MEET THE TEAM

JAMIE EVERETT 

Director of Career & Technical Education

Driven by a belief in the power of real-world learning, Jamie Everett has spent over 15 years helping students build the skills, confidence, and awareness needed for life after high school. She spent seven years as a CTE classroom teacher before serving eight years as Leander ISD's CTE Coordinator and Assistant Director, ultimately being named Director of Career and Technical Education in 2025. 

Throughout her time in LISD, Jamie has led district and campus CTE teams to support more than 250 teachers and thousands of students annually. She champions programs that prioritize both technical skill development and student safety, while ensuring equity and access to high-quality CTE opportunities for all students. In 2023, she was named National Safety Educator of the Year by CareerSafe for her leadership in creating safe, career-connected classrooms. 

Jamie is also a respected voice in the broader CTE community, serving on the CTAT Board of Directors and a national ACTE committee, and regularly participates in state, regional, and national conferences. She has previously served on the TEA CTE Leadership Committee and numerous district and local groups. Known for her steady leadership and student-first approach, she continues to push CTE forward in Leander ISD and beyond.

Email: jamie.everett@leanderisd.org.

MITZI POWELL

Assistant Director of Career & Technical Education

A longtime educator and campus leader, Mitzi Powell brings both deep experience and a personal passion for student success to her role as Assistant Director of CTE. A former classroom teacher, transition coordinator, and assistant principal at Cedar Park High School, Mitzi has spent her career helping students discover their passions and plan for life beyond graduation.

Before stepping into her current role, she served as LISD’s Career Development Coordinator, where she led efforts to expand career exploration into middle and elementary schools. Her background in both instructional leadership and postsecondary planning gives her a unique lens on what students need to thrive in a changing workforce.

Known for her student-first mindset and deep relationships across campuses, Mitzi is admired for her ability to inspire teams and foster meaningful connections. Her commitment to equity, opportunity, and personal growth continues to guide her work across the district as she helps shape the future of CTE in Leander ISD.

Email: mitzi.powell@leanderisd.org.

SARAH SPRADLING

Assistant Director of Work-Based Learning and Partnerships

Sarah Spradling brings a strong background in college and career readiness to her role as Assistant Director of Work-Based Learning & Partnerships. She began her career as an agriculture and speech teacher before transitioning into college and career advising, serving for over a decade as the College and Career Transition Coordinator at Vandegrift High School.

In 2023, Sarah joined the district CTE team as Work-Based Learning Coordinator, where she focused on building systems that connect students with meaningful real-world experiences. From supporting practicum teachers to cultivating business partnerships, she has played a key role in expanding work-based learning opportunities across Leander ISD.

Known for her approachable leadership style and passion for student success, Sarah continues to build strong bridges between classrooms and careers—ensuring every student has access to authentic, career-connected learning.

Email: sarah.spradling@leanderisd.org.

AVERY BARRERA

Career & Technical Education Coordinator

Avery brings over a decade of experience as a dedicated CTE leader, supporting administrators, teachers, and students in building strong, industry-aligned programs. Prior to joining Leander ISD, she served in CTE leadership roles at Bastrop ISD, Hays CISD, Pflugerville ISD, and on the CTE team at the Texas Education Agency.

She brings extensive expertise in Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs), accountability systems, CTE data, and Perkins grant compliance. With a strong foundation in instructional leadership, Avery has led large-scale professional development and developed TEKS-aligned curriculum across all 16 career clusters.

Before transitioning into education, Avery worked as a corporate recruiter for Bank of America, adding a valuable industry perspective to her work in public education. She holds a Business Education 6–12 teaching certification and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Southwest Texas State University.

Avery is an active member of the Association for Career and Technical Education and the Career and Technology Association of Texas. She’s passionate about growing CTE programs that equip students with real-world skills, meaningful credentials, and a strong foundation for future success.

Email: avery.barrera@leanderisd.org.

BLANCA GONZALEZ

Career & Technical Education Bookeeper

With a strong eye for detail and a passion for keeping systems running smoothly, Blanca Gonzalez joins the CTE team as bookkeeper, bringing a diverse professional background rooted in finance and service. She most recently served as the bookkeeper at Cedar Park Middle School, where she supported campus operations and gained firsthand experience with the financial rhythms of public education.

Prior to her time in education, Blanca worked as a legal secretary and bookkeeper for several law firms, as well as an administrative assistant in the District Attorney’s Office. These roles helped her build a strong foundation in process management, accountability, and operational support.

Blanca also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and brings a deep appreciation for the work happening in classrooms. She’s excited to support CTE programs across the district and is committed to ensuring that teachers and students have the resources they need to thrive.

Email: blanca.gonzalez@leanderisd.org.