Welcome to the New School Year - 2018-2019
Congratulations to our students and staff on a wonderful start to this school year. Our teachers started the year with A+ Arts Integration training and Dual Language Training facilitated by own our staff members. We are very excited about this year. The new team members have brought tremendous energy and we are so very please to welcome them to the team. We introduce those new teammates to you below.
Dr. Varnell and Mr. Trevino are presenting the first half of the Parent meetings this year. Here is a link to the presentation for those who would like to review it in more detail.
PARENT PRESENTATION - CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE FOR THE KINDERGARTEN PARENT NIGHT ADDENDUM
CLICK HERE FOR FOR THE FIFTH GRADE PARENT NIGHT ADDENDUM
CLICK HERE FOR THE SIXTH GRADE PARENT NIGHT ADDENDUM
MEET THE STAFF
KINDERGARTEN
Ms. Viola Ruiz - Kindergarten (Spanish)
I was born and raised in Lima Peru and moved to Dallas with my husband and daughter 16 years ago. I have been teaching 13 years, 11 of which are in Dual Language classes. My educational background is in art and here at Corey Academy I have found the perfect opportunity to combine my love of art with my passion for teaching. I enjoy traveling, visiting art galleries and museums, reading, swimming, listening to music, and going on nature walks with my daughter. My favorite thing to do over the summer is go back home to Peru to visit my friends and family. While I am there, I also love to cook (and eat) traditional Peruvian dishes.
Ms. Priscilla Ramirez - Kindergarten (English)
Hi, My name is Priscilla Ramirez and I was born in Dallas, Tx and raised in the Valley in Brownsville, Tx. I have traveled to San Luis Potosi and enjoyed the beautiful architecture and scenery. My hobbies are baking, crafting and reading. This summer my husband and I completed 8 long years of marriage! We have 2 beautiful children (boy and girl), Andrew is 5 and Genesis turned 3 this June. One of my favorite past times is spending time with my family and enjoying the presence of each other. Another of my favorite past times is going to church and getting fed spiritually. I have 3 years of experience as a teacher assistant and 8 years teaching in Dallas ISD. We currently live in Arlington and I've been waiting for an opportunity to move closer to home. This year is my first year in Arlington ISD and as part of the Corey family. I am super excited for this new journey I am about to embark.
Ms. Barbie Harman - Kindergarten (English)
I am starting my 35th year in education. I have taught K, 1st and now back to K where my heart belongs. I love teaching little ones! They are so open and eager. In Kindergarten, we get to set the foundation for all other learning. I have been married to Steve for 37 years. We have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. My favorite thing is to spend time with my family and especially my grandbabies. Nathan is 3; Delaney is 3; (not twins) and Zoey is 2. They are adorable and I will willingly share pictures anytime!
Did I say, they are adorable?!
Ms. Soledad Guido - Kindergarten (Spanish)
I have been teaching Spanish Kindergarten for the past 4 years here at Corey. I grew up in Corsicana and I studied Education at the University of Houston, Go Coogs! I love baseball and my favorite team is the Texas Rangers. I'm such a devoted fan that I like to go to Ranger's games in other states. I also enjoy traveling, this past summer I was able to combine my passion for teaching and traveling by teaching in China. I learned so much while I was there, it was such an amazing experience. I look forward to teaching and getting to know your children this school year.
FIRST GRADE
Ms. Briana Bianco - 1st Grade (English)
I am originally from the Philadelphia area. I have an older brother, a younger sister, and a younger brother who are all back on the East Coast. I love to travel and have lived in Mexico for several years of my life. I learned Spanish from being an exchange student to Mexico City and from teaching ESL for a couple years in Oaxaca. I have been at Corey since 2016 and I love it! Before teaching, I got my undergrad and master's degree in Archaeology and still love to learn and read about other cultures from the past. My current hobbies include taking care of my babies (my cats) and doing paper and vinyl crafts.
Ms. Flora Chaves - 1st Grade (Spanish)
Hi everyone :) my name is Flora Chavez and I am new to the district. I have been teaching for 6 years and absolutely love it. I am originally from a very small East Texas town named Elkhart. I moved to the DFW area when I was 22 to go to college and ended up staying here. My husband and I have a 2 1/2 year old little girl named Adaline, 2 cats (Django and Boo), and 1 pit/boxer dog named Leo. I enjoy photography and creating memorable items for family and friends. I also like to play games whether its board games, cards, or VR. I like to be a kid at heart and now that I have a child of my own I love doing anything fun with her.
