Our Team of Educators
Our accomplished educators at All Nations Community School are selected based on their teaching expertise, Christian faith, and dedication to furthering our Mission and Vision.
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Every teacher at All Nations Community School is a dedicated learner. 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 or published peer-reviewed scholarly work.
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See what parents say about ANCS teachers!
"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.
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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.
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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.
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Christina Callaway, M.A.
Director and Co-Founder
Spanish
Stephen Michalik, M.Ed.
Co-Founder / STEM Coordinator / Athletics Director
High School STEM
"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.
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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.
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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., CDMP
Dual Immersion Program Coordinator / Marketing and Communications Coordinator
High School ELA / 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 interests, 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 specialty in Catalan Studies. In 2021 she earned a PRO Certification in Digital Marketing (CDMP) from the DMI Institute in Europe.
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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 around 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.
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In her spare time, Dr. Puig enjoys cooking, singing, playing the piano, and traveling. 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 serves on two church committees, including Global Missions, as well as singing in the choir and playing alto sax in the jazz band.
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As an adult, Dr. Puig has gradually become a dedicated long-distance runner, having completed several half marathons and one full marathon. Inspired by her husband's grandmother, who could climb to her 6th floor apartment with no elevator at 103 years old, Dr. Puig loves motivating students and adults alike to exercise and pursue lifelong fitness and health.
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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.
Director of Elementary Education
English, Dual Immersion Program / Middle School 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."
Kimberly Hewitt is from Texas and comes to All Nations with over 25 years of experience in education. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Houston and 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.
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Mrs. Hewitt lives with her husband, their Yorkie Olivia, and their puppy Matilda. Outside of school hours, Mrs. Hewitt enjoys tutoring international students for English. She has four adult children and four 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.
Aida Rojas, B.S.
Pre-K/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.
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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.
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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.
Kristian Aranda, B.A.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 before joining the Dual Language Program at ANCS. Maestra Aranda's passion is to give kids the knowledge and tools they need to grow to have a great future.
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During her free time she enjoys being with her family, going to the park, playing games and walking in her community.
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Maestra Aranda loves to teach, and teaching is her life!
Jennifer Nespory, B.A.
English/STEM Teacher, Dual Immersion Program
"I believe that teaching is more than a career; it is a calling. I believe that children are the greatest investment in our world. It truly takes a village to train children up, so I believe that partnering with all parties involved is very important for student success."
Jennifer Nespory was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She received her B.A. in Church Ministries at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, and is certified in Early Childhood-G6, as well as in ESL. She taught several early elementary grades for a total of 9 years and worked as a caregiver for children of staff at Ark Church in the Houston area, before coming to ANCS.
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Mrs. Nespory's goal in the classroom is always to establish a positive rapport with students and structure her teaching methods with this in mind. To her, the foundational aspect of teaching is creating safe and team-oriented environments, in which students will thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
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Mrs. Nespory met her husband, Matt, in Waxahachie; they now live in Conroe with their four year old daughter and Pomsky pup, Shadow. Aside from her time spent in the classroom and with her family, she invests time in the mission field abroad, having helped plant a church in Guadalajara, Mexico; as well as taking multiple mission trips to various parts of Mexico and Central America. When at home, she enjoys hanging out with her daughter, gardening, refurbishing furniture, and remodeling their little farmhouse.
“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.
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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, and Gifted and Talented. She has also enjoyed coaching volleyball and basketball.
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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.
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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.
Charity Welty, B.B.A.
Student Activities Coordinator / Middle School STEM Teacher
Mona Hudnall, M.Ed.
High School Science
“God made such a wonderful world and we have discovered much about His creation. I feel privileged to be able to share this material with my students. I teach students to understand science, not memorize it, because whatever students understand becomes their knowledge forever.”
Mona Hudnall received her Bachelor of Science in Biology (minor in English) and her Master of Education in Secondary Education, from Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana at Monroe).
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Mrs. Hudnall has taught in Texas, Louisiana and Alabama at both public and private schools. She specializes in sciences, but also has experience teaching Math and English. She has taught AP, GT and Honors courses. In addition, she taught biology lecture and lab at Auburn University. She was voted Teacher of the Year at Nimitz Ninth Grade Campus in Houston.
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In addition to her classroom teaching experience, Mrs. Hudnall has sponsored a variety of student organizations, such as Christian Student Union, Science National Honor Society and Science Bowl. She wrote biology and IPC curriculum for Aldine ISD for 25 years, and she was a Star Educator for the Discovery Educator Network.
