About WB Staff

About WB Staff

Walnut Bend Teachers and Staff work closely together to ensure students receive a quality education in every grade. Grade levels teams align curriculum to challenge and prepare students as they progress to their next school year. Following is a list of grade level teams. If you would like to learn more about WB Teachers and Staff, just click on their name to view a brief biography of their teaching experience.

Administration - Julie Fernandez , Dameion Crook, Sandra Hagins

Office Staff - Jesse Cartegena, Alice Holmes, Gregory Lambert, Amelia Mantilla, Nancy Wamsley

PK - Laurie Gass, Spencer Hills, Perla Sanchez

Kindergarten - Adrianna Gonzalez, Charlette Mounts, Sheryl Scott, Nicole Ulrich

First Grade - Nina Daniels, Lorraine Ducre, Tangulla Harrell, Carla Josey, Melissa Overholser

Second Grade -Elba Berrached, Zuly Fuentes, Rina Ghosh, Gail Love, Jamila Steen

Third Grade - Charlene Joachim, Marta Mejia, Abigail Oettle, Andrea Weston

Fourth Grade - Ernie Bainbridge, Karin Hansen, Claudia Olivo, Carol Ringold

Fifth Grade - Holly Ellenberger, Jeanne Kim, Chris Pette

Special Needs - Laura Bruce, Ashantee Coleman

Enrichment/Support - Janice Anderson, Julian Flores, June Harrison, Susan Norris, Brian Sayre, Kelly Shalluck, Derwin Young

Math Specialist - Katie O'Brien

Reading Specialist - Emily Makhlouf

Writing Specialist - Lilian Carter

Science Specialist - Kim Baumgartner & Margo Henderson

ADMINISTRATION

Julie Fernandez , Principal, Walnut Bend Elementary

College/University: BA from University of South Carolina in Elementary Education, Master Degree in Reading from University of Houston- Clear Lake
Experience: 21 years of experience which included teaching elementary grades 2,3,4; 6th grade language arts and social studies, special education, University of Houston-CL adjunct instructor, elementary assistant principal, principal, Human Resource’s coordinator of interns, student teachers, 1-3 year teachers and their mentors.
# of years at WB: This is my first of many years at Walnut Bend!
What I like best about Walnut Bend Elementary? I love the students of Walnut Bend because of their eagerness to learn and eagerness to please. They come in with smiles and the expectation to learn. I am also very proud to be working with a staff that are dedicated to helping all students succeed.

Sandra Hagins, Content Specialist -PreK - Fifth Grade

College/University: Texas Tech University
Experience: PreK, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Fifth Grade, Enrichment/Character Education, Assistant Principal, Compliance Coordinator, and currently Content Specialist.
# of years at WB: Many!
What I like best about teaching and about Walnut Bend Elementary? What I have always loved about working with children is the opportunity to excite students about learning new things and to help students realize they are all important and have something to offer. Walnut Bend is a great place to work because of the pride and ownership the teachers & staff, parents, and students have in their school. I also love the diversity and the "big family" feeling at Walnut Bend.

Dameion Crook, Assistant Principal

College/University: Texas Southern University
Experience: 5 years as a 7th and 8th Grade Science, 4 years as a In School Suspension Coordinator
# of years at WB: 2 years
What I like best about Walnut Bend Elementary? I like that our students are excited about learning new things and want to be challenged academically. I also admire the teachers and staff at Walnut Bend for their commitment and dedication to educating our students. Walnut Bend is a very special school with many unique qualities and I am proud to be part of this family.

TEACHERS

Janice Anderson

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Librarian
College/University: University of Oklahoma
Experience:
# of years at WB: This is my 2nd year at Walnut Bend!
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary?

Ernest Bainbridge

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Fourth Grade Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies
College/University: University of Houston
Experience: 5th grade, middle-school art and now 4th grade!
# of years at WB: This is my first year!
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I enjoy working with the staff and students at Walnut Bend - they're the best! I also enjoy being a role model for students and trying to make learning fun!

Elba M. Berrached

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: First Grade Bilingual
College/University: BA - Universidad de Puerto Rico , MA- Penn State University
Experience: 15 years
# of years at WB: 13 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? Love the kids! Love the faculty and staff!! I feel like we are a big family!!!

