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Meet the Teachers

Cissy Abernathy

Director of Admission

University of Texas, B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2002

Kendrae Carter

Athletic Director

LeTourneau University, B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2023

Chris Grotemat

Head of Middle & Upper School and

Director of Technology Integration

LeTourneau University, B.A.

Stephen F. Austin State University, M.Ed.

Year Started at TST – 2023

Ranjit Kodali

Director of College Advising

AP Capstone Teacher

Southern Methodist University, B.A.

University of Texas at Dallas, B.S.

University of Houston Law Center, J.D.

Year Started at TST – 2017

Julianna Bruyere McDaniel

Director of Marketing
Baylor University, B.B.A.

Year Started at TST – 2022

Valerie Toney

Director of Finance

University of Houston – Downtown, B.B.A

Year Started at TST – 2022

Cindy Verhalen

Head of School

Stephen F. Austin State University B.A. & M.Ed.

Year Started at TST – 2023

Jessica Wilkinson

Head of Early Childhood and Lower School
University of Oklahoma, B.A. & M.S.
Year Started at TST – 2012

Anna Gage

2-Year-Old Teacher

University of Texas at Tyler, B.F.A.

Year Started at TST – 2018-2019, 2021

Katherine Jones

2-Year-Old Teacher

 

Year Started at TST – 2023

Linda Motley

3 Year-Old Teacher 

Kilgore College, Education & A.A.

Year Started at TST – 2005

Tisha Grotemat

PreK Teacher

Kilgore College – Early Childhood

Year Started at TST – 2023

Kelli Rose

PreK Teacher

Texas State University B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2019

Kimberly Poore

Kindergarten Teacher
Millsaps College, B.A.
Year Started at TST – 2022

Blair Parmeter

1st Grade Teacher

Centenary College of Louisiana B.S.

Stephen F. Austin State University B.S.

Sam Houston State University M.S.

Year Started at TST – 2021

Cheryl Dotson

2nd Grade Teacher
Southwest Texas State University, B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2009

Rachel Darwin

3rd Grade Teacher
University of Texas at Dallas, B.A.

Year Started at TST – 2019

Janie Farrer

3rd Grade Teacher

Abilene Christian University, B.S.

Stephen F. Austin, M.Ed.

Year Started at TST – 2023

Bobbie Tatum

4th Grade Teacher
Stephen F. Austin State University, B.S.
Year Started at TST – 2018

Blair Nix

5th Grade Teacher

University of North Texas, B.S.

University of Texas at Tyler, M.Ed.

Year Started at TST – 2022

Donna Jones

5th Grade Teacher 

University of Arkansas at Monticello, B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2023

Emma Hernandez

EC/LS Spanish Teacher 

ITSM, B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2022

Rachel Alexander

Lower School Assistant

LeTourneau University, B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies

Year Started at TST – 2021

Joy Bernhardt

Early Childhood Assistant

Kilgore College

Year Started at TST – 2023

Carolyn Holland

Early Childhood & Lower School Assistant

Kilgore College – Office Technology Certification

Year Started at TST – 2023

Emma Gray

Early Childhood & Lower School Assistant

 

Year Started at TST – 2024

Edward Allen

Upper School English
Texas Tech University B.S.
University of Texas at Tyler
G/T Certification
Year Started at TST – 2003-2005, 2012

Stefani Baxter

Upper School Science Teacher
University of Houston, B.S.

Texas A&M University Commerce, M.S.
Year Started at TST – 2021

 

Jay Brooks

Middle and Upper School Math Teacher

East Texas Baptist University, B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2022

Isela Irizarry 

Middle School Spanish Teacher
Cleveland State, B.S.
Year Started at TST – 2023

Kacey McWilliams

Middle School Language Arts Teacher
University of Alaska Anchorage, B.A.
University of Alaska Anchorage, M.Ed.
Year Started at TST – 2019

Mike Meredith

Upper School Religion Teacher 

Middle School Math Teacher
East Texas Baptist University, B.S.
University of Texas at Tyler, M.S.
Year Started at TST – 2011 

Brandi Pittinger

Middle School Science Teacher

Stephen F. Austin, B.S.

LeTourneau University, M.Ed

Year Started at TST – 2022

Bridgette Ponder

Upper School Math Teacher
LeTourneau University, B.S.

LeTourneau University, M.B.Ed
Year Started at TST – 1999

Tovah Robertson

Upper School Social Studies Teacher
Howard Payne University B.A.

Arizona State University M.A.
Year Started at TST – 2016

Sandra Villate

Upper School Spanish Teacher

Jorge Tadeo University, B.S.

