Staff Spotlights

Kimtesha Madlock

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Madlock comes to Prestonwood Montessori with a belief that through education, an individual will receive the vital skills and tools that are necessary for them to have a successful and prosperous life. Her core values are commitment, consistency, dependability, passion, respect, and inclusion.

This is Mrs. Madlock’s 11th year in education with 10 being in Dallas ISD. Her first year teaching was in Mesquite ISD where she taught 7th grade Math and coached basketball and track. Mrs. Madlock began her journey in Dallas ISD at Sam Tasby where she taught mathematics for 3 years and served as the Math Instructional Coach for the following 2 years. Mrs. Madlock then pursued the path of administrator as Elementary Assistant Principal for the past 5 years in Dallas ISD. 

Mrs. Madlock enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan Sr., son Ryan II, and her entire immediate family! Their favorite family activity is bowling. She looks forward to joining the Prestonwood Pack and cultivating relationships with teachers, parents, and scholars.

Sydney Loving

Primary General Education Guide

Sydney Loving is a Primary guide who works with children to help them make their own path and investigate the details of the world around them that light their curiosity and joy. Sydney has experiences in a variety of educational contexts, but has worked in a Montessori classroom for five years, first as an assistant, and then as a guide. A Dallas native, she received her certification from the Association Montessori Internationale at the Montessori Institute of North Texas and holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and education from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. A holistic and scientific approach to understanding childhood and learning is a valuable addition to any teacher’s skill set, and Sydney is overjoyed to be able to be a part of this community at Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker.

Dr. Jose Lema

Primary Dual

Language Guide

Jose Lema is a bilingual pre-kindergarten teacher and a recent Ph.D. graduate from Texas Woman's University. Dr Lema has 13 years of experience in bilingual third-grade and pre-kindergarten classrooms at Julian T. Saldivar Elementary school.

During his graduate studies, Dr. Lema participated in several workshops, classroom observations, including professional presentations and publishing articles related to teaching mathematics in early childhood.

Last school year, Dr. Lema joined the Dallas ISD Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Certification Cohort at Shelton. He will complete all his classwork requirements this summer. Now, He is excited to embark on his new journey as a bilingual Montessori teacher (PK3-KN) at Prestonwood Montessori.

Clara Flores

Lower Elementary Dual Language Guide

Clara L Flores is a proud bilingual teacher in Dallas ISD who is celebrating twenty-one years as an educator this upcoming school year. Flores graduated from the University of North Texas in Dallas in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Flores sees herself as a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Flores is inspired daily by her husband, two sons and daughter. In her free time, Flores likes to listen music and dance. She is excited to become a Montessori Guide at Prestonwood and looks forward to getting to know her students and families.

Maria Virginia Castro

Upper Elementary Dual Language Guide

Castro was born in Venezuela and has two children who both attend Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker! Before beginning her Montessori journey, she taught fourth grade at International Leadership of Texas Charter Schools for four years and second grade for two years. Castro is a passionate educator who enjoys making learning a fun experience for children. When not at school, Castro enjoys playing volleyball and engaging in cardio training. She is thrilled to join the Prestonwood team and looks forward to meeting her students!

Rafael Ibarra

Upper Elementary Guide

Mr. Ibarra started his career in the US Army. During his service, he was deployed to Iraq during, “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” After his military service, he completed his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington. He became interested in the Montessori philosophy while observing in his wife's Montessori classroom. Mr. Ibarra’s first teaching experience was at Mata Montessori as a 4th-grade teacher. During his first year, he also attended Montessori training at Shelton. He was able to gain so much appreciation for the materials and philosophy. He took pride in being one of the founding team members for Upper Elementary at Mata. 

For the past 7 years, Ibarra shared his knowledge and expertise with students at Eduardo Mata Montessori School. At Mata, Ibarra founded the Knights Club, which focuses on boys' social and emotional growth through activities like chess, sports, cooking, grace, and courtesy! Mr. Ibarra looks forward to joining the Prestonwood community and creating meaningful experiences for students.

When not in the classroom, Ibarra enjoys spending time with his wife Cristina, son Leo and daughter Olivia. They enjoy traveling to the rocky mountains of Colorado or enjoying the sun in Florida. Ibarra's passion for teaching and his dedication to his students has made him a respected and beloved member of the Montessori community. He looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact at Prestonwood for many years to come.

