ALL NATIONS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
A Christ-centered international school, educating globally minded leaders in Pre-K through High School.
Meet Our Educators
Our accomplished educators at All Nations Community School are selected based on stringent criteria regarding their teaching expertise, Christian faith, and dedication to furthering our Mission and Vision. See what parents say about ANCS teachers!
In the classroom, we strive to create a loving and respectful environment, where each student feels valued and safe to express opinions, learn from mistakes, and build resilience through growth. All Nations educators are committed to helping each individual child excel and achieve their fullest potential.
Outside of the classroom, every teacher at All Nations Community School is a dedicated learner. We model an attitude of lifelong learning: always honing our craft, learning new methods or tools, and getting fresh ideas to keep students engaged. Teachers at ANCS regularly engage in continued professional development, as well as cycles of peer observations and feedback. Several have presented papers at professional conferences and/or published peer-reviewed scholarly work.
Teaching Faculty
.jpg)
Christina Callaway, M.A.
Director and Co-Founder
G7-9 Spanish A
"I want to teach students to value the process over the end result and to see failure as opportunities for growth and reflection. I want them to know that anything worth doing will require perseverance and a determination to accomplish the task at hand. The reward is in their own personal satisfaction and seeing the results of their pursuit of excellence."
Christina Callaway was born in Manila, Philippines, and moved to Texas as a junior high student. Her experience as a young student at international schools helped her develop an appreciation for other cultures and languages. This eventually led to an adventurous career teaching for a decade in international schools in South America and the Middle East. She has lived in six countries, is fluent in Spanish and speaks conversational Portuguese and Tagalog.
Ms. Callaway has been in education for over 15 years and has taught a variety of subjects and grade levels throughout her career. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith College and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University. Ms. Callaway has served as International Baccalaureate Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Principal in the private school sector.
Ms. Callaway's desire is for every student at ANCS to know how much they are loved and uniquely made by God. Her own uniqueness comes out through her love of exploring new places, bartering in flea markets, singing to oldies, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Stephen Michalik, M.Ed.
Co-Founder / STEM Coordinator / Athletics Director
G3-4 Math/Sci and G7-10 Math/Sci
"The joy of teaching comes from witnessing my students make connections across various content areas. I enter my classroom each day with the mindset that all students can learn. My goal is to develop students to ask questions and think about mathematics in the world around them. I am thrilled to share my passion for STEM learning and innovation."
Stephen Michalik is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies and Mathematics, and has been in education for over 15 years.
Mr. Michalik recently participated in Texas A&M's Texas Regional Math Collaborative which focuses on project-based learning, algebraic thinking and problem-solving. He was also selected to participate in the Texas A&M Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers, a collaborative research project promoting STEM through the use of building automation applications, connected devices (commonly called the Internet of Things) and 3D printing. He has presented at both district and state mathematics conferences on technology and its influence in the math classroom.
Mr. Michalik recently won two STEM grants from Rice University to support our Robotics program through a "Breaking Barriers" series of robotics challenges and competitions, in partnership with Journey School, a school for students with special needs and different abilities.
When he is not in the classroom, Mr. Michalik stays active in the community: training for triathlons and marathons, coaching swimming, and mentoring prison inmates at the Wallace Pack Unit in Navasota.
Dr. Nicole Puig-Herz, Ph.D.
Dual Immersion Program Coordinator
G8-10 ELA and G5-8 Spanish
"I believe deeply in the transformative power of mentoring relationships and individualized instruction. My goals in the classroom always include developing students' confidence and preparing them for real-life cultural and linguistic situations they will encounter. At ANCS, I work hard to meet each child's needs and interest in Spanish, and I challenge them to develop their fluency in speaking, literacy, and cultural awareness. I am passionate about expanding students' global worldview!"
Dr. Nicole Puig graduated Summa Cum Laude with Dual Honors Baccalaureate degrees from Virginia Tech in Spanish and International Studies, with minors in French and European Studies. After living in Germany for a year, she earned her Ph.D. from Cornell University in Romance Studies with a concentration in Hispanic Literature and a subspecialty in Catalan Studies.
Dr. Puig has taught ages 4 to adult in a multitude of settings (Bryn Mawr College, Cornell University, community college, and private classes), before shifting to private school. She has nearly two decades of experience teaching language, literature, writing, cultural studies, and film. Dr. Puig speaks eight languages with varying levels of fluency, of which she has taught four: Spanish, Catalan, French, and English; along with tutoring in Italian. She has published academic articles and translations and has presented in numerous academic conferences.