Palm Beach State College
Year Started at TST – 2007-2014, 2020

Izzy Osterloo

Middle School Social Studies Teacher

LeTourneau University, B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2024

Kalyn Anderson

P.E. Teacher

Prairie View A&M University

Year Started at TST – 2023

Taylor Brown

Early Childhood and Lower School 

Music Teacher
Texas Tech University, B.A.
Year Started at TST – 2020

Carol Hummel

Lower and Middle School Computers

STEAM

Year Started at TST – 2005

Carolyn Jagers

Early Childhood and Lower School Art Teacher
Millsaps College B.A.
National University M.A.
Year Started at TST – 2000

Ranjit Kodali

Director of College Advising/ 

AP Capstone Teacher
Southern Methodist University B.A.
University of Texas at Dallas B.S.
University of Houston Law Center J.D.
Year Started at TST – 2017

Paula Martin

Photography/ Publications Teacher

Texas A&M University, B.S.
Year Started at TST – 2007

Clint McMullen

Lower and Middle School

Music Teacher
Stephen F. Austin State University, B.A.
Year Started at TST – 2015

Amanda Tilley

Middle and Upper Schools Art Teacher/ 

Graphic Design Teacher
Texas Christian University, B.A.
Year Started at TST – 2017

Allison White

P.E. Teacher

Stephen F. Austin, B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2023

Jenna Yeakley

Librarian
Lee University, B.A.

Texas Woman’s University, M.L.S

Year Started at TST – 2023

Maria Herrera

Food Services Staff

Year Started at TST – 2023

Ale Martinez

Maintenance

Year Started at TST – 2023

Sandra Miller

Administrative Staff
University of North Texas, B.S. Accounting 
Year Started at TST – 2019

Leonardo Penaloza

Custodian
Year Started at TST – 2013

Brittney Ribeiro, RN, BSN

School Nurse

Texas Tech University, B.S.N

Year Started at TST – 2023

Patricia Rodriguez

Food Services Staff
Year Started at TST – 2004-2005, 2017

Julie Roberts

Director of Student Learning and Instructional Support
Texas A&M University, B.B.A.

University of Texas at Tyler, M.Ed.

Year Started at TST – 2021

Stacia Shoults

Marketing Coordinator
Stephen F. Austin State University B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2021

Maria Serrano

Custodian / Food Services Staff
Year Started at TST – 2011

Courtney Stern

Administrative Assistant to the Head of School

and Registrar
University of Miami B.S.

Year Started at TST – 2022

Heather Tirrell

Development & Communication Coordinator
Year Started at TST – 2023

Francisco Vasquez

Director of Maintenance
Year Started at TST – 1991

Paula Vasquez

Director of Food Services

Texas Food Handlers Certificate

Year Started at TST – 2000

Leann Hettinger

Director of Child Licensing and Extended Support
Year Started at TST – 1985

Cissy Abernathy

After graduating from The University of Texas, I began my career in education at The Hockaday School in Dallas as the Assistant Director of Admission. Once married and home in Longview, I received my teaching certification from LeTourneau University and began teaching early childhood students at Trinity.

Eleven years later, I returned to the admission office as Director of Admission for Trinity. I enjoy meeting and introducing prospective families to TST and assisting them as they get to know the school and complete the application process.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and friends, cooking, traveling, and visiting my three children, all TST graduates, at college and graduate school.

Kendrae Carter

  • Graduated from LeTourneau University 2010-2015 (played basketball for 3 years)
  • Married for 5 years – Sarah Carter
  • 1 daughter – Marlowe Carter
  • 7th year in education and 8th year coaching 
  • Certified Boxing & Kickboxing trainer
  • Hobbies: Working out, spending time with my family, watching documentaries and sports

Chris Grotemat

My journey at Trinity began more than twenty years ago, when I student taught at TST as an undergraduate student at LeTourneau University and worked in extended enrichment and summer camp programs.

 

Throughout my career in secondary education, I have served as a curriculum coach, campus behavior coordinator, and assistant principal, specializing in instructional leadership in English, social studies, and business education. I was also a longtime high school basketball and cross country coach before returning “home” to TST. 

 

My wife, Tisha (a former 2 year old teacher in the TST early childhood program), and I are longtime members of Trinity Episcopal Church. We have three adult children, Hunter, Will, and Emma, who at one time, each attended TST. Our granddaughter, Harper (TST ’40), will begin her journey at TST this fall!

 

The Grotemat family is so grateful to be back home at Trinity! There is simply no place better than TST! GO TITANS!

Ranjit Kodali

I became a member of the TST family in 1988 when I became a student in the 6th grade here upon moving to Longview. I graduated from TST in 1995 as a member of the 5th graduating class. After TST, I attended Southern Methodist University. I graduated from SMU with Bachelor’s degrees in both Biology and History. Upon graduation, I went to Washington, D.C. to work for Congressman Ralph Hall whom I first met when he came and spoke to our class in seventh grade at TST. Working on Capitol Hill was one of the most immensely rewarding and valuable experiences of my life. Next, I attended law school at the University of Houston. I graduated in 2003, and I was sworn in to the Texas Bar later that year. I lived and worked in Dallas following law school. I specialized in writing health care policy. I continued my education at the University of Texas at Dallas and received a B.S. in Health Care Studies in order to augment my law degree. During this time, I started to become involved with TST as an alumnus. I became President of the TST Alumni Association. I was extremely excited to be back at the school that had given so much to me. After I moved back to Longview in 2015, I became even more involved in the school as a volunteer. I have always been grateful to TST for its influence on my life. I will never be able to pay back all those who helped to make my TST experience great, but I hope that I can help to keep the TST experience great for future generations of TST students.

