• WCHE COLLABORATIVE TEAM 2023-2024

    This is a photo of the Special Education Collaborative Team

    Pictured above front row l – r:  Dohee Shin, Emily McMurray, Tracy Currie-LaFountaine, and Alona Manore

    Second row l - r: Cynthia Blackburn, Karynn Roye, Julie Gordon, and Christina Otwell

    Third row l – r:  Peyton Metry, Caroline Harris, Johann Salas, and Shereen Hayat

    Fourth row l – r:  Luis Ponce, Anna Smith, Yvett Galvan, Amanda Pelnarsh, Jennifer Schaye, Joann Molinyawe, Colea Podoloff, and Joey Grasso

    Ashley Allison -- Hi I’m Ashley Allison, and this is my first year as LSSP! I’m excited to join the West Cypress family and look forward to a great school year.

    Yvett Galvan -- I have been teaching for 17 years in Texas, 9 of these years here in the great LTISD. I graduated from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas and I have 5 children. The two youngest are a senior at UT Austin and a Junior at the University of Chicago. My husband and I love to travel, visiting our family around the country and spending time on the lake with our 12-year-old Shih Tzu-Poodle, Jagger. Presently I am an ESL Teacher for the Daccliistrict and love my job helping both teachers and students acclimate to learning English as a Second Language.

    Julie Gordon -- I’m happy to be back in the Lake Travis ISD this year as a third grade Resource/Inclusion teacher! Prior to my return, I was teaching for the Dripping Springs ISD where I, also, was a third grade Resource/Inclusion teacher after having become Special Education Certified. I taught first grade at WCHE from 2016-19. My husband, Luke, and I are both Aggies, class of ‘02, and are originally Houstonians. We are happy to have college football back and in full swing! We live in WCH and have 3 kids of our own who are also in LT schools–one at the high school, one at LTMS, and our youngest, Asher, is right here in Ms. Minyard’s class.

    Caroline Harris – Hi!  I am so excited to be back as one of WCHE's Speech Pathologists! I am originally from Chicago, Illinois, and moved to Texas to study at Baylor University where I also attended for my Master's!  Sic' Em!  My husband and I moved to Bee Cave two years ago and love it and the Austin area.  I can't wait for another great year.

    Emily McMurray – I moved to Austin in 2012 from Chicago, Illinois.  I am married to my husband, Matt, and have two children who attend school in LTISD.  I also have two very spoiled dogs, a goldendoodle named Hank and a cavapoo named Cash.  Prior to becoming part of the Tiger Family, I taught preschool for 4 years.  The 2023-2024 school year will be my 4th at WCHE, and I'm looking forward to another great year as a Tiger!

    Peyton Metry – I am so excited to begin my teaching career with LTISD right here at West Cypress Hills Elementary as the G3 Program Teacher!  I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and attended Illinois State University for my undergraduate studies in Special Education. I have provided educational services to students in multiple cities, states, and countries!  I love to travel and go on adventures and can't wait to start doing so here in Austin!

    Joanne Molinyawe I am looking forward to another amazing year at West Cypress Hills! This will be my fifth year teaching, and I'm super excited! I earned both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Elementary Education from Texas State University. I went on to teach 1st and 3rd grade in San Antonio. Then, I spent several years substitute teaching for LTISD before going back full time to the classroom.  In my spare time, I enjoy crafting and volunteering at Austin's city animal shelter.  I am married to Matt, and together we have a Freshman, Alexis, who attends LTHS.  We also have 3 rescue pups! 

    Amanda Pelnarsh -- I moved to Texas from Illinois. I went to Indiana State University for undergrad, and I continued to Lewis University for graduate school. I received a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.  I love to be outdoors, and I am excited to be a part of the West Cypress Family.

    Kaleigh Pierce -- My name is Kaleigh Pierce. I am a native Austinite. I have a young son. I love working with students and being in education. I can't wait to make this year the best one yet for all of our students!

    Colea Podoloff – I am a born and raised Texan! I have lived in Austin for 24 years and am entering my 11th year teaching in the LTISD.  My husband, Mike, and I have 2 children, Clara and Caleb, who attend LTISD schools, and we have 2 dogs, Marley and Nash.  In my spare time, I enjoy running, gardening, and spending time with family.

    Christina Otwell – This is my second year as a WCHE Tiger!  I’m a wife, mom of an LT Senior, a Special Education Resource Teacher, and part-time Yoga Teacher.  I’m really excited about working with our Tigers!

    Karynn Roye -- My name is Karynn Roye, I have lived in the Lake Travis area since 2000.  This is my first year as an Instructional Aide, and I couldn’t be more excited!  I’ve been a part of the Lake Travis community for 23 years and love it here.  I have two boys, and both attend WCHE this year!

    Johann Salas – I am the proud mother of 3 grown children - Bryan, Jeremy and Monica - and 3 grandchildren, Leilani, Liliana and Julianna. My husband and I moved here 5 years ago from Arlington, Texas and we love it here! I have been a school based Occupational Therapist for 32 years and LOVE working with students, educators, staff and parents. I have many hobbies that include arts and crafts, walking, biking, hiking and socializing with friends and family.  Looking forward to an awesome year!

    Dohee Shin This is my 2nd year of teaching and 1st year in LTISD. I have my bachelor’s in Child Development and Family Sciences from UT-Austin and my Masters in Education specifically Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University,Texas.   I love books,  and we are going to read so much this year!  When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me spending time with my best friend and family.

    Anna Smith -- I am so excited to join the WCHE team!  I have a Bachelors of Innovation in Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Master’s of Arts in Special Education! I am a former military brat, born and raised in Germany but spent most of my adolescent years through college in Colorado where my family still lives. Prior to transitioning to ARD Facilitator, I taught special education for 4 years from elementary to college, from resource to self-contained / behavior.  When I am not working, I am spending most of my free time with my dog named Sir Mix a Lot, who is extremely spoiled!

    Christine Urban – I hold a B.S in Exercise Science from Texas A&M, B.S and M.S from Texas Woman's University in Physical Therapy.  I am married to my wonderful husband, Johnny.  We were both widowed and now married to each other with 6 children and 1 grandson.  I have been a PT for 33 years and a school-based PT for 23 years.  I am now in my 10th year with Lake Travis ISD and love my job!  I am always happy to be a resource to our team.