LSAISD Class of 2016 Profiles
Donna Armstrong
“I am an advocate for education and economic empowerment, I believe they go hand in hand. Having grown up in the SAISD and having many of my family members attend in these districts, it has always been a goal to go back to the community in which I was reared and address the real-life issues of living in an economically oppressed demographic area leaving seeds of hope for a better future for the next generation. – Donna Armstrong
Roxanna Bazaldua
Assistant Principal, Alamo Heights
District: SAISD
Election District: 7
Michael Bonner
District: SAISD
Election District: 7
“I want to learn about the challenges facing the district, and also about the successes and how they have come about. As a real estate professional, I have a vested interest in knowing more about the educational opportunities available in the neighborhoods I serve. As an alumnus and district resident I am motivated by a desire to be a part of an organization which aims to improve the quality of future for the children in the neighborhood I love. In terms of my particular skills and where I might best contribute my energies, I would want to be involved where there is the greatest possibility of leveraging those efforts for greatest effect.” – Michael Bonner
Akeem Brown
District: SAISD
Election District: 2
“I would be honored if extended the opportunity to be a participant in Leadership SAISD. I believe we should not be blind to our challenges or sweep them under the rug, but neither should we be blind to the accomplishments of our educators and students, nor to the scale of the investments underway at our schools. I believe SAISD needs to begin to intensely brag about our accomplishments and achievements, via a well thought out Public Relations campaign, descriptively describing a innovative internal results based accountability plan to all stakeholders ensuring buy in/investment.” – Akeem Brown
Sarah Gonzales Busse
Self-Employed
District: SAISD
Election District: 1
“When my husband and I relocated to my home of San Antonio 11 years ago now, I insisted that we live in the inner city near Downtown neighborhoods even though I grew up on the Northside attending both private and NISD schools. We knew from our experiences in national service, community organizing, and public education that we wanted to play a role in revitalizing the inner city schools and living a connected, intentional, and engaged civic life while beginning a family. Joining Leadership SAISD's class allows me to connect with other citizens, parents, and community leaders to grow the network of those similarly committed to "living the struggle" and creating "beloved communities" within San Antonio's urban core. I'll bring my tireless energy for finding sustainable solutions, insight as a current teacher's spouse and current parent, and community listening, organizing, and partnership building skills to help us move forward taking the right fights to the right places for a better future for our students, parents, and staff.” – Sarah Busse
Caitlin Butler
District: SAISD
“For the past six years I've had the privilege and opportunity to work in education in the classroom, as a teacher-coach, in rural-Arkansas, and most recently in South Texas. I've grown tremendously as an individual, as a leader, and have committed to working in this field for the long haul. Recently transitioning to San Antonio, I am hungry to build my context and deepen my understanding of this place and the students and leaders who make it up. In terms of my skills and talents, I believe I can add to the conversation deeply, having worked in and with over 15 districts (14 partner districts in the the Valley, 2 in Arkansas) and as someone who has had various positions in the educational reform movement.” – Caitlin Butler
Alejandra Castillo
Bilingual Teacher, SAISD
District: SAISD
Election District: 4
“A lack of parental involvement is one of the most significant issues facing SAISD today. Parents are their child first teachers, we need to create ways in which we can help parents feel that they play an important role in the success of their child's educational career. Many parents do not get involved because of the language barrier, making sure that everything is translated is a priority so all the parents can be well informed of what is going with their child and the school. - Alejandra Castillo
Jennifer Chowning
District: SAISD
Election District: 2
“I believe in public education and my eldest daughter will be enrolling at Hawthorne Academy in the fall. Being an informed and engaged parent is important to me. In addition, my professional life intersects with SAISD. We serve many schools and students through our museum's student tour program. I'm an adept project manager, collaborator, strategic planner, and engaged citizen. I would be an effective advocate for the district and am eager to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing our city's inner-city schools.” – Jennifer Chowning
Denise Garza
District: NISD
Lauren Geraghty
“I am professionally and personally engaged in the San Antonio education landscape. It is my personal mission, as a graduate of the public schools in San Antonio, to create the opportunities I had via enrichment programs, magnet programs and school support programs, for all students in the San Antonio area. More specifically, I see the growth and betterment of SAISD as the driver for all educational improvement across our city. My understanding of school development, education policy, high quality seat growth, teacher/leader recruitment, assessment options, etc. will be, I hope, of valuable contribution to the cohort. “ – Lauren Geraghty
Jaime Guzman
“I have felt the desire to help others and have dedicated myself to a career in public service. I began my employment with SAISD approximately 1 year ago in Summer 2014 as a Grants Specialist in the District's Grants Development & Administration department. Since then I have had the opportunity to work on campus and district-wide projects. I have applied my writing and research skills to my profession and have been successful in finding funding for an array of projects which I feel will make a positive impact in the surrounding community. I would like to continue to learn about SAISD and serving the community. I am a committed, hard-working person because I am passionate about serving others and I believe in the power of public service and education.” – Jaime Guzman
Stephen Guzman
Architect, RVK Architects
Norma Haro
Healthy Future of Texas
District: Edgewood ISD
“I'm a supporter of public education but am aware that there are many challenges facing schools, administration, teachers, students, and parents. I would like a better understanding of how school systems function, as well as rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. My professional background is in the field of public health and I currently work with a nonprofit whose mission is to reduce teen and unplanned pregnancy in San Antonio, so am well aware of very real issues facing young people and families in the SAISD catchment area. In addition, I am a parent who resides in neighboring Edgewood ISD but have one child at Bonham Academy, a charter school within SAISD, this year, and will have another child at Bonham this fall. I've been an involved parent at school, serving on PTAs, the SHAC, as a classroom volunteer, and as a substitute teacher. I am ready to contribute as a parent, a community member, and a professional.” – Norma Haro
