Staff Profiles
Primary Staff Bios
Jamie Schmitz - Head of Primary
(see SMT)
Terri Watson - PYP Coordinator
The 2009/2010 school year will be my fourth year of teaching at Westlake Academy, and my first as PYP Coordinator. In past years, I have worked with 6th graders and served as the First Steps Reading Coordinator for Primary.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tulsa. I then attended the University of Oklahoma College of Law where I received my Juris Doctorate. After serving as in-house counsel for various energy companies for approximately 15 years, I made a career change. I am certified as a generalist teacher in grades 4 - 8 and as a special education teacher in grades K-12.
Karen DesHotels - Primary Counselor
Hello! I am Karen DesHotels, and this is my first year as Primary Counselor at Westlake Academy. I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful school and faculty and am eager to get to work with the students and families of the WA community. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and I received my Masters of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas. I have been in education for 14 years; 6 as a counselor. My door is always open so please let me know how I can be of service.
Kindergarten
Cyndie Jacks
I am Cyndie Jacks, one of the Westlake Academy Kindergarten teachers and this is my 5th year at the Academy (my 17th year in the classroom). Prior to Westlake Academy, I taught 7 years with Carroll ISD, where my daughter Abby, a 7th grader, is presently a student. I was born/raised in Kansas City (Home of the KC CHIEFS!) and attended Central Missouri State University, where I earned my BSE with a minor in English. The areas for which I have been trained are numerous, and include everything from Brain Research, Differentiated Instruction and Cooperative Learning to Cognitive Coaching and Gifted and Talented instructions. I am a "sponge" when it comes to learning all I can about the IB! I spent time visiting the MIS (Munich International School), have plans to visit several more IB schools this year and attended the first EY (Early Years) conference in Spring ‘08 with my teaching partner! I have been published 4 times by CTP-Creative Teaching Press, and I am currently working on another resource (for K teachers this time!) that I hope to have completed in the near future.
Mimi Turbeville
I am Mimi Turbeville, and I am the aide for Ms. Jacks’ kindergarten class. I am a proud mom of four Westlake Academy students. My son Tyler started WA in its inaugural year and is currently in the 8th grade. My other children are David in 6th grade, Adam in 4th grade, and Meggie in 2nd grade. I graduated from the University of Texas, Arlington with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. I am a Texas certified teacher of grades 1-8. Before having children of my own, I taught 5th grade in Dallas and 3rd and 4th grades in California. I have been a WA substitute teacher for the last four years and am excited to now join the kindergarten team.
Catherine Turnage
My name is Catherine Turnage and I am a sixth generation Texan. I have been teaching Kindergarten at Westlake Academy for four years. I have previously taught in Birdville ISD and was a Reading Consultant for Lewisville ISD.
I graduated from the University of North Texas with a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a double minor in Science and Reading. I am a Texas certified teacher with endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Reading.
Cheryl Hassell
My name is Cheryl Hassell. I am a native Texan and a proud parent of two Westlake Academy students. I have a B.B.A. from Texas A&M University, and followed that degree with nearly a decade working in I.T. for Fortune 50 companies in the Dallas Area. I “retired” when we had children, returning to work as a math teacher when our youngest began Pre-K. I have worked at Westlake Academy as a substitute for all grades and specials for the past two years, and I join the staff this year as an aide to Kindergarten.
First Grade
Missy DeMoss
I am Missy DeMoss and I am a native Texan, born and raised in Fort Worth. I found my home at Westlake Academy as I was completing my post-baccalaureate studies through the University of North Texas. I am certified for Early Childhood through Fourth Grade. I also hold a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from U.N.T. I have extensive children’s volunteer experience in schools and churches. I have held various positions such as director of children’s church. After completing my semester long internship with Westlake Academy, I accepted a long term substitute position in the primary special education department. I am currently a general education classroom teacher teaching first grade.
Joanna Rains
I am Joanna Rains from Duncanville, TX. This is my second year to be teaching at Westlake Academy. I will be teaching First Grade and KG-G1 art.
I graduated from Southwest Texas with a degree in Elementary Education, EC-4 and a minor in Art. I will be studying to become certified to teach Art.
