Morgan Averitt
Technology Specialist & Admin
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Morgan graduated from Texas A&M (WHOOP!) with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is certified to teach K-6 and also has her ESL and GT certifications. She has worked in Cy-Fair ISD and Magnolia ISD prior to MHA teaching Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and math intervention.
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Morgan's husband Jake is also an educator! They have a handsome little boy named Oliver and a beautiful little girl named Olivia. Jax is their very amazing but slightly insane puppy who they adore. Outside of school you can find Morgan making sweet memories with her family or worshiping her heart out to the Lord!
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Katy Cox
Pre-K
Katy graduated from Grand Canyon University with a degree in Theology and has 12 years of experience working with children in various educational and childcare settings. From teaching in a Mother's Day Out program to coaching swim lessons and sports, she has developed a passion for fostering creativity, confidence, and curiosity in young learners. Katy is excited to bring her love for teaching and is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment in the classroom.
Katy is a true Houstonian and enjoys spending time with friends and family, serving at her church, and going on adventures. She is thrilled to be part of the Magnolia Heritage Academy team and feels honored to support her students on their learning journeys.
Alexis Williams
Pre-K
Alexis graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in multidisciplinary studies. She is certified to teach EC-4 in general education and EC-12 in special education. She
has taught Life Skills, Resource/In Class Support and has experience in many different types of Special Education settings. She discovered her true passion for play when she
started working at the play school that her daughter attended. She believes in the power of child-led free play.
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Alexis lives in Waller with her husband, Nick, and her two daughters, Harper and Avynn. She is so grateful to be a part of the MHA team and is very honored to be included in your child’s learning journey.
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Shelly Ivie
Kindergarten
Shelly graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education, minor in Reading, and an Early Childhood Endorsement. Shelly also has a masters degree in library science. For the majority of my 30 years of experience, she has been a middle school and elementary librarian in Cy-Fair ISD.
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Courtney and Kaylee are her two daughters who are also teachers! Shelly and her husband moved back to Magnolia where she grew up and graduated from high school. In her spare time, she loves to read, attend the sporting events of her grandchildren, and spend time on her deck soaking up the country air!
Nicole Douglass
First Grade
Nicole was born in College Station and raised in Klein, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M (WHOOP!) with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. She has taught second grade and kindergarten prior to MHA.
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Nicole and her husband PJ have a beautiful daughter named Preslee Jo. They also have three dogs (Zoey, Aspen, and Raven) and a cat (Sully Ron). Nicole loves spending time with my family, traveling, and crafting. She wants to instill a love of Christ and learning in every child she teaches.
Carol Vatuna
First Grade
Carol has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Ed with a reading minor from Sam Houston State University. She has over 30 years experience in pre-k through second grade and reading intervention with certifications in ESL, Early Childhood and Reading.
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Carol and her husband Frank have 3 grown children; twin daughters (Brooke and Bridget) and a son (Robby). They enjoy traveling and spending time with family. Carol loves reading, shopping, baking and cooking for her family!
Samantha Needham
2nd Grade ELAR/Social Studies
Sam was born and raised in a VERY small rural town in Louisiana and has wonderful memories of spending time with family, being outdoors, and eating all of that delicious Cajun food. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2014 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Over the past 10 years, she has taught both 1st and 2nd grade in Fort Bend, Tomball, and Klein ISD.
Sam and her husband David currently live in north Houston with their baby boy Ira Zachary and two cats (Oliver and Arthur). Sam loves to love to read, bake, sew, cheer on the Houston Rockets with David, and dream about going to Disney World!
Mary-Catherine Ivie
2nd Grade Math and Science
Mary-Catherine was born in Shreveport, Louisiana but grew up in the Cypress area. She graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and started teaching the following fall in Cy-Fair ISD. She has taught PK, 3rd grade, 5th grade, special education, and small group intervention.
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Mary-Catherine and her husband Josh have 4 children (Harper, Hallie, Haegan and Zachary). They love all things outdoors, animals, road trips, camping, and family movie nights. They pray that they raise kingdom minded servant leaders, who are rooted in Christ and bold in their faith. In her free time she loves working in the yard, making shirts/embroidery, and a good DIY project around the house!
Erika Keck
3rd Grade ELAR/Social Studies
Erika was born and raised in Houston and received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas in Austin and her Master’s in Education at The University of Houston. She has over 20 years of teaching experience in first, fifth, and fourth grades in Tomball ISD and Magnolia ISD.
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Erika and her husband Jim have two children (Ian and Irelynn). She enjoys reading and crafting. She considers herself a lifelong learner and appreciates gaining new knowledge and skills.
Caroline Wilson
3rd Grade Math and Science
Caroline graduated from Texas A&M University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She spent a few years in public school before coming to Magnolia Heritage Academy.