Recently, she published an essay in the third edition of Practical Advice for Teachers of Heritage Learners of Spanish: Essays by Classroom Teachers, edited by Mike Peto. As a Cuban-American raising multilingual children with her German-speaking husband, Doctora Puig relates viscerally to the opportunities and challenges of raising bilingual children in the U.S. She loves encouraging heritage speakers to embrace their culture and challenge themselves to achieve new proficiency levels in Spanish.
Dr. Puig also enjoys teaching High School ELA as much as teaching second languages; she loves getting a student to become excited about reading and writing, in any language, because communication skills and critical thinking are essential to lifelong learning in any career.
In her spare time, Dr. Puig enjoys long-distance running, cooking, singing, playing the piano, and traveling. Recently, she has started dedicating more time to her longstanding love of creative writing. She is passionate about women's education and health, having volunteered with Lutheran Refugee Services of Texas and traveled to Peru several times as interpreter for her church. She is also currently serving on church committees for both Global Missions (currently chair) and Mission Endowment, as well as singing in the choir and playing in the orchestra and jazz band.
Dr. Puig believes everyone can and should be exposed to at least two languages and have opportunities to engage with other cultures. The earlier the better, but it is never too late!
Kimberly Hewitt, B.S.
G1-4 English Teacher and Instructional Coach, Dual Immersion Program
G5-7 ELA
"Building a personal relationship with each of my students is integral to my holistic approach. My goal is to develop fluent readers and articulate writers with dazzling communication skills. Coupled with social-emotional development, this strong foundation is the platform to help students develop their personal voice and the confidence to use it in impactful ways."
Mrs. Kimberly Hewitt is from Texas and comes to All Nations with over 25 years of experience in education. She has taught various grades from Pre-K to 5th grade, including two years in an International Baccalaureate program. She also has administrative experience, having been director of a small Christian private school for 8 years.
Mrs. Hewitt lives with her husband, their Yorkie Olivia, and their new puppy Matilda. Outside of school hours, Mrs. Hewitt enjoys tutoring international students for English. She has four adult children and three grandchildren. One of her sons and his wife are also in education. Mrs. Hewitt LOVES to read and share her love of reading with her students. She also enjoys playing board games...except Monopoly! A true Texan, she loves chips and queso and any kind of Mexican food.
Emilce Piedra, B.M.E., B.A.C.M.
Pre-K Teacher, Dual Immersion Program
"Education is the key that develops today's students into tomorrow's leaders. For me, this is a God-given assignment because when you help in the educational foundation of an individual's life, you can make a difference in society. Teaching is a noble and highly rewarding position; you create and develop a strong connection that will impact a generation."
Maestra Piedra was born in Veracruz, Mexico, and raised in Cancun. She grew up with multicultural parents and surrounded by diversity. She was blessed to be able to travel to other countries while growing up, and was exposed at an early age to different languages. Due to her own childhood experiences, Maestra Piedra feels strong ties to bilingual schools and has a great passion for bilingual education.
Maestra Piedra comes to ANCS with broad experience in education, especially in teaching music. She graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor's in Music Education and has worked in different capacities in music education for the last six years.
In 2018, Maestra Piedra graduated with an additional Bachelor's degree, this time in Christian Ministries, from the Christ for the Nations Institute. This experience, along with expanding her knowledge in the educational field, helped her grow her faith and love God more than ever before.
Maestra Piedra is a lifelong learner and is currently working on completing her Master's degree in Bilingual Education from Houston Baptist University with an STR certification and EC-6 (Early Childhood through 6th Grade).
Outside of the school setting, Maestra Piedra is passionate about her local church and missions. She loves to serve at her church and help disciple the body of Christ in worship, prayer, and the Bible. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, playing music, reading, and being around her friends and community.
Kristian Aranda, B.A.
G1-4 Spanish Teacher, Dual Immersion Program
"As teachers, we give kids the tools they need to be successful in their lives. Being a teacher is not only teaching numbers and letters; it is making sure they build confidence, so they can become independent and they can achieve their goals."
Maestra Aranda was born and raised in Mexico, in the state of Yucatan. When she was five years old her parents brought her to the United States. She lived in California for five years with her familiy, then moved back to Mexico, where she finished school.
Being around teachers all the time made her interested in teaching, so she pursued a Bachelors in Education. After graduation, she taught middle school Art and high school History.
After moving back to California, she attended a community school to learn English, then returned to teaching as a Spanish teacher in a language school. She has taught all ages from kindergarten to adults, in after-school programs and private classes. After seven years living in California, she and her husband decided to move to Texas.
