7th/8th LAFO

Sergeant First Class (Ret) John C. Donaldson Sr. was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He began his military service as a quartermaster in1996 with the Texas Army National Guard. He chose to serve with the National Guard primarily to defend and support the homefront. After changing military occupations from food service to religious support, he served overseas and on homeland security missions. Deployments overseas include: Iraq(2008) and Afghanistan(2012). Homeland security mobilizations include: San Antonio, Lackland Air Force Base(2003), the Border(2014), and Fort Hood(2018). After completing twenty-three years of military service as of January, 2020 he decided to retire, redirecting his energy toward the betterment of youth and their education.

He holds an Associates degree in business from Tarrant County College and a Bachelors degree in applied technology and performance improvement (corporate training) from the University of North Texas at Denton.

SFC Donaldson as a citizen soldier spent most of his civilian activities working in the non-profit arena. He is an executive director and community engagement specialist, supporting and developing causes related to youth, fathering and the family as a whole.

SFC Donaldson has fourteen siblings and attributes his resilience, creativity and work ethic to the challenges he faced growing up in South Dallas. He and his wife Sheena have enjoyed over thirty years of holy matrimony. They have two adult children and a three-year old granddaughter.

Petty Officer First Class (PO1) LeBoeuf was born in Wiesbaden, Germany. His father served in the U.S. Army, causing him to live in a variety of places across the country - such as New Jersey, Maryland, Maine, and Texas. PO1 spent most of his childhood in York, Maine and moved to Texas in 2002; where he graduated High School at North Crowley HS.

Shortly after graduating, Petty Officer LeBoeuf joined the U.S. Navy Reserves in 2006 and trained as a Military Police Officer (Master at Arms). Since his tenure in the Navy Reserves, he has spent the majority of his time at NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX. He has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Other temporary duty stations include Great Lakes, IL, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio TX, Fort Bliss El Paso, TX, Gulfport, MS, Panama City, Florida, and NAF Atsugi, Japan. PO1 is still actively serving in the Navy Reserves on a part time basis.

PO1 LeBoeuf holds an associates degree and a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College in General studies, with minors in Psychology and Education. He is certified in Health and Physical Education and has taught JCC at Forest Oak Middle School since 2016.

Petty Officer LeBoeuf is married to his wife Davielle of 11 years, and has two young children, Arielle (5) and Ryan (9 mo.) They reside in Burleson, TX and love to spend their time watching sports and playing games.

My name is Roderick Davis, and this is my second year at LAFO. My undergraduate degree is from the University of Nothing Texas, and I am entering my 5th year of teaching. I love having an opportunity to teach, learn from, and grow with students as well as the awesome staff at LAFO. I look forward to an amazing and interesting new year!

Hello, I’m Mrs. Navas and I can’t wait to be your art teacher this year!

I was born and raised in Texas and have lived in DFW since I was 4, so this truly is home for me. My husband and I have 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a huge soft spot for animals. In May of 2017 I graduated with a Bachelors in Fine Arts with a concentration in Art Education from the University of a Texas at Arlington and it is the best decision I ever made. I have always loved creating and making art ever since I could hold a pencil and I am so glad I followed my passion so I can share and create with you! “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” -Pablo Picasso

My name is John Gee and this is my first year at LAFO. I have a degree in art and ten plus years of experience in education. I appreciate the opportunity to teach, learn, and grow with the students and staff at LAFO. I look forward to a productive and interesting school year.

Welcome to a new year! I am in my 23rd year of teaching, 4th year at LAFO, but this is my first year as a full AVID teacher. (first time not teaching science in the school year). I am looking forward to learning and growing with my new students this year. While I am not new to AVID as a whole I am new to being the AVID facilitator.

Bachelor’s from Barnard College, Columbia University

Master’s from Thunderbird School of Global Management @ Arizona State University

Post-graduate hours, University of Texas @ Arlington

I live with my husband Bill (human), Charlie (Dutch shepherd), and Jack (Dutch shepherd, black Labrador mix.)

