Head of School-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-three years of experience in both public and private schools. Mr. West taught physics in Plano, Katy, Northwest Academy, and Willis ISD. He served as the science department chair for Katy and Willis ISD as well as an administrator for Willis I.S.D. for five years. 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 Assistant Director before assuming the role of Head of School in 2008.
Director of Admissions/Communications-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-David Roddy Mr. Roddy doubles as the Curriculum & Instruction Director for grades 5-12 and as the MS/US English Chair. Bborn and raised in Conroe, Texas, he received his bachelor's degree in English and History from Baylor University. He taught for eight years within the CISD and Spring ISD districts. Mr. Roddy's experience includes teaching English Literature and Writing for grades 7–12 as well as American History and World History. Past subjects taught also include Journalism, Spanish, Exploring Languages, and teaching ESL, and sophomore English, Journalism, and the school newspaper at Westfield High School. Mr. Roddy joined the Woodlands Preparatory school in 2004 where he currently teaches English, history, and coaches soccer, basketball, and golf.
Curriculum Coordinator-Linda Johnson Ms. Johnson doubles as the Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator for grades K-4 as well as classroom teacher for grade 4. She 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 Preparatory School, Ms. Johnson has gained experience as a physical education teacher, athletic coordinator, administrator, and curriculum developer. She is married, has two children, and enjoys vacationing with her family during time off.
Dean of Students - Justin Smith
Mr. Smith doubles as the Dean of Students as well as math department chair and math teacher. After teaching in a private boarding school in Pennsylvania, he joined Woodlands Prep in 2007. He also is a Student Council Faculty Representative and Varsity Soccer and Baseball Coach. At the end of the 2005 – 2006 school year, Justin was featured in Chester County Magazine as one of the “Teachers Who Inspire” in the greater Philadelphia area. Mr. Smith has been excited to see the school grow and compete academically as well as on the athletic field.
Athletic Director-Michael Postus
A graduate of West Virginia University, 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. In his second year at WPS, Mr. Postus will be fulfilling the roles of Athletic Director and will be teaching 9th Grade Speech. His wife, Susan Postus, is currently a first grade teacher at WPS as well. Madalynne, their eldest, is a 2ndt grader at WPS, and Alexandra attends kindergarten at WPS; they look forward to having their youngest Colton, begin his education here as well.
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.
Director of Technology-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 at this stage in life preps the students for college."
Counselor-Amanda Smith
Mrs. Smith comes to us from a private college preparatory boarding school outside of Philadelphia. After working for three years as the Director of Development and Alumni Affairs, Mrs. Smith obtained her Masters of Education in Secondary School Counseling. She has enjoyed her work as a guidance counselor since 2005. At Woodlands Prep, Mrs. Smith serves as the College Counselor. Working collectively with all high school students and their parents, each family receives individualized attention every ste. Together she is sure that they will accomplish great things, making every effort to send each student to the college of their choice.
Librarian/PYP Coordinator - Julie Adams Mrs. Adams joined the Woodlands Preparatory faculty in the fall of 2007. She graduated from Austin College with a Masters in Education and taught high school English and social studies, before becoming certified in library science. Mrs. Adams has been a school librarian for more than eighteen years and took over as our PYP Coordinator in 2009. She enjoys sharing her love of reading with the students. Mrs. Adams and her husband reside in The Woodlands and have four children. Outside of school, they enjoy spending time with their children, two of which attend LSU and two who have graduated and reside in Louisiana and Houston.
Kindergarten -Joni McEuen
Ms. McEuen has spent the past 25 years teaching children, ages three through six, in the Woodlands area. A certified Montessori teacher, she also holds an A.A.S. in child development from North Harris Community College and is currently pursuing a second degree in Child Psychology. Having successfully raised two sons, Ms. McEuen enjoys cooking, reading, and gardening. She hopes to introduce a love of learning to her kindergarten students at The Woodlands Prep School.
Kindergarten -Laurel Sneed
Mrs. Sneed has been an educator for 34 years. Her teaching tapestry is woven by experiences as a Speech/Language Pathologist, Kindergarten Teacher, mentor for student teachers, and adjunct instructor for Sam Houston State University. She has been blessed with opportunities to teach a wide range of abilities, watch and be a part of the growth of early childhood education, and work with and learn from a myriad of talented educators. She has a 26 year old son and a 20 year old daughter to further enrich her life. She enjoys all kinds of music, reading, gardening, baking, and writing poetry. Teaching Kindergarten has topped the list as her favorite teaching experience because she gets to witness and participate in an age of growth and development of which she is in awe.