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Caroline and her husband have 4 amazing kids, two dogs, two guinea pigs, and three cats. Their house is a constant beautiful disaster filled with laughter where they try to teach the importance of faith, family, and good work ethics. Outside of school, she teaches piano from home and is working on turning her black thumb into a green thumb.
Theresa Harris
4th Grade ELAR/Social Studies
Theresa earned her BA in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL where she grew up. She’s taught kindergarten, 4th grade and small groups in ELA for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades in Klein ISD.
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Theresa and her husband have been blessed with 3 awesome kids; Colin, Jacob, and Lorelei! Most weekends they can be found at the ballpark or soccer fields!
Courtney Boatman
4th Grade Math and Science
Courtney graduated from SHSU with a bachelor's degree in 2007. She is certified in EC-4th grade, ESL and Gifted and Talented and has been a classroom teacher and interventionist.
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Courtney and her husband have 3 amazing children, two dogs, 3 hermit crabs, one fish and 8 chickens. They are big into sports, hunting and living life to the fullest. Her family cheers hard for the Astros, Cowboys, each other's sports teams. They love being outdoors, going to the beach and being active in their free time.
Darcee Masden
5th ELAR/Social Studies
Darcee was born in California and raised all over the world. She graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2017 with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Religious Studies.
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Darcee and her husband, Cody have two dogs. They like to spend time outside at the lake, exploring new places, and spending time with family. Darcee loves to be outside, be creative, and experiment in the kitchen! In her eyes, life is made for good friends, great adventure, and yummy food!
Melissa Fetzer
5th Math and Science
Melissa has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston. She has taught taught Pre-K, 3rd grade, and Jr. High.
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Melissa and her husband have 3 children. They enjoy traveling, hiking, and anything outdoors!
Haley Thompson
Jr High ELAR
Haley grew up in Conroe/The Woodlands attending Oak Ridge High School. She graduated from Houston Baptist University with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with dual teaching certificates in Elementary Education and Special Education. She has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Life Skills classes.
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Haley and her husband have three kids and a pup. She has a large extended family who love to travel together. Her favorite hobbies include reading, sewing, and volunteering as a leader in her church Women’s Ministry.
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Jennifer Bull
Jr High Math
Jennifer graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies and Certification in GT. She retired from public education in May 2022 after 30 years. Jennifer worked in Tomball ISD as a Gifted and Talented Specialist, District Coordinator for DI and UIL, and a coach for DI, UIL, Math and Science Olympiads. Prior to Tomball ISD, she taught in Klein, Cy-Fair and Waller ISD where she taught a variety of grades KG-12th.
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Jennifer and her husband, Rick, have 3 daughters (Kaylee, Lauren, and Grace). She keeps busy crafting and with her granddaughter (Aurora), who is the light of all of their lives! She is a bundle of joy and keeps them all busy!
Michelle Reams
Jr High Science/Social Studies
Michelle is originally from Ohio. She graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor’s in Special Education, from the University of Houston with a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in Reading and from Lamar University with a Masters in Educational Leadership. Michelle retired from public education in May 2022 after 30 years as a teacher, a Reading Specialist, and a Special Education Coach.
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Michelle and her husband, Michael have one daughter (Katie). In her free time she loves to travel, read and shop.
Rebecca Grimm
HS English
Rebecca has an Associates Degree in Science from Lone Star College. She also graduated Cum Laude from Sam Houston State University with a BA in English and a minor in History. She has a passion for American literature and teaching essay composition.
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Rebecca and her husband, John own a construction company and have built and restored older homes throughout the northwest area. They have five children (Allison, Daniel, Katherine, Jacob and Aubrey). They all love the outdoors. Rebecca enjoys road tripping, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and curling up with a book in the front porch rocking chair.
Cindy Waitz
HS Math
Cindy was born in Louisiana, but moved with her family and went to high school in Montgomery, TX. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from SHSU with a bachelor’s degree in education and a minor in math. She has taught many subjects in a homeschool co-op setting, from math to biology to jr. master gardener, robotics, and p.e.
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Cindy and her husband, Karl have 4 children. She is a 4-H parent and club co-manager in Grimes county. She is a certified shooting sports instructor and outdoor education leader. She teaches yoga in Conroe and is a member of a non-profit board in Plantersville, which raises money for local scholarships and maintains Plantersville Town Hall.
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Laura Lee Harkrider
HS Social Studies
LauraLee graduated from USF in Secondary Education Social Sciences. She has taught American History, Economics & American Government.
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LauraLee and her husband have a busy, sport loving family of 3 boys. They love to fill their time with football, being outside, reading, Harry Potter, having parties & people in their home, music/singing, & ALL things Disney!!
