Lone Star Leadership Academy Staff
Program Directors
Kristi Baker ›
Kristi Baker earned her teaching degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. She taught elementary PE in Irving ISD for 11 years and currently teaches in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. Kristi works as a director for Education in Action because she enjoys working with students and watching them grow in their leadership skills, while making new friends and having fun.
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Michael Benson ›
Michael Benson earned his degree in Mass Communications from Texas State University in 2005. He became a certified teacher in 2007 in San Antonio where he continued to teach for 10 years. Michael taught fifth grade Science and Writing at Christene C. Moss Elementary School in Fort Worth ISD for the last year. Michael works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys continuing to work with students during the summer break and loves seeing students experience new opportunities. He feels that when students are given the chance to venture out into unknown territory and delve into things that will enhance their minds and personalities.
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Rebecca Hickman ›
Rebecca Hickman earned a Business Degree from the University of North Texas in 2001. She worked as a Financial Analyst and Corporate trainer for Xerox Corporation until 2004 when she earned her teaching certificate. Rebecca works as an Instructional Coach in Keller ISD and has worked with Education in Action since 2005. She enjoys working with Education in Action because of the unique learning opportunity that it offers students.
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Timmothy Hypolite ›
Timmothy Hypolite earned his degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice with a specialization in Juvenile Justice from Prairie View A&M University. He is an eighth grade English Language Arts and Reading teacher at Campbell Middle School in Cypress Fair Independent School District in Houston. Timmothy works as a Director for Education in Action because he enjoys being able to invest in students and this experience allows them to not only learn but have a hands-on opportunity that impacts beyond the summer.
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Nicole Lindsey ›
Nicole Lindsey is completing her degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University this fall with only her student teaching left. She has worked for Breckenridge ISD in Special Education for eleven years as a Life Skills paraprofessional. Nicole works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys spending her summers helping students reach their leadership goals and loves to watch them become successful with the program. This will be Nicole's fourth year with Education in Action and she is excited to watch students grow in leadership.
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Paul Montreuil ›
Paul earned his degree in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1999. He has taught 6th grade in the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD for 17 years. Paul works for Education in Action as a Director of the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps. Working with the best students from all across Texas and watching them grow their leadership skills is what keeps Paul coming back year after year. He is certain that these camp students will return to their schools and communities as stronger leaders.
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Jen Nguyen ›
Jen Nguyen earned her degree in Biology at the University of North Texas. She currently works for Irving ISD teaching 6th and 7th grade math. Jen works as a director for Education in Action because she loves working with children and knows how important it is to motivate kids to be leaders to those around them.
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Denise Parham ›
Denise Parham earned her Bachelor of Science and early childhood degree from Tarleton State University. This is her second year at Highland Elementary School in Tulia for the 2017-2018 school year. She has taught kindergarten for the past seven years and has had 23 years in education. This will be her fifth summer with Education in Action. Denise will celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary this summer. She has two adult children, one in college and one graduate.
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Rex Stephenson ›
Rex has been an eighth grade American History teacher at Robert E. Lee Middle School in San Angelo ISD for the past 26 years. He earned his teaching degree from Angelo State University. He is a Lone Star Leadership Academy Director because he feels Education in Action provides an awesome opportunity for motivated kids to display leadership skills. He feels being a part of such a tremendous program is an honor and the organization of the programs makes it easy to keep the kids involved and motivated all week.
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Terri Stout ›
Terri earned her undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount in Las Angeles, CA. She earned her MBA from Claremont Graduate School. After 15 years in the business world, she went back to school to earn her teaching degree. Currently, Terri teaches 3rd grade at Daffron Elementary School in Plano ISD.
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Shelbi Thomason ›
Shelbi Thomason earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2013 and her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2016. She teaches 3rd, 4th and 5th grade science at Cumby Elementary school. Shelbi works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she is a life long learner in addition to wanting to share new experiences with students from all over Texas to continue their life long learning.
moreStaff Members
Felisha Brady ›
In 1995 Felisha graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa with a degree in Political Science. Then, she earned her Master of Public Administration from Auburn University in Montgomery in 1998. For the past 14 years, Felisha has been a classroom teacher in Government, Economics, and History. Currently she is an Academic Specialist at Sam Houston Middle School in Irving ISD. Felisha has been with Education in Action for four years and enjoys working the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps because of the diverse and fun kiddos and adults with whom she is able to work.