Ashuntee Coleman

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: K - 2nd grade. I am currently teaching all subjects!
College/University: Texas Southern University
Experience: My years of experience is 7 years being a behavior teacher. I have experience in handling students that have special needs concerning their behavior/emotions.
# of years at WB: This is my very 1st year at Walnut Bend! :)
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend is the fact that I am able to work with a group of people that care about the welfare of the students! Teaching at Walnut Bend is also allowing me to broaden my horizons!!!!!

Laura Bruce

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Special Education - Primary
College/University: Illinois State University BS in Ed , University of Illinois M of Ed in Reading
Experience: 23 years of teaching in Illinois and Houston
# of years at WB: 19 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I enjoy helping students reach potentials that others didn't expect them to reach. I appreciate working at Walnut Bend because of the dedicated staff, students and parents. It takes all of us to Move on Up to Success.

Nina Daniels

Grade and subject(s) currently teaching: First Grade – Math, Science, Spelling, Handwriting
College/University: University of Houston
Experience: I've been teaching for 12 years in public school
# of years at WB: 10 years at Walnut Bend
What I like best about teaching and working at Walnut Bend Elementary? Teaching is definitely a difficult job, but it is also incredibly rewarding. There is never a dull moment! Kids remind you of the joy and wonder of life!

Lorraine Ducre

Grade and subject(s) currently teaching: First Grade – Reading and Language Arts
College/University: Xavier University
Experience: 38 years teaching 1st through 8th grade
# of years at WB: 27 years at Walnut Bend
What I like best about teaching and working at Walnut Bend Elementary? Teaching at Walnut Bend has given me a tremendous opportunity to instill a love for learning into each of my first grade students.

Julian Flores

Grade and subject(s) currently teaching: Physical Education - Grades K-5
College/University: University of Houston, BS Education, All levels Physical Ed PK-12th grade
Experience: I have taught physical education, adaptive physical education or health to elementary, middle and high school students for 18 years
# of years at WB: This is my third year at Walnut Bend Elementary.
What I like best about teaching? I like teaching students to be responsible citizens in society.

Zuly Fuentes

Grade and subject(s) currently teaching: 2nd Grade Bilingual - All Subjects
College/University: Los Andes University , Venezuela - ACP program University of St. Thomas
Experience: I've been teaching for 7 years
# of years at WB: 7 years at Walnut Bend
What I like best about teaching and working at Walnut Bend Elementary? What I like best about teaching is to help my students each year believe in themselves and expand their full potential in a welcoming and safe environment. What I like about teaching in Walnut Bend is that everybody is equal and the school really cares about the students and teachers. It is like one big family!

Laurie Gass

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Pre-K ESL - All Subjects
College/University: Masters of Education in Early Childhood, University of Houston
Experience: 10 years teaching kindergarten and first grade in HISD, 5 years teaching kindergarten and second grades in Lamar CISD at Bowie Elementary, 4 years teaching first and second grades at Boone Elementary in Alief ISD, 3 years teaching pre-kindergarten at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 2 years teaching toddlers at The ShlenkerSchool of Congregation Beth Israel
# of years at WB: 7 wonderful years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? Teaching at Walnut Bend has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career. The administration and the faculty are top-notch and the community involvement is wonderful. I love watching my students grow and mature as they move from grade to grade. I am proud to tell people that I am a Walnut Bend Eagle!

Rina Ghosh

Grade level & subjects currently teaching: 2nd Grade - Reading, Language Arts
College/University: B.A. and M.A. at Concordia University in Montreal , Canada, Teaching Certifications from University of Houston
Experience: 3rd Grade, Special Education, and now 2nd Grade!
# of Years at WB: 13 years
What I like best about teaching: I enjoy the students and my daily interactions with them. It is very satisfying to see the progress a student makes throughout the year. Since I usually have the same students for 3 grade levels, it's very rewarding to follow their growth and maturity.

Adriana Gonzalez

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Bilingual Kindergarten - All Subjects
College/University: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico - biology degree.
Experience: 22 years
# of years al WB: 15 years
What I like best about teaching is watching the children grow knowing that I am a big part of it. It make me realize that my life has a meaning. Thanks to my teaching I am touching many people's lives-- not only my students but their families too.