Ms. Rosy Silva - 1st Grade (Spanish)
This is my 10th year as a teacher. I have taught K-2 and 4th Grade. I have also taught in Irving ISD's Dual Language Program and Birdville ISD's Bilingual Program. This is my second year here at Corey teaching First Grade. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in law from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Go Owls!!! I graduated with my teacher certification from Quality Act Alternative Program
Ms. Janice Herrera - 1st Grade (English)
Hi my name is Janice Herrera. I graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor's degree in Finance. This year will mark my fifth year as an educator and I am so thrilled to be part of Corey Academy! My prior four years of teaching I have taught in a dual language program. I am very passionate about dual language and dual language learners. A few things that I love doing are traveling, eating out and crafting. My favorite type of food is Mexican. I am so blessed and excited to form part of such a wonderful school.SECOND GRADE
Ms. Marie Velez - 2nd Grade (Spanish)
My name is Maria Velez but everybody calls me Marie. I was born and raise in Puerto Rico and moved to Texas five years ago. I'm a very family oriented person and my immediate family are my husband Eduardo, my four kids (Jeremy, Kiara, Marjorie and Valeria) and my two dogs (Roxy and Rex). I went to college in Puerto Rico, I have a Bachelor degree in Human Resources and a Master degree in Management. Since I obtained my Bachelor degree I worked in the Human Resources field until we moved. I've been in education as a PE Aide for four years at MISD. I love spend time with my family, watch movies, take Taekwon-do classes and go to the beach (although I haven't done the last one since I moved).
Ms. Denille Ferguson - 2nd Grade (English)
I am a transplant to Texas. I grew up in Michigan. I even have a business degree from Michigan State. After I moved to Texas I earned a Masters Degree in Education. This is my 15th year in education, my first year at Corey. I have two children that attend Corey - Evie in 2nd grade and Brady starting kindergarten. I enjoy time with my family and friends. I like dancing and working out. I really enjoy the privilege of teaching children and making it fun. Smiles and laughter make everyone’s day brighter.
Mr. Juan Frausto - 2nd Grade (English)
I was born and raised in deep south Texas and moved to DFW in 2003. I've taught for 16 years. I enjoy the arts, acting, video production, writing, and photography. Mr. Neeley was my favorite teacher because I felt like he care about me and my siblings and he was an awesome Math teacher.
(Mr. Frausto won't tell you that he was teacher of the year for Irving ISD....but I will!)
Ms. Silvia Ramirez - 2nd Grade (Spanish)
I have lived in Arlington my whole life. I went to private school form 1st-12th grade and loved it and then graduated from UTA. I am very close with my family, more specifically with my mom and sister. My mom worked two jobs since I can remember so I essentially raised my younger sister and is part of the reason we have a strong bond. It has been my dream to be a teacher since I was 6 years old and am so blessed to be starting my 4th year of teaching at Corey. Baseball is life! I am a huge Rangers fan and my main bucket list goal is to see a game at all MLB ballparks. So far, I’ve gone to 9 and also got to experience Korean and Japanese baseball this past summer. I love to travel and hope to do more of it this year.
Ms. Viridiana Guardado - 2nd Grade (English)
I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico but moved to Texas in 1995. Since then, I have grown to love Texas as home. I graduated from UTA with a BA in Spanish. This year will mark my 10th year of teaching and I could not be more excited to be part of the Corey family. Outside of teaching I enjoy spending time with the family and although they didn’t always turn out as expected, DIY projects.
My name is Ms. Flores, last school year I was a permanent second-grade substitute and I also tutored in first grade. This year I will be teaching math, science, social studies, and Spanish language arts. I was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota but raised here in Texas. I've known I wanted to be a teacher since I was very young girl. I went to UTA and received my Bachelors in Spanish for Global Competence in order to improve upon my Spanish speaking abilities.A fun fact about me is that I love to travel! At the moment I have visited 25 US states and 3 countries. My goal is to visit every US state by the age of 30. This summer I went to Mexico with my family and hiked up the pyramids of Tepoztlán.
THIRD GRADE
Ms. Carrie Weber - 3rd Grade (English)
This will be my 24th year teaching in AISD. I am so excited to be teaching your child! We are going to have a fantastic year full of learning and fun! My family means the world to me. I have been married for a blissful 23 years to Chris, and we have two amazing girls. Taylor is 20 years old and attends University of Missouri with plans to double major in English and Journalism. Kylie is 17 years old, plays volleyball, and is a senior at Martin High School.