First Grade -Susan Postus Mrs. Postus came to us from the Philadelphia area and begins her third year at Woodlands Prep as a first grade teacher. She graduated from West Virginia University and has over 10 years of educational experience. Two of her three children attend Woodlands Prep and her husband is the athletic director. This ensures that Mrs. Postus is very involved in many aspects of the school.
Second Grade - Carrie Meeks Ms. Meeks teaches second grade at The Woodlands Prep School. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from the University of Houston. With over five years of teaching experience, her passion is evident as she emphasizes important communication skills in everyday learning. She enjoys bringing happiness into the hearts of her students and helping them prepare for a successful future. Ms. Meeks is the cheerleading coach for the lower school. She implements enthusiasm, a sense of togetherness, and team morale.
Second Grade - Terri Blevins
Third Grade - Christie Newcomb Ms. Newcomb teaches third grade at The Woodlands Preparatory School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University in Elementary Education, with specializations in Math and Special Education. In her twelve years as an educator she has taught elementary resource, third grade, kindergarten, and first grade. Ms. Newcomb enjoys reading, singing, and traveling in her spare time.
Third Grade - Shannon Padron
Shannon Padron is new to The Woodlands, joining us from Florida. She has over five years of teaching experience in both private and public schools. She is a graduate from Florida State University where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science from the College of Education. Shannon comes from a family of educators and has always known that being a teacher was her calling. Every day she works to show each child that they have the ability to learn if given the right tools, and once they believe that they can achieve anything. She is excited about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at Woodlands Prep. Mrs. Padron is married and has two children.
Fourth Grade - Jan Decker
Mrs. Decker teaches fourth grade at the Woodlands Preparatory School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, with endorsements in Earth Science, Anthropology, English and Special Education, and her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction form Seattle Pacific University. Mrs. Decker has 16 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools. She has taught first grade, third grade, fourth grade and a fifth grade laptop program.
4th Grade - 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. Ms. Johnson has over eighteen years of teaching, tutoring, and administration experience in the elementary grades with particular expertise in language arts and math.
5th/6th Grade English - Angela Bailey
Mrs. Bailey is a 3rd grade teacher at Woodlands Prep School. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University. Mrs. Bailey has worked with grades K through 6 as a teacher, reading/language arts specialist and tutor. She has enjoyed working with children from very diverse backgrounds and with wide-ranging abilities. Meeting each child where they are in their development and challenging them in order to move them forward in their learning is her ultimate goal in teaching. Mrs. Bailey is married and has three children. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and reading.
5th/6th Grade Science - Greg Koehnle
5th/6th Grade Math - Jim Aceto
Spanish - Cortney Mcmahon
Mrs. McMahon earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Sam Houston State University in August 2009. She began working at Woodlands Prep as a substitute, then as a part-time teacher in 2007. She now currently teaches Spanish I, II, and Pre-AP Spanish III. In addition to teaching Spanish, she also coaches Junior High Girls Volleyball and will be coaching Junior High Tennis in the spring. Her husband, Josh McMahon is currently the Director of Technology at Woodlands Prep. She and Mr. McMahon enjoy vacationing, playing various sports, and spending time with their two-year-old daughter, Ryhan, and their dog, Diego.
Science - Cathy Hayes Ms. Hayes earned her Bachelors of Science degree from Sam Houston State University in May 2004. She joined the Woodlands Prep team in 2007 with a love and passion for science, where she currently teaches Life Science, Biology Pre AP, Anatomy and Physiology, and Health with an emphasis on hands-on laboratories and projects as well as outside observations. Previous to her teaching career, Ms. Hayes worked in the medical field for 4 years, working with developmentally delayed children providing them assistance with speech, occupational, and physical therapy. She also worked alongside with five of the leading retina surgeons in the Houston area, with an emphasis on macular degeneration. In addition to science, Ms. Hayes also coaches Varsity Volleyball in the Fall and Varsity Tennis in the Spring.
