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Ariel Greco
Curtis, Granger, and Peterson Elementaries
I have a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in special education. I have worked in education for 11 years, previously as a behavior support teacher in a special education classroom. This is my fourth year as a behavior interventionist for NISD. I love working with kids and feel passionate about education!
Erica Engel
Schluter and JCT Elementaries
Worthington Middle School
Hi! I’m Erica Engel, and this will be my 3rd year as a behavior interventionist! I hold a Master’s in Social Work from UT Arlington and specialize in supporting students with emotional and behavioral needs. I work closely with students, families, and staff to create individualized behavior plans and help build positive classroom environments. I also support teachers with behavior management strategies to help all students succeed.
Matt Barton
Chisholm Trail Middle School
I am in a Master’s program for Special Education: ABA. I have worked as a Behavior Interventionist for 3 years and spent several years working with developmentally disabled adults before this. Much of my experience is working with aggressive individuals and those that struggle with communication.
Malinda Garrett
Prairie View Elementary
I have 14 years of experience in education and have spent the past year working as a behavior interventionist. I have a bachelor's in psychology and a Master of Science with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Jim Bolton
Lance and Daniel Elementaries
Steele High School
I am a graduate of Baylor University in the field of Social Work with a specialization in mental health. I have twenty-two years of experience working in the mental health field as a clinician, treatment team leader, Director and Regional Director of services. I worked as a Special Education Teacher for two years in Castleberry ISD in Fort Worth. I feel privileged to be a Behavioral Intervention Specialist for Northwest ISD and have the opportunity to assist children with reaching their full potential.
Debbie Becerra
Peterson Elementary School
I currently have a Master’s degree in Special Education, obtained from the University of Texas Permain Basin. I have 13 years of experience as a special education teacher servicing students with a wide range of needs and ability levels, across various environments such as self-contained units and instructional resource. I am excited to begin a new chapter in my profession as a Title 1 Behavior Interventionist for Northwest ISD! I have a passion for helping students succeed and utilizing their skills to promote growth and independence socially, academically, and emotionally.
Sabrina Schoenewald
sabrina.schoenewald@nisdtx.org
Hughes Elementary
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Texas (Hook 'em!) and am currently pursuing a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have 2 years of experience as a Behavior Interventionist in NISD, during which I’ve supported students as an MTSS BI and at a Title 1 campus. Additionally, I have three years of experience as a Behavior Therapist in a clinical setting, where my passion and expertise primarily focused on supporting elementary-aged children and their families.
Melissa Nance
Berkshire Elementary
Adams Middle School
Eaton High School
I have a degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Before I began working in the school system, I spent time in social services and worked part-time as a 911 dispatcher for ten years. Those experiences really shaped my passion for helping others, especially students who have faced trauma, crisis, or mental health struggles. I truly love being able to support them—and their teachers—as they navigate both the challenges and successes of the school day.
Melissa Mendez
Clara Love Elementary
I have a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with a minor in sociology from the University of North Texas. I also have a Master's of Science in Applied Psychology from Tarleton State University. Since then, I worked in an adult mental health facility for 3 years. After that, I left to work in an ABA clinic for 3 years. Now I am here at Northwest ISD as a Behavior Interventionist. Kids are my passion, and I love making a difference in their lives daily.
Lisa Mankoff
Perrin and Hatfield Elementaries
Pike Middle School
Hi! My name is Lisa Mankoff, and I am proud to a part of the NISD Behavior Interventionist team. I hold a degree from The University of Oklahoma (BOOMER SOONER) in Elementary Education. I have 16 years of experience in both education and behavior. I am truly passionate about supporting children, parents, and teachers through challenging situations. I believe that all students are capable of being successful in a collaborative, compassionate learning environment.
Keyra Simmons
Carter, Seven Hills, and Prairie View Elementaries
Wilson Middle School
Hello, my name is Keyra Simmons, and I am a bilingual licensed social worker proudly serving as a Behavior Intervention Specialist at NWISD. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, I began my career after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Nyack College in 1999, followed by a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University in 2009. I obtained my LMSW in 2012 and have since worked in a variety of roles, including medical social work, child protective services supervision, and school social work.
Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about working with children and families as both a social worker and psychotherapist. In August 2024, I relocated to Texas with my 15-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son to be closer to my adult son, his wife, and their newborn son. While I had a thriving and fulfilling career in NYC, this move has been a true blessing.
Since joining NWISD, I’ve found not only a professional home but also a supportive and welcoming community. I’m excited about the meaningful work I do here and look forward to continuing to grow alongside the students, families, and staff of NWISD.
Stephanie McDonald
Haslet and Sendera Ranch Elementaries
Medlin Middle School
Hey, y'all! Behavior is my jam! I can't believe I'm already finishing my 23nd year in education. I've worked with all grade levels, K–12—and I love them all! I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner), but I made it to Texas as fast as possible. These days, my main focus is equipping teachers with practical tools and strategies to help support our students. I also work directly with students who need a little extra support to thrive. Every kid's got magic in them-sometimes they just need a little help finding the wand.
"If you feel safe and loved, your brain becomes specialized in exploration, play, and cooperation. - Bessel Van der Kolk
Shanea Branch
Cox and Roanoke Elementaries
Byron Nelson High School
I am a behavior intervention specialist with 24 years of experience in education. I hold a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Arkansas Pine Bluff and a master's degree in Education with a major in Special Education from Texas Woman's University. My experience includes teaching kindergarten, first grade, and special education. My collaborative approach emphasizes building strong partnerships with educators, families, and support teams to create positive, inclusive learning environments for all students. Together we can help cultivate difference makers!
Shannon Gibson
Nance Elementary
Chisholm Trail Middle School
Northwest High School
I have a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Texas Woman's University, and a master's in Social Work with a focus on child and family studies from The University of Texas in Arlington. I have been licensed as a master social worker since 2015. My school-based experience includes working as a school social worker, special education adjustment counselor and behavior interventionist for all age and grade levels including pre-K through seniors in high school.
Lynley Phillips
Beck and Lakeview Elementaries
Tidwell Middle School
I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Child Psychology and bring over two decades of experience in the fields of education and behavior. I have served in diverse roles, including special education teacher, parent coach, and professional speaker, consistently demonstrating my expertise in behavior intervention and dedication to promoting positive outcomes for children with developmental and behavioral challenges.
Deanna Rabalais
Love, Hughes, and Justin Elementaries
I am thrilled to be a part of Northwest ISD. With 24 years of experience as a special education teacher, the majority of which have been spent in behavioral settings, I am deeply passionate about supporting students who face challenges. My goal is to teach them essential strategies and life skills that will empower them for future success. I have received extensive training in crisis management, de-escalation, and trauma care. Above all, I want my students to remember me as someone who was helpful, who loved them unconditionally, and who brought them joy when they needed it most.
Jamessia Steele
Seven Hills Elementary
Hi! I’m Jamessia Steele, an educator, leader, and lifelong learner with a heart for students and a mind for strategy. I hold a B.S. in Biology, an Master's of Public Health in health management in policy, and I’m currently a Doctoral Candidate in Organizational Leadership. For the past 10 years, I’ve served in NISD as a self-contained behavior teacher, department chair, and behavior interventionist—each role deepening my commitment to building supportive, effective learning environments. Everything I do is guided by the simple motto: Kids come first. That belief fuels my work, drives my research, and keeps me focused on what truly matters—helping every student feel seen, supported, and set up for success. Whether I'm leading teams, supporting behavior intervention strategies, or advocating for equity in education, I show up with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to helping every student thrive.
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