Meet the Board

Heather Hennesey  is the Director of Early Learning for Fort Worth ISD.  She began her career in education as a classroom paraprofessional, then became a special education teacher, a PPCD teacher, an Instructional Coach and Elementary Administrator. She is a lifelong learner currently working on her Ed.D. in Education Policy and Leadership from Southern Methodist University.  She is proud to serve as the Past President of the TAASPYC Board and continue to be the Biggest Voice for the Littlest People.

Dr. Melanie Morgan has been in education for 17 years. She is a School Counselor at Menchaca Early Childhood Center in Southside ISD. She began her career as an elementary teacher then became an early childhood teacher, Instructional Coach, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and school counselor. She has a BA in Liberal Arts English, MA in Early Childhood & Elementary Education, and an EdD in Teacher Leadership. Dr. Morgan believes all children deserve the very best education and support. She recognizes children have limitless potential and is honored to help them discover the power within themselves. Her vast experience has allowed her to focus on the importance of early childhood education and believes the disparities between those who receive this foundational opportunity and those who do not are astounding. She is a passionate early learning advocate! Dr. Morgan is honored to serve on the TAASPYC Board as President and looks forward to collaborating with other early childhood professionals to share the importance of a strong early childhood foundation. 

Paul Kienlen has worked as an educator in several school districts for more than 20 years. He is currently principal of the North East ISD Pre-K Academy at West Avenue in San Antonio, TX. Recently, he completed his PhD program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at UTSA. He had the opportunity to open a new facility as an assistant director with Pre-K 4 SA. Dr. Kienlen has worked in other positions as a substitute teacher, classroom teacher, central office specialist, assistant principal, and adjunct professor with Texas A&M-San Antonio. He is also bilingual in English and Spanish. Dr. Kienlen has been married for over 20 years and has four children.

Sandi Yarbrough began her teaching career as an elementary coach where she learned how to inspire and support learners with making healthy choices - physically and mentally. She, then, became a special education teacher and instructional coach in early childhood. She learned the importance of differentiation and being an advocate for the youngest learners. With over 26 years of experience, and a master's degree in Administration and Leadership, her skills and knowledge have led her to her current role as a Prekindergarten Coordinator in Richardson ISD where she guides, facilitates, and oversees the least restrictive environment for an effective continuum of services in special education and general education for the youngest learners and their families. She believes in the power of high-quality foundational education for all students and encourages all staff to persevere and have the “grit” necessary to continue to believe in the future of students and of early education.

Barbara Triplett is the Instructional Specialist for Northside ISD. Her roles include supervising the instructional coaching and curriculum writing team for the PK/K department , overseeing instructional support for the early childhood classrooms across 82 elementary campuses, and managing instructional materials including inventory, purchasing, and replacement for all early childhood classrooms. She has spent her entire career as an early childhood teacher and now program director. She believes in inclusive practices that support all learners through playful experiences that advance the skills of all early scholars with a focus on preparing them to be life-long learners.

Dana Biddy is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction with Fueling Brains. She began her career in education as a prekindergarten teacher and has served as an elementary assistant principal, principal, district early childhood coordinator.  She has also served as the Director of Education for Head Start. She has a BS in Child Development, a MA in Early Childhood Education and a MEd in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She has enjoyed being part of TAASPYC and learning from her colleagues in early childhood.

Cecilia has been in education for over thirty years.  She began her career teaching in kindergarten, first, and second grades for over 15 years. She moved into administration as an assistant principal for six years, then was a principal for ten years in Denton ISD. Cecilia’s most recent role is the Early Childhood Director for Denton ISD where she is blessed to work with the best administrators, teachers, and students. 

Cecilia received her B.S. at the Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls with an Early Childhood Endorsement.  She continued with her education by obtaining her Masters from the University of North Texas. She is honored to serve on the TAASPYC Board and looks forward to collaborating with other early childhood professionals to share the importance of a strong early childhood foundation. 

During her spare time, Cecilia enjoys reading, running, and gardening.

VACANT

Area Representative - Central

Claudia has been in education for over twenty years. She began her career providing ABA therapy services to children with a diagnosis of autism and working with family members. She transitioned to teaching in New Mexico for the Gadsden Independent School District, where she taught students with special needs in the self-contained and inclusive setting. She has experiences teaching students with special needs ranging from 4 to 18 years or age. As the Autism Instructional Specialist for GISD, she initiated the parent group initiative to support services for families of children with special needs. After 12 years of working in New Mexico, Claudia moved to El Paso, Texas where she taught prekindergarten for 4 years as she pursued her certification in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education. Currently, Claudia supports early childhood initiatives as a Professional Development Consultant for the Educational Service Center Region 19 where she works with administrators, teachers, and community members. Claudia’s work is rooted in the belief that a great education is foundational to life success. 

