Current Lead Principals and Resident Principals

My name is Brian Vannest, and I am finishing my 16th year in education. I feel blessed to have served in elementary, middle, and high schools around the greater Houston area. My journey started after graduating with a degree in Organizational Leadership from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I taught 2nd and 3rd grades at Gallegos Elementary, less than two miles from YES Prep East End Elementary. Then, I taught 7th grade at YES Prep West for three years and earned my MBA at Rice University before becoming a high school Dean of Instruction. I served as a principal for four years at Valley West Elementary in HISD before returning to YES Prep to be a Resident Principal (cohort 3) and Founding Elementary Principal at YES Prep East End Elementary. Currently, I am pursuing a practitioner’s doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University. I have three boys—Everett, Henry, and Nolan and am married to my lovely wife Elaine.

My philosophy of education is rooted in the idea that my job is to dismantle the barriers and widen the paths for my teammates, students, and families. I cannot make the journey shorter or the slope of the climb easier. I can help remove unnecessary work and teach and coach those on the journey with me to be more skilled at the trek. I will not rob my teammates or students of the growth they will experience from the hard work by taking it from them and putting it on myself. However, I will always be beside them to coach, partner, and encourage.  

I do this work because my mom and dad—both career educators—taught me what it means to live a life for others. When we are gone from this world, our legacy will live on in our young people. Having now seen my students enrolling their children in YES Prep Elementary schools, I am more convinced than ever that pouring into the development of those around you makes a world of difference. 

I'm Brittany McGruder, and I am the founding Principal at YES Prep Northline Secondary– Home of the Revolutionaries. Prior to starting the revolution here at YES Prep Northline in 2017, I was the Director of Academics at YES Prep Northbrook Middle School, our partnership middle school within Spring Branch ISD. I also served as the Director of Academics at YES Prep Hoffman from 2013 to 2015. I joined the YES Prep team in 2012 as a founding teacher and Grade Level Chair at YES Prep Northline Middle School. I moved to Houston as a 2010 Teach for America corps member where I taught middle school science at Fondren Middle School. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Tennessee at Martin.  I live in the Heights with my very cute chihuahua, Sam. Outside of work, you can find me reading YA fantasy, attempting to learn new hobbies, and finding indoor happy hour spots.

My philosophy and approach on leadership is that people lie at the center of our work.  Quality relationships are my top core value, and I believe the tenets of any strong relationship are critical to our ability to do our jobs. Trust and communication are key to any successful relationship, whether it be with your director’s team, your staff, your students, and your families.

I do this work because working with kids is the best work in the world! While kids can certainly be challenging, they are also loving and funny and forgiving, and I think in that way, they are a model for us.

My name is Cintia Arenas. I was born in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico and came to the Houston at a very young age. I graduated from the University of Houston where I got my bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. While attending college, I was placed at YES Prep Lee, now YES Prep Gulfton, through an AmeriCorp program where I discovered education was my calling. I have since spent 17 years of my career providing more access to an equitable education in the Gulfton community. Within that time, I have held several positions including office aide, teaching assistant, 7th grade math teacher, Grade Level Chair, Dean of Students, Director of Student Support, and Principal. My commitment to Gulfton stems from a very personal connection. This is the community I called home and it is the community I want to continue to serve. As a leader, I believe in the power of humble leadership. I am self-aware of my strengths and shortcomings and identify the same for each of my team members. In the past 4 years as a principal, I have been able to lead my team through their strengths and coach them up on areas of growth. I am excited to be part of the Lead Principal team and help develop a new cohort of principals.

My name is Cynovia Hall, and I hold a bachelor's degree in education from Texas State University and a master's degree in Teacher Leadership and Development, along with a Principal's Certificate. My career as an educator has been broad-ranging and rewarding, from achieving a B-rating on an Improvement Required campus to establishing strategic intervention programs on high-performing campuses. My professional journey encompasses teaching and leading in both elementary and middle schools in Houston and Washington, D.C. In D.C., my work included education policy analysis for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education while serving as a founding teacher. Upon returning to Houston, my roles included teacher, Grade Level Chair, Assistant Principal and Teacher Specialist in HISD, Resident Principal, and most recently, Founding Principal of YES Prep Airline Elementary. Throughout this journey, I have been honored with recognitions such as Assistant Principal of the Year, The Instructional Excellence Award by Teach for America, and designated as A School That Inspires by Good Reason Houston.

