MEET OUR DECATS TEAM

LEADERSHIP

Jean Hernandez, Director, 2009

Mrs. Hernandez is very proud to be returning to the DECATS team for her seventeenth year!  She worked as a mentor for many years, then moved into the position of Administrative Assistant for three years before becoming the director.  She is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Epiphany Catholic School in Katy and is thrilled to host DECATS at her home campus.  Previously,  she worked in Katy ISD for 13 years. After working in the business field for over 14 years, she discovered that working with children was her calling while performing with a children’s theater. She has been teaching ever since. She looks forward to another fun, enriching and memorable summer!

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Christine Powell, Administrative Assistant, 2008

Mrs. Powell is returning to DECATS for her 15th year.  This will be her second year as Administrative Assistant. She teaches 5th and 6th grade math at St. Anne’s Catholic School.  Math was always her favorite subject in school.  Now, as a mom and teacher, being with her kids, reading, playing golf, and being outdoors are her favorite things to do.

 

Adriana Gutierrez, Leadership Team, Communications Director, 2009

Mrs. Gutierrez is part of our DECATS Operations team. She is our webmaster and is in charge of our communications and social media. She has over 30 years of experience as a bilingual educator and has worked with students of different ages. She has been working at St. Laurence Catholic School for the past 19 years. Her greatest satisfaction is seeing scholars get excited about learning new things. She is eager to meet another outstanding group of gifted scholars who want to join a new learning journey. This is her 17th year with DECATS.

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Wendy Santos, Leadership Team, Leadership Director, 2004

Mrs. Santos has been in education for over 20 years.  She is passionate about writing integrated curriculum and loves to help students and teachers think about their thinking.  She believes that each person has something to offer the world, and her mission is to help students discover who they are meant to be.  At home, Wendy works to raise her two teenagers, the most adventurous part of her day. In addition, she volunteers at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church as a member of the Choir and the Meals Ministry.  When she finds a moment to herself, she enjoys meditation, reading, writing, cooking, and crafting.  This is Mrs. Santos' 21st year with DECATS.

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MENTORS

 

Johanna Bonno, 2010

Ms. Bonno is thrilled to be a part of the DECATS team for the 15th year! After performing for years in musical productions in theaters throughout Houston and coaching young performers in voice, she is so happy to be teaching Music and Theater Arts at St. Laurence. A classically trained singer, she earned her degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, and while Ms. Bonno can often be found on the stage during much of her free time, she cannot wait to share her passion for music/theater and Italian Culture with DECATS scholars this summer!

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Shannyn Brinker, 2019

Mrs. Brinker is excited to return for her 5th summer of DECATS! She has just wrapped up her 11th year in Education. She currently serves as the Dean of Curriculum at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School in Katy. She enjoys sewing, embroidery, and quilting! She also enjoys baking for her family and friends. She is excited to teach students basic sewing skills this summer & watch their creativity flow. Shannyn is an avid Harry Potter fan & is excited to invite students to enter Hogwarts Academy this summer! Shannyn is an avid volunteer & board member with Houston Collie Rescue. She also volunteers her time with the Sanctuary of Surrender Maternity Home. Shannyn & her family are parishioners at Christ the Redeemer in Cypress.

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Steve Burdette, 2025

Mr. Burdette and his wife moved to Katy, Texas, in 1993, where they raised their five sons. A lifelong woodworker, Mr. Burdette is a founding member of the Handyman Assistance Network for the Disabled and Elderly Ministry at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. He also mentored numerous Eagle Scout projects during his two decades as a Boy Scout Leader. Beyond woodworking, his interests include outdoor sports, metalwork, leatherwork, and 3D printing. Retired from a 48-year career in Information Technology, Mr. Burdette now works with Little Way Construction, LLC, crafting custom liturgical furnishings for private homes and Catholic churches around the country. His dedication to his faith, family, and craftsmanship inspires his work, and he is excited to share the “woodworking experience” with the scholars of DECATS.

 

Jill Cantu (Nurse), 2022

Mrs. Cantu earned her first degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Texas. Wanting to pursue a career in nursing, she earned her A.D.N. from Wharton County Junior College and her B.S.N. from the University of Texas at Arlington. She served as the School Nurse for Saint Theresa Catholic School in Sugar Land for two years, combining her love for early childhood, nursing care, and the Catholic faith. She is excited to return for her 4th summer at DECATS!  

