About Hope

Education & Experience

Having completed a BS in Psychology at the University of Houston in 1995, I immediately re-enrolled in the College of Education for the courses I needed to become a teacher. My career began in a first grade classroom and I made the switch to special education my second year.

In 2001, while teaching in Lubbock ISD, I completed a Master’s in Education, Counselor Education, at Texas Tech University. I was permitted to complete the coursework and practical experience necessary for school and community counseling.

After moving to New York City and teaching at the middle school level, I enrolled in and completed my Advanced Certification in Educational Administration at the College of St. Rose. Upon leaving the classroom, I served as Deputy Network Leader, Student Support Services for a group of 25 NYC Public Schools as well as an Interim Assistant Principal at a NYC high school.

Life brought me back to Houston in 2012 and I returned to the classroom as a special education teacher. In November 2019, I accepted the role of Director of Special Populations, KIPP Texas Public Schools, Houston.

Currently, I am a Lecturer and Program Administrator for the M.Ed. in Special Populations at the University of Houston.

Certifications & Coursework

• University of Houston, Ed.D. in Special Populations, Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (Dissertation defended April 10, 2023)
• Educational Diagnostician (TX)
• Elementary Education, Grades 1-6 (TX)
• Special Education, PK-12 (TX & NY)
• Educational Administration: District & Superintendent (NY – expired)
• Institute for Multisensory Education (2008)
• Orton-Gillingham, Beginner & Advanced, Ron Yoshimoto (2009)
• Neuhaus Education Center (2012)