Creating an environment where every student can thrive is a central passion. This leadership philosophy focuses on fostering joy, setting high expectations, and building strong relationships with students and families. My passion for education is driven by a deep belief in the limitless potential of every student, regardless of race or circumstance. I am dedicated to proving that with consistent, strong instruction, character development, and love, incredible opportunities can be unlocked for our students. Committed to providing an equitable education for all students, I strive to ensure they have the resources and support necessary to live choice-filled lives. 

Hi my name is Gregory Little. I believe that every student should have the opportunity to have the highest quality education that prepares them for college! I first joined YES Prep in 2011 as a middle school Social Studies teacher and as a founding team member at YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary. Before becoming Principal at YES Prep Northbrook High, I had the opportunity to serve as a Resident Principal at YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary and YES Prep North Central Secondary. In my 10 years in education, I have served as a Teacher, Grade Level Chair, Coach, Athletic Director, Dean of Students, and Director of Student Support. I am also a Teach for America alumnus.  
 
My philosophy and approach to leadership is centered around meeting the individual needs of those whom I support in order for them to excel and meet the needs of students! 
 
I’m committed to removing all obstacles in the path of students’ success, to ensure equitable access to a college-ready education.

My name is Justin West, and I am entering my fourteenth in education and sixth year as principal with YES Prep. I am a proud Georgia native, a University of Georgia alum with a bachelor's in Broadcast Journalism (Child and Family Development minor), and a 2011 Houston Teach for America Corps member who completed my Master of Educational Leadership with Principalship Certification in 2016 from the University of St. Thomas (Houston) and was accepted into the School Director Pipeline which placed me in the first cohort of the YES Prep Principal Residency program. I now serve as the proud principal of YES Prep Northwest Secondary where we are consistently defining the positive aspects of HAWKS Nation and building a schoolwide brand that all stakeholders are proud to represent daily. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends near and far to keep me personally grounded. School Leadership is extremely difficult, and I passionately believe that to do it well, you must do so selflessly, serve as the model of all expectations, be clear and direct, and remain dedicated to developing and serving your people. My team understands that I am not going to ask them to do something I am unwilling to do, and they are coached to lead their teams the same. This means, I challenge my team to do the work I have entrusted them to do and give them praise and feedback as they do it. I believe in consistency, high accountability, and creating a safe, warm, and familial work environment. As a leader, I encourage my team to connect with our staff by caring personally and challenging directly. Lastly, as the leader of the campus, I show up for students and families outside of school hours because those stakeholders must see that we care for them academically and personally.

My passion for education is student-centered, rooted in equity, and illuminated by the thought that all students can learn and positively impact the world. Reflecting on my own educational experiences, I know the importance of having educators who show their care for students as people and not numbers. I believe we must show up for all our students the best we can to break barriers that persist in their lives. 

My name is Michelle LaFlure.  I have a bachelor's in Elementary Education from Calvin University and a master’s in education from the University of St. Thomas. I have been passionately dedicated to the North Central Houston community since 2001 when I decided to leave the Midwest and move to Houston with Teach for America.  I taught at Barrick Elementary in HISD for 3 years.  Year after year I saw my 5th grade students “graduate” from an exemplary elementary school only to go to an underperforming middle school where the quality of their education depended on the teacher in their classroom.  I had studied inequities in public education; however, seeing the beautiful faces of my students as the system failed them again and again was so disheartening that I had to make a significant change.  I transitioned to YES Prep the following year and taught 6th grade social studies.  50 of my students from Barrick Elementary came with me to YES and I got to experience the 7 years of their middle/high school experience with them before they graduated from high school.  I was their 6th grade social studies teacher, a Dean of Instruction and coached teachers, a Director of Academics and coached the Deans of Instruction, and then I became the YES Prep North Central Secondary Principal.  It was an honor to learn and grow alongside my former 5th grade students and all of the North Central Secondary Trailblazers and it is an experience I will never forget.

