional instruction. As a dyslexia teacher my goal is to achieve early identification of students with dyslexia and to provide immediate intervention. My own personal goal is to make a difference in every child I meet.  I look forward to another productive year at MJE!  If you need assistance feel free to contact me at school.