Daggett Montessori
Faculty
Support Staff
Office Staff
Laura Garza - Financial Secretary
Education: Associates Degree in Accounting
Experience: 24 years
Why I Work in Education: The creativity we all bring to our atmosphere. Creating as one body a safe and positive learning setting for our future leaders. The Montessori Education has taken each child and transformed them into a unique person and when those students come back to share their accomplishment it brings a joy to my heart to know that our DMS family had a part in that.
Fun Fact: I have 5 children all grown and graduated. One granddaughter (Haleijah) and seven grandsons (Jayzzal, Elijah, Isaiah, Arthur, Jovanni, and Ezra) who I think I love more than my own grown kids. I married my high school (Paschal) sweetheart, Erick. I’ve always wanted to go skydiving.
Samuel Hugie - Campus Monitor
samuel.hugie@fwisd.org
Mary Salas - SOC Secretary
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mary.salas@fwisd.org
Nurse
Trista Bachand - Nurse
Education: B.S. in Biology from the University of New Mexico; Masters in Nursing from DePaul University
Experience: I started my career on a cardiac care unit in Chicago, followed by clinical research at Baylor Research Institute and joined DMS as a school nurse in 2017.
Why I Work in Education: It is fun interacting with the range of ages we have at DMS. I also enjoy being a part of public health and helping students and families feel healthy and happy.
Fun Facts: I have a wonderful husband, two amazing daughters, two yappy mini schnauzers, and two squeaky guinea pigs.
Library
Kristi Stevens - Librarian
Education: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from University of Texas at Arlington and a Master's in Library Information Systems from Texas Woman's University.
Experience: I began my career as a second-grade teacher at WJ Turner in FWISD. I taught there for 3 years before teaching third grade for seven years. I became a librarian in 2007 and have loved it ever since.
Why I Teach: Being able to see the enjoyment of students when they find the right book or helping them become effective users of information is the reason I am a librarian.
Fun Facts: I have two sweet dogs named Layla and River. I have taught for Mr. E at 3 different schools in Fort Worth ISD and Mansfield ISD. Audiobooks are my new love.
kristi.stevens@fwisd.org
Counselor
Erin Norman - Counselor
Education: B.S. in Communication Disorders from Stephen F. Austin State University; M.S. in Professional School Counseling from Angelo State University with a certificate in Academic Advising
Experience: I taught for 7 1/2 years! (All 7 1/2 years at DMS, two years as reading/enhanced math and then 5 years as 7/8 Social Studies and I loved it!) I have been the counselor at DMS for 3 years.
What I love about School Counseling: I always knew I wanted to work with kids, and I love that every day I have the opportunity to have a positive impact on someone's life.
Fun Fact: My best friend is my puppy dog Trot. I wish he could come to school with me!
Demo Teacher
Sarah Jordan - Demo Teacher
Education: B.S. Elementary Education with a minor in English from Texas Wesleyan College; Masters of Art in Montessori at Dallas Baptist University.
Experience: I have been teaching for 42 years. I have taught First, Second, Third, and Fourth grade. I have also taught 3, 4, and 5 year olds.
Why I Teach: What I love about teaching is ... each day I learn something new!
Fun Fact: My first teaching job was teaching Kindergarten on Guam.
sarah.jordan@fwisd.org
Cafeteria Staff
Custodians
Teachers
- Kindergarten/1st Grade
- 1st/2nd/3rd Grade
- 4th/5th Grade
- 6th/7th/8th Grade
- Special Education
- Specials
- Teaching Assistant
Kindergarten/1st Grade
Kristin Westhoff - Kindergarten
Education: I graduated from Midwestern State University. I have a BS in inter-disciplinary studies a minor in English and an endorsement in early childhood. I am GT certified. I am ESL endorsed. I completed my 2+ years of Montessori 3-6 training at Southwestern Montessori in Southlake.
Experience: I have taught Montessori for 33 years. I did my first eight years at Como Montessori before transferring to DMS.
Why I Teach: I love inspiring curiosity, confidence, and kindness in my students - planting seeds that will grow far into their future.
Fun Facts: I am fueled by coffee, sunshing, and love for my two amazing kids. If I am not at the beach, you'll find me reading or at Pilates!
Crystal Robinett - Kindergarten
Education: B. S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M
Experience: 16 years as an educator; 14 years in Montessori - 10 years as a 1/2/3 teacher and 4 years in Kindergarten
Why I Teach: I teach to make a difference in students' lives. I want to ignite a passion for learning for a lifetime. I want to help students believe they can do anything.