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Nicolas Cardenas ›
Nicholas Cardenas earned his History degree and teaching certification from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. He taught seventh and eighth grade Social Studies at McNair Middle School in Southwest ISD for the past four years. Nicholas works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys continuing to work with students and spread his love of history and Texas.
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Audra Cozart ›
Audra Cozart earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Tarleton State University in 2014. She has taught sixth and seventh grade math at Taylor Middle School for four years. Audra attended the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps in Austin and Houston as a student. She believes the experiences the camps provided her have been very valuable and wants to share that same memorable learning of Texas and leadership skills to the next generation.
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Harrison Gillaspy ›
Harrison Gillaspy graduated from Texas Christian University in 2017. He received a Bachelor's degree in physical education. He teaches Physical Education at Meadowbrook Elementary School in Fort Worth ISD. Harrison chose to work for Education in Action because he believes it provides students with a real world learning experience the classroom cannot provide during the school year and I wanted to be apart of it!
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Linda Gooding ›
Linda earned her teaching degree from Rockford College in 2010. Since 2014 she has taught 6th-8th grade English, 7th grade Texas History, and 8th grade U.S. History at AESA Prep Academy. Linda works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps and helping to keep their minds fresh.
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John McConnell ›
John McConnell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas. He has 26 years of teaching experience and has been an English Language Arts/Social Studies teacher at Barbara Jordan Elementary School in Fort Bend ISD for the past four years. John works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he loves introducing fun and exciting opportunities to children. John is also a songwriter. He said, “After such an awesome summer facilitating the leadership camps, I was inspired to write a song to express the true essence and intention of the camps." We invite you to take a listen to the song he wrote and performed which he titled "Education in Action"!
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Aaron Morales ›
Aaron Morales has been teaching for two years. This is his second year teaching at Joe May Elementary School (DISD). He enjoys helping students discover new books and obtain a deeper comprehension of the stories and loves it when the light bulb comes on! He is married (his wife is also a teacher) and has a 14 year old son. Aaron likes to cook, learn new things, and travel around the world. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in International Business from the University of Texas at Arlington. He then attended South Methodist University's Cox School of Business to pursue a Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Finance. He is glad that he chose Education in Action as his journey to greatness!
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Autumn Moseley ›
Autumn is a history major at the University of Texas. She has worked with Education in Action for almost two years, both as a director on one-day Discover Texas Field Trips during the school year and as an assistant director on Lone Star Leadership Academy summer camps. She enjoys providing engaging learning experiences for students on Education in Action's programs and would ultimately like to make a career doing the same as an education programs director at a history museum.
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Clyde Parham ›
Clyde Parham earned his teaching degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1988. He taught History for high school and junior high for 26 years and has been the acting Principal for Silverton ISD for the past four years. Clyde works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys working with students during the summer and he believes that it is important to further the knowledge of today's youth to make the future bright for all Texans.
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Jeff Powell ›
Jeff Powell earned his Associate degree from DeAnza College in 1993. He has been a Physical Education Aide at Naomi Press in McKinney ISD for the past seven years. He works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys watching the students excitement as they learn about Texas.
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Gary Spurr ›
Gary Spurr earned both his History Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts with Certificate of Archival Management from The University of Texas at Arlington. He worked in Archives and Special Collections for 20 plus years at the University of Texas-Arlington and Tarleton State University. Gary works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he loves working with children and sharing his love of and excitement of Texas history. Gary feels it is important to make the learning of history fun and exciting.
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Kelly Tiffee ›
Kelly Tiffee earned her teaching degree from Concordia University Chicago in 2012. She was called to Texas to teach middle school History, Drama and Religion at Zion Lutheran School in Dallas. Kelly works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she loves working with kids and watching them grow in knowledge and character. She is overjoyed to join in the experience!