In Texas, Maestra Aranda started working in preschool and building new experiences with PK, staying with this age group for eight years before returning to work in elementary school grades. She worked as a Paraprofessional for the Dual Immersion program in Conroe ISD for one year before accepting the position at ANCS for G1-4 Spanish. Maestra Aranda's passion is to give kids the knowledge and tools they need to grow to have a great future.
During her free time she enjoys being with her family, going to the park, playing games and walking in her community.
Maestra Aranda loves to teach, and teaching is her life!
Aida Rojas, B.S.
Kindergarten Teacher, Dual Immersion Program
Aida Rojas was born in San Diego, California, but grew up in Baja California, Mexico. She received her degree from Houston Baptist University in Elementary Bilingual Education, with an Elementary Certification for EC- 6th and TESOL Certificate. She also has an Associate's Degree in Biblical Studies from Southern California Seminary. Maestra Rojas is currently pursuing her Masters of Arts in Ministry with a concentration in Christian counseling at Grace School of Theology.
Maestra Rojas has a long history of loving to teach and work with children. From AWANA Club’s Leader and teacher, Kids’ Camp Counselor and staff, VBS Teacher and Sunday School Teacher, her love for teaching grew as she was involved in children’s ministry since her youth. As a student at HBU, she was involved in professional organizations such as the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO) and the Association of Student Educators. In 2015 she was awarded Student of the Year by the Bilingual Education Student Organization for her service at BESO. She has also worked as a preschool teacher at a private school in The Woodlands, served in mentoring, tutoring, and after school programs in HSID, has taught ESL and Spanish lessons both online and in-person to multicultural students.
Maestra Rojas lived in the Dominican Republic as a missionary for two years, working with a Christian organization called The Navigators in student ministry at the University of Santo Domingo.
Maestra Rojas believes in the importance of exposing students to learn a second language at an early age to become not only bilingual but also biliterate, opening a wide range of opportunities for them in the future. She is thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the mission of ANCS by providing the best dual language immersion education for the children in a safe environment where they feel loved and valued.
In her free time, Maestra Rojas loves to go hiking, travel, play guitar and sing, do art lettering, or just enjoy a good book accompanied by a cup of tea.
Charity Welty, B.B.A.
Student Activities Coordinator
G5-8 Math/Sci Teacher and Middle School Drone Education
“My passion as a teacher stems from a desire to see each child enjoy discovery and learning. I also want my students to know that they are valued and loved, and that their life has great purpose. They can be change makers in their communities.”
Charity Welty was born in Tacoma, Washington. She grew up in a military family, which afforded her the opportunity to grow up in the various regions of the United States, the Philippines and Germany. She received her B.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Texas, San Antonio.
Mrs. Welty has over 17 years experience in education, teaching various subjects and grade levels. She is certified in Texas for Grades 4th-8th Generalist in all core subjects, ESL (English as a Second Language Learners), and Gifted and Talented. She has also enjoyed coaching volleyball and basketball.
Mrs. Welty enjoys serving with her husband in their church as youth leaders and as children’s church teachers. Currently, they help with a 6th grade ministry that seeks to mentor young students and equip them with the skills to be leaders and serve in their communities.
Through her various travels around the world, God has given her a passion for all people and a strong calling to serve others by helping and sharing hope. Her passion has brought her to Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan on short-term missionary trips. Mrs. Welty also serves with local ministries that help the communities of Houston and north Houston. God has enabled her to travel and reach children with the love of Jesus. Being able to do many of these activities alongside her husband and two children is just one more huge blessing God has provided as well.
Jane Hallford, B.F.A.
Music
”Music is a powerful gift from God! I desire not only to inspire and encourage students to begin to understand, appreciate, and enjoy this gift; but also to help them develop their own musical ability. Ultimately, my hope is that I would empower and equip students to worship the giver of this tremendous gift! Colossians 3:3 says, '…your life is hidden in Christ with God.' and Jeremiah 29:13 says, 'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.' I pray that these precious, uniquely designed students would find and fulfill the call that God has placed on their life."
Ms. Hallford was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She lived in Chicago for ten years before coming to Texas, where she has spent 32 years. Her Bachelor's was in vocal music education with a K-12 certification from Stephen F. Austin State University. She has over 35 years of experience teaching both piano and voice to a wide variety of ages and grade levels, including both public and private schools, homeschooling, church staff, musical theater, and private lessons.
Ms. Hallford has also traveled extensively, with experience in cross cultural missions in various countries. Locally, she does community work with cats, helping to catch and release in a spay/neuter program. She also has extensive experience and interest in health/wellness, especially for children, both locally and abroad.