Fun Fact: I lived in Italy for 2 years. I have gone scuba diving with sharks in the wild.
crystal.robinett@fwisd.org
Patricia Castillo - Kindergarten/First Grade
Education: Bachelor’s degree in elementary education at UTA
Experience: Over 25 years of experience teaching 3-6 year olds in Montessori schools in Fort Worth, two years as a third grade teacher, one year as a first and two years in Kindergarten only
Fun Fact: I’m originally from a small island in the Caribbean called Trinidad & Tobago. My family and I moved to Texas in 1994. I am married to a wonderful man, Harold and I have four wonderful children. I love to travel.
1st/2nd/3rd Grade
Alexis Ball - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education from Charleston Southern University; M.Ed. with a specialization in Montessori and Gifted and Talented Education from Southern Methodist University.
Experience: I taught 5th grade for 1 year. This is year 8 in 1/2/3 Montessori!
Why I Teach: I want to be a safe place for students. The growth I am able to witness over the three years I have my students is a constant happy feeling for me.
Fun Fact: Mrs. Gonzales and I have taught next door to each other at 2 different schools and for 8 years!
alexis.ball@fwisd.org
Hanan Fares - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: B.S. from Texas A&M University, Masters from Texas Wesleyan University, 0-6 Montessori Certification (AMI) St. Nicholas University of London, 6-9 Montessori Certification (AMS) Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, Gifted and Talented Certification FWISD
Experience: 34 years in Montessori education
Why I Teach: Education is the surest way to world peace.
Fun Facts: When I was 11 years old, I traveled to Germany with my family and got lost in the Black Forest when we went on a day hike. I love horses and to throw pottery.
Tabitha Ferguson - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: I hold a BA in Business Administration and an MS in Developmental Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development.
Experience: I bring nearly ten years of experience in public education, beginning my career as a reading literacy aide before transitioning into the role of teacher.
Why I Teach: Whe I entered education almost a decade ago, I quickly discovered my passion for helping others reach their highest potential. I find great fulfillment in supporting young minds as they overcome barriers, build resilience, and learng to bounce back from adversity. I firmly believe that every child has the ability to learn and grow, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Fun Facts: I love exploring different cultural cuisines - Indian, Mediterranean, and even hidden local gems. My favorite color is orange, and I've always loved butterflies - they remind me of transformation and growth, which is why I connect so deeply with teaching and mentoring.
tabitha.ferguson@fwisd.org
Sarrah Friend - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: B.A. in Sociology from McMurry University
Experience: This is my first year in Montessori, but I have 5 years of second grade, 1 year of Kindergarten, 2 years of Special Education, and 6 years of early childhood.
Why I Teach: I became a teacher because I was the student who was behind in school, I was the student with several learning disabilities and a poor home life. If it wasn't for my amazing teachers pouring into me I can not imagine where life would have taken me. I teach to help normalize the idea of learning 'differences' and to be that person a student can see who has a learning difference like them but is successful and proud of what they are doing; even if it took me extra work to get here.
Fun Fact: I was in Color Guard in high school and college and even after...tenish years... I can still do most of my tricks. Two summers ago my son and I traveled to 22 states on one very long road trip.
sarrah.friend@fwisd.org
Natalie Gonzales - 1/2/3 Teacher
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natalie.gonzales@fwisd.org
Kari Keith - 1-2-3 Grade
Education: I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas. Rock Chalk!
Experience: Before completing my alternative certification and starting my teaching career, I worked in advertising and marketing for ten years. This is my tenth year as a lower elementary teacher at DMS. Prior to that I taught four years of PreK and one year with Mansfield ISD.
Why I Teach: It's all about the kids! They bring me so much joy, and I hope I do the same for them. In addition to the academics, I strive to provide a safe learning environment for every student so they feel empowered to reach their full potential.
Fun fact: I was born and raised in Kansas. I have two teenagers of my own.
Leila Itani - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in math from the University of North Texas. Montessori Certified from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies.
Experience: Overall I have taught 13 years. 11 years in a traditional classroom ranging from 3rd to 10th grade. One year in a Montessori 1st grade classroom. One year of teaching in a 1-2-3 Montessori Classroom.
Why I Teach: I enjoy working with children.
Fun Facts: I have traveled to 3 different continents.
Sandra Stallings - 1/2/3 Teacher
Education: Texas Woman's University
Experience: 25 years
Why I Teach: I want to help shape our future. I always wanted to be a teacher.
Fun fact: I am married with two college-age children.
sandra.stallings@fwisd.org
4th/5th Grade
Patti Smithhart - 4/5 Teacher
Education: Bachelors of Science in Home Ec and Kindergarten endorsement; Masters in Education from TCU
Experience: 34 years
Why I Teach: I enjoy watching children learn as they grow.
