Mr. Martinez, a Mexican-born educator, moved to the USA in 2001. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas in 2016 and a Graduate Certificate in Personalized Learning Methods from Texas Tech University in 2020. Mr. Martinez is pursuing a Master's in Curriculum Instruction with an emphasis on Personalized Learning Methods at TTU. He has taught Pre-K, 2nd, and 5th-grade science/social studies for three years. He loves teaching and empowering students to reach their fullest potential in a personalized learning environment.
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Yolanda Cuellar
Yolanda Cuellar has more than 20 years of experience teaching prekindergarten, first, and second-grade students in DISD. She is enthusiastic about the upcoming school year and is dedicated to supporting her students. Ms. Cuellar is passionate about ensuring all students gain the fundamental skills to help them achieve their academic and SEL goals. She uses interactive strategies to engage all learners and understands how to meet their learning needs.
Favorite Quote: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” - Mother Teresa
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Cynthia Acosta
Ms. Acosta, born in Dallas and raised in Garland, is excited to learn and grow with you this year. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University and worked as a Teacher's Aide in Pre-K. Ms. Acosta is the eldest of two and has a sweet chihuahua mix puppy.
Favorite Quote: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane Goodall
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Carmen Sanchez
Carmen Sanchez has worked for the Dallas Independent School District for over 25 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Arlington while working as a paraprofessional. In 2003, she began teaching as an Early Childhood educator and has since mentored upcoming educators and taken on various leadership roles. During the 2017-2018 school year, she participated in the second cohort of the Innovation in Teaching Fellowship, which focused on Personalized and Blended Learning. She has continued her professional growth in Personalized Learning through a graduate program at Texas Tech.
Favorite Quote: “Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.” – Malala Yousafzai
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Cynthia Meraz
Cinthia Meraz Pantoja obtained a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at El Paso. Ms. Meraz is grateful to be a part of Personalized Learning Preparatory at Sam Houston, as she is passionate about helping students develop their strengths and growth mindset in a meaningful and creative way that caters to their specific needs, skills, and interests. She is thrilled to welcome her new students for the upcoming school year.
Favorite Quote: "A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers"-Hellen Keller
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Emily Prieto
Emily Prieto is a Louisiana native and a 2018 graduate of Louisiana State University (GEAUX TIGERS). She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a certificate in Early Childhood. After moving to Texas, she obtained certificates in EC-6 and ESL. She has continued her learning journey by taking numerous courses through Texas Tech. Growing up, she was a competitive swimmer and has since coached multiple swim teams of all ages and skill levels. She enjoys traveling, swimming, and reading.
Ms. Prieto has been at PL Prep for seven years. She has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade. She believes in creating a safe classroom environment that motivates students and makes them feel successful in their learning. Ms. Prieto is excited to continue building strong relationships with her students and helping them grow into lifelong learners.
Favorite Quote: “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” -Margaret Mead
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Dr. Alice Juarez
Dr. Alice Juarez is the first-grade dual language teacher for this year. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Cornell College and a Medical Doctorate from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. She and her family enjoy spontaneous road trips and exploring the local DFW scene, often creating joyful memories at Six Flags or the Dallas Zoo. Dr. Juarez is passionate about creating vibrant and engaging spaces for young learners. She is dedicated to building a supportive classroom community where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Favorite Quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world for the better." - Marian Wright Edelman
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Arturo Martinez
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Michaela Larry
Michaela Larry is a second-grade math teacher at PL Prep. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education EC-6 from Texas Tech University and is starting her third year of teaching. She is dedicated to establishing strong connections with her students and nurturing their independence so that they can advocate for themselves and their learning.
Ms. Larry prioritizes equity in her classroom and believes creating a fun and engaging learning environment is essential for addressing students' academic, social, and emotional needs. In addition to her teaching role, Ms. Larry sponsors PL Prep’s Gardening Club and Robotics team. In her free time, she enjoys reading fantasy and mystery books, baking, and playing board games.
Favorite Quote: “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching kids what counts is best.” — Bob Talbert
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Dominique Ibe
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Pamela Vargas
Pamela Vargas is thrilled to work at PL Prep because she is passionate about helping students achieve their goals. Ms. Vargas is grateful for many things in my life, particularly for finding her calling: teaching! She started on this path nine years ago in her home country of Mexico, but a couple of years ago, she decided she wanted a new challenge and to continue learning. That's why she decided to try teaching in a different country. Ms. Vargas looks forward to applying everything she has learned over the years and continuing to learn more. When she is not teaching, she loves spending time with her family and friends, practicing wellness, and engaging in creative activities.
