Faculty

Gail has over 35 years of teaching experience, 25 of which were spent serving the Plano Independent School District. Texas Teacher Certified in grades 1-8, she is a CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist). She received her Take Flight Dyslexia Therapist training at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas. She is also ESL certified and an active member of ALTA (Academic Language Therapy Association). Gail attended William Jewell College, Liberty Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Graduate studies were at University of North Texas and Texas Wesleyan University. She has served as an Instructional Specialist, Collegial Coach, and Mentor Liaison to new teachers. Having extensive knowledge of dyslexia assessments, identification, and intervention implementation, she served her previous campus as the dyslexia therapist and reading difficulties interventionist. Gail is the recipient of the Phoebe Apperson Heart Outstanding Educator Award which celebrates achievement in building effective family-school partnerships. Other recognitions include: PTA Lifetime Membership Award, Plano ISD Barksdale Teacher of the Year, and through instructional leadership supported the campus in being recognized as a “High Performance School” by “Just for the Kids” (NCEA National Center for Educational Achievement).

Joy has 29 years of teaching experience in various roles. She has served as a Speech Therapist, Special Education Teacher, Reading Recovery Teacher, Campus Instructional Specialist and Dyslexia Therapist.

Joy attended Louisiana State University of Shreveport where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She later received a Masters of Education from University of North Texas. She received training at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Qualified Instructor. Joy is a Texas Certified Teacher in areas of Elementary Self-Contained, Special Education, and ESL (English as a Second Language).

Joy has been a recipient of the Lifetime Membership PTA Award and has been recognized as Teacher of the Year at her previous campus.

She loves teaching children and helping them realize their potential as readers and writers.

Maegan graduated from Dallas Baptist University in December of 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, with an emphasis on English, Language Arts, and Reading in grades 4-8. Maegan’s first teaching job was at a private Christian school in Sendai, Japan where she taught 2nd grade students English. Upon returning home to Texas, Maegan worked for one year as a 6th grade Reading teacher in Alvarado, Texas. After moving to Dallas, Maegan started teaching 3rd grade in the Irving Independent School District where she served as a gifted and talented teacher, campus writing liaison, and a district-wide assessment and curriculum writer. Maeagn is also credentialed to teach PreK-6, English as a Second Language, and Gifted and Talented.

Susanne has taught in public school in both Plano and Richardson and serves in the children’s ministry at her church. She holds a Texas teaching certificate in early childhood through 6th grade for general education. Also, she is English as a Second Language (ESL) certified and has gifted and talented (GT) foundation training. Susanne earned her education certificate through Region 10, Texas Education Service Center in 2015 and has a B.B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin. As a supporter of dyslexia education, she served on a roundtable committee to review the State’s Dyslexia Handbook, 2015 edition. Through training from the Momentous Institute, sponsored by the Salesmanship Club, and the Texas Behavior Support Initiative, she helps support the social and emotional health (SEH) of students in the classroom. Susanne enjoys working with students and seeing their growth academically, relationally, and spiritually.

Claire began her teaching journey in the elementary music classroom, and shortly after moved to middle school choir and finally to the high school level where she taught high school choir and AP Music Theory. As a choral director, she earned numerous sweepstakes ratings with the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest, superior ratings at Choral Festivals, and had Texas All State Choir participants.

In 2015 Clyne moved to Boston, MA to begin graduate studies in choral conducting at the Boston Conservatory. This experience led her to continue her studies abroad at Royal Holloway, University of London. During her time in the U.K. Clyne served as conductor of The Founder’s Choir and assistant conductor of the Royal Holloway Symphony Orchestra, leading tours to Poland, France, and Germany.

A native of California, Clyne holds a MM in Orchestral Conducting from Royal Holloway, University of London, a MM in Choral Conducting from The Boston Conservatory, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Dallas Baptist University. When not working on musical ventures, Clyne enjoys cycling, swimming, and spending time in nature with family and friends.

Ashley is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She has over 18 years experience as a language therapist in both school and private settings. She graduated from Baylor University in 2000 with a Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Ashley started her career serving children in the Bronx, New York and developed a love for working with learning different students. Upon returning to Dallas, she began extensive training in language-learning disabilities while employed full and part time at The Shelton School. During her time there, she provided group language and speech therapy and developed in-class methods for improved listening comprehension and writing structure for middle-schoolers. After starting a private practice, Ashley has enjoyed exploring a wide variety of curricula, behavior management and assessment to benefit her students.

Hayley has a passion for Jesus, art, and children. Hayley received her Bachelors degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Mississippi in 2019. During her time in the corporate world, she worked in many creative roles in fashion, Real Estate, as well as in the promotional products industry. She felt lead to leave the corporate world and pursue a position which combines her passion and mission. Hayley’s desire is to offer children with learning differences artistic experiences that encourage cognitive development, creative thinking, while maintaining balance between individual self-expression and structured approaches. Hayley has experienced first hand the positive impact a creative outlet can have on those with learning differences and she aspires for her students to experience that too. She will teach art appreciation, history, and applicable skills. She loves counseling and encouraging students through the artistic process. She aims to enrich each student’s life with Jesus and art while building self-confidence and self esteem! Students will learn how to make art that reflects the beauty of our Maker.

