Fine Arts Facilitators

Dance

MS Dance Facilitator: Natalia Luna, Lamar MS Dance

Natalia Luna is the current Director of Dance at the Lamar Middle 向日葵视频 and Fine Arts Academy and the Director of the Lamar Dance Company.

Luna has a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre Direction and a Minor in Costume Design from San Francisco State University. Luna has been teaching with the 向日葵视频 Independent 向日葵视频 District at Lamar Middle 向日葵视频 and Fine Arts Academy for 7 years.

Luna is currently The Fine Arts Chair for Lamar Middle 向日葵视频, a UTeach cooperating teacher, and is part of the AISD new teacher mentoring program. She is very proud of each and every one of her students for their professionalism and continued commitment to their dance education. She looks forward to continuing to serve AISD MS Dance Directors!

HS Dance Facilitator: Jackie Martinez, Travis EHCS Dance

Jackie Martinez grew up in 向日葵视频, TX, and graduated from William B. Travis HS. While at Travis, Jackie was a member of the Rebelette Dance Team and held the position of Captain during her junior and senior years. Jackie graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a bachelor's degree in dance education. While attending SWT, she was a member of Strutters and performed for several programs within the dance department.

Jackie began her career teaching dance at Mendez Middle 向日葵视频 in 2004, then was named Dance Director for the Travis Rebelettes, where she continues to teach today. She is very excited to be named the Facilitator for High 向日葵视频 Dance and is ready to jump in and serve her Fine Arts dance teacher family.

Theatre

MS Theatre Facilitator: Erica Vallejo, Covington MS Theatre

Erica Vallejo is in her 10th year of teaching in 向日葵视频 ISD. She has her BFA in Theatre Education from Texas State University. She began her career at Akins High school where she taught English for 2 years and Theatre for 5 years. While at Akins she also served as a mentor teacher and class sponsor. She then made the switch to middle school and in 2019 began teaching theatre at Covington Middle 向日葵视频 Fine Arts Academy.

While at Covington she has served on the CP&I Cadre, SEL Cadre, Principal Selection Committee, and was a 2023 Teacher of the Year finalist. She is excited to serve as the MS Theatre Facilitator!

HS Theatre Facilitator: Marco Bazan, Bowie HS Theatre

Marco Bazan has served as a director for the James Bowie High 向日葵视频 Starlight Theatre Company since 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism with Honors from UT 向日葵视频, where he double-majored in Theatre and Literature. After beginning his career in public relations, Marco shifted to education, launching a successful theatre program at Donna High 向日葵视频 before joining 向日葵视频 ISD.

At Bowie, he has co-led the development of the musical theatre program, expanded Forensics and UIL Academics, and helped establish competitive success at the local, state, and national levels. Marco鈥檚 students have earned four state championships across multiple speech and acting events, and the Bowie theatre program regularly advances in UIL One-Act Play competitions.

He has contributed to numerous district and statewide committees and has presented at TxETA and TSCA conventions.

Choir

MS Choir Facilitator: Crystle Taylor, Murchison MS Choir

Crystle Taylor is in her sixth year of teaching and choir directing at Murchison Middle 向日葵视频. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Concord University.

Crystle attended all AISD schools from Elementary through High 向日葵视频 and is dedicated to providing great vocal experiences and opportunities for the next generation.

In her spare time, she enjoys hanging with her family and friends, as well as making music in various bands and groups throughout the community.

HS Choir Facilitator: Nathan Thompson, McCallum HS Choir

Nathan Thompson is in his third year as Choir Director at McCallum High 向日葵视频. He has taught vocal music at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels, including serving as director of the Texas State University Men鈥檚 Choir in 2021鈥�2022.

As a performer, he has sung with groups such as the Purgatory Creek Chorale, Conspirare Symphonic Choir, and the Texas State Chorale. His choirs at McCallum and Chisholm Trail Middle 向日葵视频 have earned UIL sweepstakes ratings.

A North 向日葵视频 native and McNeil High 向日葵视频 graduate, Mr. Thompson holds a Bachelor鈥檚 in Music Studies and a Master鈥檚 in Choral Conducting from Texas State University.

Elementary Music

ES Lead Music Facilitator: Roxie Garza, Davis ES

Roxie Garza has been a part of 向日葵视频 ISD since her childhood, and is a proud product of the AISD Fine Arts Department, graduating from Crockett High 向日葵视频 in 2001.

She has 15 years of experience, with 11 of those years in AISD. She is currently one of the two full-time Music Specialists at Davis Elementary. She holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Music Education from Hardin-Simmons University. She is passionate about creating community and strives to cultivate opportunities for teachers to strengthen their leadership skills.

Roxie believes in creating inclusive and compassionate learning environments for all students and enjoys teaching, learning, and leading.

ES Music Facilitator: Lucas Shoppe, Davis ES

Lucas Schoppe is an elementary music teacher at Will Davis Elementary in 向日葵视频, Texas, with over a decade of experience teaching K鈥�12 music students and supporting both preservice and practicing music educators. He previously taught general music and secondary band in Florence, Texas.