Second Grade
Emily MacFarlane
I am Emily MacFarlane and I come from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This is my fourth year as a second grade teacher at Westlake Academy. I attended Carleton University where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Following this, I set off to Australia to take on a Masters in Teaching, at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. I undertook the study of character education for my thesis, with the primary focus pertaining to the PYP set of attitudes.
Sarah Stack
My name is Sarah Stack and I come from Bristol, England. This is my third year at Westlake Academy and I am teaching as much as I can to my grade 2 students. I am also on the RTI committee. Previously, I have been the equivalent of a grade 2 and grade 5 teacher at a primary school in Tonbridge, England where I taught everything. While living in the Netherlands I was an ESL teacher for pre-K to grade 6 students.
I attended Portsmouth Polytechnic and Roehampton Institute in England, where I graduated with a B.Ed. (hons) in education and environmental science. While living in Alexandria, Virginia I graduated from Marymount University with a M.Ed. in ESL. I also have publishing credentials I earned as an editor for an educational publishing house.
I am currently in the process of studying for the required tests to add ESL and special education to my TEA certification.
Third Grade
Alison Schneider
My name is Alison Schneider. I am a native Texan and a 2001 graduate of Texas Christian University. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, I taught kindergarten in a public school for one year. When Westlake Academy opened in 2003, I was hired as one of the initial third grade teachers, a position I held for three school years. In September 2006, I became a first grade teacher, which allowed me to continue strengthening my skills as a PYP teacher. This school year, I will be teaching 3rd grade again.
Tonja Taylor
My name is TonjaTaylor. I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and I’ve lived in Texas for fifteen years. I’m currently living in the city of Argyle. This is my second year at Westlake Academy and I’ll be teaching third grade. I’ve been an educator for seven years and have taught kindergarten, fourth grade, and fifth grade in the Lewisville ISD.
I graduated Suma Cum Laude from the University of the Incarnate Word, in Alamo Heights, Texas with a BA in Early Childhood Education. I majored in primary education and minored in French. I am certified to teach Pre-K through fifth grade.
Fourth Grade
Jim McMahon
A native of Rome, New York, I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the State University of New York at Potsdam. My seventeen years of experience teaching in public and private schools has given me the opportunity to work closely with parents and colleagues to insure the success of a diversity of students. Beyond the classroom, I have written nonfiction for Harcourt Brace Educational Measurement. Writing for Harcourt has given me a greater awareness of the special skills that good writers must possess to engage the minds of young readers and inspire them to become better writers. I am looking forward to my first year of teaching the students of Westlake Academy.
Emily Setford
I am Emily Setford and I am a native Texan. This is my third year to teach fourth grade at Westlake Academy. I previously taught third grade for three years in parochial schools in Tarrant County. I am a member of the RTI/SST committee.
I graduated from University of North Texas with a B.A. in Psychology and a M.Ed. in Counselor Education. I hold Texas Teaching Certificates for EC-4 Generalist and 4-8 Generalist. I maintain my teaching certificates through regular workshops and self-study. I am a National Certified Counselor and I have extensive training in crisis counseling. I also study and keep current on trends within the field of counseling.
Fifth Grade
Tiffany DeVivo
My name is Tiffany DeVivo and I am originally from San Angelo, TX. This is my third full year at Westlake Academy and I am teaching 5th grade. I have also taught Biology for a short period of time. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. I have a 4-8 Generalist Probationary Educator Certification and am working towards my Texas Educator’s Certificate through Region XI. I also meet the “Highly Qualified” requirements for teaching Life Sciences 8-12.
D’Ann Sullivan
My name is D’Ann Sullivan and I am a Native Texan! This is my third year teaching at Westlake Academy, and my first year in fifth grade. I will also take on the role of activities coordinator. I have taught eighth grade English, eighth grade Math, Pre Algebra, seventh grade Pre Algebra, sixth grade Language B (Language Arts) at an IB school in Colorado Springs, Colorado, sixth grade Social Studies, kindergarten through sixth grade Gifted and Talented, and fifth and sixth grade Computer classes.