In 2018 I transitioned out of YES Prep North Central Secondary and into the YES Prep North Central Elementary Principal position.  While opening during the COVID-19 pandemic was more challenging than I ever could have imagined, spending my days in classes with 4-10 year olds is a complete joy.  Many of my former NC Secondary students now have children that attend my school. Being in a community for 20 years has truly made NCE my family and I can honestly say I currently have my dream job. Being a part of a school system that believes every child deserves access to an excellent PK-12th grade education inspires me to work hard and do whatever it takes for our students and families daily.

My name is Sara Kaveeshwar.  I was raised in a small town in Northern Massachusetts and moved to Houston, Texas in 2007 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in health science at Rice University. After graduating, I earned a Master of Public Health degree at Emory University, with a focus in health education. While there, I studied the intricate connection between health disparities, social determinants of health and the opportunity gap. This research drove me to divert career paths and return to Houston as a Teach For America corps member. In my ten years at YES Prep, I have worked at YES Prep Southeast and YES Prep Southside as an 8th grade science teacher, a Science Content Specialist, and a Dean of Instruction as well as served as a Resident Principal (cohort 2) at YES Prep North Forest. I have been the Principal at YES Prep West Secondary since 2020.

During my three-year tenure as the Principal at YES Prep West, I launched YES Prep Public Schools’ most expansive AP for All program and increased the number of AP courses that all students will take from one to five for the Class of 2024 and six for the Class of 2025. YES Prep West has also had one of the highest college matriculation rates and college-readiness rates.

I do choose to lead because I truly love people. I firmly believe that there is nothing that we cannot figure out together and that our students deserve an education that is constantly improving and fulfilling their needs through creativity and innovation. I also know that this work is challenging and that a team must be filled with love, admiration, appreciation, and gratitude to allow us to continue to show up each day.

I do this work because graduating from high school is the single best intervention to improving health and life expectancy. Graduation from high school increases your life expectancy by 6 years; graduating from college adds 6 more years. Every student, family, and community deserves each of their loved individuals, and all their can contribute, for those 12 additional years.

My name is Selina Hall-Swope, and I am entering my 16th year in education. I am proud Floridian, receiving a BA in English from Florida State University in 2006, and my M.Ed in English Education from Florida A&M University in 2008. I taught for one year in Florida before moving to Houston to teach 8th grade ELA in the 5th Ward community. I joined YES Prep Brays Oaks as an English I teacher in 2012 and have called YES Prep my home ever since. While at Brays Oaks, I served as the Literacy Specialist/Reading Lab teacher for two years before taking on the Dean of Instruction role.  I spent 3 years coaching teachers in multiple contents and working closely with the Dean of Students to bridge the gap between academics and culture. During this time, I served as Course Leader and Course Facilitator for 7th Grade Reading Lab and participated in the Aspire Cohort of Leading Excellence in 2018. After 6 years at Brays Oaks, I transitioned to YES Prep Northbrook HS as the Director of Academics. During my time at Northbrook HS, I had the unique experience of working at a partnership school and a campus that was founded on restorative justice practices. During the 20-21 SY, I was part of the Principal Pathway Program, serving as Resident Principal at YES Prep Northbrook Middle School. I returned to my home campus, Brays Oaks, to lead as Principal in 2021 and am entering my 4th year as the proud Principal of the Cavaliers. I consider myself a life-longer learner, and my approach to leadership is one of unwavering integrity and optimism. I believe that the more you lead from your values and approach each day with what is possible, the greater impact you can have on your campus and the community. I strive to amplify what is possible for the students and families I am privileged to serve, and I remain unapologetic about doing whatever it takes for students to receive an excellent education. My commitment to equity is driven by my number one role as life-long caretaker for my brother with Autism. Eddie attended a school that put a limit on what was possible for him, and my purpose for the work that I do is to create a school where we tap into the infinite potential in all our students and create pathways of opportunities for them to live up to their true potential. I am excited to continue my path as a leader for change at YES Prep Public Schools