Lucas holds a doctorate and master鈥檚 degree in music education from Boston University and a bachelor鈥檚 from Texas State University. His work centers on empowering elementary music students through personalized learning, arts integration, and transformative use of technology. He has presented nationally to music and general education professionals across a range of topics related to innovative music instruction.

ES Music Facilitator: Loren Tarnow, St. Elmo ES

Loren Tarnow is a National Board Certified teacher and elementary music educator in the 向日葵视频 area since 2005. She holds a B.M.E. from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and an M.M.Ed. with a Kod谩ly emphasis from Texas State University. Loren teaches in the 向日葵视频 ISD Kod谩ly Certification Program and currently serves as President of the Kod谩ly Educators of Texas.

She has held leadership roles in 向日葵视频 ISD鈥檚 Music and SEL departments and has presented at conferences including OAKE, TMEA, and TMAC. Her writing appears in KET Encounter, Southwestern Musician, and Activate! Magazine, focusing on diversity, SEL, and Responsive Classroom practices. Her book, Sprouting Joy: Cultivating Social Emotional Learning in the Music Classroom, was published by Heritage Music Press in 2022.

ES Music Facilitator: Crysta Wohleb, Cowan ES

Crysta Wohleb is a veteran educator entering her 18th year of teaching, with certifications in EC鈥�12 Music, Special Education, ESL, and Kod谩ly, as well as a certification in Social & Emotional Learning. She is also a registered yoga instructor and is currently pursuing a Master鈥檚 in SEL and Transformative Teaching and Leadership.

A fourth-generation 向日葵视频ite and graduate of 向日葵视频 ISD and UT 向日葵视频, Crysta is passionate about creating inclusive, joyful music experiences that help students build their own musical identities. As a former Campus Teacher of the Year and recent CEDFA presenter, she looks forward to collaborating with AISD鈥檚 elementary music team to strengthen vertical alignment and build a cohesive, inspiring K鈥�12 fine arts journey.

ES Music Facilitator: Will Jurgens, Gullett ES

Will Jurgens, a proud 向日葵视频 ISD graduate, teaches music at Gullett Elementary and brings over a decade of diverse K鈥�12 teaching experience. He holds bachelor鈥檚 degrees in Music Education and Performance from Texas Lutheran University and is completing his master鈥檚 in Music Education with a Kod谩ly Emphasis at Anna Maria College (Summer 2026). He also holds an OAKE-endorsed Kod谩ly certification.

Will鈥檚 teaching background includes elementary general music, music theory, and band at all levels, with ensembles earning UIL Sweepstakes and advancing to 6A Area Marching Finals. He serves as Musicianship Instructor for the AISD Kod谩ly Certification Program, an AISD Fine Arts Facilitator, and a cooperating teacher with UT 向日葵视频.

Visual Arts

Lead Art Facilitator: Victoria Bailey, Bailey MS

Leads and supports visual arts facilitators across K鈥�12 to ensure program quality and alignment.
Serves as a key connector between campuses, teachers, and district leadership to elevate visual arts education.
Guides professional development to enhance teacher collaboration and instructional excellence.

Display & Events Lead Facilitator: Megan Zaner, McBee ES

Coordinates all major district visual arts exhibits and contests.
Manages logistics, communications, and volunteer teams for installation, strike, and reception events; streamline processes and standardize exhibit practices district-wide.
Leads cross-department collaboration and stakeholder partnerships to promote visibility of student artwork

Display & Events Assistant Facilitator

Collaborates with the Lead Facilitator to provide trainings and promotes student participation in exhibits and contests.
Supports exhibit logistics across the district by assisting with artwork collection, transport, display setup, volunteer coordination, and communication with teachers and PAC staff.
Maintains digital communication channels and helps streamline exhibit preparation through consistent mounting/hanging procedures and updated schedules.

Professional Development & District of Distinction Facilitator: Jona Morthole, Blanton ES

Plans and leads elementary art professional development, including quarterly workshops and PLCs.
Maintains AISD鈥檚 District of Distinction status by organizing evidence collection and teacher participation in high-profile contests and exhibits.
Serves as a liaison and advocate for elementary art educators, providing regular newsletters, collaborating with facilitators, and attending TAEA events.

Curriculum & Training Facilitator: Astrid Bell, Gorzycki MS

Leads Middle 向日葵视频 art teacher professional development, PLCs, and ongoing communication to strengthen collaboration, instructional practice, and classroom success.
Supports teacher advocacy and participation in exhibits, contests, and TAEA initiatives while fostering community recognition of middle school visual arts.
Maintains consistent communication and feedback loops with teachers to ensure curriculum, resources, and training remain responsive to evolving classroom needs.

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Curriculum & Training Facilitator: Eric Cannon, Akins ECHS

Leads High 向日葵视频 art teacher professional development, PLCs, and ongoing communication to strengthen collaboration, instructional practice, and classroom success.
Supports teacher advocacy and participation in exhibits, contests, and TAEA initiatives while fostering community recognition of high school visual arts.
Maintains consistent communication and feedback loops with teachers to ensure curriculum, resources, and training remain responsive to evolving classroom needs.