Rodney

Davis-Gilbert

Upper Elementary Guide

Mrs. Rodney Davis-Gilbert is a Master Educator with a specialization in the Montessori Method. She has served in Dallas ISD for 17 years as a SPED Coordinator, ESL Advocate, Model United Nations Liaison, and Upper Elementary Montessori Teacher. Her two decades of servant-leadership at George B. Dealey Montessori and International Academy established her as an award-winning educator who is passionate about developing the “whole child”.

Mrs. Gilbert is a founding staff member of Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker serving as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Instructional Coach. In this role she creatively trains, challenges, and inspires ALL educators to improve the work they do for students, their families, and the community. Mrs. Gilbert’s impact goes far beyond her role, founding PWM’s P4 Chess Club, B-FAM affinity Group (BIPOC Family Alliance for Montessori), leading Model UN at E.D. Walker Middle School, and so much more. 

Next school year, she is excited to announce a return to her roots in the classroom as an Upper Elementary Guide at Prestonwood Montessori. She believes the whole-child approach will set the stage for comprehensive, sustainable growth and provide for long-term student success for ALL children.

Blanca Duran

STEM Director

Mrs. Duran is very excited to be a Prestonwood Pup! Mrs. Duran is from Dallas and attended various Dallas ISD schools. She graduated from Texas A&M Commerce with a Bachelor of Arts and then continued her education and graduated with a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. This is her 10th year in education with experience in 2nd-5th grade. Ms. Duran has led various school clubs including STEM, Recycling, Soccer and Stop Motion Animation. She has also held various leadership positions -- Grade Level Chair, SEL Coach, Leader In Me Student Learning Coordinator and Teacher Mentor.

As an avid lifelong learner, Mrs. Duran enjoys new challenges and discoveries. Her passion for working with children is fueled by the spark of eager curiosity in her students as they engage in authentic learning experiences.

Outside of school, Mrs. Duran enjoys reading, going to the movies, camping and spending time with her family. She and her husband have two children- an 11 year old daughter named Gisele and a 5 year old son named Jace.

Andreina Raga

Spanish Foreign Language Instructor

Andreina Raga began her professional career as a psychologist who worked with children on the autism spectrum. In 2016, Raga moved from Venezuela to Texas and soon after became a bilingual Pre-K teacher. After a four years of teaching in a traditional classroom setting, she decided to pursue her Montessori credential. In 2021, Raga became a founding dual language primary guide at Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker. At Prestonwood Montessori she has developed close relationships with her students and families.

Raga is thrilled to begin a new journey as the Spanish Foreign Language Instructor. In this new role, she hopes to combine her love of language learning with her Montessori expertise to create a unique Spanish enrichment experience for the children at Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker!

Corinne Andrew

Music Instructor

Corinne Andrew, a passionate music educator with a decade of experience in teaching music within the Dallas Independent School District, holds a degree in Music Education from A&M-Commerce. She was recognized as the Campus Teacher of the Year in 2019 and possesses certifications in Orff Schulwerk, First Steps in Music, Conversational Solfege, and Little Kids Rock/Music Will.



Corinne firmly believes in cultivating creativity and technical proficiency in her students through a holistic and inclusive approach to music education. By integrating diverse teaching methods and fostering an environment that values every student's unique talents and abilities, she aims to create a space where students can thrive and develop a deep love for music.

Neha Ramu

Reading Interventionist

Neha Ramu (Neigh-ha Ra-moo) has been an educator in Dallas ISD since 2014. She graduated from UT Austin with her undergrad in Education and Asian Studies in 2014 and has been with Dallas ISD ever since. Ramu graduated with my M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from UNT last May, where she focused on analyzing and creating equitable and culturally sustaining instructional practices and curriculum.

Nahu grew up in Desoto/Duncanville area and now lives in Carrollton, Texas with her husband- Rahul. They live right across Arbor Hills and are always there. Nahu and her husband love to travel and try out (cooking and eating) different cuisines. Nahu is a self-proclaimed clean freak, who loves coffee, watches a lot of TV and loves spending time with her friends and family. She is excited to get to know the Prestonwood community!

Jazmine Partee

SPED

Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Ms. Partee (Ms. Bryant) received her Bachelor's Degree from Louisiana State University in General/Special Education. During her first year of teaching, she learned about the Montessori approach and fell in love with the individualized guidance and instruction offered in Montessori classrooms. Partee pursued her Montessori credential in 2021 and joined Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker as a founding primary guide. In addition to her responsibilities as a guide, Partee serves as a member of the Hiring Committee, Team Communication Lead and the Student Culture Committee Lead. This past year she was also selected as Prestonwood's Teacher of Promise through Dallas ISD's Teacher of the Year initiative.