Julianna Bruyere McDaniel

My heart has been with Trinity ever since starting school in the two year olds class, through graduation and especially now more than ever serving as the Director of Marketing. I have deep roots connected to our treasured school, starting with my mother who attended Trinity Day School along with working at TST for nearly 20 years, my brother who attended from the age of two through graduation, my husband who attended and graduated and now I have the honor of watching my daughter repeat history.

Needless to say, I bleed BLUE! 

 

After graduating from Trinity, I attended Baylor University and received a BBA in Marketing with a minor in Human Resources. My time in marketing over the years has been exciting, but I never felt truly fulfilled until returning home to my original roots.

 

Valerie Toney

Originally from Spring Texas, I worked as an Accountant at a quasi-governmental agency in Houston for eleven years and attended night school at the University of Houston – Downtown. I graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1994 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.


Not long after graduating, my husband and I moved to his home state of West Virginia where we homesteaded while I served as the Business Manager for a state non-profit business trade association. In 2001, I earned CPA certification.


After eighteen cold winters, we agreed that this Texan needed to come back home. I accepted a position as the CFO of a non-profit social service agency in Longview and served in that capacity for eight years, then joined the Trinity School of Texas family as the Director of Finance in 2022.


My husband and I enjoy spending time outdoors with our dogs and horses.

Cindy Verhalen

I am honored to serve as the Head of School of Trinity School of Texas. My career in education began after graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with a B.A. in Psychology. It did not take long for me to realize my passion for teaching and helping children. I earned a Masters in Education, Educational Diagnostician certification, and practiced as a School Psychologist for 17 years. My previous role as a Director of Special Programs provided valuable experience in building strong programs that positively impact students. My fondest memories were spent at TST as the Director of Admission. Trinity has been a part of my family for 18 years, with a daughter previously attending TST and a son in Lower School. I fell in love with Trinity for its small, family-like atmosphere, Christian environment, and personalized attention given to every child. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, playing golf, and traveling to see my daughter at college. 

Jessica Wilkinson

I have the honor of serving as Trinity’s Head of Early Childhood and Lower School. I attribute my smooth transition to East Texas and calling Longview home all to the loving family we call Trinity. After graduating from Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, I crossed the Red River for nine years attending the University of Oklahoma. I received my Bachelor of Science in Education and Master Degree in Curriculum, Supervision and Administration in the School of Education. I taught first grade for four years in Norman Public Schools. After completing my master’s, I returned to Texas where I taught second grade for seven years at Plano ISD and All Saints Episcopal School in Fort Worth. My time at All Saints was a gift in which I had the opportunity to experience faith-based education, just like I did while growing up attending Parochial School for twelve years. I was reminded about the important balance of academic excellence and a nurturing environment that I believe Trinity exemplifies. I am proud to say my husband is a graduate of TST, and with much joy, we will have the privilege to watch our two daughters experience Trinity from Early Childhood through Upper School. In addition to enjoying family time with these three Titans, I also love to read, cook, and travel.

Anna Gage

I am a teacher by day and an artist by night. I like to view the world in a unique and beautiful way, just the way I teach the kids to view the world. Children have always been dear to my heart and if they can take anything away from what I teach them is that it is important to love themselves. “I like Me.”- Laura Pelaia

 

Bio Coming Soon

Check back soon. 

Linda Motley

I love teaching early childhood students at Trinity! This age group is so much fun and they love to learn new things! I love seeing how excited they get when they learn something new! It makes me happy. 


When I’m not working, I love being with my family and being outdoors! I enjoy working in the yard and cooking! I love music and sing on a praise team at my church.

Tisha Grotemat

After attending Kilgore College majoring in Early Childhood I worked at Trinity for 13 years as a two-year old teacher. I worked in a non profit for 8 years as a Parent Educator. I am excited to be back in the classroom.


I am married to Chris Grotemat and we have three children, Will, Hunter and Emma who once attended Trinity. I also have my first grandchild, Harper, who will be in the two year old class at TST this fall.


I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and shopping. I am so excited to be back!

Kelli Rose

I am so excited to be a part of the TST faculty. I began my teaching career in 1999 in Duncanville ISD, where I taught first and second grade. In 2007, I was ready for a change and began teaching in Highland Park ISD. In the summer of 2015, my husband accepted a position with his company in Northern California. I resigned from my job, we packed everything and moved to Sacramento for two years. We loved it, but we also missed Texas and our family. So we packed again and moved back to Texas. This time, instead of Dallas, we chose Longview. I grew up in Marshall and have always loved East Texas. I have two precious kids who also attend TST- Claudia Ann and Wyatt.

Kimberly Poore

After graduating from TST in 1993, I attended Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. There I earned a BA in Elementary Education/Psychology. I worked at a small, independent private school in Dallas for 23 years before returning to Longview with my family. I taught 4th grade for 2 years, 2nd grade for 10 years, and this will be my 13th year teaching kindergarten.

 

My husband is also a TST alum, and we have an 18 year old daughter and a 13 year old son.

I am thrilled to be back at TST after graduating 30 years ago.


When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and our 4 rescue dogs. I also love gardening, and bird watching.