Fun Fact: I have been married for 44 years with 3 children and 2 grandkids.
Brooke Miller - 4/5 Teacher
Education: I doubled majored in Elementary Education and Anthropology with a minor in guitar from Guilford college.
Experience: I began teaching 23 years ago in North Carolina. My first job was at a public Montessori school where I taught lower elementary. After that, I taught 2nd and 3rd grade in traditional public schools until I moved to Fort Worth and found a job at DMS.
Why I Teach: I love seeing kids proud of themselves when they learn or master something.
Fun Fact: Because of my Anthropology major, I had the opportunity to work in other countries, such as Ghana in West Africa. I’m from Philadelphia and I love Philly cheesesteaks.
Tiana Vick - 4/5 Teacher
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Fun Fact: Ms. Fares was my mentor teacher and Mrs. Castillo taught across the hall from me at East Fort Worth Montessori.
tiana.vick@fwisd.org
Jacqueline Romero-Tilger - 4/5 Teacher
Education: I am a FWISD graduate of Arlington Heights, class of 2016. I graduated from the University of North Texas in 2021 with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a focus in Special Education! Go Mean Green! I have received my 9-12 Montessori education from Shelton Montessori Training in Dallas.
Experience: I began my teaching journey as a 2nd-grade teacher in Irving ISD. I came back home to Fort Worth and started teaching at Daggett Montessori in 2022 as a 4/5 teacher!
Why I Teach: Being the first in my family to graduate from college, I wanted to do something meaningful and helpful with my life. With the help of my AVID teacher in high school, I was able to find my way to teaching!
Fun Fact: I was a Montessori student from Kindergarten through 5th grade and I LOVE traveling!
jacqueline.romero@fwisd.org
Heather Taber - 4/5 Teacher
Education: Texas Wesleyan University. Go RAMS!
Experience: I started teaching in 2004 in Fort Worth ISD. I have taught science, social studies, math, reading language arts, resource, and Special Education.
Why I Teach: I work in education to help students with their dreams and goals for their future so that we may all have a brighter tomorrow.
Fun Fact: I was a certified scuba diver when I was 16. I have 7 chickens, 2 cats, 2 dogs, and a rabbit.
Kelli Williams - 4/5 Teacher
Education: TCU-BS in Elementary Education with a specialization in early childhood education, UTA- Masters in reading, math, and leadership
Experience: 28 years at Daggett Montessori teaching Kindergarten, 1st, 4th, and 5th
Why I Teach: I enjoy watching children learn and grow.
Fun Facts: I student taught at DMS, never taught anywhere else, and my own personal children attended DMS. I love watching sports but especially love playing golf.
6th/7th/8th Grade
Kelly Finney - 7/8 Social Studies
Education: I graduated with honors from Eastern Hills High School and went on to attend the University of Texas at Arlington, where I graduated Suma Cum Laude with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Experience: I am entering my 22nd years as an educator. I have taught in FWISD, at a charter school, and at a private school in grades first through eighth.
Why I Teach: Being an educator has its challenges, but the rewards far exceed them. The most rewarding part for me is building relationships with my students. Knowing that I get to plant a seed in their lives is so meaningful.
Fun Fact: I have three children, Camron, Aaryn, and Kyndal. My other children include a Golden Retriever, Tuck, and a Great Pyrenees, Jazzi, along with two cats, Tommy and Gypsy. I love to bake and decorate my house.
Jennifer Hollingsworth - 6 English & Social Studies
Education: B.S. in Education from Texas Wesleyan
Experience: I have been a teacher for 22 years teaching K-3 in a variety of self-contained, bridge, and departmentalized situations, all at Springdale Elementary. I have a BS in Education from Texas Wesleyan, and I am EC-6 and ESL certified.
Why I Teach: I love working with students and helping them to understand the world around them.
Fun Facts: I was campus teacher of the year in 2022, and I am a TIA Exemplary Teacher. Both of my children, Cristina and Cori, went to DMS and had amazing experiences.
Jennifer.Hollingsworth@fwisd.org
Raymond Heath - 7/8 Science
Education: Bachelor of Science in General Studies; Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Experience: 10 years
Why I Teach: I teach because I believe learning should be both engaging and meaningful. I aim to help students connect science to the real world.
Fun Facts: I was a barber for 14 years before teaching. My favorite place in the world is the Oregon Coast.
raymond.heath@fwisd.org
Erin Wattier - 6 Science & Math
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Michael Hatch - 7/8 English & English I
Education: Holds a B.A. in English from Tarleton State University
Experience: 25 years of teaching experience in both high school and middle school, 2007 FWISD Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English, 23-24 Campus Teacher of the Year.
