Collaborative Team
WCHE Collaborative Team 2024-2025
Pictured above front row l – r: Lauren Leopard, Jennifer Aubele Schaye, Colea Podoloff, Amy Ertel, Amanda Miller, Karynn Roye, Ashley Allison, Angela Seager, and Mary Ann Royer. Second row l – r: Tracey Currie LaFountaine, Emily McMurray, Julie Gordon, Joanne Molinyawe, Christina Otwell, Amilee Shackelford, Amanda Pelnarsh, Caroline Harris, and Casey Brown.
Ashley Allison -- Hi I’m Ashley Allison, and this is my second year as LSSP! I’m excited to be a part of the West Cypress family and look forward to a great school year.
Casey Brown - I am so happy to be back at WCHE! I was the educational diagnostician & ARD facilitator during the 20-21 school year, and after 3 years at the high school I am returning home to WCHE! I received my undergraduate degree in elementary education from Texas A&M University and went on to get my masters degree in special education with a certification as an education diagnostician from Texas Tech. This is my 12th year in education. I have taught general education kindergarten, special education pre-k programs, elementary special education, and the past 5 years I have been an educational diagnostician. My husband Tracy and I live in WCH with our 2 kids who are in pre-k and at the CDC at Lake Pointe!
Tracey Currie Lafountaine - Hi I’m Miss Tracey! My husband of 30 years and I moved to Austin in 2021 from upstate NY to be closer to our grandson, Charlie, who is in 3rd grade at WCHE. We have five adult children and three additional grandchildren back east. Prior to moving to Texas, I owned a daycare/preschool for 15 years and was a teacher at Head Start.
This is my third year as an Instructional Aide, and I absolutely love everything about my job! I’m truly blessed to work with the most amazing children, awesome families, and dedicated staff.
I'm looking forward to another fabulous year with my WCHE Tiger family!!
Amy Ertel - I am so excited to be back at West Cypress Hills for another awesome year in G3. I have 3 children; 2 here at West Cypress Hills Elementary and one at Lake Travis High School. I am originally from Houston but moved to California as a kid. My husband, Garett, and I brought our family to Austin in 2016 and absolutely love it here.
Let’s Go Tigers!
Yvett Galvan -- I have been teaching for 18 years in Texas, 10 of these years here in the great LTISD. I graduated from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas and I have 5 children. The two youngest are a senior at UT Austin and a Junior at the University of Chicago. My husband and I love to travel, visiting our family around the country and spending time on the lake with our 13-year-old Shih Tzu-Poodle, Jagger. Presently I am an ESL Teacher for the District and love my job helping both teachers and students acclimate to learning English as a Second Language.
Julie Gordon - This will be my second year as a Resource/Inclusion teacher at WCHE. I taught in a general education classroom for many years before I realized I wanted to be a Special Education teacher. In 2003 I earned my bachelors in elementary education through Texas A&M University, and in 2016 I earned an SLPA license through the SLPA program at the University of Houston. In my free time I love going on road trips with my family and trying new restaurants!
Caroline Harris – Hi! I’m so excited to be at WCH for my third year as a Speech Language Pathologist. I am originally from Chicago, but went to Baylor for my undergraduate and Masters Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Sic ‘em! My husband and I have lived in Austin for three years, and we love it! I can’t wait to be back with the most wonderful kids and staff for the 24-25 school year. Go Tigers!
Lauren Leopard - Hello! My name is Lauren Leopard, and I am thrilled to be the G3 teacher this year! I bring with me 20 years of teaching experience in special education, general education, and art. I am the proud mother of two boys named Charlie and Henry. When I have free time, I enjoy painting and British TV.
Emily McMurray – I moved to Austin in 2012 from Chicago, Illinois. I am married to my husband, Matt, and have two children who attend school in LTISD. My daughter is entering 7th grade at LTMS, and my son is finishing out his last year as a Tiger, in 5th grade. I also have two very spoiled dogs, a Goldendoodle named Hank and a Cavapoo named Cash. Prior to becoming part of the Tiger Family, I taught preschool for 4 years. The 2024-2025 school year will be my 5th at WCHE, and I'm looking forward to another great year as a Tiger.
Amanda Miller - Hey! I'm Amanda Miller and have lived in Texas for 10 years. I am married to my husband, Tim, and have 3 children. My daughter is a 5th grader at WCHE, my middle son is a Senior at LTHS, and my oldest attends Texas State. I’m looking forward to another exciting year.
Joanne Molinyawe – I am looking forward to another amazing year at West Cypress Hills! This will be my sixth year teaching, and I'm super excited! I earned both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Elementary Education from Texas State University. I went on to teach 1st and 3rd grade in San Antonio. Then, I spent several years substitute teaching for LTISD before going back full time to the classroom. In my spare time, I enjoy crafting and volunteering at Austin's city animal shelter. I am married to Matt, and together we have a Sophomore, Alexis, who attends LTHS. We also have 3 rescue pups!
Christina Otwell - This will be my 3rd year as a WCHE teacher, and 5th year teaching Special Education for LT school district. I am happily married with two girls. I enjoy teaching yoga and hiking in my free time.
Amanda Pelnarsh – Originally from Illinois, I went to undergrad at Indiana State and hold a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I went to graduate school at Lewis University where I earned my master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This is my second year with Lake Travis ISD.
Colea Podoloff – I am a native Texan and have lived in Austin for 25 years. My husband and I have been married for 19 years, and we have 2 amazing children. This will be my 12th year teaching in Lake Travis ISD, and I am thrilled to be a WCHE Tiger!
Karynn Roye -- My name is Karynn Roye, I have lived in the Lake Travis area since 2000. This is my second year as an Instructional Aide, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve been a part of the Lake Travis community for 24 years and love it here. I have two boys, and both attend WCHE this year!
Mary Ann Royer – I moved to Texas from the quaint historic town of Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. My two sons also live here with their families, and I feel quite blessed to be the proud Mom-Mom of six loving grandchildren. Among other things as well, I enjoy travelling, nature walks, volunteering, and visiting with friends. I am excited to continue with my teaching career here at this amazing school.
Jennifer Aubele Schaye -- Hi! I am so excited to be at WCHE for my 2nd year! I am originally from Los Angeles, and I am a graduate of UCLA. Go Bruins! I am happily married with 2 sons who attend LTISD schools. I love to read, to cook, and I love to bake. My favorite hobby, however, is spending time with my family. I am also a dog mom to our rescue, Clyde, who has been a wonderful addition to our family. Cheers to another wonderful year at WCHE! Go Tigers!!
Angela Seager – I am a special education teacher who has recently returned home to the district where I she grew up! I love living by the lake and being close to family, and I look forward to building relationships with my students, their parents, and my colleagues this school year.
Amilee Shackelford - My name is Amilee. I am 22 and enjoying my career at WCHE! I hope to become a Special Education teacher within the next couple of years. My passion is children, and they are why I a