Blair Parmeter

I began teaching in 1989 at The Crisman School in Longview, Texas. The following year I went to work in Lindale, Texas, from 1990 to 1992, where I was a reading teacher for grades Kindergarten thru second grade. After taking off for six years to raise my children, I began working in Hallsville, Texas, where I taught first grade. I was a Reading Recovery teacher, a reading interventionist, and the School Librarian.


I am excited to start my third year at Trinity back in first grade. I love the family atmosphere and teaching Trinity’s excellent students.


I love spending time with my family and friends, needle-pointing, reading books, and traveling.

Cheryl Dotson

I started my teaching career in Houston, Texas, where I taught first and second grade for 18 ½ years. My husband and I then moved to California where I was a Reading and Math Enrichment teacher for 3 years. Upon returning to Texas in 2009, I was fortunate to join the TST family. When not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and my two dogs, Stanley and Millie.

Rachel Darwin

I grew up in the Dallas area and attended the University of Texas at Dallas. I initially started a career in business management, but I left the business world to raise my own two children when they were young. I taught both of my children how to read while they were in preschool and there discovered my passion for teaching. Becoming a teacher has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and I am so thankful to be here at a school that provides children the opportunity to thrive in a safe and positive
environment.


In my free time I enjoy reading, playing the piano, and my newest hobby: remodeling and decorating my home. My husband Logan and I have two children, Caleb (a Trinity graduate) and Emily (a current Trinity student), and three dogs. My family and I enjoy traveling to unique places together and experiencing the wonders of God’s creation.

Janie Farrer

I have been married 36 years and have been a teacher for 30 years. I retired from teaching in 2017 from Sabine, but I love it so much that I came out of retirement and taught at Hudson PEP and now I am thrilled to be teaching at Trinity! I l absolutely love teaching!


I have four children and four grands! My husband and I love to travel in and out of the country, while also spending lots of time with our grands! I am
so excited to be at Trinity and look forward to a fabulous year!!

Bobbie Tatum

I am so excited to be teaching 4th grade. In my career of over 30 years, I have taught grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th. I have enjoyed every grade level I have taught.


My husband Mike and I live in Henderson. We have 4 children and 14 grandchildren. I love to read, go on walks and take beach vacations. The Beach is my Happy Place! I am excited to start my 6th year at Trinity. Trinity is wonderful place to teach!

Blair Nix

My passion for education stems from my love of learning. I graduated from the
University of North Texas with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. I quickly realized that while I love to shop, my heart was not fulfilled in that industry. I quickly went back to school and started teaching middle school math and reading. After my first year in education I knew I had found my calling, I attended graduate school at the University of Texas in Tyler and obtained my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. I find joy in working with students of all ages.

 

I am married and we are blessed with a fun-loving little boy who is also a Trinity Titan. When I am not teaching, my favorite things to do are relax at the lake, run, read, travel and scuba dive with my husband. There is no place like Trinity, and I am privileged to be a part of the TST family!

Donna Jones

After graduating from the University of Arkansas in education, I married my husband, John who graduated with a degree in Forestry. We moved to Woodville, Texas. I began my teaching career at Woodville Middle School teaching 6th grade Social Studies.


Six years later my husband was transferred to Longview. I taught 5th grade at
Gladewater ISD for one year before moving to Pine Tree ISD where over the next 23 years I taught science in either 6th, 7th or 8th grade.

We have one son, Jacob that graduated from Pine Tree High School and from the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas. Jacob is a teacher and an assistant swim coach at Longview ISD.


I took a few years off and was excited to hear there was an opening for the job of my dreams at Trinity School of Texas. I have in just a short time learned that there is no place like Trinity. I am so happy to be a Titan.


I have two dogs, a golden retriever named Nemo and a miniature Winnie dog named Hercules. I also have two cats, Miley Jo and Yodi Jo. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family in Arkansas. I also enjoy traveling. Pensacola Beach is my happy place.

Emma Hernandez

After graduation from college, I spent 15 years working in the accounting department at an important International Steel Company in Mexico.


I moved to the United States in 2008 with my family and I love this country since.


I enjoy exercising and attending my two sons’ soccer and tennis tournaments. I love teaching Spanish because a second language gives children a professional advantage in their future and will expand their cultural knowledge.

Rachel Alexander

In 2020, I graduated from LeTourneau University, with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Initially, my goal was to continue on to become a certified teacher, but due to the pandemic, those plans were unfortunately cut short.


With my son, Josiah, enrolled at TST, I fell in love with the family  atmosphere and thankfully, was able to join as an Early Childhood/Lower School Assistant. I absolutely enjoy being a part of the Trinity family as more than a parent. I love the students and the staff and enjoy seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, daily.


When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and listening to music.

Joy Bernhardt

I am a mother of 3 children. Ryan- 14, Riley-13 and Trinity lynne-12. I enrolled in Kilgore College last January for my basics. I have been married to
the love of my life for 14 years. I have over 12 years of experience working with early childhood and lower school children. I am honored to be welcomed here at Trinity… the Titan Family has been amazing!!! Oh and we love to travel and go camping as well.