Why I Teach: I love the power of literature and the influence it can have in the lives of young people. I love seeing students improve and grow in their reading, writing, and critical thinking.
Fun Facts: High school mascot is the Fightin’ Zebras. While backpacking in New Mexico, I was once within 15 feet of two black bears. I love to fish, visit historical sites, and hike.
Eric Newman - 7/8 Math & Algebra I
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Jennifer Whitman - Reading & Theater
Education: BA – Theatre from the University of Arkansas, MFA – Theatre from Brooklyn College City University of New York
Experience: I have 12+ years experience at Daggett Montessori and Paschall High School.
Why I Teach: I enjoy directing and teaching young people how to collaborate in order to create a piece of art.
Fun Facts: I had two callbacks to play Meryl Streep's daughter in Mother Courage in New York. I didn't get it, but I'll talk about it whenever you give me a chance.
I was in the Lower East Side Festival of Arts which assigned actors to scenes at different street corners. A woman above my designated street corner was tired of hearing my scene over and over so she threw vegetables out of her window at me. Ahhh...New York City!
Lori Zarate - Spanish, Reading, Technology
Education: BA Spanish; M.A. Modern Languages – Spanish Literature
Experience: I have been teaching for 19 years with FWISD and 17 years at DMS.
Why I Teach: It is what I have wanted to do since I was 5 years old. I do not know why – it is just my calling.
Fun Facts: I love football and hockey. I love dogs.
Special Education
Ruth Strayer - Dyslexia
Education: BS in Elementary Education, MA in Christian Leadership, ESL certified, a Certified Academic Language Therapist, and a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist
Experience: 29 years in teaching
Why I Teach: I love inspiring, encouraging, and challenging my students to achieve success.
Fun Facts: I love to spend time with my family, watch movies, and travel.
Kayla Gerred - Inclusion Specialist
Education: BA in English from University of Texas at Arlington; Masters of Education in Elementary Education with Montessori Emphasis from Oklahoma CIty University
Experience: 20 years
Why I Teach:
Fun Fact: I have an Etsy store that is my hobby. I love to travel to Cabo, Mexico every summer.
Cassie James - Inclusion Specialist
Education: BS in Special Education and History
Experience: 11 years
Why I Teach: To help students learn that they are capable of great things.
Fun Fact: I am a landscape designer on the side.
cassie.james@fwisd.org
Briceida Banks - Inclusion Specialist
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Kassandra Jaimes - Inclusion Specialist
Education: University of Texas at Arlington
Experience: 5 years as a special education/inclusion teacher
Why I Teach: I care very deeply about accessibility rights, and more than anything else, I love working with kids!
Fun Fact: I can say my ABCs backwards.
kassandra.dobbs@fwisd.org
Courtney Hunter - Speech Pathologist
Education: TCU with a Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology
Experience: This is my first year at Daggett Montessori and I love it!
Why I Do What I Do: I wanted to be a speech language pathologist because I love getting to watch students grow and realize their own potential!
Fun Fact: I just got married in July 2019 and my husband and I recently rescued a puppy from the Fort Worth animal shelter! Also, I was in the TCU Marching Band and played the clarinet! Go frogs!
Janel Flusche - Diagnostician
Education: Masters in Special Education from Stephen F Austin University
Experience: 20+ years as a 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade teacher and Special Education teacher; seven years as a diagnostician
Why I Teach: I decided when I was in 2nd grade that I would teach in a Montessori school.
Fun Fact: I have 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 4 chickens.
janel.flusche@fwisd.org
817-814-6347
Kristin McCoy - Speech Pathologist
Education: Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of North Texas
Experience: I have been working with children as a speech-language pathologist for almost 25 years.
Why I Teach: I love workign with kids and helping them find their voice!
Fun Fact: I love to draw illustrations. I wish I could travel more frequently. I have a dog named Joni (she is a little dog that is quiet and soulful, a bit like Joni Mitchell)
kristin.mccoy@fwisd.org
Melissa Marsalis - Dyslexia
Education: BS in Kinesiology, ESL certified, a Certified Academic Language Practitioner
Experience: 29 years in teaching
Why I Teach: I love helping and watching students learn and grow.