Karin Hansen

Grade level currently teaching: 4th Grade Reading, Writing and Language Arts.
College/University: Iowa State University
Experience: 18 years
# of years at Walnut Bend: 9 years
What I like best about teaching: My favorite part of teaching is seeing the kids' eyes light up as they grasp a new concept. What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend: Walnut Bend is a great place because the administrators, office staff, teachers, aides, and parents all work together to do what is best for our students.

Tangulla Harrell

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: First Grade - Reading, Language Arts
College/University: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Experience: 10 years business experience
# of years at WB: 5 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I feel very blessed that my role as an educator enables me to inspire kids to think, discover the world around them, take risks and respect themselves and others.

June Harrison

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: First - 5th Grade Resource - Reading, Language Arts, Math
College/University: Texas Southern University
Experience: I've taught resource classes for 25 years.
# of years at WB: 25 years at Walnut Bend
What I like best about teaching? To know that the students are depending on me each day to make a difference in their lives. To give them the confidence that is needed in order to be successful.

Carrie "Spencer" Hills

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Pre-K
College/University: Judson College and University of Alabama
Experience: 1 year in Marion , Alabama teaching 2nd grade, 5 years at Terrell Middle School in HISD, 3 years at Walnut Bend in Exceptional Education/Resource, January-May ay Lockhart School in HISD in a BIC Special Education class. For the last 25 years at Walnut Bend in kindergarten, second grade and presently in Pre-K.
# of years at WB: 29 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? The children keep you young, informed and on your toes all the time! What better way to spend your work day.

Charlene Joachim

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Third Grade - Reading, Language Arts
College/University: University of Oklahoma and University of Houston
Experience: This will be my 28th year!!!!!
# of years at WB: This is my 18th year at Walnut Bend!!!
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I love the Walnut Bend community and love working with the children. I love the diversity of our staff and students and truly love teaching at Walnut Bend ! It is a healthy environment for children and me.

Carla Thomas Josey

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: First Grade - Math, Science, Social Studies
College/University: HBCU/ Huston-Tillotson College , Austin , Texas ; B.A. Elementary Education/minor in Reading / Early Childhood Certification
Experience: 16 years in 1st grade regular & SIGHTS/ 5 years Kindergarten SIGHTS (6 weeks each, Pre-K and Second)
# of years at WB: 22 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I enjoy seeing that..." A-HA" moment on the childrens faces when they get it! I love the people I work with, especially my partner...Ms. Lorraine Ducre!

Jeanne Kim

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: 5th Grade Math and Science
College/University: University of Illinois at Chicago
Experience: I have taught for 5 years. This will be my 6th year!
# of years at WB: This is my first year at Walnut Bend! I taught 2nd grade for four years in Chicago. I also taught 4th grade for HISD last school year.
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I enjoy teaching AND learning from my students. When I see interest and curiosity being sparked in my students, it motivates me to become a better teacher and person. Being able to influence one during their impressionable years is an honor and helps me to continue to strive for excellence in all areas of life. Walnut Bend Elementary is great place to grow as a student and teacher because of its wonderful staff and positive atmosphere!

Donna "Gail" Love

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Second grade.
College/University: University of Houston
Experience: This is my 25th year in education. My career includes eight years at Hamilton Middle School teaching typing and computer literacy and 14 years at Walnut Bend as librarian and my first in 2nd grade.
# of years at WB: 15 years
What I like best about teaching or What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I love being a librarian. It is wonderful seeing the students excited about the books they read. It is most rewarding when students share their discovery of an author, series or subject with me. I have one of the best positions on campus. I get to see all the students as they grow and mature developing a love of reading along the way.

Marta Mejia

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Third grade bilingual
College/University: University of Houston
Experience: This is my first year to teach!
# of years at WB: First year
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? Staff, children and the community are the best!

Charlett Mounts

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Kindergarten - All Subjects
College/University: Bishop College Dallas, Texas
# of years at WB: 24 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I like the fact that many times I am the first experience, for a parent to have a child attend school. I like to make them feel assured and confident that their child will have a great year, even though we may start the first day or so with tears. It is very rewarding for me to then have the opportunity to teach the siblings, whenever possible. It then becomes "a family affair". The ultimate is having a young adult approach me on the street and ask "Are you a teacher? You were my kindergarten teacher, and I remember you!"

Hanh Nguyen

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: First - 5th Grade Resource - Reading, Language Arts, Math
College/University: University of Houston
Experience: 9 years
# of years at WB: 8 years
What I like best about teaching? I like having the opportunity to work with children and make a difference in their lives.