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Leigh Walters ›
Leigh earned her undergraduate teaching degree and Master of Science in Reading at Texas A & M in Corpus Christi. Texas. She also holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin University. Currently, Leigh teaches seventh grade Texas history at Kahla Middle School in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. This is her third year with Education in Action and she is looking forward to another summer of learning and lots of fun.
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Danielle Welch ›
Danielle Welch received her teaching degree from Tarleton State University in Stephenville in 2008. She currently teaches eighth grade Reading/English in Iowa Park, Texas outside Wichita Falls. She enjoys working with leaders from across the state through Education In Action since 2012.
moreYouth Facilitators
All Youth Facilitators are Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council members
Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council members have the unique opportunity to return on Lone Star Leadership Academy camps as Youth Facilitators. Youth Facilitators serve as mentors to the campers, assist the adult Facilitators, and assist camp Directors behind the scenes. Their pictures, below, are of the service projects they completed as members of the 2017-2018 Alumni Council. Click here to learn more about the Alumni Council and Youth Facilitators.
Camile Abaya
Camille is a 10th grader in Houston ISD. Camille is a Youth Facilitator because it allows her to utilize skills she uses in her daily life as a student, and will use in the future, as she wants to become a teacher. Also, she enjoys working with the campers and finding fun new ways to get them interested in Texas history and leadership skills learned at camp. She loves to watch as the campers grow throughout the week, whether they gain more confidence, determination, communication skills, develop better teamwork skills, or Texas History knowledge. Camille just completed her 7th year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Carnegie Vanguard High School International Festival Cultural Performance
Kamy Adams
Kamy is a 9th grader in Grady ISD. Kamy is a Youth Facilitator because she enjoys mentoring students and being someone they can look up to. Being a Youth Facilitator allows her to put forth all of her knowledge for the campers and help educate them in everything they will experience at camp. Kamy just completed her 2nd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Kindness is Fashionable!
Alexis Andress
Alexis is a 9th grader in Santo ISD. Alexis is a Youth Facilitator because she enjoys educating, leading, and being a positive example for younger students to be better leaders of the future. Alexis just completed her 3rd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Solidiers in Need
Lane Blakley
Lane is an 8th grader in Cooper ISD. Lane is a Youth Facilitator because he wants to help kids grow and mature. Lane just completed his 1st year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Birthday Party For Jesus
Anna Brothers
Anna is an 11th grader in Dayton ISD. Anna is a Youth Facilitator because she likes being able to help younger students. Anna just completed her 4th year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Spend Some Time
Grayson Chapman
Grayson is a 10th grader in Highland ISD. Grayson is a Youth Facilitator because she wants to help younger students learn more about Texas and learn about leadership. Grayson just completed her 1st year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Bring a Book, Build a Future
Maura Chapman
Maura is an 11th grader in Highland ISD. Maura is a Youth Facilitator because she highly enjoys working with students, regardless of age, in order to spread her love of education, and leadership. As a youth facilitator, she has been able to explore and discover the great state of Texas even more than she was as a camper. Maura just completed her 3rd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Bring a Book, Build a Future
Riley Davis
Riley is a 7th grader in Georgetown ISD. Riley is a Youth Facilitator because she wants to help younger kids learn to be better leaders. Riley just completed her 1st year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Paws 4 a Cause
Sophia Deras
Sophia is an 11th grader in Carroll ISD. Sophia has served as a Youth Facilitator the last four years and loved the two years she spent as a student prior to that. She is a Youth Facilitator because the Lone Star Leadership Academy gave her an experience that is very hard to come across for young students: a week spent with like-minded, promising kids who love to learn. That was invaluable to her as an 11-year-old, and now, as a 17-year-old, she loves knowing she is helping give that experience to someone else who would benefit from it. Sophia just completed her 5th year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Snack Sacks for Northwest ISD
Ariel Draper
Ariel is an 8th grader in Copperas Cove ISD. Ariel is a Youth Facilitator because she wants to help kids. Ariel just completed her 1st year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Leaving Leukemia Behind
Steven Edwards II