Fun Facts: I love to spend time watching movies, working out, and traveling.
melissa.marsalis@fwisd.org
Specials
Stephanie Reeder - Elementary & Middle School Art
Education: B.S. in Fine Arts from Pacific Union College in Agnwin, CA; M.A. in Art Education from University of North Texas
Experience: 12 years teaching elementary art at Springdale Elementary; 1 year teaching high school art foundations at Glendale High School in Springfield, MO; 5 years teaching art at Daggett Montessori
Why I Teach: I chose art education for two reasons. One because I love art. I knew I wanted to be an artist when I was in high school. Two because I wanted a meaningful career. I've chosen to stay in education because of my students. Teaching art is where my favorite things come together! Magic is what we create every single day and I'm here for it.
Fun Facts: I've backpacked solo in Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama. I'm a naturalist and love collecting shells, feathers, fossils, and sharks' teeth. Music from the 80's and 90's makes me happy. I played flute in middle school, was in honors choir in high school, and belonged to a vocal ensemble after college. I have 2 cats, 2 nephews, 2 nieces, and 350 kids.
stephanie.reeder@fwisd.org
Jenna Schickedanz - Elementary Physical Education
Education: I attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where I earned a Master of Science in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.
Experience: I taught 3 years of elementary Physical Education at Birdville ISD before coming to Daggett. I also taught 5 years of Kinesiology classes at the college level before leaving to work at the elementary level.
Why I teach: I love physical education and think it is extremely important for helping students learn healthy behaviors and skills that they will use throughout their lives.
Fun Fact: I ran 400-meter hurdles for Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.
Daisy Guerrero - Middle School Health & Physical Education
Education: B.S. in Kinesiology with a minor in Social Science and M.S. in Kinesiology and Adapted Physical Education from the University of North Texas
Experience: I am certified in adated physical education (CAPE). I have worked with students of all abilities in promoting physical activity.
Why I Teach: To help foster overall student development by improving physical fitness, building motor skills, and promoting healthy habits. Physical education can guide students in developing different life skills like teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Fun Fact: I ran a marathon.
daisy.guerrero@fwisd.org
Hope Seamster - Elementary & Middle School Music & Choir Director
Education: I graduated from the University of North Texas where I earned my first Bachelor’s degree in Education and a second Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in vocal performance. I went on to enroll in Texas Woman’s University where I earned my Master’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy and Vocal Performance.
Experience: I have taught all ages from K-12. I was in the regular education classroom for 10 years. I taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th grades and ESL. I was fortunate enough to teach private voice lessons for many years. I have spent 14 years teaching music. Eleven of those years include directing middle school choir. I've taught in many districts including Frisco, Birdville, and Keller ISDs.
Why I Teach: It is such a blessing to share my love of singing and music with students. My mother was a trained classical singer and a music educator. She had a passion for music. It is my hope that I am also able to pass on my love of music as she did. Music is balm for the soul that can heal and comfort you all of your life.
Fun Fact: I love to sing and read. I also enjoy traveling. Animals make me smile. I have 3 cats that entertain me.
Kristi Strother - Middle School Band
Education: Bachelors of Music Education, Instrumental Emphasis; Minor in English Composition, Certifications in Music (K-12); Music (Secondary); Generalist (4-8); Supplementary ESL
Experience: 24 years of service in Music Education; 1 year of service in English Language Arts
Why I Teach: I teach because i enjoy the process of learning and sharing that with my students. There is nothing better, to me, than celebrating the growth of my students throughout the year.
Fun Fact: I have taken up potter for fun, have two cats, and enjoy visiting National Parks.
kristi.strother@fwisd.org
Antonio Regalado - Middle School Orchestra
Education: I graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in music education and performance.
Experience: I have 11 years experience.
Why I Teach: I teach orchestra to help students discover the joy of making music together, to develop discipline and creativity, and to give them a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Ochestra builds teamwork, resilience, and confidence while allowing each student to contribut their unique voice to something bigger than themselves.
Fun Fact: I have a Great Dane named Kay, and I like to travel.
antonio.regalado@fwisd.org
Daineen McFadden- Elementary & Middle School Art
Education: BFA in Art Education UT Arlington
Experience: 13+ years Montessori and Traditional Early Childcare; Art Educator since 2018
Why I Teach: I enjoy witnessing the growth of each child and the A-Ha moments they experience as they discover new skills and techniques.
Fun Fact: I am writing and illustrating my own children's book.
Teaching Assistant
Elizabeth Contreras
elizabeth.contreras@fwisd.org
Cami Leonard
cami.hickey-leonard@fwisd.org
Guadalupe Dobbs
Sarah Mason - PE Assistant
Education: Tarrant County College
Experience: I have been at DMS in some capacity for over 10 years.
Why I Work in Education: I love working with kids!
Fun Facts: I have 2 daughters who have gone to DMS!
sarah.mason@fwisd.org
Tila Martinez
Candida Sangsvang
candida.sangsvang@fwisd.org