I have an A.A.S. degree in Accounting, a B.S.O.E. degree in Business, and a Master of Education degree (reading specialist). I am certified to teach all subjects kindergarten through eighth grade and am currently studying to complete my certification in Gifted and Talented education.
Sixth Grade
Jean Misner-Smith
I am Jean Misner-Smith. I have been at WA for six years and am teaching 6th Graders. I graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science. I have Texas certifications in All-Level Art, All-Level Special Education, and General Education K-8.
Scott McMickle
This is my first year teaching at Westlake Academy. I have a BA in History from UNT and a Masters in Education from Concordia. For the last five years I have been teaching bilingual 2nd and 4th grades in the Dallas ISD. Here, I will be responsible for teaching full content 6th grade and 5th-6th Spanish. The opportunity to teach at WA in an IB program is really exciting for me and I am looking forward to working with the students, parents, and staff of this unique organization.
Primary Art
Joanna Rains KG-G1
See Bio under G1
Niru Karkhanis G2-6
My name is Nirupama Karkhanis and I came to Westlake academy with many years of teaching experience in an international school in Indonesia. I have a BFA degree from India and a M.A in computer education from Shenandoah University Winchester, Virginia and also credits in art related courses from BYU, Michigan University and Asia.
I will be teaching G2 -G8 this year. We are all excited to start working on a variety of art projects including art history, famous paintings and art styles in different cultures. I love music and badminton.
I am happy to have been able to continue my teaching career in Westlake and am impressed by the student’s enthusiasm and excellent manners.
Primary Music
Jaime Estrada KG-G6
My name is Jaime Estrada and I am from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This is my second year at Westlake Academy, and I couldn’t be more excited to be here!
I graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a BA in music, and taught private vocal lessons for three years. Previous to Westlake Academy I taught at Highland Meadows Christian Preschool where I taught Pre-Kindergarten in addition to developing the Music and Movement program there.
Lisa Redding - Strings Program
My name is Lisa Redding. This will be my first year at Westlake Academy as the facilitator of the Strings Program for grades two through five and also as an Instructional Aide.
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas. I have also earned certificates for teacher training in violin at both the Ottawa University Suzuki Institute in Ottawa, Kansas and the Texas Christian University Suzuki Institute in Fort Worth, Tx.
My experience in violin music education includes 18 years at the Fine Arts Academy in Keller, Pre-K music classes for the past two years, annual teaching at the FBC Music Camp and serving as a judge at the UTA Solo and Ensemble Festival for the past five years.
I am looking forward to working with your children and watching them progress.
Primary Spanish
Veronica Covarrubias
My name is Veronica Covarrubias and this is my first year at Westlake Academy, I’m teaching Spanish grades K through 4.
I am a native Californian and have been living in Texas since 2005.
I graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering.
I began teaching Spanish and Early Childhood education at Northwood Learning Center 4 years ago; I am very excited about being a part of the Spanish program at Westlake Academy!
Scott McMickle
(see bio under 6th grade)
Primary Special Education
Lisa Valentine
I am Lisa Valentine and I am not a native Texan. Virginia is originally my home. I graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Anthropology. I love to take classes and have done additional coursework at various colleges in Virginia, Georgia and here in Texas. In my first life, I was an Operations Manager for a small company. Once my kids came along, I realized that my passion was in teaching and working with children. I taught Pre-Kindergarten for 6 years before deciding to get my Teaching Certificate. I am now certified in Texas to teach Early Childhood through Fourth Grade, Special Education-Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade, and English as a Second Language. Additionally, I have more than 50 hours of training in each of the following areas: Special Education and Reading. My family has been at Westlake Academy since it first began and I am very proud that we are part of the IB program and Westlake Academy.
Primary PE
Ja’cette Aguiar - Athletic Director
I am Ja’cette N. Aguiar. I am a second year teacher at Westlake Academy and I am very proud to be part of the Westlake community. I will be the athletic director, as well as teaching P.E. I am a Texas Christian University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.
David True
I am David True and I graduated from UNT this past August. This is my second year teaching and I am pumped and ready to go. I will be teaching PE, as well as coaching Varsity and Junior Varsity Basketball and Secondary Golf. I have been coaching basketball at WA for 3+ years and this will be my second year coaching golf. I am continuing my education from UNT by starting my Masters in Education Administration. I look forward to an exciting year.