Science - Dr. Charles Mooney Dr. Charles Mooney joined the Woodlands Preparatory School in 2009 to teach chemistry and physics and also serves as the Science Department Chair. He is a native of Illinois, but has lived in Texas with his wife and family for over 22 years. Dr . Mooney received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Eastern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Purdue University. He also completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at Texas A&M University sponsored by the Department of Energy. Prior to joining us here, Dr. Mooney taught science at The Academy for Science and Health Professions in the Conroe Independent School District as well as chemistry and physics in the Lone Star College System.
Science - Jennifer Russell
Math - Justin Smith
After teaching in a private boarding school in Pennsylvania, Justin Smith joined Woodlands Prep in 2007. Mr. Smith serves WPS as the Dean of Students and teaches Algebra 2, Algebra 1 and Pre-Algebra. He also is a Student Council Faculty Representative and Varsity Soccer and Baseball Coach. At the end of the 2005 – 2006 school year, Justin was featured in Chester County Magazine as one of the “Teachers Who Inspire” in the greater Philadelphia area. Justin has been excited to see the school grow and compete academically as well as on the athletic field.
Math - Doug Begin
Math - Sarah Beth Swanberg
Math - Lisa Murphy
English / Speech - Heidi Saenz
Mrs. Saenz grew up and was educated in California where she received her undergraduate degrees in English and Communications and a graduate degree in English Literature at La Sierra University. She has been teaching for 8 years and has experience at the college, high school, and middle school levels. English and literatures of all genres are her passions and she seeks to instill that same passion into her students; languages and travel are another of her loves. Mrs. Saenz particularly enjoys teaching at the Advanced Placement level where she can combine her excitement for college level material with the curiosity of a high school student. She enjoys interacting with and getting to know students on individual levels, and makes it her personal goal to continually strive to be a better teacher and mentor to her students. She currently teaches English and French. Mrs. Saenz continues to be excited about being a part of the Woodlands' Prep community and looks forward to many great things to come!!!
English / Journalism - Lindsay West Mrs. West is entering her third year of teaching at Woodlands Prep! She teaches 7th and 8th grade English, Journalism/Yearbook, Creative Writing, and English Higher Order Thinking Skills. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and English, and pursued a teaching certification post-graduation. Mrs. West worked for several years in radio broadcasting as a news reporter and broadcaster in Bryan/College Station, but always had a love for teaching. She sponsored the first student-produced yearbook at Woodlands Prep in 2009 and looks forward to expanding and enhancing the program in years to come. Mrs. West has two young sons Dylan (3 years) and Grayson (4 mo.) that she enjoys spending all her free time with.
English / History - David Roddy Mr. Roddy was born and raised in Conroe, Texas, and received his bachelor's degree in English and History from Baylor University. He taught for eight years within the CISD and Spring ISD districts. Mr. Roddy's experience includes teaching English Literature and Writing for grades 7–12 as well as American History and World History. Past subjects taught also include Journalism, Spanish, Exploring Languages, and teaching ESL, and sophomore English, Journalism, and the school newspaper at Westfield High School. Mr. Roddy joined the Woodlands Preparatory school in 2004 where he currently teaches English, history, and coaches soccer, basketball, and golf.
History - Steve DiGerlando
Mr. DiGerlando teaches US History, World History, Political Science, Economics and Geography. For more than a decade, Mr. DiGerlando was a senior aide to U.S. Congressman Christopher Cox (CA-48) and served as hiverdana, geneva, sans-serifs California Chief of Staff from 2003-2005. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and his Master of Arts degree in History from California State University, Fullerton. Mr. DiGerlando has also taught at Montgomery College, Cypress College and the University of Phoenix. As the student council representative, "Mr. D" enjoys working with students on a variety of levels.
History - Mia Harpel
A lover of literature and history, Ms. Harpel has been teaching middle school for over ten years. Her experience includes a private day school in upstate New York, a public school in suburban Kansas City, and most recently, The John Cooper School. She believes in Ben Franklin’s saying, “If you are not to be forgotten when you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing.” Following after this motto, Ms. Harpel encourages writing in the history class in addition to hands on activities, community service, and field trips that create “history” in the lives of her students.