Susan Norris

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Computer Lab for all grades - PK-5th grade.
College/University: University of Texas at Austin
Experience: 12 years in P.E. and 3 in Character Ed. and currenly Computer Lab.
# of years at WB: 18 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I love working with the WBN kids and putting on the show everyday and I also love our staff . They are so supportive and like a second family.

Abigail Oettle

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching:
College/University:
Experience:
# of years at WB:
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary?

Claudia Olivo

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Fourth Grade - Math, Science, Spelling
College/University: University of Houston
Experience: 15 years
# of years at WB: 15 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I love being part of the tight-knit Walnut Bend family. I’m extremely lucky to be in a place where children thrive everyday, and I continue to learn alongside them.

Melissa Overholser

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: First Grade Bilingual
College/University: University of Texas Pan American
Experience: 30 years
# of years at WB: 19 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I like teaching at Walnut Bend because we have such a diverse student population that adds a uniqueness to our school. We also have a great support group in our parents and our administration and staff. We are like one big family where we support and care for each other.

Christine Pette

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Fifth Grade - Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies
College/University: University of Tampa , Tampa , Florida , B.S. Marine Biology; University of Houston ; Teaching Certificate
Experience: 2 years chemist; 11 years teaching
# of years at WB: 2 years as library aide; 7 years as a 5th grade teacher
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? Hmmm, This is tough to answer, I suppose it comes down to that answer that you hear so often but it really is true for so many teachers; I really do feel I make a positive difference in many of my students' lives and that's what I like most about teaching. When I'm reading a novel aloud to them and they beg me to read just one more chapter, or the class is doing an activity and the children are learning and having a great time also!! Those are moments that make up for all of the hours of planning and grading. Walnut Bend is a special school because the teachers know all of the students and they treat all of the children as if they were their own. It takes a village....

Carol Ringold

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Fourth Grade - Math, Science, Social Studies
College/University: University of Houston; University of Texas
Experience: 23 years
# of years at WB: 18 years
What I like best about teaching? The excitement in a child's eyes when they "get it"!

Perla Sanchez

Grade and subject(s) currently teaching: PreK Bilingual
College/University: University of Houston
Experience: 14 years
# of years at WB: 13 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? Walnut Bend is a great community! I love it here because the staff feels like a family and the parents and students really are caring and eager to learn.

Brian Sayre

Grade and subject(s) currently teaching: Fourth and Fifth Grade Orchestra
College/University: Loyola University- New Orleans
Experience: I started playing string bass in fifth grade, which mean I have been playing for eighteen years. I also play piano, violin, viola, cello, and trombone. In my spare time, I teach others to play violin. As a member of the Loyola University orchestras, I played at a large orchestra clinic in Chicago. I enjoy teaching orchestra instruments to students because they have a discovery experience about the world of music.
# of years at WB: 3rd year teaching at Walnut Bend
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I love coming to school and seeing the bright smiles of all of the students. The students at Walnut Bend are simply the best. Walnut Bend feels like my second family.

Sheryl Scott

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: This is my 2nd year to teach kindergarten!
College/University: University of Houston
Experience: 6 years - 2 years 4th grade, 1 year 5th grade, 2 years 2nd grade, and 1 year in kindergarten
# of years at WB: 6 years
What I like best about teaching: Teaching became a passion of mine when I began volunteering at elementary schools during college. The twinkle in a child’s eye when you give them attention is just overwhelmingly great! I love teaching because I give my time to children who need and appreciate it. Working at Walnut Bend is truly a joy because we have such a diverse community. The nurturing environment is one that no one could possibly resist. Walnut Bend is a great school and I am honored to teach here.

Jamila Steen

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Second Grade - Math, Science
College/University: University of Houston
Experience: 10 years in elementary education
# of years at WB: This is my 3rd year at Walnut Bend.
What I like best about teaching: I love being a part of this family at Walnut Bend. I am just thrilled to be part of a wonderful community of children who are excited about their own learning. There is nothing like the wonderful feeling I get when my students are able to show me how much they have learned. Kids are the greatest!