Claudia received her bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of Texas at El Paso. She continued her education by obtaining her Master’s Degree in Severe Emotional Disturbance. She is grateful to serve on the TAASPYC.

Aleida is an experienced Bilingual Administrator with a demonstrated history of 20+ years of successful performance in the public education and leadership management industry. She is an effective, talented leader with strong interpersonal skills and top performance in Early Childhood Education, Head Start, Instructional Practices and Effective Coaching in Early Childhood / Elementary / Secondary Education, Grants Implementation, Literacy Development PK-12, Staff & Professional Development, Curriculum Design, Educational Technology and Partnership Collaborations. 

Shann Schubert has been serving children and families for over 30 years in childcare settings, an Early Childhood Intervention program, and public education, including Head Start and Prekindergarten.  Shann was a teacher for 19 years, but most recently serves as an instructional coach for two early childhood centers in Sherman Independent School District.  Shann completed her Bachelor of Arts at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and Masters of Education at American College of Education.  Shann continues to volunteer with programs supporting child and maternal health and well-being.  An avid lover of nature, Shann enjoys gardening, sailing, and her close circle of friends and family.  Shann is honored to support the work of TAASPYC and early childhood professionals from around the state. 

Felicia Sprayberry

Area Representative - East Texas

Beatris Mata has had a career in public education for 18 years.  Throughout her career, she has served as a Kindergarten thru 3rd grade teacher, Montessori teacher/trainer, an Instructional Facilitator, and Elementary District Math Coordinator. Her current role is the Early Childhood Director for Ector County ISD in Odessa, TX. 

“I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners!  Helping each child progress within each area of their development while “sparking a love for learning” is a goal I strive for each day!”

Joy Campbell has over 20 years’ experience as an Early Childhood Educator. She earned her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University. She has her certification in Pre-K-5 th Grade. Joy has taught and supervised in various early childhood education settings such as: Montessori, Regio Emilia, Public School, Corporate Child Care, and Non-Profit Centers. She has directed non-profit centers serving children 6 weeks to 6 years of age, as a Kindergarten teacher in Atlanta Public Schools, as the Program Coordinator at Bright Horizon serving children, as the Center Manager for a Head Start center at ChildCareGroup, Director of Children’s Services for Nexus Recovery, Early Head Start Child Care Partnership Manager and most recently as Early Director of Partnerships. She has trained Early Childhood professionals in several areas. Joy strongly believes every child can and wants to learn.

She is disheartened by the disparities in quality Early Childhood Education Programs. Subsequently she has made it her life mission to assist in closing the achievement gap by advocating for children to have exposure to quality early childhood programs and experiences. She has served as Co-President and VP of Public Policy on the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children as a member of the Board of Directors. She is currently a board member of the Texas Association of Administrators and Supervisors of Programs for Young Children. She is endorsed through the internationally recognized credential for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health. 

Joy is also a proud Promising Emerging Leader through the Exchange Leadership Initiative. Joy passionately believes in Marian Wright Edelman’s mantra that “service is the rent we pay for living”.

Rick Lozano is an accomplished professional with over 40 years of experience in the educational industry. He currently serves as the Regional Vice President of Texas for Lakeshore Learning Materials, providing educational resources to schools and teachers that spark the joy of learning. Based in Houston, Texas, Rick has been an integral part of the Lakeshore team for nearly three decades, having started as an intern at a distributor during his college years at the University of Houston Clear Lake.

Rick's passion for education extends beyond his professional endeavors. In addition to his work at Lakeshore, he supported TAASPYC from its initiation and has been an active member of the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) and the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC).

With his extensive experience and dedication to supporting students, teachers, and schools, Rick Lozano is honored to continue to serve the Texas educational community.

Dr. Sharon R. Jackson is a life-long early childhood advocate and a seasoned professional with experience in public schools, military child care centers, Montessori, faith-based organizations and for profit settings. Her experience is deeply grounded in appropriate practice and respect for young children. In addition to TAASPYC, she has participated with United Way, country Child Welfare Board, the local TAEYC chapter and Scholastic Advisory Board to support and serve the young children in her community.

 Dr. Jackson received her PhD from Texas A&M University. She owns a consulting company, Early Essentials, and consults nationally to build quality and strengthen outcomes in the field of early childhood. She enjoys traveling with her husband, loving their sweet Cocker Spaniels and celebrating their eight incredible grandchildren every day! 

VACANT

Parliamentarian

VACANT

Executive Coordinator