Carolyn Holland

I am happy to be a returning assistant at TST! I have worked as an assistant and as a substitute teacher here in previous years. I have been married to my husband Bart since 1991 and we have two grown children, Jake and Marlie. Both of them started their education here at Trinity many years ago. When I’m not working I enjoy being at home and spending time with my family!

Edward Allen

This school year marks my 47th year in teaching and my 13th year here at TST. I am teaching all the Upper School English classes, grades 9-12. I graduated from Texas Tech in 1976 and continued my education at UT Tyler. I am certified to teach secondary English, civics, and gifted/talented. I co-founded (along with the late LISD icon Beth Bassett) the Foster Magnet School in 1991. I have two married sons and three grandchildren. My wife Kacey teaches middle school English here at TST and we enjoy traveling, playing pickleball, and biking.

Stefani Baxter

I grew up all over the place as my father was in the Navy. We were stationed in many places across the U.S. The best place we lived would have been Hawaii. It was beautiful. It had sunshine every day and all the pineapples you could eat! When my dad left the Navy, we moved to Deer Park, Texas, where my family is from. I graduated from there, and I went to college at the University of Houston at Clear Lake. I initially went to school to become an analyst for NASA. My internship was pulled due to funding, so I ended up dabbling in accounting and finance for a while. I never felt satisfied with the job I held. It was never fulfilling to me, so I decided to go back and get my teaching certification. I found that teaching is definitely what I needed! I love to relate to the students and help them when they need it. I make classrooms as fun as I can but also educational.


I met my husband while I was in college. Once we were married we moved to College Station for his job. That is were my oldest son, Brandon, was born. My husband had an opportunity to move to Longview for an advancement opportunity in his career and after moving our youngest son, Colin, was born. Trinity is where I started my teaching career and where both of our boys currently attend school. They absolutely love it here!

Jay Brooks

I have taught Math for 30 years.  I graduated from ETBU. I enjoy fishing and camping on my time off.

Isela Irizarry

After graduating high school in Puerto Rico, I moved to Nevada where I lived for five years. I then moved to Cleveland Ohio where I spent a good portion of my life. I graduated from Cleveland State University in 2013. I began my career in education the same year in the public sector where I obtained Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade experience. I launched and taught Spanish for Heritage Students for four years. In the summer of 2022, I moved to Texas. I am beginning my 11th year teaching and my first year in the private sector.

 

I love my family and friends and enjoy spending time with them. I have a few hobbies, but my favorite one is scrapbooking. I love to travel, cook and bake.

 

I enjoy teaching because it gives me the opportunity to learn from my students. Teaching has always been my passion, and I feel very fortunate to teach my native language and various Spanish speaking countries’ culture and dialects.

Kacey McWilliams

I have been a part of the TST faculty since 2019. I moved to Texas from Alaska in 2019. In Alaska, I worked for the Anchorage School District as an Elementary teacher for 14 years. I had the privilege of working at the wonderful Aquarian Charter School in Anchorage, Alaska.

The past four years have flown by and I am excited to begin my fifth year at Trinity. My time at Trinity has been a wonderful growing experience as an educator, and I’m grateful for all the students, colleagues and families that have been a part of that process!


If I’m not at work, you can catch me on a bike trail, a pickleball court, or spending time with my husband Edward. I’m also busy keeping up with three young adult children who are blazing their own trails.

Mike Meredith

I have been in education 44 years. I spent twenty-five years teaching middle and high school math in two area schools, Harleton (2 years) and Ore City (23 years). For most of those years, I was a member of the coaching staff. After twenty-five years in the classroom, I decided it was time for a change, and I accepted a position in the Educational Technology department at Region 7 Education Service Center in Kilgore. While there, I worked as a technology trainer and worked with grant programs that put technology in the schools we served. I spent seven years at Region 7, and then retired
from public education. Immediately afterwards, I accepted the job I now have at Trinity, primarily teaching middle school math. This is my 13th year at Trinity 


I have a number of passions. First and foremost is my faith in God. Second is my family. Third is my job. I really like what I do here at Trinity. I love to travel, especially to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and to Crested Butte, Colorado. I also like cars and motorcycles. My wife and I live in Longview, and ‘suffer’ from empty nest syndrome. 

Brandi Pittinger

I began teaching at Westwood ISD in Palestine. That was followed by seven years at Gilmer ISD. While working in Gilmer, I went back to school at LeTourneau University to get a Master of Education.


I have two children at Trinity and we love all being together. I enjoy teaching science and coming up with new and exciting ways to learn.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. Our favorite family activity is to go on camping trips in our travel trailer. 

Bridgette Ponder

My dream as a child was to be an astronaut. My plan was to enter the Air Force and become a fighter pilot. This would be my mothed of entering the space program. My terrible eyesight and petite frame prevented me from following that dream.


Because I had a propensity to excel in math and science, my initial major as an undergrad for LeTourneau was mechanical engineering. To help pay for tuition, I began tutoring. The moment I was able to help a student understand a difficult math concept was a pivotal moment in my life. It was almost as if God whispered in my ear, “This is what I designed you to do.” I was hooked!


There is no doubt I was called to be a math teacher. I am extremely blessed to have answered that call! I never work! It’s all joy!


