Hi! My name is Mrs. Garciadiaz and I will be your child's art teacher! My goal is to inspire a lifelong love of art in every one of my students. I live here in Fort Worth with my husband of 21 years, two children, and three fur babies. I love to travel, kayak, go hiking, and try new resturants. I am also a Photographer and seamstress, art has been a way of life for me in all aspects of life.
"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." - Edgar Degas
I am thrilled to begin my 18th year at Texas School of the Arts as Director of the Dance program. I have been teaching for 30 years in various studios as competition director, studio director, and choreographer, and dance faculty. I hold a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance, magna cum laude, from the University of Arizona. After graduation, I became a professional dancer with reputable modern and contemporary dance companies such as Center Dance Ensemble, Arizona Dance Group, Stiletto Entertainment, and KLYNN Productions. I danced as a cast member for Holland America Cruise Lines where I traveled all around the world and appeared in a music video for singer/artist Michael Montoya (SONY) and a commercial for Holiday Inn. I love to travel to foreign countries and spend time with my husband and two kiddos (Allison-14 and Andrew-12).
I am so excited to begin my 5th year here at TeSA! I previously taught Music at West Foundation Elementary in Wichita Falls where I grew up and my family imparted a love of music to me. I was drawn to teaching music after watching my parents teach others. Throughout my entire life my main performing areas have been Music and Opera Theatre as well as in Choir and Orchestra. My favorite roles performed while in Wichita Falls are Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Bruce Ismay in Titanic the Musical, and Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd. I also spent time in the Bravo community chorus in Wichita Falls as well. I graduated from Midwestern State University with a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance with Teaching Certification. This school year is a wonderful opportunity for everybody to grow together, and I hope to share the joy of music with all of my students.
Time flies when you are having fun! I am honored to begin my 7th year at Texas School of the Arts as the Theatre Director. I grew up in Tyler, TX before transferring to Texas Christian University to finish my studies and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. I've directed and music directed numerous children's productions in Tyler and the Metroplex such as Matilda Jr., Aladdin Jr., Finding Nemo Kids!, and Beauty and the Beast Jr.! When I am not teaching or directing, you will find me performing! I recently played Grace Farrell in Annie. Some of other notable credits include Maria in The Sound of Music, Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, Mary Hatch Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life, and Sarah in Guys and Dolls.
My name is Page Burkhalter and this will be my 10th year at Texas School of the Arts as the Physical Education teacher. My students call me Coach B. As the P.E. teacher, I hope to inspire and encourage students to move their bodies each and every day. While I love physical activity, my background is rooted in a deep love of Music, Art and Theatre. I attended Navarro College with scholarships for Cheer and Music, and was a nationally ranked Navarro College Cheerleader, as well as a member of the Chorale, Show Choir, Theater, Student Government and the College television station. I earned an Associate of Arts in Radio/Television. Next, I attended The University of Texas at Austin and was also a cheerleader (Hook ‘em Horns!) and member of the Women’s Chorale. Ultimately, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with a Government minor from Texas Woman’s University, graduating summa cum laude. I was on the Dance Team and part of the student run television station. I earned my teacher certification in Physical Education from Texas A&M Commerce as part of a Masters’ Degree in Education. I’ve also received over ten fitness certifications in a variety of areas including a personal training specialist certification from The Coopers Institute in Dallas, Texas. Throughout my life, I have continued to perform in numerous choirs, community theaters and musical theater productions. My love of all Fine Arts and physical activity makes TeSA the best fit for me! I can’t wait to get to know you this year.