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Mrs. Hudnall enjoys spending time with her husband, Stanley, as well as reading, crafting, writing, and participating in activities at her church. She and her husband spent time with their two daughters and their husbands, but it's her grandson Alex who gets more of her attention.
Erica Payne, B.A.
High School Electives
Erica Payne was born in Syracuse, New York. She traveled the world as an Air Force brat and then an Army wife, before landing in Houston in 2016 along with her husband, Kenny, their five kids and various pets. Growing up a "third culture" kid gave her a love for both the cultures of the world and the fascinating individuality of each person.
After receiving her B.A. in Education from the University of West Georgia, she taught for fourteen years in the homeschool community. This provided the opportunity to teach in many different settings, from cooperative groups to clubs, academic teams and one-on-one. In addition to instructing in all the core subjects, she has taught Bible, art, logic, Latin, and speech and debate.
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Aside from teaching, Mrs. Payne loves to read, especially British murder mysteries; enjoys writing, including participating in the National Novel Writing Month; and spends any spare minute outdoors
drawing or gardening. All of this, though, becomes immaterial next to the most important thing in Mrs. Payne’s life, which is that she believes in the God of the Bible, who has saved her through His Son, Jesus
Christ.
Ana García
Art Teacher
Ana Carolina Garcia is a Venezuelan entrepreneur and adventurer. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she had a passion for exploring the world from a young age. At 17, she lived in Pennsylvania as an exchange student, where she not only learned English but also valuable life lessons. Back in her home country at 20, Ana Carolina co-founded a successful exchange program company with her mother, connecting students worldwide and providing enriching experiences abroad.
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She received a Bachelor in Architecture in 2006 at Universidad Simón Bolívar in Caracas and then took Lighting and Interior Design courses at Parsons School of Design in New York, expanding her skills for future creative projects. As an entrepreneur, she ran a furniture business importing from China and Indonesia, selling both wholesale and retail, adding an exotic touch to her customers' spaces.
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In addition to her ventures, Ana Carolina was also an Art and Art History teacher in Venezuela for 10 years, sharing her knowledge and passion with her students. In 2012, she moved to Miami, where she obtained a Certificate in Interior Design from the University of Miami, further refining her talents in the design world.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ana Carolina finds true joy in spending time with her children, Sebastián, Julieta, and Alexandra. She cherishes traveling, having visited over 40 countries, and indulges in her passions for yoga, art, design, and, of course, Texas!
Jane Hallford, B.F.A.
Music Teacher
”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.
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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.
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 in both churches and schools. Ms. Yanela has received training in early childhood development, including a certification as Child Development Associate from Penn Foster. At All Nations, Ms. Yanela assists in the front office, as well as helping out with on-campus duties.
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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!
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Outside of school, Ms. Yanela is active at her local church, enjoys traveling and loves spending time with her family.
Yanela Villavicencio
PreK-Kinder Co-Teacher
Coach Sharon started running in High School and completed her first marathon at age 19. She now competes in races ranging from 5k to marathons, and has qualified for the Boston Marathon four times. Coach Sharon has also completed two MS150, five Ironman Texas and will be competing in her 6th one in Chattanooga. She has been a Triathlon and Running coach since 2011 and is happy to be returning as the running coach for All Nations again this year.
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Coach Sharon has a passion to help others achieve their goals, whether athletes want to just finish a race, set a personal best or compete. The best part of coaching to her is watching her athletes cross the finish line.
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Specializations and Qualifications:
- RRCA Certified
- USAT Level 1 Certification
- Youth and Junior Certification
- Boston Qualifier
- Kona Qualifier
Sharon Morin
Cross Country / Track and Field
"Whether you are the slowest runner or competing, it is about staying healthy and loving what you are doing!"
Staff
Martha Sánchez
Front Office Administrative Assistant
Martha (pronounced "MAR-ta") Sánchez comes to ANCS with a wealth of experience in HR, office management and registrar office, in both public and private schools.
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Mrs. Sánchez originally hails from Chicago but has lived in Texas since she was a teenager. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is the first generation in a Mexican-American family. Mrs. Sánchez has been married thirty-five years, has two grown children who also speak Spanish, and has a Maltipoo named Luna. In her free time, she enjoys bike riding regularly with her husband.
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.
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At the college level, 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.
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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.
What parents say about ANCS faculty:
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"Loving, caring, patient, understanding, and really want to KNOW each kid"
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"Professional, passionate, and committed to what they do"
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"Very competent, caring, creative faculty"
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"Some of the hardest working, overly-qualified teachers who love and care for their students"