Ms. Eva Sanchez - 3rd Grade (Spanish)
HOLA! I am happily married and have 2 awesome kids (who have NOT stopped talking all summer!) Tatyanna is 10 and Nikolas will be 8. I am very crafty. My hobbies are to make bows (cheaper than therapy). This will my 10th year teaching. This year will be the first time I teach a testing grade!!! (3rd grade, here I come!!! - Good luck!)
Ms. Cynthia Anthony - 3rd Grade (English)
I am Cynthia Anthony and my three loves are God, family and teaching! This year will be my 4th year at Corey Academy and 10th year of teaching. I was born and raised in Arlington, and went to Bowie HS- Go Vols! My husband and I have two young daughters who take up all of our time… and money 😉. We love trips to the playground, zoo and Grandma’s house. Between my family at home and my Corey family I try to sneak in college football, Game of Thrones, shopping and massages. It is my greatest joy as a teacher to see children develop a passion for learning ad a sense of civic responsibility towards our community.
Ms. D'Lynn Webb - 3rd Grade (English)
I have taught third grade for 33 years. I feel very blessed to have chosen a career which I am still passionate about and that inspires and challenges me daily! I am very proud to come from a family of educators. I have 2 grown children, a son-in-law, a precious almost 2 year old grandson, a daughter-in-law, and an adorable chihuahua. I am very close to my family even though my daughter and her family live in Olathe, Kansas, and my son and his wife live in Houston. Thank goodness for Facetime. Luckily, my mother who taught first grade for 37 years lives around the corner from me.
I am excited about becoming a part of the dual language program! We have an awesome team!
Ms. Gliced Torres - 3rd Grade (Spanish) Hi, I am from Puerto Rico. I have two beautiful girls. One is 16 and the little one is 4. I love to travel with my family when possible and spend time with them. Netflix and lesson planning is my hobby. I started teaching in DISD in 2015 as a Dual Language teacher in kinder. Last year was my first year in Corey and I enjoyed it!
FOURTH GRADE
Ms. Elena Davila - 4th Grade
I'm proud to say that this year I will be starting my 26th year of teaching!! I have been at Corey for the last 10 years -- and I've loved every minute of it! I've been living here in the metroplex since I started teaching, but before that I lived in Austin where I attended The University of Texas at Austin (Go Horns!). I grew up south of Houston in a small town that you may have heard of after last year's hurricane and flooding -- Dickinson, Texas. At one time, I lived with 19 different animals (not including my children!). Now, it's just me, my two sons, two dogs, three birds, and one guinea pig. If I'm not at Corey working on my classroom, you can usually find me either: A. reading; B. having dinner with family; C. walking my dogs; D. going to a movie; or E. sitting on a beach in Florida. When you meet me, you'll quickly learn that two of my favorite things are Harry Potter and elephants. I love teaching and sharing my love of both of these with my students!
I'm excited and ready to start the 2018 -- 2019 school year!!
Ms. Darlene Durning - 4th Grade
I grew up in Arlington, and I went to AISD schools. I have been married for 33 years to Bill. We have two beautiful daughters. Sarah lives in Austin and Stacy lives in Dallas with her husband, Ben. I love watching mysteries and comedies. I also enjoy reading historical biographies. I like yoga, reading, fishing, bird watching, dancing and swimming. This will be my 19th year teaching. Hawaii and Alaska are two places I want to visit over the next two summers
Ms. Katie Letts - 4th Grade
FIFTH GRADE
Ms. Alysia Kelley - 5th Grade (Science and Social Studies)
I am from Grapeland, Tx but I have lived in Arlington since 1999. I am married and have 3 kids. I love to bake and cook fabulous meals for my friends and family. I even know how to make quilts by hand. Reading is very relaxing to me. This will be my 19th year with AISD and my 8th year at Corey! My ultimate goal is to win the lottery so my family and I can travel the world!
Ms. Norma Anderson - 5th Grade (Language Arts)
My name is Norma Anderson and I am beginning my 6th year of teaching and my first at at Corey Academy. I am new to the Corey Cub family and I am so excited to be here! I am a wife and mother of three amazing kiddos! As a family, we enjoy camping, swimming and traveling!! My favorite hobbies are reading, watching football (Go Texas Tech!!) and hanging with my family! I look forward to meeting the students and families of Corey!
