Strong schools begin with strong leaders. This October, in honor of National Principals Month, we’re proud to celebrate the vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our principals who guide their campuses with purpose and passion every single day.
Throughout the month, we’ll spotlight principals and campus messages that reflect the heart of their leadership, creating schools where students are known, challenged, and inspired to achieve their fullest potential. From building joyful learning environments to leading with empathy and excellence, our principals embody what it means to provide students with the education they deserve.
Stay tuned each week as we honor our incredible principals and the impact they make across Houston.
Ashley Smith-Brays Oaks Elementary
Founding Principal Ashley Smith has built Brays Oaks Elementary into a true community school, one grounded in love, connection, and belonging. Drawing on her deep experience in Special Populations, Ashley has set an ambitious vision for inclusion and excellence, ensuring every student has the support needed to thrive. Her leadership style feels like family—uplifting, empowering, and rooted in care for both students and staff. Those who know her best describe her as a leader who helps others grow, paving the way for the next generation of educators and leaders.
Brian Vannest-East End Elementary
At East End Elementary, Principal Brian Vannest leads an A-rated school grounded in excellence, consistency, and care. His strength lies in building systems that empower teachers to do their best work for students while continuously seeking new ways to help the campus grow. Families know Brian as a steady, trusted presence—especially those in Special Education, whom he listens to with empathy and respect. His leadership makes moments of student success possible, reminding everyone that growth happens when strong relationships and high expectations meet.
Maribel Barrera-Hobby Elementary
Principal Maribel Barrera has brought courage, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose to Hobby Elementary. Her values-driven approach has united the campus community around a shared belief in what’s possible for every student. Known for her steady, inspiring leadership, Maribel is deeply involved in every aspect of her school, especially ensuring students in Special Education receive the support and opportunities they deserve. Her impact is felt daily, as the values she champions now echo through every classroom and hallway.
Jorge Rodriguez-Southeast Elementary
Principal Jorge Rodriguez exemplifies what it means to lead with growth in mind. Guiding an already-strong campus to new levels of excellence, he continues to inspire both teachers and students to reach higher every day. Jorge is deeply connected to his students, ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and cared for. His calm, hands-on leadership and ability to balance big-picture vision with daily care make him a cornerstone of the Southeast community.
Cynovia Hall-Airline Elementary
Principal Cynovia Hall leads with unstoppable energy and innovation, moving with urgency to meet the needs of every student. As the first elementary principal to operate four specialized programs on one campus, she has created a welcoming, inclusive environment where all students thrive. Colleagues describe her as constantly in motion—coaching, analyzing data, and supporting staff with purpose and precision. Her leadership is defined by presence, passion, and an unshakable commitment to doing whatever it takes for kids.
Ibia Faucher-Southwest Oaks Elementary
Principal Ibia Faucher leads Southwest Oaks Elementary with precision, purpose, and a clear vision for excellence. Her meticulous approach to leadership ensures that every student receives the right support to succeed, especially within inclusive classrooms. Ibia’s collaborative spirit shines through her work with teachers and colleagues, always seeking alignment, sharing ideas, and finding ways to strengthen instruction. Her attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement make Southwest Oaks a model of intentional, student-centered leadership.
Matt McMahan-White Oak Elementary
At White Oak Elementary, Principal Matt McMahan leads with vision, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Known for balancing compassion with accountability, Matt sets a powerful example for his staff, never asking anyone to do what he wouldn’t do himself. His strategic planning and student-centered focus have built a culture of joy, trust, and achievement on campus. Colleagues describe him as a visionary and team player who ensures no one is left behind, a leader who measures success by the collective wins of his students, families, and staff.
Dr. Caroline Thouin-Frederick-West Elementary
Principal Caroline Thouin-Frederick brings dynamic energy, adaptability, and heart to every space she leads. Whether reading on the floor with a student in need or coaching instructional leaders through complex challenges, she models calm, compassionate, and solution-oriented leadership. Known for her instructional expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence, Caroline creates environments where students feel safe, supported, and seen. Her ability to balance empathy with high expectations makes her a trusted guide and a true force as she embarks as the Founding Principal at YES Prep West Elementary.
This is just the beginning of our celebration. Each week this month, we’ll share new testimonials highlighting the passion, resilience, and leadership of YES Prep principals across our district. From building strong school cultures to championing student success, their impact is felt in every classroom and community they serve. Be sure to check back all month long as we continue to celebrate the leaders at the heart of YES Prep.
Read about our next cohort of inspiring principals here.