Erika Villanueva
My Email:
erika.villanueva@austinisd.org
About Me:
Ms. Villanueva started at THES in 2008. She is a skilled 4th grade teacher with years of experience. She loves seeing the look in her students’ eyes when they make connections, and is passionate about taking them to the next level. Part of what makes THES so special to her is the community involvement. Ms. Villanueva’s journey to education is an inspiring story: after high school she worked several jobs, where she gained the confidence to attend the University of Texas. After dabbling in a few different studies, she fell in love with Mexican-American studies. The realization that teaching provided her a voice soon followed and the rest, as they say, is history. She is the first in her family to graduate from a university in the US. She always tells her students that “whatever you dream, it is achievable. Never tell yourself that you aren’t good enough!”
Maria Sauceda
My Email:
maria.saucedoaleman@austinisd.org
About Me:
Ms. Saucedo was born in Monterrey, Mexico. At the age of 7, her family moved to Texas. As a young second grade student not knowing the language, she felt very scared to face this new experience. Thankfully, she soon met her bilingual teacher. Ms. Saucedo began to feel safe and welcomed in this new environment, because there was someone who understood her and her cultural background.
Fast forward to 2019, Ms. Saucedo will now be teaching her first year as a Dual Language Teacher at Travis Heights Elementary. Ms. Saucedo is very thankful to have the opportunity to provide her students with that sense of belonging and safety she was given as a young student. Ms. Saucedo hopes to create a classroom environment that is culturally responsive and that allows students to build a growth mindset.
Shayna Bright
My Email:
About Me:
Ms. Bright first joined Travis Heights as a sub in 2015 before joining us full time! She brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge in working with elementary students. In her spare time, Ms. Bright is an active Girl Scout who works at Camp Texlake. Her easygoing and calm demeanor make her an excellent teacher, and we are thrilled to have her as part of our 2nd grade team!
Lisa Etzel
My Email:
About Me:
Ms. Etzel has taught at Travis Heights for over 17 years in various grades. She loves seeing the light bulb come on when a student learns something new. Ms. Etzel likes that THES is a diverse school with a unique culture and amazing community. In her spare time, she likes to take her kayak out on Ladybird Lake or travel to Missouri to kayak the rivers with her cousin. She also likes crafting and painting. Ms. Etzel wants parents to know that she is here for you and your child. She is your partner in their education, and she wants your child to succeed.