Mr. Marc Shaw - 5th Grade (Math)
I was born in Arlington. I have lived here most of my life. I went to Pope, Butler, Shackelford, and Lamar. I love to travel. I went to Australia this year. I love listening to many different genres of music. I love sports, especially basketball.This will be my 10th year in Arlington ISD and my 5th year at Corey.
SIXTH GRADE
Ms. Ashley Johnson - 6th Grade (Math)
Ms. Sandra Hayden - 6th Grade (Language Arts)
I was born in Lima, Peru and raised Arlington, Texas from the time I was in 2nd grade. I have been married for 10 years to my high school sweetheart and we have 2 boys, Ben and Sam. If you know My Big Fat Greek Wedding then you know what my family is like, minus the Greek and Lamb. I love to laugh and spend time with family and friends. I have been teaching for 15 years and this is my 2nd year at Corey.
Ms. Kanetra Cooper - 6th Grade (Science & Social Studies)
I am originally from Houston, Texas, but lived in Arlington for about 3 years back in 2000. I attended Texas Southern University on a volleyball scholarship but finished my Business Management degree at the University of Phoenix. I later gave in to my love for kids and obtained my teaching certification in EC-6 in 2009. This year I will embark upon my 9th year in education. I taught 3rd grade in the Houston Independent School District for 4 years then ventured overseas to Dubai and taught first grade for 3 years. While in Dubai, my daughters and I traveled to places like, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Prague, Paris, Germany, London, India, Kenya, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Finland, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Bahrain. This will be my second year at Corey teaching 6th grade Social Studies and Science. I love dancing, music, volleyball, basketball, bowling, playing darts, eating, traveling, helping others, making people smile and teaching. I have two amazing daughters Aeriel (the feisty fashion princess) who's going to the 4th grade at Corey and Aniyah (the loving God-fearing teenager) who will be a sophomore at Martin this year. I am super excited to be back at Corey and I can't wait to see what the 2018-2019 school year has in-store for us.
MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE TEAM
Ms. Tena Phelps - Piano
Born in Ft. Worth, and raised in Arlington. I attended school 1st-12th grade, and graduated from Lamar High School. I attended East Texas Baptist University, and graduated with an All Level Music Education degree. I enjoy camping, outdoors, and going to the mountains. This is going to be my 35th year of teach and my fourth at CoreyFADL.
Mr. Felipe Rosales - Music
My name is Felipe Rosales and I will be starting my fifth year of teaching, with this being my second year as the Music Teacher at Corey Academy. I graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington and started teaching in Lewisville ISD before coming to Corey. When I'm not teaching I am usually rehearsing and gigging with one of my three bands, spending time with my fiance, playing Dungeons and Dragons, or playing some video games. I am originally from El Paso, Texas but moved to Arlington for school. My favorite place to eat is Whataburger and I love good ol' vanilla ice cream. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of music making!
Ms. Samantha Uribe - Art
I am a Massachusetts girl who has lived in Texas for 10 years. I graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelors degree in Art Education and a whole new knowledge of the word "cowboy." I have been teaching art in Arlington since 2013 but left for a short bit to fulfill a dream of working on a cruise ship. My time on the Carnival Ecstasy was cut short when I met the love of my life. We moved back to Arlington and got married. Shortly after, I got this wonderful opportunity to teach art at Corey. That was 2 school years ago and I haven't looked back!
Ms. Katerina Carbuccia - Art
Hello my name is Katerina 'Kate' Carbuccia! I am the new 3D Art teacher. I am from Puerto Rico; I moved from the island to Texas 10 years ago. I am a mother of a four years old active daughter. I am passionate about art. I enjoy travel and crafting. I'm enthusiastic about joining this team and look forward to the beginning of the school year!
Ms. Dee Evans - Dance
I was born and raised in Northeast Oklahoma. I am an only child and I grew up dancing from the age of 6 at a studio in Tahlequah, OK. I absolutely love dogs and all animals so much so, that I have a dog care business called Cozy Pup Resort. Since we are both teachers, my husband Ryan and I take the opportunity to travel each summer. Outside of the US so far, we have explored: Paris, London, Liverpool, Rome, Barcelona, all over Ireland and Scotland, Costa Rica and Dominica. I enjoy watching animated movies, photography, singing, listening to podcasts, being around dogs, finding cool restaurants and scrapbooking.