God led me to Trinity in the summer of 1999. By design, TST needed an Upper School Math Teacher. Since then, Trinity School of Texas has been my home away from home. I am so blessed and so grateful to be here!


I have taught many different levels of secondary mathematics including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus BC. As an adjunct professor for LeTourneau University, I have taught Intermediate Algebra (MATH 1123), Pre-Calculus (MATH 1303), Calculus I (MATH 1903), Statistics (MATH 1423), and Discrete Mathematics (MATH 2003).


In my free time, I enjoy gardening, reading, researching math topics, riding across the country on the back of a Harley, and exercising. I also love spending time with my family, which includes my twin girls and my son who are all Trinity alumni.

Tovah Robertson

I have loved history since I was a young girl, and growing up in a military family afforded me the ability to travel and learn all sorts of things. I believe strongly in the power of connecting events of the past to what we know and understand in the present, and do this in a fun way during class! History is not a boring, dusty subject!


My husband and I met in college and have a son currently attending Trinity. We are also active members at Trinity Episcopal Church and in the local Boy Scout movement. We love to travel and attend anything and everything Baylor related. Trinity has been home to us for years and we look forward to many more years to come!

Sandra Villate

After graduating from college, I began my career in marketing for three years at Johnson & Johnsons in Colombia. After getting married, we moved to the United States. I received my teaching certification from Miami University, and began teaching early childhood for two years. My husband’s job lead us to Longview, where I began teaching at Trinity. I love it TST!


When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, cooking and watching movies.

Izzy Osterloo

I  spent most of my K12 education at a small Christian school, not unlike Trinity, and I have seen over and over again the joy and opportunities this environment provides.

 

History has been a long-time love of mine. I love how history gives us access to stories of people different from us that we can all learn from. 

 

I promise that I will do my absolute best to know, love, and prepare each one of your children so that they may be ready for high school and the world to come.

Kalyn Anderson

I recently graduated from college with a B.S in Dietetics. I enjoy going to the
gym and hanging out with family and friends in my free time. I’m super excited to be joining the Titan team and I’m looking forward to an ouTSTanding year!

Taylor Brown

Graduated in 2018, and found my way to Longview to start my Music Teaching career here at TST in 2020. 


I love to explore all facets of music with my students. From simple nursery rhymes to choral and orchestral works, I strive to have my students become well rounded musicians with the confidence to perform on stage, as well as the knowledge and appreciation of our music history.


When I am not at school, you may find me teaching the Greater Longview Children’s Choir or singing with the Longview Chamber Singers or Longview Civic Chorus.


I have a love of all things technology, especially Apple products, and spend most of my free time visiting with friends and family, or playing video games from time to time.

Carol Hummel

Proud to be a wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher. Blessed to wear many hats. Trinity has been my extended family since 2005 and I can’t count how many lives have touched my heart.


As a lifelong learner, I attended Kilgore College late in life where I received my Associate Degree and I am currently back at University of Texas at Tyler to complete my B.A.A. degree. A process of many life choices. I love learning.


In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and road trips to visit my grown children and grandkids, because we do not fly. My favorite things to do are antiquing especially old automobiles, as well as, attempting to garden. Crafting is relaxing for me and I even weld too! 

Carolyn Jagers

I graduated from Trinity School of Texas in 1991 with the distinction of “Archain Logos.” I continued my education at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, with a degree in Art with a minor in Theatre. At Millsaps, I was involved in The Campus Ministry Team, Habitat for Humanity, and Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honorary. In addition, I enjoyed serving as the Social Secretary for Phi Mu Sorority. After graduation, I taught in Pusan, South Korea, as an ESL trained elementary teacher. I returned to Longview, and eventually to Trinity where I am now in my 16th year as the Early Childhood and Lower School art teacher. Along the way, I completed my Masters in Teaching from National University in San Diego. In the community I enjoy volunteering at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, The Gregg County Historical Museum, City of Longview events, and at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church as a lector and a youth minister. Away from school, I like to cook for my family and friends, refinish furniture, enjoy my children, read mystery novels, and constantly redecorate my home. I am married to my husband, Damian, and together we have two children, Gabriel and Beatrix.

Paula Martin

It was during my college days that I discovered my passion for teaching while working as a lab assistant in my college’s photography department. After graduating from Texas A&M-Commerce, I began teaching upper school Photography and Publications at Trinity School of Texas in 2007.


Beyond the classroom, I’m a professional photographer dedicated to continuous learning, ensuring that I share the latest techniques and trends with my students.


When I’m not behind the camera or in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my two beautiful boys. As a family we enjoy camping, hiking, daytrips, and dining out.

Clint McMullen

I am originally from Lufkin, Texas. I have lived in Longview for 9 years. My wife’s name is Melody and we’ve been married since 2002. We have two dogs and a cat. I was the choir director at Pine Tree Junior High for 6 years before coming to Trinity. I have also taught voice and guitar lessons for 15 years. I love watching movies, reading, and listening to music. I also love to play with my rock band on the weekends!

Amanda Tilley

I am a graduate of Texas Christian University with a BFA in Graphic Design.
My career paths have ranged from the world of advertising to public and private art teacher for middle and high school students.