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Cecilia Cardenas, 2025
Cecilia is currently an elementary teacher at St. Thomas More Parish School. She obtained a BA in Education at the University of St. Thomas.  Cecilia has had many years of experience working with students of all grade levels through her volunteer work at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Throughout her 4 years of teaching and 11 years of serving, she has had the opportunity to work with students from PK-12. Cecilia is excited to join the DECATS team this year and share her love of music, dance, and culture.

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Ashley Chabarria, 2024

I am so excited to be a part of the Decats team this year! I have worked in education for almost 15 years, with 9 of those years being an educator.  I have been at Epiphany for 5 years and have been living in Katy for 9 years.  I originally moved from Odessa, TX, and have loved being in Katy so much.  I enjoy reading books, trying new foods and new coffee shops, and going on fun adventures with my three girls. 

Kim Dobbs, 2025
 

 

​Beth Dodson

Mrs. Dodson is excited to return to DECATS this summer for her seventh year. A proud native Texan, she looks forward to reconnecting with the Mentors and Scholars in this incredible program. With 10 years of experience teaching second grade in public schools, 25 years in PreK at St. Laurence, and additional roles as a paraprofessional in middle school and as a teaching assistant in 1st and 2nd grade, Mrs. Dodson brings a wealth of experience to her work. She and her husband, Jeff, who have been married for 40 years, are the proud parents of three daughters and grandparents to a grandson and granddaughter, with another grandchild on the way. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, reading, traveling, playing games, baking and cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. Mrs. Dodson is ready to lead the Scholars as they “walk like an Egyptian” and “catch the wave” in DECATS 2025!

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Colette Everhard, 2025

Mrs. Everhard is excited to be a part of the DECATS team this year!  She has worked in education for almost 20 years.  She has been a teacher at Epiphany for 3 years, previously teaching in Katy ISD.  Originally from Euless, Texas,  she has loved living in Katy for 18 years.  She enjoys reading books, trying new foods, and new coffee shops, and going on walks with her three dogs.

Sanchia Myrie-Familia, 2023

Mrs. Myrie-Familia has worked in education for 11 years in multiple grade levels and has a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  Art has always been her passion, and she cannot wait to explore what creativity lies within each of us!  This is her 3rd year with DECATS, and she looks forward to meeting all her aspiring artists.

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​Magen Glaude, 2023

Ms. Glaude is currently a 4th grade math, science, and social studies teacher. She has worked in education for over 10 years and has been a classroom teacher for the past 4 years. She loves to read, try new foods, and spend time with her family and friends. Ms. Glaude fell in love with science at a very early age, so being able to teach and empower students through science is truly rewarding. This is her second year at DECATS, and she is very excited to be a part of the team!

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Kerri Hoffman,  2025
Kerri Hoffman has a bachelor's degree in History and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has been at Epiphany Catholic School as a kindergarten teacher for the past 7 years.  Her personal interest in understanding why and how things work directs her instruction. This is her first year as a DECATS Mentor. She is excited to cultivate and nurture the same drive in our scholars.
 

​TC Karpinski,  2024

Meet TC Karpinski.  Mr. Karpinski has worked in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for the past 21 years.  He has taught PE from PreK3 – 8th grade as well as coached football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and track. He is a proud alumni of St. Thomas High School.  He was blessed to play professional soccer for 8 years and is a professional soccer trainer for one of the biggest nationally known soccer clubs in the country.  He also personally trains up to 75 soccer players weekly.  He currently serves as the Lower School Athletic Director at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School, as well as teaching PreK–8th grade PE.  He is looking forward to working with all the students this summer during DECATS.

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​Pam McCollom, 2021

Meet Pam, a native of Kansas whose passion for math, nature, art, and holiday festivities infuses every aspect of her mentoring at DECATS. She channels her love for education through engaging games, exploration, and artistic endeavors. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her students, ensuring that each child is encouraged to embrace curiosity and creativity.    

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Melissa Mejia, 2022

Ms. Mejia grew up in New York but moved to the Houston area after graduating from college to start her teaching career as a special education teacher!  She taught kids of all ages in Spring Branch ISD at Northbrook Middle School and Cornerstone Academy and in Katy ISD at Fielder and Hayes Elementary Schools.  After 26 years in public schools, she took a leap of faith and became the Learning Specialist at St. Cecilia Catholic School. She believes that all kids need opportunities to shine and foster their own interests, gifts, and talents, and she is excited to be a Mentor with DECATS for the fourth year!