Favorite Quote: “Education is one thing no one can take away from you.” —Elin Nordegren
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Crystan Barnes
Crystan Barnes is originally from Chicago but moved to Texas during her teenage years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark Atlanta University. Growing up, she was a competitive cheerleader and has since coached elementary-aged cheerleaders. She enjoys reading, eating, shopping, and spending time with her family. She has also discovered a new love for archery and is excited to share it with her students.
This year marks her tenth year teaching elementary school in Dallas ISD and her third year as part of the PL Prep Family. Mrs. Barnes is excited to continue creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment while also motivating students to take charge of their own learning.
Favorite Quote: "You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.” —Maya Angelou
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Norma Cavazos
Norma Cavazos is thrilled to be part of the PL Prep Family. While born in Mexico, she spent most of her life in Dallas, Texas. In 2016, she earned her bachelor's degree from Texas Tech, and in 2021, she graduated with a master's in education. Mrs. Cavazos has a wonderful family, including her supportive husband and two beautiful daughters, Elly and Emily. She enjoys spending time at the beach and with her loved ones. Mrs. Cavazos is excited to work in an environment where students are encouraged to monitor and measure their personal growth.
Favorite Quote: "Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be."– Rita Pierson
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Merced Fletcher
Merced Fletcher earned a degree in Political Science and a minor in Education from the University of Florida. She later moved to Texas and obtained teaching certificates in SPED and EC-6 through Texas Teachers of America. She is currently working on her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas Tech. Mrs. Fletcher enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two goldendoodles.
She has been at PL Prep for 7 years and has taught kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. Merced values teaching at a PL campus because it allows students to take ownership of their learning and grow in an environment tailored to fit their individual needs.
Favorite Quote: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore: “Harry Potter”
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Diana Molina
Ms. Molina has a degree in Childhood Education and Educational Psychology and a Master's in Teaching Languages in Multilingual Contexts. She has been working as a bilingual teacher in Texas for the past ten years and lives with her husband and two children attending Dallas ISD. Ms. Molina is a dedicated teacher who firmly believes that every child has the potential to succeed with the proper guidance. Her main objective is to cultivate a lifelong passion for learning in her students and positively influence their lives. Ms. Molina is excited to work in a learning environment that aims to help students develop confidence, perseverance, and a solid academic and personal growth foundation, all while having fun.
Favorite Quote: “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” J.R.R. Tolkien
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Mrs. Winnie Osagie
Mrs. Winnie is deeply committed to her role at PL Prep because she strongly believes in guiding and supporting students in setting up and achieving their objectives. Drawing from her extensive experience in various educational settings, Mrs. Winnie consistently prioritizes the individual needs of her students. Her dedication to nurturing a passion for learning empowers students to take ownership of their educational journey and actively advocate for their academic growth.
Favorite Quote: “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching kids what counts is best.” — Bob Talbert
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Thai Blyden
Thai Blyden obtained a BA in Psychology and a BA in Child Development from California State University San Bernardino. She also received her teaching credential from the University of Redlands in 2011. Thai has taught in California and Florida before moving to Texas in December 2019. She strongly believes that every student should receive a quality education and that students learn best when highly engaged using 21st-century technological tools and a standards-based curriculum.
At PL Prep, Thai is the TAG teacher. Her goal is to provide an educational experience that empowers highly capable students to create, collaborate, communicate, and think creatively with their intellectual peers. She focuses on engaging and challenging students to be college—and career-ready with a student-centered, personalized, project-based learning program. This enables students to develop 21st-century skills to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, turning them into successful life-long learners.
Favorite Quote: "The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence." Confucius
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Mbemba "Coach" Nseka
Coach Nseka teaches physical education at PL Prep and holds a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Arlington. He looks forward to helping you start your journey towards a lifelong active lifestyle and believes in personalized learning for each student.
Favorite quote: “Every master was once a beginner; every Pro was once an amateur.”- Robin S. Sharma
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Sampson Ma
Sampson Ma graduated from Texas Tech University and is passionate about writing, music, and learning. He believes that a positive learning environment at a PL campus can help students achieve their academic and SEL goals.
Favorite Quote: "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." -Walt Disney