My hobbies include walking, hiking, yoga and reading.

What make me happy: good coffee, dark chocolate, dogs, beaches and the mountains

My name is Brittany Haywood, and this will be my fourth year teaching in FWISD, ninth year teaching overall. I am excited to begin teaching middle choir again after teaching high school choir for the past seven years. I graduated manga cum laude from Baylor University and earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in Choral Music with piano concentration. I currently serve as a part-time accompanist at First Presbyterian Church Duncanville. I have performed professionally with the Dallas Symphony Chorus and Voices of Fort Worth. Playing cards of any kind and singing with others are my favorite hobbies. I love spending time with my husband, who is also a musician, and my dog Cocoa.

Mr. Nguyen received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. As a clarinet performer he was able to study under Dr. Carol Jessup and Mrs. Deborah Fabian who is currently the concertmaster for the Dallas Wind Symphony. Mr. Nguyen was also under the direction of Dr. Douglas Stotter while in the Wind Ensemble as well as Dr. Clif Evans in the Symphony Orchestra during this time. During his years in the UT Arlington Maverick Marching Band Mr. Nguyen served as Drum Major under the direction of Mr. Matthew Luttrell. Notable performances during this time include performing at the Cowboy's Stadium in 2009, performing at the Winspear Opera House in 2011, and performing at the 2012 TMEA with the UT Arlington Wind Ensemble.

Mr. Nguyen will be entering his 8th year of teaching in public schools. Prior to his time in FWISD, Mr. Nguyen has spent his time teaching in Aldine ISD, Arlington ISD, and Mesquite ISD.

Mr. Nguyen is a member of Texas Music Education Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, the International Clarinet Association, an alumni of Tau Beta Sigma, and had the opportunity to march trumpet at Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps.

Mr. Nguyen currently resides in Carrollton, TX with his wife Caitlyn and their son Samuel and daughter Emily.

Get Ready LAFO Lions! We are going to make MIGHTY art with a MIGHTY heart. I believe in you and your ability to create awesome art. Please show up ready to explore, experiment and express your creativity. I am blessed to be returning for my 3rd year with LAFO as well as being the wife of AJ, a mother of 5, a pet-mama to 4 horses, 2 dogs and 1 cat plus a graduate of Texas A&M University. I always remind students to try their best and see what happens. Let's go Lions!

Leedonna Haynes is the dance teacher for LAFO. For 11 years, she has trained and taught dancers of all levels in ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and more. She has taught at various dance studios and coached competitive dancers. Leedonna received a BA in Dance and a minor in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas. Leedonna has a passion for dance and has been dancing since the age of 4. She has danced competitively and with regional professional dance companies. She is also an AFAA certified fitness instructor and NASM personal trainer. Above all, Leedonna believes that dance should be fun and accessible to all.

Mr Gossett received a BA in Physical Education from Sam Houston University. He has been in education for 18 years. He enjoys bike riding and outdoor sports.

Greetings, I’m Ms. Tezeno!

I’m a native of Fort Worth. I received my undergraduate degree from University of Texas in Arlington. This my 8th year teaching and my 4th year at LAFO. I believe that physical education is important because it sets the foundation for an active and healthy life.

I have been a teacher for 2.5 years. Prior to becoming a teacher I was a police officer for 24.5 years. I am 53 years old and I have 3 daughters 1 son and 1 granddaughter. I received my degree from the University of Texas in Arlington. I have a true passion for physical fitness and have always wanted to get into coaching. I am truly looking forward to a great year here at Forest Oak Leadership Academy.

Larry Evans Sr. is a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, (C. Veteran) USAF Social Studies certified teacher and football/basketball coach in the district for 18 yrs. AS in Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force, BS in Criminal Justice Southern University New Orleans and a BA in History from Texas Wesleyan University.