Alejandra E. Ortega, a first-generation college graduate and daughter of Mexican immigrants, has always been driven by a profound desire to give back to her community through education. Her journey began at the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated in December 2015 as a Forty Acres Scholar with a degree in Education. In January 2016, Ortega began her teaching career as an 8th-grade math and Algebra I teacher at Hogg Middle School in Houston ISD. Fulfilling a childhood dream, she returned to teach at her middle school alma mater, McReynolds Middle School where she initially found mentors who led her to want to become a teacher. Recognized for her strong instructional practices and dedication to student-centered learning, Ortega was honored as the 2018 Houston ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. Continuing her pursuit of educational excellence, Ortega earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2018. Transitioning to Furr High School as an assistant principal in 2019, Ortega focused on enhancing instructional practices, improving campus-wide systems, and serving as the magnet coordinator to boost student enrollment. Her dedication and impact were recognized as the 2019-2020 Houston ISD East Area First-Year High School Assistant Principal of the Year. In her most recent role as principal of Ortiz Middle School, Ortega collaborated with stakeholders to redesign programming and systems, ensuring they met the varied needs of students while emphasizing the importance of Fine Arts and the IB MYP programs. Her unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of collaboration, equity, and excellence continues to drive her aspirations. Ortega aims to profoundly impact the lives of students and educators alike, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported within the school community. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ortega finds joy in watching all things Marvel and true crime, indulging in novels, and spending quality time with friends, family, and her extremely energetic dog, Benny (named after Law & Order SVU’s Olivia Benson).

Ashley Handsome is in her twelfth year in the education field. Originally from Durham “Bullcity” North Carolina, Ashley completed her undergraduate degree with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After graduating as a first-year teacher, she obtained her Master’s degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. Most recently, she completed her Texas Principal Certification from Lamar University.

Ashley began her career as a Special Education teacher at High Point Central High School in High Point, North Carolina, where she served as the inclusion teacher for English I and II and Occupational Course of Study teacher.  While working in North Carolina, she served as the Special Education Department Chair and served on the district's Special Education teacher advisory board.

After moving to Houston, TX in 2016, Ashley was a Special Education teacher at KIPP Northeast College Preparatory. In the last seven years at KIPP Northeast, Ashley has served as Department Chair, Grade Level Chair, Dean of Special Populations, 12th Grade Dean, Dean of Academic Progress, Assistant Principal, Graduation Lead, Saturday Academy Director, and Summer School Coordinator.

In her free time, she enjoys watching all of the Law and Order Series, is an avid napper, and has two pitbull babies, Deuce and Delilah. Ashley is proud to begin this new pathway with Yes Prep Public Schools.

Caroline Thouin-Frederick is a proud French-Canadian, first-generation college graduate, and the first in her family to receive a doctorate degree. Caroline moved to Sugarland with her older brother and parents and grew up attending schools in the Fort Bend Independent School District. After graduating from the University of Houston, she began her teaching career with KIPP Texas Public Schools as a high school social studies teacher in Northeast Houston. In her four years at KIPP Texas, she was the girls head soccer coach, department chair, curriculum writer for AP Human Geography, and received her M.Ed. from Texas A&M University. Wanting to pursue her passion for education research, she completed her doctorate degree in Higher Education Policy and Leadership studies at the University of Houston. During her time in the doctoral program, she wrote publications and presented at conferences on expanding educational opportunities and ensuring educational excellence for incarcerated adults. In 2021, Caroline began her career at YES Prep Public schools as a Dean of Instruction at Southside Secondary and then as a founding Assistant Principal at Airline Elementary! Caroline is also a proud wife and mother to a wonderful little girl named Lina. During her free time, she likes to play soccer, volleyball, and tennis with friends!

