Jorge Garcia

Assistant Principal

I was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. I graduated from Universidad Regiomontana. I moved to Dallas in 2009. As an educator in Dallas ISD I have worked at Edna Rowe Elementary, Ebby Halliday Elementary and Larry G. Smith Elementary. Some of my achievements include being named campus Teacher of the Year in 2017-18 and being recognized as a distinguished teacher in the state and in Dallas ISD.

My mission is to motivate students to continue their education to become global leaders. I encourage collaboration, innovation, and professionalism. Exposing our students to the new models of education will provide them with the necessary tools to be future-ready.

Melanie Lacy

Reading Interventionist

My story began...in November of 1967 (my birth). I am a product of Dallas ISD and graduated (1986) from Human Services Magnet School now named Rosie Sorrells Education and Social Services High School. I worked in retail and health until 1991 before applying to attend East Texas State University (TAMU-Commerce) and received my first teaching assignment before graduating (1994) in Greenville, Texas. I moved back to Dallas and was hired by Dallas ISD (1995). My first and only assignment was with Sidney Lanier Vanguard Expressive Arts School, now named Jesus Moroles Vanguard Expressive Arts School. I attended Graduate school through Concordia of Texas and graduated (2008) with a Master's in Education Administration with a Certification in Principalship. In 2002, I retired from the district to take care of myself and my family. Throughout my 27 consecutive years with the district, I have held numerous positions and learned a lot. I consider myself a life-long learner and being so, decided to return to Education.

I am married with three daughters and three grandsons. My youngest daughter had the exciting opportunity to visit Japan this summer as a part of a study abroad program at her university. My older daughter followed in my footsteps and will graduate with a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction in October. 

Brenda Medellin

Parent Instructor

Hello, allow me to introduce myself; my name is Brenda Medellin. I will serve as DMA’s parent instructor for the 2023/2024 school year. This will be my fifth year with DallasISD and my second year at DMA. My journey began after ten years of being a stay-at-home mom to 7 amazing children. I made this career choice due to my love for children and my passion for education. I have served with DallasISD as a volunteer, Parent Instructor, and Co-Educator. As I previously mentioned, I am a proud mother of 7 children who attend various schools in DISD, two of whom are DMA giraffes.  The biggest highlight of this year for me would be my firstborn going off to college. He will be attending SMU, majoring in mechanical engineering. My goal is to continue serving with love, patience, and compassion so that our children can thrive intellectually and socially. I am excited to start the 2023/2024 school year as DMA’s Parent Instructor. Although the expectations are high, I am confident I will be up to all challenges. I am truly looking forward to building relationships with each of our DMA families. 

Mary Bridgman

Primary Guide

As a student in Dallas ISD, I am returning to Dallas ISD after seven years! So glad to be home! I am most excited about meeting my students and the staff. I am happy to be back in the classroom and learning the Montessori way!

Brittany Board

Lower Elementary Guide

My story began back as a first-grade student. I was moved by how amazing my teacher was. She was passionate about her students and wanted to see each of them succeed. I knew I had found my calling in teaching. I wanted to make sure that every child I would meet knew how special they were. l and had their academic needs met. During my senior year of college, I started working in a Montessori school. Watching the children experience education in a meaningful way was truly inspiring. I knew then that not only was I meant to teach, but I was meant to be a Montessorian! I am most excited to meet my new students! I can’t wait to share my love of Montessori with them! I want to share my love of Montessori. The way this method of education meets each child’s independent educational needs is truly amazing!

April Blair

Lower Elementary Guide

Hello! I am April Blair! I am entering my sixth year of education! I am so happy and grateful to help shape the future leaders of tomorrow. I am most excited about learning the DMA way! I am very excited to be a part of the team! 

Maribel Escalante

Lower Elementary Guide

Hello all! My name is Maribel Escalante. I am excited to begin my Montessorian journey here at Ida B. Wells! My passion as an educator began about nine years ago when I was working as a special education paraprofessional. This position drove me to an endless desire of wanting to learn more about teaching! I love to learn and apply all learned knowledge, especially in a timeline in which things are constantly changing, from technology to many different teaching methods and strategies. I graduated from Dallas Community College and the University of Texas at Arlington. I am also a proud first-generation graduate who loves sharing knowledge with family, friends, and the community! A special highlight- your success is my success. I enjoy reading inspiring quotes and poetry! I can't wait to meet my students and set them up for success! I am excited to work with the DMA community and to be a part of DMA! 

Bianca Cruz Acea

Lower Elementary Guide

I am originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, -"the Enchanted Island of the Caribbean." Married and with three wonderful teenagers: Alexandra (17), Manuel (14), and Isabella (13). Passionate about Environmental Sciences, I did my BA in Marine and Coastal Biology, but while still in college, I started tutoring my peers and school students. It was through this experience I discovered my other passion: teaching. My teaching career began in the year 2004. Since then, I have taught in different levels and school settings. We moved to Texas 10 years ago, and I came to Dallas ISD through the Alternative Certificate Program, where I was certified as an EC-6 Bilingual Teacher. During my teaching career, I've always been curious to learn more about the Montessori Method, so when I found out Dallas was holding these pipelines to train teachers, I knew I wanted to join! This year I finally got the opportunity to be part of a training cohort. I have enjoyed the process so much, and I am thankful to join the DMA community. I am excited about putting all of my learning into practice in a Montessori Classroom, and for my new group of students, looking forward to guiding them into learning and having so much fun in doing so. I like to get involved not only in my classroom but in my school community. I love collaborating with my teammates, school, and families; teamwork makes the dream work! 

