Meet our Learning Specialists

Philosophy:
Education is my passion and creating solutions as a change agent is my goal in every position I have held. 

I am so happy to have joined the Catholic Faith community as an Elementary and Intermediate Learning Specialist at St. Theresa Catholic School in Austin.  I have taught students with learning differences within both public and private schools at all levels including a community college course.  In my 18 years of education experience, I have served as a Speech and Language Therapist, Elementary Inclusion, Elementary and Middle School Resource, Director/Learning Specialist in a K-12 Learning Center, and Learning Specialist and Religion Teacher here at St. Theresa.  I have been blessed beyond measure as I’ve witnessed how the human spirit and God-filled lives transform students into the young men and women of faith, tenacity, dedication, and pursuit of knowledge.  

These students with special talents work hard for their growth and they reap the rewards of hard work found in their improved performance at all levels. There is no better confidence builder than setting a personal goal, working hard, and achieving improvement! I look forward to continuing serving this community as we all work hard to ensure that students at St. Theresa are equipped to know, love, and practice that which is true, good, and beautiful so that they may be prayerful in seeking knowledge of God himself.


Credentials:

• University of Stephen F. Austin  Bachelor of Science  - Education K-12
• University of Stephen F. Austin Graduate Reading (12 hours)
• Academic Language Therapist Certification from Rawson Saunders School in Austin

 
Certifications:

• Special Education K-12
• General Education K-8
• Speech and Language Therapy K-12
• Language and Learning Differences K-12

 
Contact info: klewis@st-theresa.org

Philosophy:

As an educator I feel that Jesus has called us to to welcome all children. As a teacher I must facilitate student learning by meeting their unique needs, developing their unique talents and creating an environment that is both accepting and challenging. I am guided by the virtues and the loving examples of Christ and strive to bring these into my teaching.

I have 30 years of teaching experience in Catholic Schools in the Houston, Dallas and Austin Diocese.  I have taught in first grade, fourth grade, Middle School and Learning Centers.

Credentials:

• BS Elementary Education University of Texas
• Gifted and Talented - Specialized Training (60 hours)

Certifications:

• Elementary Education K-8
• Special Education K-12
• Elementary Psychology K-8

Contact info: dspurlin@st-theresa.org