When I am not teaching, creating, or designing, you can often find me training for another half marathon or cooking up something tasty for my boys (my husband Jim and my son Logan). Coffee, indie music, and enjoying the great outdoors keep me balanced.


Art and design are a part of our everyday lives and I love introducing students to the creative process as well as the power visual communication has to shape ideas and culture. Whether students choose a career path in art and design or would like to strengthen their problem solving skills, it’s my joy to be a part of their journey.

Allison White

I am a graduate from Stephen F. Austin with a Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies. I previously spent 4 years working for Buckner Children and Family Services as a Parent Educator. I have a passion for working with children and that is what brought me to TST! I love the energy and enthusiasm that each child brings to PE.

 

When I am not working, I love to spend time with my family, which includes my husband, Landon and our son, Callan. I also enjoy time spent with friends and being outdoors. I am so excited to be a part of the TST team!

Jenna Yeakley

I was born and raised in Western North Carolina. After attending college in Cleveland, TN, where I met and fell in love with my husband, I moved to Longview after graduating.


I taught 5th grade at a local school for two years before starting my Masters program. Then, I worked as the head children’s librarian at the Longview Public Library for 4 years before I had my children.


I enjoy being a triplet mama, spending time with friends & family and I am actively involved in our church-One Hope Presbyterian. I love reading (especially with a mug of coffee in hand) and fostering the love of reading in children.

Maria Herrera

I was born in Tamaulipas Mexico, but I have lived in Longview for the last 25 years. I’ve been married for 26 years to my husband, Esteban Rios. We have three girls, one boy and three pets. 

 

I feel blessed to be a part of this school and work team. Everyone is so kind and friendly.

 

In my free time, I like to be with my family and friends. I love serving the Lord, my Church and community!

Sandra Miller

I graduated from Longview High School in 1992. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting Control Systems from the University of North Texas. After having children, I realized I wanted to pursue my teaching degree and I graduated from the PACT program at LeTourneau University. I taught in the Longview ISD for several years before deciding to go back into the accounting field. 


I have three children, Hannah, Julia, and Matthew who are my ROCK. We all literally live in a triangle right now. Hannah is in Grad school at OSU, Julia is in Nashville with Delight Ministries and Matthew is starting college this fall at Kilgore College. When I do take time off, I’m usually hitting the highway to visit one of the girls. If and when I get any spare time for myself, I enjoy reading, shopping (of course), fishing/camping and absolutely love
spontaneous trips with my children or friends.

Leonardo Penaloza

I was born in Mexico, but I moved to the United States thirty-five years ago. After twenty years, I became a citizen of the United States. The first thirteen years of my career were spent at Trinity, Inc. before I moved to Rescar, Inc. where I remained for eleven years. Eventually I found myself at Trinity. I am married and have two children, a son and a daughter. In my free time, I enjoy shopping, gardening, and watching soccer.

Brittney Ribeiro

After graduating in 2008 with my LVN from Weatherford College I worked at Scott and White Memorial hospital in Temple, Texas. From there I went on to pursue my Bachelors degree from Texas Tech University, and then eventually moved into Interventional Radiology, where I started the PICC line program at S&W.

 

We moved to Longview in 2018 and enrolled our children at Trinity. Over the last couple of years I have loved volunteering and substitute teaching at TST.

I have 2 kids at Trinity Jace (4th) and Witten (kinder). I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and traveling.

Patricia Rodriguez

I am very happy to be back at TST after staying home to raise my children after working at TST for two years in the past. I love being here each day. Everyone at TST is so friendly. When I am not at TST, I enjoy making balloon decorations for my small family business. I have four kids: Raul, Betsey, Brandon, and Leslie. I have been married for over 20 years.

Julie Roberts

As a Longview native, I am proud to be part of the TST family! As a graduate of Texas A&M, I began my career as a CPA working in public accounting before staying home to raise my children, Madison, Joe, Jenna, and Drew in Tyler. After discovering that each of my children had some type of learning difference, I became passionate about helping them to succeed. I volunteered for the learning center at their school, All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler, for many years. Subsequently, I obtained my teaching certificate from UT Tyler and worked with three colleagues to start Bridgemark Center for Learning in Tyler, a school for children with learning differences. As a Certified Academic Language Practitioner through my education at The Shelton School in Dallas, I enjoy working with students who struggle with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and dysgraphia. It is incredibly satisfying to help them discover how they learn best, find strategies to succeed, and reveal their strengths! Recently, I received my master’s degree from UT Tyler in special education as well as a diagnostician certification.


I returned to Longview in 2020 to marry Murray Roberts and now have three wonderful bonus children, Laura Cate, Cameron, and Wythe. Laura Cate graduated from TST in 2016! Madison and Jenna are in graduate school, Joe just graduated from Texas A&M, and Drew is in the Navy. Laura Cate is an interior designer in Dallas, while Cameron and Wythe are attending Baylor University.

Murray and I have two cats and a dog and enjoy living at the lake. When I am not working, I love to read, travel, cook, and check in on the kids.

Stacia Shoults

I attended Trinity School of Texas for twelve years and have always had a special connection with the school. I am honored to currently serve as the Marketing Coordinator for TST. 