Ms. Katie Kerbel - Theatre
My name is Katherine Kerbel, and this is my second year at Corey Academy. I have been involved in theatre since I was 5 years old. I discovered my love of teaching theatre in high school, where I taught Pre-K through 3rd grade acting classes after school. I attended college at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas where I majored in Theatre Education and minored in Special Education. I am originally from New England, I was born in Massachusetts but grew up in Rhode Island. I love hiking, reading, gardening, cooking and hanging out with my family and my dog.
Ms. Angela Lam - Mandarin Chinese
My name is Angela Lam. I graduated from Kennesaw State University, Georgia with a Mathematics degree. I have been with Arlington ISD for six years, three years teaching Mathematics at Bowie High School and three years teaching Mandarin at Corey. I teach 2nd grade through 6th grade at Corey. I love to sing and sing in my church choir.
Mr. Kenny Tyler - PE
I'm Coach Kenny Tyler and this is my 3rd year at Corey. I love to travel, having lived in both India and China. I've actually been to as many different countries as I have states. I have a beautiful wife, Jennifer, that I've been married to for 10 years and two children who also go to Corey, 7yr old Landon and 6yr old Lily.
Mr. Don Sibley - Orchestra
This is my 5th year teaching strings class at Corey. I have a kindergartner here at Corey! I play professionally outside of work and enjoy hearing live performances. I also enjoy reading, biking, and motor sports. I compete in the local chapter of the SCCA Time Trials series.
SUPPORT TEAM
Ms. Tammy Ledesma - Librarian
I am the librarian at Corey Academy. I graduated from the University of North Texas in 1989 and have be a teacher ever since. I have taught many grade levels, including 1st grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade. I am certified for K-8th with an emphasis on Reading. In 2010, I earned my Masters Degree in Library Science from Texas Woman's University. I enjoy quilting (when I have the time), reading and spending time with my family. This will be my 5th year at Corey.
Ms. Carin Hartwell - Special Education
Hello! I’m Carin Hartwell. I’ve just moved back here from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque is the hot air ballon capital of the world, so I had to go for a flight myself. It was so much fun and a beautiful way to see the city and mountains. I enjoy hiking with my husband, Chad and our kids, Keegan and Avery. I love reading, visiting museums, and snuggling with my giant dog, Dozer. This will be my first year teaching and I am thrilled to get started. I am happy to join the Corey team.
Ms. Rebecca Raplinger
Hi! I am Mrs. Raplinger, Corey's Dyslexia teacher. I am married and have two daughters (both attended Corey). I was born in Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. I love to read and travel. I have been involved with Corey for over 30 years--as a teacher, tutor, substitute, PTA member, volunteer, and room mom.
Ms. Chrystena Talamantez - Gifted and Talented
I have been in AISD for 17 years now and feel so blessed to be at Corey Academy! My son, Joaquin, starts Kindergarten here this year and already my mama heart is so full with the joy our school and teachers have already brought him! I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 6th grade. I've also served as a Language Arts Instructional Coach as well as a Math Instructional Coach. My husband is also an AVID teacher in AISD and my mother in law works in the Parent and Community Engagement Department. Being a part of AISD and having a passion for education and helping kids is kind of a family thing! I began working as a Gifted and Talented teacher because I recognized the needs of our GT students, and I wanted the opportunity to help make a positive difference for them by providing the support and enrichment they need to be their very best! I love to teach, travel, listen to music, cook, write, dance,be outside-especially at a beach, go to the movies with my family, have coffee or a meal with those who are special to me, and learn new things!
My name is Terri Nedderman, and I am the SCE and RTI Facilitator at Corey Academy. I am married and have two beautiful daughters. Abby is 27 years old and lives in Fort Worth. Her sister, Paige (20), is a junior at the University of Arkansas. My husband, Howard, is a structural engineer and owns Nedderman and Associates, a commercial construction company, in Dallas. My only claim to fame is that my father-in-law was the president of the University of Texas at Arlington for 20 years, and the neatest thing about that for me is that his name is on my diploma; He retired after I graduated.
Hello! My name is Anamaria Mares and I am your school counselor. I love what I do and I am happy to help in any way that I am able. I am an Aggie (whoop)! My husband and I have two children that are 15 and 12. We also just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. I love spending time with my family and exploring new places!