Elysa Evergreen
HS Science
Elysa was born and raised in San Diego—with one foot in Mexico (where she learned fluent Spanish). She studied bonobos at the San Diego Zoo for her UCSD Masters’ Thesis and spent some time working as Biology professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. She is a Biology Professor at San Jacinto College.
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Elysa and her husband have a blended family of 5 kids. In her free time Elysa is a Child Advocate with CASA for children in the foster care system, a wildlife rehabilitator for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife, travel enthusiast and occasional equestrian.
Jordan Harber
High School
Jordan is a proud graduate of Baylor University (Sic ‘Em Bears!) where she majored in Sociology and English. She earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University. Jordan is certified in English 8-12 and has taught all levels of high school English including Pre-AP and AP courses. She also works with many students to prepare for the SAT/PSAT/ACT exams.
Jordan and her husband have two beautiful girls (Livi and Evelyn). When not at school you can find her reading, watching Baylor football or cheering on the Astros!
Jennifer Griffith
Reading Intervention Specialist
Jennifer has a BS in Business from Trinity University and spent the beginning of her career in the hospitality industry in San Antonio. She also worked as a Guidance Counselor and Director of International Students at the Christian High School. Jennifer is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach for dyslexia.
Jennifer and her husband, Dave, have 4 wonderful grown kids. They enjoy spending time with their family.
Tamalyn Hellums
Reading Intervention Specialist
Tamalyn graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught in Ohio, Michigan, Frisco and Magnolia, Texas. She loves children, building relationships, and witnessing their growth and maturity as unique individuals of God.
Tamalyn is married to her best friend, Mark. They have three boys and are officially “empty nesters”. When she’s not working, she loves connecting with her boys and dear friends, studying God’s word, gardening, and nurturing her menagerie of animals.
Jo Ellen Clark
Math Intervention Specialist
Jo Ellen graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Psychology(Special Education). She is certified in Elementary General Education and Special Education EC-12.
She has a wide variety of teaching experiences in special education as well as general education.
Jo Ellen and her husband have 3 beautiful daughters. They love to go camping in our RV and play games as a family. Colorado is their favorite summer destination! They believe in raising their girls to know Jesus, never stop learning and always be kind.
Tiffani Cruz
Computer Literacy
Tiffani grew up In Spring, TX but moved to Magnolia and absolutely loves it! She was a swim teacher/coach and decided to retire. When she retired she was blessed to be able to volunteer with Magnolia Education Foundation, Elementary PTO and substitute teach for Magnolia ISD!
Tiffany and her husband, Dustin have 2 beautiful girls (Corbynn and Camdynn). In her free time you will find her out on the fields helping the band or cheering on the girls! She also volunteers at Friendship Center, SOS and St Vincent’s pantry, plus many more!!
They are also HUGE Disney fans and if not at a football game then they are traveling to Disney!
Kimberly Kaley
Art
Kim was born and raised in Morgan City, Louisiana and moved to North Houston. She has always had a passion for art as she watched her mom paint and that inspired her to become an artist. Kim is a self-taught artist that would paint in her down time. When she became a stay-at-home mom, she started painting wall murals, woodworking and painting with watercolor. She fell in love with watercolor and turned it into a career. Most of her commissions are pet portraits because she loves painting animals.
Kim and her husband, David have 4 children, two dogs, chickens, a guinea pig and a fish. She is a breast cancer survivor thankful for every day as a child of God who is her strength. In her free time Kim loves being in the water, going to the beach, fishing, bike riding and playing board/ card games.
Meghan Roehsner
Physical Education
Meghan grew up in Spring Texas. She worked for Trinity Klein Lutheran School in early childhood as a two year old teacher. Her boys have been attending MHA since 2020 and now her daughter does too. Meghan has a passion for sports and fitness.
Meghan and her husband met at an Astros game in 2007 and have 3 amazing kiddos. They are a huge sports family and their passion is soccer!! Her oldest plays competitive soccer and Meghan and her husband still play as well! On weekends they enjoy being with family and friends.
Erin Maurer
High School Advisor
​Erin Maurer has worked in higher education for over 20 years where she has held leadership positions overseeing academic advising, writing support, and disability support. Beyond her work in higher education, Erin homeschools both of her daughters, one in elementary and in high school. Both girls were students in Magnolia Heritage Academy for five years until the family moved from the area. With having a high schooler, Erin sees the value of combining her knowledge of higher education requirements with those of guiding kids who are either college-bound or career-bound. She wishes to share her academic advising knowledge with the greater homeschool community and help parents and kids plan for a high school experience that will serve them well in their post-secondary school experiences.
Office Assistants
Ashley Jensen
Sarah Cotton
Kirby Collier
Meagan Seagraves