I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a B.A. in International Business. Soon after graduation, I married the love of my life, Hunter, and have spent the majority of my professional career in Marketing and Design.

My husband and I have two children (daughter Cooper and son Barrett “Bear”) who both attend Trinity. They are third generation Titans as my father attended Trinity as well. 

With two children and busy careers, I do not have much down time but in my spare time, I love to spend time with my family on the lake and go fishing. I also love to travel, read, and watch TV/movies.

Maria Serrano

I work in the kitchen and clean the school. I enjoy dancing, soccer, football, and shopping.

Courtney Stern

I grew up in Baltimore, MD before heading to the University of Miami to study journalism. My husband Tyler and I moved to East Texas from North Iowa in 2020 and love being here! After working at several local newspapers and publications as a journalist, I came to work at Trinity in 2022.


I am so blessed to be part of this school. I’ve loved every moment of working with this incredible staff and getting to know our ouTSTanding students and families!


I am a Dog Mom to Bam Bam and Belle. I also enjoy participating in community theater, reading, knitting, crochet, traveling, watching Disney movies and virtual game nights with our friends across the country. My sports fandoms include: Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Capitals, Miami Hurricanes, Formula 1 racing.

Heather Tirrell

Born and raised in Tampa Florida I spent most of my life dancing. Ballet was my passion and much of my youth involved traveling and training with professional ballet dancers. I attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for two years before I joined the San Diego Ballet as a company member. After six seasons performing with the company, I officially retired and moved back to Florida where I pursued a 10-year career in real estate.

East Texas has always been in my blood. Traveling annually to visit family turned into a dream of moving my own family to a slower paced environment surrounded by nature. This summer, my husband and I moved our 4 year old sons, Henry & Samuel, to Avinger. After countless months of research, we ended up falling in love with Trinity. The culture, curriculum and church checked all the boxes! Both our boys are currently enrolled in the pre-k program and absolutely LOVE it! I’m so excited to be a part of this TST family, not only as a parent but also as the Communication & Development Coordinator.

Francisco Vasquez

I have been working at TST for over 30 years in the maintenance and custodial departments. I hold TST near and dear to my heart.


I am now the director of maintenance. Our mission is to provide a safe and clean environment to enhance the beauty of our school.


During my off time, I play soccer on a local veteran’s league. I also love sitting back and relaxing while keeping up with national soccer leagues. My seven grandkids keep me busy, and I enjoy every minute of it!

Paula Vasquez

I’m a graduate of Gladewater high school. I have worked at TST for over 20 years. I started as a cook and custodian and now I am the Director of Food Services for Trinity. It is important to my staff and I that we provide
healthy options for our students to enjoy. Our food service mission is to provide staff and students with healthy food choices to maximize their learning potential.


On my off time, I enjoy spending time with my seven grandchildren. Together, we love baking in the kitchen.

Leann Hettinger

Starting at Trinity in 1985 was a great opportunity for me. I have always worked the Extended Enrichment Program. I’ve seen many changes over the years. I’ve always enjoyed the Family feeling at Trinity School. I’m now seeing the parents that I knew as the children in Extended all grown up! It has been a great joy to have been involved in such a wonderful and caring atmosphere for all these years. I’m looking forward to the year ahead. I enjoy some travel during time away from school. My love is plants, interior design and decorating.

Dr. Sherri Nussbaum

Dr. Sherri Nussbaum LSSP, LPC
Texas A&M BBA, Accounting
University of Texas at Tyler MS, Clinical Psychology
Northcentral University EdD, Exceptional Student Education
 

I have the honor of serving as Trinity School of Texas’ Guidance Counselor. To tell you a little bit about myself, I moved to Longview after graduating from Texas A&M with my husband, Rob. We have four children and have lived most of our lives in Longview, with the exception of a few years overseas in Singapore.

While living in Singapore, I became very involved in the Overseas Family International School, where our children attended school. Students at the Overseas Family School represented nearly 70 countries! Naturally, this posed significant challenges with educating each child with all their diverse needs, languages, and backgrounds. This experience opened my eyes to unique ways to enrich, educate, and support children.

Upon moving back to the USA, I decided to go back to school to further my education in hopes of contributing to and promoting development of children. I attended University of Texas at Tyler to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology and later obtained a doctoral (EdD) in education. After graduation, I obtained licensing as a Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)

and Professional Counselor (LPC). I also hold clinician specialist certifications in the areas of Autism Spectrum and Childhood Anxiety Disorders.

Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family, dogs, and grand dogs. I look forward to the upcoming school year and having an opportunity to get to know each of your children along their journey into adulthood.

Annie Miller

I began my teaching career teaching band at Nacogdoches ISD after graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University. We then moved to Longview where I was a band director and my husband was a construction coordinator. In 2020, I accepted a position as head band director for San Augustine ISD. Through band, I was able to teach my students about self-discipline, perseverance, team work, and critical thinking skills. Now, my family is very excited to return to the Longview area.

When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy sewing, reading, and spending time with my husband, Brett, and daughter, Isabelle. I also enjoy playing with my Australian Shepherd, Jinx, after work.