Director
Ken West
Mr. West earned a B. S.E. from Stephen F. Austin State University and has post graduate work in science from the Texas A & M system and in education from the University of Houston and St. Thomas University. He has thirty-two years of experience in both public and private schools. Mr. West taught physics in Plano, Katy, Northwest Academy, and Willis ISD. In addition to his AP certification from Rice University he is also certified in GT and IB. Mr. West is a two time winner of the Tandy Math-Science Teacher of the Year Award, as well as the University of Texas program Teacher of the Year in Willis ISD. Mr. West served as the Dean of Students and the assistant to the Director before assuming the role of Head of School for the 2008-2009 school year.
Dean of Students
Michael Postus
Michael Postus comes to The Woodlands Prep from Pennsylvania where he had taught English, coached and officiated several sports, and served as a dorm parent and advisor for five years. Mr. Postus will be fulfilling the roles of Dean of Students, Athletic Director and Sixth grade English teacher this year at WPS. His wife, Susan Postus, is currently a first grade teacher at WPS as well. Madalynne, their eldest, attends kindergarten at WPS, and they look forward to having their younger two, Alexandra and Colton, begin their education here as well.
Director of Administration
Jolynn Buckingham
Mrs. Buckingham joined The Woodlands Prep School during its second year of operation. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Anthropology from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Illinois. Mrs. Buckingham spent 10 years as a manager for a major office supply manufacturer before devoting time to raising her two sons. She spent years as a soccer coach, baseball coach, Boy Scout leader, and school volunteer. She returned to the educational field and has twelve years of administrative experience. She is currently our admissions director.
Curriculum Coordinator
Karen Lilley
Ms. Lilley joins us in the mathematics department of the upper school. A veteran teacher with more than three decades of teaching experience, Ms. Lilley is a distinguished leader in the C.I.S.D. math community. She comes to us from The Academy of Science and Health Professions at Conroe High School. She received her master's degrees from Sam Houston State University in Mathematics and Education. Her expertise lies in curriculum development, and she has served on district-wide committees which authored the current Algebra I and Calculus curriculum as well as the Gifted/Talented task force. For many years she has been involved in teacher workshops and training sessions and National Merit Review Classes. Ms. Lilley loves mathematics and has dedicated her life to sharing that love with her students. In addition to her other achievements, Mrs. Lilley has several "Teacher of the Year" nominations
PYP Coordinator
Linda Johnson
Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the College of St. Catherine and a Master of Science degree in Education Administration with emphasis in Curriculum & Instruction from LaCrosse University. Certified pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, Ms. Johnson has over eighteen years of teaching, tutoring, and administration experience in the elementary grades with particular expertise in language arts and math. At The Woodlands Prep School, Ms. Johnson has gained experience as a physical education teacher, athletic coordinator, administrator, and curriculum developer. Ms. Johnson teaches fourth grade language arts and is part of our curriculum team. She is married, has two children, and enjoys vacationing with her family during time off.
Administrative Assistant
Amelia Maia
Mrs. Maia joined the Woodlands Prep School in August 2001. She has degree in a business economics and accounting and spent 11 years in foreign exchange and personal banking, before taking on the role of mother to two sons. During this period of time, she actively participated in voluntary roles at the respective schools. Mrs. Maia is currently our administrative assistant for the lower school.
Administrative Assistant
Sue Reid
Mrs. Reid joined The Woodlands Prep staff at the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year. She brought with her years of experience in both accounting and operations management. Mrs. Reid has worked as a paraprofessional in education for four years prior to joining our staff. She spent many years volunteering in her daughter’s classrooms, helping with Special Olympics, and doing various duties in the children’s ministries at her church. Mrs. Reid also served on a school’s campus site-based decision making team for two years. Mrs. Reid is currently our administrative assistant for the upper school.
Network Admin.
Josh McMahon
Josh McMahon joined The Woodlands Preparatory School in 2007, with a goal to improve the school's technology vison. With 10+ years in the Information Technology field, Mr. McMahon brings broad knowledge of network security, network infrastructure and wireless technologies to the campus. This school year each student in fourth grade or higher, is supplied with a school email address to communicate with their instructors. " I believe introducing an email system this stage in life, preps the students for college."
Counselor
Amanda Smith
Amanda Smith comes to us from The Phelps School, a private college preparatory boarding school outside of Philadelphia. After working for three years as the Director of Development and Alumni affairs, Amanda obtained her Masters of Education in Secondary School Counseling and has enjoyed working with students of all ages as a guidance counselor since 2005. At Woodlands Prep, Amanda will serve as the College Counselor, working collectively with the juniors, seniors, and their parents. Together she is sure that they will accomplish great things, making every effort to send each student to the college of their choice. As a part time employee, the days that Amanda is not physically in the office, she spends with her one year old daughter, Savannah Grace.