Steven is a 7th grader at Mount Sacred Heart private school. Steven is a Youth Facilitator because he loves helping out kids. He loves this camp and wants to continue but as a mentor and to help others as he was helped. Steven just completed his 1st year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Warming the Hearts of San Antonio
Sam Fralick
Sam is an 8th grader in Montgomery ISD. Sam is a Youth Facilitator because he really enjoyed his three years at camp and wishes to make the experience as enjoyable for new campers. He just enjoys helping people. Whether it is an adult or a student, if someone is in need of help, he will be there. Sam just completed his 3rd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: T-shirt Toys for Montgomery County Animal Shelter
Collin Harwick
Collin is a 9th grader in Round Rock ISD. Collin is a Youth Facilitator because he wants to provide a good example and to be an advocate for younger kids so they can become better leaders. Also, mentoring other kids helps him be a better role model for his peers. Collin just completed his 3rd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Book Drive for Families in Need
Emilie Janicek
Emilie is an 8th grader in Nixon-Smiley CISD. Emilie is a Youth Facilitator to participate in another hands-on leadership experience. Emilie just completed her 2nd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Embody Love Club Nixon-Smiley Middle School
Matthew Ji
Matthew is a 10th grader in Northwest ISD. Matthew is a Youth Facilitator because after taking part in the Lone Star Leadership Academy – Houston/Galveston camp, he wanted to participate in the program in a position of helping. In addition, being a Youth Facilitator grants him the opportunity to demonstrate and integrate skills in public speaking and social communications skills. Matthew just completed his 2nd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Donating Books to Elementary Students of China
Emma Lee
Emma is a 10th grader in Fort Bend ISD. Emma is a Youth Facilitator to experience the camp from a different point of view. Emma just completed her 4th year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Undies for Everyone
Téa McCormack
Téa is an 11th grader in Plano ISD. Téa just completed her 3rd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Collecting Christmas Boxes for Kids
Hannah Morris
Hannah is a 7th grader at Trinity School of Texas. Hannah is a Youth Facilitator because she wants to become a better leader. Hannah just completed her 1st year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Supply Drive Benefiting Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center
Aiden Porter
Aiden is a 9th grader in Port Aransas Independent School District. Aiden is a Youth Facilitator because he enjoys helping younger children learn and inspiring them to become leaders. Aiden just completed his 3rd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Scholarships for High School Seniors
Anthony Rodriguez
Anthony is a 7th grader in Houston ISD. Anthony is a Youth Facilitator because he has been to all the camps and wants to give students the opportunity to learn with others who are old enough to teach them, but at the same time closer to their age so they can relate. Anthony just completed his 1st year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Clothing Drive
Christine Rong
Christine is a 9th grader in Houston ISD. Christine is a Youth Facilitator because she enjoys being a good role model for inclusion. As a Youth Facilitator, she strengthens her ability to work with others, both facilitators and campers, and takes her leadership skills to the next step. Christine just completed her 2nd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Music to You Holiday Chorus
Brianna Thornton
Brianna is a 10th grader in Copperas Cove ISD. Brianna has attended all three camps twice and was a Youth Facilitator for the past three years. She enjoys both the camps and kids tremendously and attending the Lone Star Leadership camps is always the highlight of her summers. Brianna just completed her 7th year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Take a Hero Home for the Holidays
Lily Tran
Lily is an 8th grader in Lubbock ISD. Lily is a Youth Facilitator to learn how to be a better leader and put the skills she has learned throughout the years on being a leader in action. Lily just completed her 1st year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Desserts for the Ronald McDonald House
Jax Williams
Jax is a 7th grader in Bowie ISD. Jax has wanted to be a Youth Facilitator since his first camp in 2015 because the facilitators made camp so much fun. He is a Youth Facilitator to improve his communication skills while having a good time and build his academic resume for future college plans. Jax just completed his 3rd year on the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council. 2017-2018 Alumni Council Service Project: Reading Rocks
"The program was well-organized and supervised. The pics posted every evening really helped us see what his daily experiences were."
-Participant's Parent
"My daughter was so excited to tell us everything she had learned during the week. And we were thrilled to know that your staff is all certified teachers. I felt that actually enhanced her learning experience. Great job!"
-Participant's Parent
"Fantastic camp. My son said it was the best week and he can't wait to attend again next summer. That says a lot!"
-Participant's Parent