Name

Subjects

Description

Education

Emily Loontjer

English

  Mrs. Loontjer is a graduate of University of Texas. Currently, she is a Language Arts TAG teacher in Canyon Vista Middle School. This is her the 7th year at Canyon Vista.
  Through past experiences with kids, students in Canyon Vista have all loved her, and enjoyed having her as their teacher. The students speak highly of her teaching skills as well.
Besides teaching, she like animals and reading, cooking and running. She is also a big Spurs fan!

B.S. in English, University of Texas at Austin

Nicole Shannon

English

  Ms. Shannon has been teaching for twelve years, and six years in RRISD. She is currently a Language Arts TAG teacher in Canyon Creek Elementary School. She is recommended by several parents and students in Canyon Creek School.
  Ms. Shannon received her degree from UT Austin in Applied Learning and Development. After graduating, she worked in various private schools in both Honolulu and San Diego with gifted children. She also has a 9 year old daughter.

B.S. in Applied Learning and Development, University of Texas at Austin

Patrick Benfield

English

  Mr. Benfield graduated from Texas State University with a BA in English, and is certified in the following areas: Language Arts 4 - 8, Language Arts 8 - 12, Generalist 4 - 8 and ESL 4 - 12. 
  Currently, he is a fifth grade teacher at RRISD Fern Bluff Elementary School, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. His teaching styles and knowledge are deeply loved by his students. In his spare time, he performs locally as a professional musician, playing the Hammond organ in group named McLemore Avenue. He is father of a two-year old boy.

B.A. in English, Texas State University

Ashley Smith

SAT Reading, Writing

  Ashley is a graduate of University of Texas with a BS in Journalism. She is a certified SAT teacher and was working for the Princeton Review and was awarded 'Teacher of the month' -June 2006. 
  Ashley is currently working for ACES and teaches SAT Reading and Writing courses. She is currently working as a field manager for a culture exchange company, although she may return to the classroom to pursue an advanced degree.

B.S. in Journalism, University of Texas at Austin

Thomas Faustin

SAT Reading, Writing 

  Thomas holds dual-degrees in Communications and Spanish. He is a certified SAT teacher and was working for the Princeton Review and was awarded 'Teacher of the Month' twice- 2006.
  Thomas has taught in Austin ISD Pearce Middle School as a English teacher. Besides his teaching experiences, he is also a Artist, Musician, Model and a Writer. His interests include reading, writing, languages, music, acting, gaming, outdoors sports, strength training, martial arts, gardening and painting.

B.A. in Communications and Spanish, Southwestern University

Michelle Garza

SAT Math, Reading, Writing

  Michelle is a graduate of Harvard University with Anthropology. She is currently a student at UT Law School. Michelle is a certified SAT teacher and has taught as an SAT instructor for the Princeton Review in 2007.  
  She had an outstanding SAT score, and was also accepted by Yale, Duke, Stanford, and other schools that she applied for.

B.A. in Anthropology, Harvard University

Lindsay Pollock

Speech/debate

Lindsay is teaching ACES Speech/Debate classes in spring 2008. She has brought wide Speech/Debate knowledge to our students and she has helped them extend beyond their normal classes. She is very responsible and dedicated in her job. Students enjoys her teaching and the classes.
Lindsay is currently a student at UT Austin. During her high school years, she served as Head Squad Captain at her High School and achieved many awards in state and national debate competitions. Her current occupation is judging debate tournaments on weekends in San Antonio and Austin.

Undergraduate student in , University of Texas at Austin