After two years as a primary guide, Partee is excited to begin her new chapter as a Special Education teacher at Prestonwood Montessori at ED Walker. This opportunity fulfills a long term goal of Partee to provide exceptional special education based on the philosophies of Maria Montessori.

Zelda Saxton

School Nurse

Zelda Zaxton graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1988. Saxton has been with Dallas ISD for fifteen years. Before becoming a school nurse, Saxton was a pediatric hematology/ oncology nurse and an adult care oncology nurse. She looks forward to supporting each student's optimal level of wellness at Prestonwood Montessori!

Sarah Kate Littlefield

Campus Coordinator

Sarah Kate Littlefield is a founding teacher of Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker. As STEM Director she is known for her unwavering commitment to excellence and infectious passion for student success. Next year she is excited to join the Leadership Team as Campus Coordinator. As Prestonwood continues to grow, with over 350 students next year, the Campus Coordinator will provide critical operational leadership and support. From communications and scheduling to campus logistics and data management, Littlefield will ensure a seamless experience for students, teachers, and parents alike, easing the load and empowering everyone to thrive.

Littlefield developed a passion for education and demonstrated an intuition for teaching at a young age. When she was 9 years old converted her small closet into a classroom and taught both of her brother how to read. She would go on to graduate from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Art in History and Sociology.

Post graduation Littlefield embarked on a transformative journey in the education field. Littlefield has eight years experience in Dallas Education and earned a Masters in Education from Southern Methodist University. She first taught 9th grade biology at Kimball High School. In 2018 she transitioned out of the classroom to be a Director of Development at Teach For America DFW. There she took her experience in the classroom to uplift the voices of teachers and students forging authentic connections with community members, corporate leaders, and elected officials. Her visionary approach and ability to foster collaborative partnerships propelled her work to new heights, empowering countless individuals within the education ecosystem.

Driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to make a tangible difference, Sarah made the bold decision to return to the classroom during the pandemic. She became a founding staff member of Prestonwood Montessori as the STEM Director, leveraging her expertise to cultivate a stimulating and innovative learning environment for students. Littlefield is grateful to work with so many incredible teachers, families, and students in Dallas ISD.

One Pack, One Goal!

Adriana Low

Demonstration Teacher

Adriana Campos Low, a founding teacher of the Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker is a proud alumna of the Dallas ISD. Next year, she is thrilled to join the Leadership team as a Demonstration Teacher. In this new role she will serve in the capacity of Professional Learning Communities facilitator, model lessons in classrooms, provide feedback to teachers, assist with ensuring student learning by managing the HB4545 tutoring statistics and identifying and facilitating the teacher mentor program on campus.

Campos Low became interested in bilingual education as a high school student at The School for the Talented and Gifted. A native Spanish speaker who struggled in an early exit bilingual program, she wondered if other language models could offer more support. This curiosity led her to complete a thesis in her senior year of high school titled, “The Promise of the Dual Language Program in Dallas ISD.” She continued this passion for bilingual education at Stanford University. There she was awarded a grant to conduct an independent research project on the social impact of dual-language programs, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Honors in Education.

After receiving her Master of Arts in Education with Bilingual Authorization in Spanish from the Stanford Teacher Education Program in 2012, she began her career as a bilingual teacher in Redwood City, California. In 2016, she returned to Dallas ISD to teach at Stephen C. Foster, her former elementary school, with the hope of empowering students in her community to believe in themselves. Campos Low is honored to be a part of Dallas ISD and believes it is a privilege to work with students in her community.

Marisol DeLeon

Teacher Assistant

Marisol DeLeon is excited to pursue a new career path in education. Her goal is to gain all the necessary knowledge to help children academically. DeLeon hopes to make a difference in children's' lives and help them find success despite the obstacles they may face.

Jada Polk

Teacher Assistant

Jada Polk is a passionate gardener who finds joy in working with the soil and nurturing plants. She has been gardening since COVID and has developed a deep appreciation for our world and its beauty. Polk also loves to travel around the world and explore new places and eat all of the new food!

Diamond Newton

Teacher Assistant

Diamond Newton enjoys playing volleyball, reading and writing. She is a joyful person who is excited to join the Prestonwood family!

Guiletsi Liendo Teacher Assistant

Liendo was born in Venezuela and has lived in Dallas almost two years. She studied law and taxes in Caracas, Venezuela and has a passion for learning new things. Liendo is a joyful person who feels lucky for what she has been given.

Meet our Staff

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