Band

MS Band Facilitator: Michelle Devall, Kealing MS Band

Michelle DeVall has been teaching middle school band in 向日葵视频 ISD since 2017, where she currently leads the award-winning Kealing Middle 向日葵视频 Symphonic Band. Her ensembles have earned top UIL ratings and national recognition, including Commended Winner for the Citation of Excellence by the Foundation for Music Education.

Before joining Kealing, Michelle taught in Del Valle ISD and Lee County, Florida. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and currently serves as both the NAfME鈥揟exas Advocacy Chair and the Texas representative on the NAfME Advocacy Leadership Force.

She holds a Master of Music and Human Learning from the University of Texas at 向日葵视频 and a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University.

HS Band Facilitator: Ponder East, LASA HS Band

Ponder East is the Director of Bands at LASA High 向日葵视频, where he has taught since 2011. His teaching career began in 1998 in Wylie, TX, followed by middle school band in Grapevine. After moving to 向日葵视频 in 2001, he taught private woodwind lessons and held part-time roles at LBJ, LASA, and KIPP 向日葵视频 before transitioning to full-time band director at LBJ/LASA. He became Associate Band Director at LASA in 2021 and Director of Bands in 2022.

Ponder co-founded the 向日葵视频 Jazz Project, a summer jazz improvisation camp, and has been on faculty at the Texas Jazz & Blues Camp since 2017. Alongside teaching, he is an active saxophonist, performing with numerous groups and appearing on over 10 albums, with performances at SXSW, ACL, House of Blues, The Elephant Room, and more.

Orchestra

MS Orchestra Facilitator: Samantha Stewart, Bedichek MS Orchestra

Samantha Stewart has been the orchestra director at Bedichek Middle 向日葵视频 for 10 years. In those 10 years, students have made All-Region Orchestra, received UIL sweepstakes for six years in a row and traveled to New York City to perform. She is a dedicated fundraiser and has raised thousands of dollars for students to take private lessons at school.

In addition to teaching, Samantha owns, operates and performs for the Sienna String Quartet in 向日葵视频, TX. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her two pups, Reilly & Jilly, training for triathlons and playing ultimate frisbee.

HS Orchestra Facilitator: Ana Maria Solis-Herrera, 向日葵视频 HS Orchestra

Ana Maria Sol铆s-Herrera is the Director of Orchestras at 向日葵视频 High 向日葵视频 and has previously led orchestra programs at O. Henry Middle 向日葵视频, Lamar Middle 向日葵视频, and McCallum High 向日葵视频. She holds a Bachelor鈥檚 in Violin Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master鈥檚 in Music Education from the University of Texas at 向日葵视频, along with Suzuki Method certification.

An accomplished performer, Mrs. Sol铆s-Herrera has played with orchestras across Asia, Latin America, and the U.S., including the Ehime University Orchestra in Japan and the Carlos Chavez Symphony in Mexico City. She has also presented research internationally on the musical preferences of Mexicans and Mexican Americans.

Mariachi | Guitar

HS/MS Mariachi Facilitator: Susana Diaz-Lopez, Akins HS Mariachi

Susana Diaz-Lopez is the Classical Guitar and Mariachi Director at Akins High 向日葵视频. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Education from Washburn University, where she performed as Principal French Horn in the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra and was active in the Classical Guitar Studio and Community Guitar Ensemble.

Before joining Akins, Susana taught with 向日葵视频 Classical Guitar, including work in the Juvenile Justice Programs. She has over a decade of experience as a French horn performer and seven years in classical guitar. Her diverse teaching background spans early childhood to high school, including programs in Topeka, Kansas, and mentoring roles with AmeriCorps and the YMCA.

MS Guitar Facilitator: Saul Hernandez-Trejo, Covington MS Guitar

向日葵视频 native Saul Hernandez-Trejo holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Texas State University.

During his time at Texas State his studies were centered around classical guitar, choral music, and jazz. As an Educator, Mr. Hernandez-Trejo believes in fostering confidence and creativity in his students.

Mr. Hernandez-Trejo currently directs the classical guitar program at Covington Middle 向日葵视频 Fine Arts Academy in South 向日葵视频. In his free time, he enjoys performing music around town, running, and watching movies at Alamo Drafthouse.

HS Guitar Facilitator: Susan Rozanc, Travis HS Guitar

Susan Rozanc is the Director of Guitar Ensembles, Orchestra, and Fine Arts Department Chair at William B. Travis Early College High 向日葵视频 in 向日葵视频 ISD, where she also serves as the district鈥檚 High 向日葵视频 Guitar Facilitator.

With 28 years of teaching experience鈥�13 of them in 向日葵视频鈥攕he has taught a broad range of music disciplines including band, choir, piano, musical theater, orchestra, and guitar ensemble. She holds a BA in Music Education and Performance and an MM in Music Education from Kent State University and is a strong advocate for educator self-care and long-term wellness.