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Ms. Downs

SEAS Teacher

Alma Mater: University of Phoenix

Degree: Bachelor of Art in Psychology and Master of Science in Psychology

Certifications: Qualified Mental Health Professional, Special Education Certification, Generalist Grades 4-8, English as a Second Language Supplement Grades 4-8

ROAR Success Criteria: I strive to educate students to respect themselves and others in a way that lifts each other up and creates a positive environment.

Biography: I was born and raised in Fort Worth and graduated from Southwest High School.  My husband of 12 years and I are proud parents of six children. One is a Rutgers University graduate and one a is University of Texas graduate.  We have one more currently attending Rutgers University. In addition, we  have five beautiful  grandchildren. I myself obtained both my bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology. I was in education for 7 years before finding a home with Natha Howell. I am so excited to begin my second year as a SEAS teacher and work alongside our amazing teachers and staff! It is my belief that children should be respected for whomever they are, so they have the confidence to succeed in anything they set their minds to do.

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Ms. Jylyn Hall

SEAS Assistant

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Mrs. Heather Faaborg

Special Education Teacher
 
Alma Mater: Tarleton State University
 
Degree: Bachelor of Science
 
Certification: Early Childhood-6 Generalist, Special Education, and English as a Second Language
 
ROAR Success Criteria:  To me, success means growth in all aspects of life. Knowing more than you did when you arrived at school today. Growth doesn't always have to be learning a new math strategy or sounding out a hard word when reading. It can also look like someone who sits with a lonely kid at lunch, when someone invites a new friend to play tag on the playground, or helps clean up when the fun activities are over. Yes, we absolutely love it when our students grow their academic ROAR, but we also have to prepare our kiddos to be good humans before they leave Natha Howell.  
 
Biography: I have been an educator for 8 years. This is my 5th year at Natha Howell as a Special Education teacher. When I'm not at school, I like to relax, craft, make beaded jewelry and other objects. I love to hang out with my family, listen to music, and cook. I have 2 teenagers, and a wonderful husband. My family loves animals, and we have 4 cats. 

 

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Ms. Laurie Demel

Dyslexia Teacher

Alma Mater: Texas Wesleyan University and Concordia University of TX at Austin
 
Degree: B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading Emphasis, 
M.Ed. in Advanced Literacy
 
Certification: Elementary Education Grades 1-8, Reading Grades 1-8, English as a Second Language Grades 1-8, Master of Education in Advanced Literacy
 
ROAR Success Criteria:   I want my students to soar in their reading abilities, to understand
that their differences are unique and that's what makes them exceptional people.
 
Biography: I have been teaching in Fort Worth ISD for 27 years with 3 of my best years with Natha Howell Elementary and in the Dyslexia Department. I have found my niche, because I have always had a passion to help students who struggle to read and write. I am an avid reader myself and want my students to learn to enjoy reading as much as I do. When not in school, I enjoy spending time with my local family and taking a trip to spend time with my Mississippi family. I have a grown son, Daniel, and daughter-in-law, Rachel, a grand-dog, Kaia, and two kitty babies, Blue and Jack. I enjoy cooking, watching my favorite tv shows, and movies.

 

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Mrs. Jeanette Smith

School Psychologist
 
Alma Mater:
University of Houston at Victoria 
 
Degree-
Master of Art (MA) in Psychology 
 
Certification:
Licensed Specialist on School Psychology (LSSP)
 
ROAR Success Criteria-   
I would love to see students expressing themselves clearly; regulating their emotions; and treating each other respectfully and kindly. 
 
Biography-  
This is the beginning of my 11th year as a school psychologist. I entered the field wanting to make a difference in student's lives and continue to strive for that. Every child is different, and my hope is that I can identify those amazing differences to help the staff turn them into incredible strengths for our students. When not working, I love to read, watch my daughter on the soccer field, play with my loveable labrador, and I eat whatever my husband decides to grill for us.  I am very family oriented and this is what I have found at Natha Howell. There is no better family than the Wildcat family. Here I have found nothing short of exceptional educators that build incredible relationships with their students and their families. I look forward to another amazing year at Natha Howell!

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Ms. Ashley Wood

Speech Language Pathologist

Alma Mater: University of Texas at Dallas 

Degree: Master of Science in Communication Disorders 

ROAR Success Criteria: My goal is for students to feel that the speech room is a safe space for learning and practicing strategies. I also expect them to share their ideas and spread kindness.  

Biography: Hello! I received a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas. I am passionate about learning how culture shapes communication in addition to early language development. In the speech room, my focus is helping students communicate effectively through developing new approaches and collaborating with student families and other professionals. I am always on the hunt for what works best for the kids as individuals. I love taking walks with my dog, listening to podcasts, and trying new plant-based recipes.