Secondary Staff Bios
Mark Garcia - Head of Secondary
(see bio under SMT)
Stacy Stoyanoff - DP Coordinator
My name is Stacy J. Stoyanoff, and I am eager to begin working in my new role as IB Diploma Coordinator at Westlake Academy.
Currently, I am in the process of completing a Ph.D. in K-12 Education with the expected graduation date of Spring 2011. I hold a M.A. in Classics and M.S. in Information Science and a Bachelors in both Biology and Classics. I have extensive experience in the IB and AP programs and have most recently served in the role as IB and AP co-coordinator at North Hills Preparatory's top 10 school ranked by Newsweek magazine.
In addition to my coordinator role, I also have served as the Science Department chair for the last nine years. My training and classroom experience include: IB Environmental Systems, AP Biology, IB Biology, and IB Theory of Knowledge. In addition to my duties at North Hills, I also serve as an Assistant Examiner for Biology within IB North America.
Beyond my academic side, I also have extensive experience with students in other realms of school life. I have served as the National Honor Society sponsor for many years. In addition, I have also been a senior class sponsor, where I have planned and participated in class trips, class retreats, senior graduation, prom, and more.
I have extensive professional and personal experience working with IB seniors and their families with course selections, credits, transcripts, and graduation. I thoroughly enjoy working with students in all aspects of their educational and personal goals and look forward to getting to know the students and families at Westlake Academy.
Tracy Odom- MYP Coordinator
I am Tracy Odom and I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I attended Wayne State University and hold a BS in Secondary English and Speech Communication. I have been teaching for thirteen years. Eight years ago, I moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where I taught Advance Placement English to 9th, 10th and 12th graders. Before moving to Texas four and a half years ago, I was teaching English at Milwaukee’s Arts and Science Academy.
I am excited to expand my role at Westlake Academy by taking on the role of MYP Coordinator for the upcoming year. Mr. Garcia and I have already begun working on plans for the ’09-10 school year and preparing for August so we will be ready to go in when the students return.
Sonya Barron - Secondary Counselor
My name is Sonya Barron, and I anticipate an exciting year as I join Westlake Academy in the role of Secondary Counselor. I graduated in May of 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in English and Secondary Education and will graduate from Texas Christian University in December of this year with a Masters of Education and Counseling. I have seven years of experience in education, and I served the last six at North Hills Preparatory, another IB charter school currently ranked #9 in the nation by Newsweek magazine. During my time there, I served in many different capacities: Academic Counselor, English Department Chair, (HL) English IB Instructor, and Senior Class Sponsor. In my roles as Counselor and Senior Class Sponsor, I have assisted students with credit alignment, transcripts, graduation, college research and applications. I am proud to say that many of our students have been successfully accepted into and matriculated through their universities of choice. In addition to my educational counseling roles I enjoy being a part of the planning team and participating in senior graduation, class trips, class retreats, prom and more. Because of my experience at NHP, I have valuable knowledge of what is needed to implement the IB curriculum and effectively support the students, parents, and staff. I look forward to working with all members of the Westlake Academy community to ensure the academic and personal success of each student.
Secondary Art
Niru Karkhanis G7-8
See Bio under Primary Art
Gail James G9-12
I am Gail James and come originally from Kokomo, Indiana but have lived in Texas since 1970 with a brief stay in Michigan in 1973. I have taught MYP/DP Visual Arts and Film Making at Westlake for five years and look forward to my sixth year here. I am a costumer /costume designer for 14 years now in my life outside school. On the average I costume around 26 different plays, and or programs a year. Some of my work includes: Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera (the Weber musical), Music man, The King and I, La Bete, Once Upon a Mattress and many more. I am also involved with our Drama department. I graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana in 1970 with a BS degree in Art Education area major with advertising design as my specialty. My MS is from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, now Texas A & M at Commerce, where I studied illustration and advertising design for two years. In addition, I am certified in Vocational Education. I have had MYP and DP training. I taught four years in Houston, one in Decatur, and four years teaching Vocational Commercial Art at Keller High School. I had a craft business with my father for 15 years. I got back into teaching after being out of the classroom for 22 years while raising my two daughters, Jennifer (who teaches French and cheerleading at Fossil H S) and Jackie a Radio /TV/ and Film major at TCU.