Sarah Harte
Self-Employed
“I want to learn about San Antonio's urban core school district. More and more young people are moving into the SAISD and as they make decisions about where they want to settle down and have kids, it would be nice to have high performing public schools within this area for the children to attend. I have 30 years of non-profit governance experience and I am willing and able to roll up my sleeves and be a part of the solution.” – Sarah Harte
Shannan Hern
District: SAISD
Election District: 1
Sarit Kapur
District: NEISD
“I wanted to be in LSAISD to better understanding issues facing the district and how I can contribute to improve graduation rates. I have worked in the education industry for 10+ years; 5+ years as Director of technology strategy at Pearson. I worked on how technology can be leveraged in the classroom to improve instruction and how technology and data analytic can be leveraged to predict dropout at high schools. I have run Kumon (after school program) for the last 5 years and have worked with more than 1200+ students. I recently attended Leadership North East and have a very good understanding of education related issues in the city. As president of Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce Educational Foundation, I have organized a youth leadership program for middle school students for the last 4 years in partnership with Communities in Schools. I am passionate about K-12 education in our city and always looking for ways on how we can encourage more students to go to college.” – Sarit Kapur
Sarah Kasprzyk
“I think the most significant issue impacting SAISD is the community view on the district. People are choosing to send their kids to other schools with the belief that SAISD doesn't have as high of standards or as rigorous of a curriculum which is not the case.” – Sarah Kasprzyk
Guillermina Lopez
Office Manager, Newnan Brothers
District: SAISD
Election District: 1
“I'd like to be part of Leadership SAISD to learn and share what I learn from the sessions with residents of the district so that they may be knowledgeable and take an active part in the progress and betterment of the district. I believe my previous experience as President of both my neighborhood association and the Central Communities on Patrol board have given me an insight on how to listen and work with people that have varying opinions and given me the skills to work for a common goal.” – Guillermina Lopez
Marin Martin
Facilities Manager, Generations Federal Credit Union
District: SAISD
Election District: 5
“I want to be in Leadership SAISD because it will allow me the opportunity to work with other like- minded individuals. I want to work towards making SAISD a model in education, facilities, and the quality of educators it attracts.” – Marin Martin
R. Joy McGhee
District: SAISD
Election District: 2
“I am passionate about the youth in our community receiving a quality education in a caring environment that promotes excellence for all students. I am dedicated to serving my community utilizing my gifts of administrative insight, connecting resources, grassroots organizing, and motivating teams.” – R. Joy McGhee
Scott Meltzer
“I have worked in public education with one goal in mind: results. As a partnership-builder and active-listener, I combine a blend of professional will and humility to serve the best interests of students. Leadership SAISD is a meaningful opportunity to surround myself with passionate, driven, action-oriented community members who are key parts of the solution in accelerating student outcomes in SAISD and build a citizen-lead movement around the economic and social imperative for quality public education. Based on my background in school turnaround models and student support services, I would center best practices with fellows that could be scaled with additional human capital by community members. Also, I would share my experience, resources, lessons learned, and more from running for the SAISD Board, District 6 to encourage fellows to plan accordingly and run in an upcoming election. It’s essential the entire SAISD Board be comprised of enlightened, progressive, data-driven, responsive trustees to unlock SAISD’s full potential in providing a world-class public education for 53,000 students. “ – Scott Meltzer
Denise Ojeda
District: SAISD
Election District: 3
“I want to join Leadership SAISD so that I can gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges that are facing our students and families in terms of accessing education. I would contribute to the program by utilizing my professional skills and educational background in: reporting and analysis, public relations, project and program management and process improvement and community
outreach program development. I would also use my personal experiences as an SAISD graduate and SAISD parent when appropriate to help provide recommendations and promote positive changes and solutions.” – Denise Ojeda
Lessie Parker
District: SAISD
Election District: 4
Veronica Perez
District: SAISD
Election District: 7
Cynthia Rocha
District: Boerne
“I would like to become actively involved in San Antonio's local school districts and learn more about how they operate as well as contribute my experience from across the nation of school districts that I have had the pleasure of working with over the last 8 years. I believe that one should not just be informed, they should be involved in helping to create change.” Cynthia Rocha
Richard Rocha
District: SAISD
Isaac Rodriguez
District: NEISD
“In my current role at Security Service Federal Credit Union I have had the opportunity to work with the Parent Family Liaisons and SAISD's PTA providing education about Security Service's products. Our services allow family members to avoid paying unnecessary fees at other institutions. I have been able to identify areas of opportunity in which with my 8 years of experience working for a financial institution I would be able to help the school district.” - Isaac Rodriguez
Lea Rosenauer
Brittany Sharnsky
“As a teacher at Highlands HS (Go Owls!) I saw many struggles of teachers, parents, kiddos, principals, district staff, etc. LSAISD is the perfect vehicle for me to see the challenges in a more focused and strategic way. I genuinely love and care about our district. I have always been a stalwart supporter of students and their families but I know the picture is bigger than that. This would be a great opportunity and I would be honored to be part of the program.” – Brittany Sharnsky
Herlinda Sifuentes
District: SAISD
Election District: 3
“I want to help raise the level of learning in Math, Science and STEM and bring greater learning opportunities to students. I also serve on Edgewood ISD Education Foundation’s Board in addition to many other roles.” – Herlinda Sifuentes
Velia Torres
Retired, SAISD Counselor
“It has been my observation that student school success has a basis on the support system that is provided to the student from the home, community, and the school system. In my 29 years as an educator/school counselor, my professional experience as well as my own student experience will provide LSAISD insight as a student, a parent and an educator.” – Velia Torres
Dolores Valles
District: SAISD
Election District: 2