History - Justin Faust
Art - Sherry Morris-Imhoff
Sherry Morris- Imhoff brings years of experience, a love of teaching and a passion for art, literature, and writing to our school. She has taught English at Sam Houston State University and Lone Star Community College, has taught English, art, and creative writing at Willis, Caney Creek, McCullough, and Montgomery high schools, and has founded and sponsored literary/fine arts magazines at Willis, McCullough, and Caney Creek . Some of Ms. Morris-Imhoff’s awards and honors include: 2007 Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year, 2006 East Montgomery County Teacher of the Year, 2006 Conroe Education Association Teacher of the Year, 2004 and 2000 Coca Cola Foundation Educator the Year Award for Exemplary Dedication to the Field of Education, 1996 A.T.P.E. Teacher of the Year, 1995 and 1987 University of Texas Teacher of the Year Texas Excellence Award for Outstanding High School Teachers.
French - Joyce Lovell
French/Spanish - Rebecca Manjon Rebeca Manjon was born in Leon, Spain. She received her Elementary and Teacher´s Diploma from Jose Castro Ovejero Conservatory of Leon, where she studied with Belen Ordoñez, and also received a Bachelor of Music Degree from Zaragoza, Santiago de Compostela, and La Coruña Conservatories. Rebeca also studied with Marta Zabaleta in Madrid from 1995 to 1997.Ms. Manjon spent five years living in Paris, France , studying piano with Eric Vidonne at the C.N.R. of Metz , where she finished with Gold Medal in Piano Performance and Chamber Music. For her Master of Music Degree, Rebeca finished in 2006, studying under the tutelage of Luiz de Moura Castro at the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut (USA).Ms. Rebeca taught piano and music for The Hartt Community Division in Connecticut for the past year as well as Spanish and French for Second Language LLC. Ms. Manjon enjoys teaching French and Spanish at Woodlands Prep.
Spanish - Kelly Gonzalez
Computer Technology - Rao Olayeye Mrs. Olayeye has joined Woodlands Prep School as a 4th/5th grade Science teacher and the Lower School Computer Technology teacher. She has a Bachelor Degree in Biological Sciences, Master Degree in Health Science and Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Technology. She worked as a Computer Programmer/Developer for over 7 years, took a career break and then decided to become a teacher. She has taught 4 – 8 grade General Science, Biology and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (I.P.C.) in other private schools in the Woodlands.
Physical Education/Health - Becky Seltz
Mrs. Seltz received her degree in Elementary Education from Sam Houston State University. As the mother of three active children she has coached and supported them in many sports from football to swimming to triathlons. She has competed in softball and triathlons as an adult. Throughout the years she has volunteered for numerous children’s activities as well as serving as a youth leader at church. She has been teaching physical education in both lower and upper school at The Woodlands Prep School for six years.
Physical Education - Fiona Clark
Ms. Clark teaches Physical Education & Music/Movement to students principally in Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade but throughout other grade levels as required. She also coaches Middle School golf in the spring. Born & educated in Scotland, UK, she has been living in The Woodlands, TX, since her family relocated to the United States 7 years ago. She received her B. Ed Honours Degree in Physical Education from Dunfermline College, now an integral faculty of Edinburgh University, Scotland. Ms. Clark has over 18 years of teaching experience & coaching extra-curricular activities with children aged 5-18 years. She was an external moderator for the Scottish Qualifications Authority when Phys. Ed. became a nationally recognised subject at certification level. Until her big move across 'the pond' she was Head of the PE Department at a private girls school in Aberdeen, Scotland which she feels has many positive similarities to The Woodlands Prep School.
Music/Drama - Melissa Christaldi Mrs. Christaldi holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. She began her teaching career over 12 years ago and has taught at Santa Catalina School in Monterey, California, and Immaculate Conception School in Chicago, Illinois. While in Chicago, Ms. Christaldi began an after school Music Theater program and directed over 250 music students. For 14 summers she worked at the Fine Arts Camp at Saint Mary’s College including 3 years as the director. Ms. Christaldi enjoys instilling music in children of all ages. She is certified in ORFF training and Kindermusik and is also a private piano instructor. She moved from Chicago to The Woodlands in 2007 with her husband and has loved teaching at Woodlands Prep ever since! Melissa and her husband have a beautiful baby girl!
Facilities - Ron Hatch
Mr. Hatch came to The Woodlands Preparatory School from Porus Media as a lead technician of automation mechanics. He has 25+ years as a facilities manager of operations.
.jpg)