Mikki is a Certified Academic Language Therapist with 28 years of teaching experience. Nineteen years were in Plano ISD where she served as a Reading and Instructional Specialist. She is Texas Teacher Certified in grades 1-8 and graduated from Ohio Northern University with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Science. Graduate studies were at Wright State University and Texas Women’s University where she completed her certification in Reading Recovery. She received her Take Flight Dyslexia Therapist training at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Mikki has served her Plano ISD campus as the dyslexia and reading interventionist, as well as the Team Lead for the Academic Specialists. She loves teaching children and finds great fulfillment in seeing them learn.

Teri has over 20 years of experience in Christian education. She has taught middle school science and Bible at a private Christian school in the area, where she most recently served as the Middle School Science Department head. She holds a BS degree from Baylor University in Elementary Education with a minor in Music. She holds a Texas teaching certification in General Education for grades 1-8. She also holds a Music Education certification for grades 1-8. Teri has a special love for middle schoolers. Her primary goals are to help each student develop a love for science as well as to help them develop and grow in their relationship with the Lord.

Jennifer graduated from Texas State University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. After working at Baylor University Medical Center, she returned to her studies, and in 2004, she graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree.  She practiced law until her first child was born. Jennifer is excited to bring her passion for education to this wonderful community, where her son is also a student. She understands first hand the importance of these early years in developing students’ confidence and love of learning.  She looks forward to being a part of the joy, positivity and excellent education that Heritage provides.

Emily graduated from University of California San Diego in 1993 majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communications. After moving to Dallas in 1994, Emily worked in her family’s business and was a stay-at-home mom for her four children. During that time she volunteered at her children’s school, actively participated in Bible Study Fellowship, coordinated her church nursery program, and served on many committees involving children. It was while substitute teaching at various private schools in Dallas that Emily decided to pursue a career in teaching. As Emily says, she finally found her passion through helping children learn and being their biggest cheerleader. In 2014, she began her employment at Heritage School of Texas as a full-time substitute and teacher’s aide while working on fulfilling the requirements for her Alternative Teaching Certification in Texas. After completing her certification requirements of student teaching at Preston Hollow Presbyterian School and George Herbert Walker Bush Elementary, she has now returned to Heritage in a teaching role to serve the learning different population.

Rachel has over 20 years of teaching experience in Christian school education. She taught in San Antonio before moving with her husband to Dallas. She also spent over 20 summers working at an outdoor camp in Kerrville. She graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Communication. She is a Texas State Certified Teacher. She was an Elementary teacher at Heritage during the 2015-2022 school years and returns this year as PE Coach. Rachel has a passion to teach kids they have self-worth in Jesus Christ.

Jennifer is a Certified Academic Language  Specialist with 29 years of teaching experience. All 29 years were in Plano ISD where she was a Reading Coach, Instructional Specialist,  and Dyslexia  Specialist. She has experience in grades K-5. She also provides private tutoring for K-8th grades. Jennifer attended Stephen F Austin State University for her B.A., and Texas A&M Commerce for her Masters of Education in Administration. She received training through the Texas Scottish Rite Program to become a Certified Academic Therapist. Jennifer is a Texas Certified Teacher in the areas of Elementary Self Contained, ESL ( English as a Second Language), Elementary Reading, and Mid-Management Administration. In her off time, Jennifer loves to spend time with her family and play with her Goldendoodle, Dolly. Jennifer’s passion is to teach all students to read and help develop a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.

Zach has taught for over 10 years in both general education and special education. His certifications are in Special Education, General Education, ESL and History. Zach has just completed his Take Flight training to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT). His call to teach comes from his observations that the world will try to distract young people from the Word, and that those whom are called must teach them the love of Christ, discernment, and to search for His truth in everything. He earned a B.A. in History from Trinity University in 2003, a Masters of Education in Special Education from SMU in 2020, and completed Take Flight Dyslexia Therapist training through the Scottish Rite Hospital in 2022. Zach believes that his spiritual gifts of patience and discernment are instrumental in working with those with learning differences. He acknowledges that teaching is an immense responsibility and is grateful to all of our students’ parents for entrusting the faculty at Heritage with the honor of providing for their children’s education.

Stephanie has taught high school English for 7 years. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Literary Studies and her teaching certificate. Reading and writing are passions that she enjoys sharing with her students and endeavors to instill a similar love and enjoyment of the literary arts in them as well. Her primary goal is to help students grow in their love of learning, understanding of themselves, and most importantly, their relationship with the Lord. Stephanie is also extremely passionate about apologetics and understanding why we follow the Bible.

Missy is a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist and a Certified Academic Language Therapist. She has over 20 years of experience as a therapist in both school and private settings. Missy attended Michigan State University for her B.A., Southern Methodist University for her Academic Language Therapy Certification and Scottish Rite Hospital for Children for her Take Flight Dyslexia Therapist training. For 10 years, Missy served on the educational leadership team at a local LD school as Lead Therapist. She has been a member of the Heritage family since 2014. Missy has a passion for working with students of all ages who struggle with reading.

Jackie is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP). She grew up in East Texas and attended a classical, Christian school. She attended Texas A&M and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Language Arts and Social Studies in grades 4-8. After graduating, she went back to her alma mater and taught fourth grade for two years. She then taught at a school focused on learning differences in Tyler, Tx. In 2015, she and her husband moved to Dallas, and she started teaching at Heritage. Jackie worked at Heritage during the 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 school years. After taking a few years to be home with her boys and tutor privately, she is excited to be back in the classroom at Heritage. She is passionate about helping students unlock the science of reading and showing them that they can do hard things.