In her free time, Ms. Hallford loves spending time with the Lord, reading His word and introducing others to Him, tropical breezes, sunsets, beaches, flower gardens, walking, biking, tennis, cards, and all things furry…especially cats! She has five grown children and five grandkids.
Morgan Binnion, M.S.
Chemistry, Health
“My goal is to inspire the love of learning to students while also providing them with tools that they can carry through the rest of their lives. God has called us all to do amazing things in life, and assisting students to succeed is my greatest achievement."
Morgan Binnion was born and raised in The Woodlands, Texas. She attended Tarleton State University, where she earned both her Bachelors and Masters degree in Science with a concentration in Kinesiology.
Mrs. Binnion spent her first year as a teacher leading an Exercise Science Laboratory at Tarleton State University. She taught two years of 10th grade Chemistry in public school systems. She is now a Full time Allstar cheerleading coach at Woodlands Elite while also teaching Chemistry, Health, and Social Studies at All Nations Community School.
Mrs. Binnion enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends. She shares a passion with her husband to travel the world and experience the beauty of God’s creations.
She loves serving and positively impacting the lives of others. Mrs. Binnion has known since she was a little girl that she wanted to become a teacher. In her teaching, she tries to embody the words of Rita Pierson: “Every child deserves a Champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”
David Gardeen, B.S.
Physical Education
David Gardeen has worked in different school settings before coming to ANCS, including overseas. He has spent extensive time living in Ecuador and is bilingual in Spanish. He is very involved with his church and in more recent years, he has traveled abroad on missions trips.
Coach Gardeen enjoys team sports and hopes to share his passion and learning with the students at All Nations. He was thrilled to accept the position at All Nations and have the opportunity to support a school and dream that he loves, having already been an ANCS parent to two students. Coach Gardeen hopes to teach our students at ANCS the joys of teamwork and achieving goals, as well as self motivation and the drive to excel.
In his free time, Coach Gardeen enjoys soccer and golf, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Staff
Yanela Villavicencio
Front Office Administrative Assistant
Ms. Yanela was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, and lived in New York City before moving to Texas. She has worked in administrative duties in a variety of settings, including both church and school. At All Nations, Ms. Yanela assists in the front office, as well as helping out with on-campus duties.
Ms. Yanela lives with her husband and their daughter, both of whom also are bilingual in Spanish. She loves working with children, and All Nations students all recognize her cheerful, hardworking presence that she brings to campus every day!
Outside of school, Ms. Yanela is active at her local church, enjoys traveling and loves spending time with her family.
Donna Reed, M.Ed.
Career/Guidance Counselor
Ms. Reed is a Texas- and New York-certified teacher, with over 35 years of experience in the field of education. She graduated summa cum laude from both high school and college. Her love of international schools began when she student taught in Florence, Italy.
Ms. Reed has taught math at Lone Star College and Math Methods at SHSU. She has served as College and Career Counselor at both private and public International Baccalaureate schools.
Ms. Reed is a member of both the Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and she serves as co-treasurer for Montgomery County Retired School Personnel. She has extensive experience in working with gifted students and is a former member of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented.
Ms. Reed loves to read, travel, and attend Bible Study Fellowship classes. She has two grown daughters and has been involved with the founding of ANCS since its early days. Ms. Reed will be on campus periodically throughout the school year to meet with students and parents.
Language Arts Consultant
Dr. Joyce A. Carroll, Ed.D., H.L.D.
Literacy Specialist
In her sixty-year career in education, Dr. Joyce Armstrong Carroll has taught every grade level from primary through graduate school. In the past forty years, working in tandem with her husband Edward Wilson, she has trained thousands of teachers, who, in turn, have taught hundreds of thousands of students. A nationally known consultant, she has served as president of TCTE and on NCTE’s Commission on Composition and its Standing Committee Against Censorship.
Recipient of the Edmund J. Farrell Lifetime Achievement Award in Education and the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her work in Education, Dr. Carroll has written numerous articles and over twenty books—most on teaching and writing, including Acts of Teaching: How to Teach Writing, now going into its third edition. She has also co-authored a national writing and grammar series, as well as AbydosPRO: An Integrated Writing and Grammar Curriculum. Dr. Carroll co-directs Abydos Literacy Learning.
Most recently, Dr. Carroll has authored the Writing Workshop Teacher’s Guide within the comprehensive English and Spanish Language Arts programs HMH Into Reading and HMH ¡Arriba la Lectura!
Parents agree that our faculty at ANCS are outstanding:
"Loving, caring, patient, understanding, and really want to KNOW each kid"
"Professional, passionate, and committed to what they do"
"Very competent, caring, creative faculty"
"Some of the hardest working, overly-qualified teachers who love and care for their students"