Chea Hudgins is a passionate educator hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana. As a first-generation college graduate, she epitomizes the transformative potential of education. Chea earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English from Grambling State University. She then went on to obtain a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. With a decade of experience in education, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to student success and educational equity. Chea began her teaching career in 2014 at Medard H. Nelson Charter School in New Orleans, where she served in multiple roles including middle school ELA teacher, Kindergarten teacher, Student Activities Coordinator, and cheerleading coach where her dedication and versatility quickly became evident. After four years, she joined KIPP New Orleans, and by 2021, transitioned to KIPP Texas in Houston, at KIPP SHINE Prep as a Kindergarten teacher and Grade Level Chair, then KIPP Legacy as a Dean of Instruction. Chea went on to serve in key leadership positions such as Assistant Principal, Testing Coordinator, and 504 Coordinator with BakerRipley Community Schools. Chea is excited to join the YES Prep family and remains steadfast in her commitment to becoming an exceptional leader who empowers students while fostering community transformation through education. Currently, Chea is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Xavier University of Louisiana, furthering her commitment to professional growth and effective leadership. Beyond her academic pursuits, Chea actively engages with organizations such as the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators and the Houston Urban League of Young Professionals, demonstrating her commitment to collaboration and advocacy within the broader educational community. In her free time, Chea enjoys singing, reading, shopping, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Lauren Lightfoot was born and raised in Lithonia, Georgia. After graduating from Georgetown University (HOYA SAXA), she moved to Houston, Texas in 2010 as a proud member of the Teacher for America Apollo 20 cohort and taught English for two years at Sharpstown High School (SHS) in Southwest Houston. After her time at SHS, she became the founding 11th grade English teacher at KIPP Sunnyside High School (KSHS) and she looped up that next year with the founding class. She worked at KSHS for 7 years and taught English I, English III, English IV, AP English Literature & Composition, AP English Language & Composition, and was the English department lead, testing coordinator, and a dean of instruction. After leaving KSHS, she became a YES Prep North Forest Legend, first as a DOI, and then as DOA for two years. Now, having finished her second year as DOA at YES Prep Southside and first year as co-lead DOA for the district, she is excited to step into a new chapter of leadership. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys going to concerts and reading all the things.

Maribel Barrera is a native Houstonian. She graduated from the University of Houston in 2013 with her bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies and in the same year began her educational career in the Houston Independent School District. From 2013 – 2019 she taught 3rd and 4th grade self-contained and math classes at Bonner Elementary.  In 2019 she earned her master’s in educational administration from Texas A&M, attained her principal certification, and accepted the position of teacher interventionist for Almeda Elementary serving as part of the administrative team. In 2020 she joined the team at Hobby Elementary as a teacher specialist for bilingual instruction in all content areas subsequently taking on the position of assistant principal from 2021 – 2023. During her administrative roles, she has also served as assessment coordinator, LPAC administrator, intervention leader, campus discipline administrator, intervention assistance team (IAT) liaison, sheltered instruction coach, and appraiser. She is eager to join the YES Prep team for the upcoming school year and continue her path of being a lifelong learner who continues to grow her leadership practice from direct experiences.

Natalie Garcia is a proud native Houstonian and member of the Latinx community. She proudly represents the Mexican, Cuban, first- generation, and bilingual communities that make up Houston and YES Prep. She joined Teach For America as a bilingual elementary school teacher for Houston Independent School District after graduating from Texas Christian University in 2012.  Natalie joined the YES Prep community in 2014 at the Brays Oaks campus. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University with her Master’s in Education in 2015 where she had the unique opportunity to have YES Prep Brays Oaks’ class of 2019 cheer her on as she crossed the stage during their 8th grade Spring Trip. Along with campus-based roles, Natalie has helped plan and execute identity-affirming student summits (Latinx Leadership and APIA Summit) at YES Prep for the last seven years. Natalie has been a proud Cavalier throughout her time at YES Prep and is excited to represent the Latinx community in the next level of leadership. In her free time Natalie enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Sean Little is originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth area but is proud to now call Houston home.  After graduating from Texas Christian University with a bachelor’s in business administration, he joined Teach For America where he taught 6th – 8th grade math in Memphis, Tennessee. He joined YES Prep East End Secondary in 2014 and has been an Explorer for the last decade in a variety of roles. Sean previously served as a 6th and 7th grade math teacher, grade level chair, and Dean of Instruction. He has served as the Director of Campus Operations at East End for the last 4 years. Sean is passionate about creating opportunities for students by providing an excellent education and is excited to learn more about becoming a strong YES Prep Principal. In his spare time, Sean loves to travel, spend time with his friends, family and cat, Ghost