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Liz Morris, 2022

Elizabeth Morris was born and raised in Houston, but moved to the Chicago area at the end of high school.  She earned her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois and has worked in a variety of science fields, including as a zookeeper and in a virology lab.  She went back to school to earn a Master's degree in Education and taught middle school science for 10 years in the suburbs of Chicago.  She moved back to Texas in 2018 to Round Rock and coached and taught Robotics before finally moving back home to Houston in 2020.  She currently teaches middle school technology and coaches the middle school Robotics team. This is her fourth year working at DECATS!

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Basil Najjar, 2025

Mr. Najjar is currently a Religion teacher at St. Thomas More Parish School and a former high school youth minister.   He has a Masters in Theology from the University of St. Thomas.  Mr. Najjar is passionate about sports, health, and wealth, but his biggest love is his Catholic faith. 

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Quyen Rebollido, 2016

Mrs. Rebollido is the STEM teacher at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School. Sugar Land has been her home since 1992, and she raised her four children, Ty, Lia, Khue, and Kara. Her favorite pastimes are cycling with her husband, eating out with the family, and playing with their dog, Juno. Her family has been parishioners at St. Laurence Catholic Church since 1992. This will be her 8th year teaching DECATS, and she is excited to be back! 

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Theresa Rebollido, 2011

Mrs. Rebollido is very excited to be returning to the DECATS team for her 14th year! She lives in Sugar Land with her husband, Fred, and two sons, Lucas and Anthony. For the past 10 years, Mrs. Rebollido has taught 3rd grade at St Laurence Catholic School.  After being in education for the past 24 years, she finds that science is her true passion. Finding ways to explore the different aspects of the world around us is the BEST part about what we teach. DECATS allows us to not only learn about things but also find out "what if..." She can wait to meet this year's group of scholars!

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Allison Riebe, 2021

Allison Riebe graduated from St. Agnes Academy in 2024. She is a student at Texas A&M studying Business. She absolutely loved being a DECATS scholar for 4 years and a Scholar Aid, and can’t wait to be back this summer again as a Junior Mentor!

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Vince Santos, 2019

Mr. Santos serves on the DECATS service committee.  He is passionate about working with young people and giving back to the community.  He is on the Confirmation Team, in the Choir, and in the Meals Ministry for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.  He also serves as a Spiritual Director and Retreat Master for multiple churches in the Archdiocese.  This is his 5th year with DECATS.

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Kayla Schaefer, 2025

Ms. Schaefer has a degree from UTSA and is currently a 2nd grade elementary teacher in Katy ISD. She has also taught 1st and 3rd grade and worked as a tutor for students with different learning abilities. Growing up, she was always a part of a dance or cheer program. She is so excited to incorporate her teaching experience with her love for dancing and cheerleading this summer as a mentor. She looks forward to working with DECATS scholars this summer!

 

Stephen Simmons, 2024

Stephen Simmons brings a diverse range of experiences, having worked in the airline industry in sales, marketing, revenue market analysis, and target market programs. He also built a business specializing in hospital and medical center signage, including wayfinding systems. After retiring, which he found unfulfilling, Stephen transitioned to substitute teaching, a role he’s held for the past 14 years. During this time, he has taught all grade levels, including Special Education classes, and now frequently covers long-term assignments at various private schools. His passion for teaching has grown, particularly in helping young students discover the world of education. He believes his diverse background enables him to approach teaching in unique ways, tailoring his methods to each student’s needs. Stephen is committed to helping every student reach their fullest potential, knowing that even helping one succeed is an accomplishment. He is honored to work with DECATS scholars this summer.

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Liz Thompson, 2011

Ms. Thompson is happy to be back with DECATS for her 13th year! Prior to teaching at Parsons Open Campus and Houston Community College, Ms. Thompson was an elementary teacher with St. Laurence Catholic School. She has approximately 15 years of teaching experience within online (virtual) and brick-and-mortar environments with students of all ages.  Ms. Thompson has both a Master's in Education and a Master's in Fine Arts. She enjoys participating with scholars as they explore their ideas in creative ways.

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Lana Zimmermann, 2024

Ms. Zimmermann was born and raised in Houston.  She has 3 adult boys, twins who are 29 and a 24-year-old.  Ms. Zimmermann has been in the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese for 13 years.  Eight of those years, she taught Art at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Rose of Lima, and Inner City Catholic Schools.  She is now a teaching assistant at Epiphany Catholic School in the Pre-K 4 classes and absolutely loves those little students.  Ms. Zimmerman also loves lifting weights and thrift shopping.  She is excited to share her art talents with scholars that love being creative.

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