Latoya Lewis

Upper Elementary Guide

My story began eight years ago when I made the leap from the Criminal Justice field to Education. I came into the field of Education through Dallas ISD, where I’ve happily served since. In my time with the district, I’ve taught 4th, 5th, 6th & 8th - with 4th & 5th being my favorite. I’m super excited to get back to what I love most. This year, I am most excited to see teaching and learning in a new way. I’m excited to see how the Montessori model lends itself to learning. 

Maria Pedro-Cruz

Upper Elementary Guide

I was working at Texas A&M University as a community investigator. I am excited to work with the team and see my students again. My educational experience is now working for the District with ten years of service. 

Michelle Roland

Upper Elementary Guide

My story began before I was born with my grandparents and even great-grandparents. I am a 4th generation college graduate. I had the privilege to pursue my education at The University of Texas at Austin. My family's beliefs in education and the power of developing people guided me through many hardships as a scholar. I want to pass down some of the morals and principles that allowed me to pursue my dreams of being a college graduate regardless of being an inner-city student. Yes, I am a proud alumnus of Dallas ISD-- Justin F. Kimball High School. It has always been my desire to give back to my community. I am excited to be a part of an organization and school that will have a positive impact on the Dallas community. The DMA will educate children for generations, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to this important mission. It's truly thrilling!

Claudia Vadillo

Upper Elementary Guide

I was born in Lima, Peru, and immigrated to the U.S. with my family when I was four years old. I grew up in the L.A. area and went to college in the Bay Area. About 12 years ago, I moved to Dallas and embarked on my Montessori journey. I am state-certified, AMS Primary certified, AMI Elementary certified, and currently going through my master's program in Montessori Education and Leadership through St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. I enjoy traveling, cooking, and reading biographies and autobiographies. I am excited to meet and get to know the DMA community! 

Christopher Humphrey

Music Teacher

 My story begins at The University of Toledo, where I study classical and jazz. I had some great teachers that gave private lessons to help get me ready for my musical journey in teaching and performance. I studied under the profound trombonist Daniel Harris, who studied music and law at Yale. He framed me to be the remarkable musician I am today. Since graduating from the University of Toledo, I have been involved in education administration with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and University Heights symphonic band, as well as teaching music for two years now, I have enjoyed much of my musical career, and I am very excited to take my skills and talents to the DALLAS ISD schools. I am most excited about continuing my teaching journey in a new state this year, which is very exciting because I get a new look at things. It’s always exciting to see new faces, whether it’s staff or students, so I am looking forward to that. Some highlights I have to share about my community is when I was in Ohio. I did various back-to-school drives in my community and gave out exciting, fun activities for the students. I am very excited to see what Dallas ISD has to offer me and what I can bring to It also.

Perla Andrade

Primary Co-Educator

I am thrilled to be part of the DMA family! I was born and raised in Dallas. I graduated from Duncanville High School. I acquired a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management at the University of Texas at Dallas. I am happily married, and I have a beautiful 8year old daughter. My daughter has been my inspiration to pursue my career in Education. I have worked as Special Education Teacher Assistant for Bryan Adams School Leadership Academy for two years.  I was awarded Most Inspiring at Bryan Adams School Leadership Academy. I am part of the Leadership Team at Hill City Church. I love Volunteering at His Hands Extended Outreach. I am now joining DMA and learning the Montessori way! 

Carl Sinyard

Upper Co-Educator

My educator story began in 2002 when I was hired as a substitute teacher for DISD at Boude Storey Middle School. My 20-plus years working as an educator have allowed me to help build and strengthen our Dallas community. I have served over 14 years in Special Education as a teacher assistant and one-on-one aide. I have spent most of my educating years in middle school and high. I had the opportunity to teach at Dallas College as an English Language instructor for international students. I am now entering into my retirement years and looking forward to working in a Montessori environment. I am most excited about working in a new educational environment. I would like to share my passion for providing our students with all the resources they need to reach their full potential and use that potential to make the world a better place.

Rebbecka Villagomez

Primary Co-Educator

I started working for Dallasisd in August 2020 with high school special education students. I like to teach! The new experience of having the opportunity to work with elementary students. I am excited about the new opportunity to work at DMA!

Dorothy Keeton

Lower Co-Educator

Teacher Assistant at Downtown Montessori at Ida B. Wells Academy. I am most excited to see the new changes on campus! I am looking forward to assisting and supporting the students at DMA!

DMA PTO - Parent Corner

Our new website! 

https://dmapto.membershiptoolkit.com/

Back to School Party August 6th, 6-8 pm. Affordable Uniforms will be there selling uniforms for those who need them. Attached is a flyer and below are the links:

RSVP:

https://www.punchbowl.com/parties/a2788d9ae5090cfe8dab

Volunteer:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A45ACA622AAFE3-back

2023 Spirit Shirts

Order our new spirit shirts today! They are ready and will be for sale at the skating party as well. Students will be allowed to wear their school spirit shirts with uniform bottoms on Friday after the Labor Day Holiday.

To pre-order, go to the Spirit Store on our website: https://dmapto.membershiptoolkit.com/store/product/SS001