Jeff and I have lived 2.5 miles from the school since 1977. I have two dogs, Star a Sheltie and Roxy Heart, a Cocker Spaniel with a heart shaped white patch on her side. My hobbies all involve art, collecting vintage clothing, and theatre.
English/Drama
April Harrell
As a part-time English teacher at Westlake Academy last year, I worked with the tenth grade classes. I have taught English for seven years, first at Episcopal Collegiate School, a small, private college prep school, and then at the historic Little Rock Central High, a large, urban public school. I earned my B.A. in English from the University of Arkansas, and I earned my M.A. in English from the University of Central Arkansas, where I worked for two years as a graduate assistant doing research for the English department chair, assisting in publication of the university poetry journal, Slant, and writing and publishing a departmental quarterly. Before teaching, I worked in the fields of real estate research and corporate property management. I prefer teaching! I am thrilled to be part of the faculty at Westlake Academy.
Robert Kai
Teaching is a second career for me and has been far more rewarding than the many years I spent in the corporate world. When I decided to teach I went back to college at the University of Dallas, completing their post-graduate program for Texas certification and obtaining a Master of Humanities Degree with a literature concentration. During my corporate career I held several executive positions including Executive Vice President of Transamerica Premier Insurance and Sr. Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer of the Houston General Insurance Company (a subsidiary of Tokio Marine and Fire). I have also served on the boards of Houston General, The Idaho Survey and Rating Bureau and The Mission Viejo Ballet Conservatory
Livia Miller
My name is Livia Miller and I come from Los Angeles, California. This will be my fourth year at WA. I have taught grades 1st, 5th and 7th, 8th. I have BA in Psychology from California State University Dominguez Hills, a K-12 Multiple Subject Credential from California and a 4-8 Credential from Texas. I also have my Masters in Cross-Cultural Education.
Tracy Odom
See Bio under MYP Coordinator
Information Technology
Maria Andrea Busico-Flight
I am Maria Andrea (Maru) Busico-Flight, from Buenos Aires, Argentina. This will be my third year at WA as Information Technology Coordinator. I also run a Scottish Dancing Club as well as designing and implementing the Summer Activities Camps. This year I will also teach Technology to grades 7-10.
I have a Graduate Degree in IT Systems from the Universidad de Belgrano (Bs. As., Argentina) and a Postgraduate Degree in Teaching with ICT from Cambridge University. I have taught English as a Second Language and Technology at primary and secondary levels since 1996. I have worked at IB schools since 2000 having been an IT PYP Head of Department and Extra Curricular Activities Coordinator.
In addition I have worked as a choreographer and director for musicals productions at K-12 schools and alumni clubs. Some of my work includes: Les Miserables, Cabaret, Fosse, Cotton Club, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. I have also been a dancer/dance captain at amateur and professional levels for theatre and musical productions. I have teaching degrees in Ballet and Tap Dance, and a Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancers certification. I am currently working on my Jazzercise certification.
Humanities
Mark Garcia
See Bio under Head of Secondary
Heidi Kloempken
I am Heidi Kloempken from Minnesota. This will be my third year at Westlake Academy and I am teaching MYP History. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s in History and continue my education by pursuing my Masters of Education also at the University of Minnesota. The states of Minnesota and Texas have both granted me teaching certificates for grades 7 - 12 in Social Studies.
Maths
Simon Aisthorpe
I am Simon Aisthorpe and I am a British Citizen. I was born in Devon in the South West of England. I have been at Westlake Academy for two years. I teach mathematics to the secondary students. In 1996 I graduated from Aston University in Birmingham, UK with a degree (MEng) in Civil Engineering with European Studies. I gained my teaching qualification at Exeter University, UK (Post Graduate Certificate of Education, Secondary Mathematics) in 1998. In 2006 I received a Master’s degree in Education from Southern Methodist University, Texas.