Nikki Ulrich

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Kindergarten - All Subjects
College/University: Baylor University
Experience: 4 years
# of years at WB: 4 years at WB
What I like best about teaching or What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? Spending time with my students everyday is absolutely the best aspect of teaching! The kids bring me a joy that is unexplainable and they definitely help me keep the right perspective on life. I also love the challenge of teaching them that they truly can do anything they set their mind to - when they believe in themselves and refuse to give up. It's the most rewarding feeling to help students overcome obstacles they've been facing and realize that they CAN do it!

Andrea Weston

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: 3rd Grade Reading and Language Arts.
College/University: Alabama A&M University , B.S. Degree; Georgia State University , M.Ed Degree; Prairie View A&M University, Principal Certification
Experience: 30 years of experience ( Atlanta , Georgia and Houston , Texas )
# of years at WB: 27 years at WB
What I like best about teaching or What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I enjoy encouraging my students to excel academically, emotionally, socially, and physically. One of my greatest joys has been watching former students grow, achieve success, and return to see me!

Derwin Vincent Young

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: General music - Pre-K through 5th grade ; Recorders - 3rd Grade; Choir - 4th & 5th grade.
College/University: Texas Southern University, B.M.E Music Education; Prairie View A&M University, Masters in Educational Administration.
Experience: 1986–Present - Walnut Bend Elementary School, Music Teacher; 1980–1984 - Fondren Middle School, Band Director
# of years at WB: 23 years
What I like best about teaching or what I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I enjoy teaching the subject of music because it is science, it is math, it is foreign language, it is history, it is physical education and it is art. I teach music so that our children will recognize beauty, so they will be sensitive, so they will have something to cling to, so they will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness and more good life. Research has proven that teaching music at the early age has helped improve intelligence and academic achievement. I realized years ago that through teaching music, I held great power to give children something that could give them a lifetime of enjoyment and understanding of music.

SPECIALISTS & SUPPORT STAFF

Kim Winston Baumgartner

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Science - all grades.
College/University: University of Texas
Experience: 12 years. 3 years in Laredo teaching K, 3 years at WB teaching kindergarten
# of years at WB: 10 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? I love that you can walk outside and see chickens, ducks, rabbits, cats and a garden. You can also walk over to the garden and teach a whole lesson.

Beth Caleb

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Social Service Coordinator/Counselor for all grade levels
Colllege/University: Texas Southern University, Bachelors Degree in Social Work; Prairie View A&M University, Masters Degree in Counseling
Experience: 10 years counseling.
# of years at WB: 3 years at Walnut Bend
What I like best about Walnut Bend Elementary? The family at Walnut Bend is very special and welcoming. The part that makes me real happy is making a child smile and giggle. Here at Walnut Bend, children do that alot. I Love That!

Lillie Carter

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Writing Specialist
College/University: Texas Women's University, Texas Southern Universtity
Experience: 32 years
# of years at WB: 32 years
What I like best about teaching? I love teaching and knowing that I have had a part in touching the lives of so many students.

Margo Henderson

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Science - Kindergarten through 5th Grade
College/University: Stephen F. Austin State University - undergraduate: Texas A & M - graduate - Special Ed.; University of Houston - ESL cetification
Experience: 33 years
# of years at WB: 18 years
What I like best about teaching at Walnut Bend Elementary? What I like best about teaching is that kids keep it new and exciting every day. My own children went to Walnut Bend and the feeling of community and friendliness is still there after all these years.

Emily Makhlouf

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Reading Specialist
College/University: Indiana University
Experience: 2- years teaching
# of years at WB: 11 years
What I like best about teaching and working at Walnut Bend Elementary? I like teaching because the job is different every year. Each new group of students brings new challenges and strengths. I love teaching at Walnut Bend because of the warm feeling you get when you walk through the door. We are a family here, and I feel that every day. The students, parents, faculty, and staff are the best around, and I truly enjoy coming to work each day! How could you not love that?!

Kathryn O'Brien

Grade level and subject(s) currently teaching: Math Specialist
Colllege/University:undergrad: University of California, San Diego; Grad: Univ of St Thomas, Houston TX
Experience:13 years with HISD; taught at both elementary grades 3-5 and high school algebra/geometry grades 9, 10; just came from 3 years at HISD elementary math curriculum department
# of years at WB:This is my first year at Walnut Bend.
What I like best about Walnut Bend Elementary? Beautiful building, but staff is even more beautiful to work with! I love that the teachers are continuously learning more and more about their own teaching craft right alongside student learning.