Saki Martin
Bio unavailable at this time
Secondary PE
Ja’cette Aguiar - Athletic Director
See Bio under Primary PE
David True
See Bio under Primary PE
Science
Elizabeth Golden
My name is Elizabeth Golden and after working for most of the past year as an aide in the Special Education department I am now joining the staff as a Secondary Science teacher. I am technically an "Okie from Muskogee" but I moved to San Antonio when I was 5 and I grew up a Texan. I graduated from Texas State University-San Marcos with a BS in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.
I worked at the Austin Nature and Science Center as an informal science educator where I had fun working with kids as well as animals such as snakes, rats, owls, lizards, a bobcat, coyote, hawks and many more native Texas animals. My passion for teaching science grew so I studied to become certified. I taught 7th grade science in Hays CISD near Austin last year. I loved it! I am super happy to be a part of the Westlake family.
When I am not working at Westlake, I am tutoring math and reading at Sylvan Learning Center. I also love hanging out with my boxer Max, and working out at the gym. I also enjoy cross stitching, playing basketball and getting dirty by going caving. I look forward to another successful year at Westlake Academy!
Kristen Jernigan
I am Kristen Jernigan, a native Texan, recently relocated from Georgia. Although this is just my second year at WA, I have taught for a total of 17 years in the Woodlands, Plano, Alpharetta, Georgia, and Central High School in Keller. I will be teaching Secondary Science again this year. I have taught AP Chemistry II, Honors, and regular Chemistry I in the past. I graduated from Baylor University with a B.S. in Secondary Education. My master’s degree is from the University of North Texas, (M.S. Secondary Ed.) and I have a technology endorsement. I have served as an educational consultant for KERA in Dallas as part of the National Teacher Training Institute as a “master teacher” and have published some lesson plans in that program. I have presented staff development for Plano ISD where I served on the Science Curriculum Leadership Team and have been a guest speaker for a teacher education class from UNT. I have experience in commercial environmental and analytical chemistry laboratories.
Secondary Spanish
Maria Magdalena Liñan
I am Maria Magdalena Liñan and I come from Peru. This will be my second year at WA and I am teaching Spanish to Secondary students.
I graduated from The Sacred Heart Women’s University (Lima-Perú) with a Bachelor Degree in Education and also have a postgraduate studies in Pre School Education in The Sacred Heart Women’s University (Lima-Perú).
I have an International Certificate of Proficiency in English awarded by the University of Michigan.
I am a Coach for Children, Teenagers and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder / Hyperactivity. I have given lectures at the Congress for Professional Women. I have over twenty three years of professional experience, seventeen working as a homeroom and English teacher at the Peruvian North American Abraham Lincoln School which is an IB School.
I keep abreast of new teaching trends by attending teachers’ workshops and seminars: PYP Seminars, English Teaching Conference “Rewind, Play, Fast Forward” sponsored by the School of Education, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola- June 2007; Conference “Educational Strategies Management for Children with Attention Deficit Disorder with/without Hyperactivity” March 2007 "Language and Learning Institute; How to Handle the Stress; Coaching “How to Manage Children with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder/ Hyperactivity at School”; “Counseling Course for Homeroom Teachers”.
Secondary Special Education
Deborah Peebles
My name is Deborah Peebles and I come to Texas via New Jersey and Florida. This will be my 4th year of teaching at Westlake Academy. Prior to teaching at Westlake I worked at Texans Can and Keller ISD. I am a Special Education teacher and have taught students from Preschool to adults. I have a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University (go ‘Noles) and have taken many classes at both Texas Women’s University and North Texas University with the hope of one day getting my Master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D.
Dorothy Harwood
My name is Dorothy Harwood and this will be my second year at Westlake Academy. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, I have lived in Texas for most of my life, and in Fort Worth since 1980. I hold a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from the University of Texas. After graduation, I entered law school at UT, and practiced law in Fort Worth for many years. In 2001 I obtained my Masters of Library Science degree from Texas Woman’s University. From 2002 to 2007 I served as librarian at Country Day School of Arlington. I am a member of the American Library Association and the Texas Library Association. At Westlake, I strive to administer a well-rounded library program, providing professional library services to students and faculty, using all available library resources to support curriculum goals, IB program standards, and to foster student reading and research interests.