Staff
Linda Clark
Teacher
My name is Linda Clark, and my career reflects a deep commitment to education and student support. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree and an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, which have provided me with a diverse skill set valuable in my roles as an educator and mentor. My professional journey began as a Juvenile Correction Officer V with the Texas Youth Commission, where I was responsible for monitoring student behavior during their learning periods. This role taught me the importance of managing challenging situations with empathy and discipline. Following my time with the Texas Youth Commission, I spent eight years as a paraprofessional at College Station ISD Oakwood Intermediate. There, I worked with both adaptive behavior and general education students, focusing on providing positive motivation and tailored support through one-on-one and small group instruction. I am now in my third year at Renner Academy, teaching Social Studies. In this role, I continue to apply my extensive background in education to create an engaging and supportive learning environment. Looking forward, I remain dedicated to furthering my professional development and making a meaningful impact in the field of education.
Donna Gessner
Dyslexia Teacher
Greetings Renner Roadrunners! My name is Donna Gessner and I am newly retired from Anderson- Shiro CISD. Dyslexia and Dysgraphia are my specialties. I have 22 years of experience in the classroom in grades Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, Reading Specialist and District Dyslexia Specialist. I have advanced degrees as a Legacy Master Reading Teacher- MRT, Masters of Education- MEd, Certified Academic Language Therapist- CALT and a TX Licensed Dyslexia Therapist- LDT. I embrace my gift of teaching as an opportunity to inspire and empower my students to be lifelong learners. I have goals that guide me as an educator: Students will feel safe in my classroom. When students feel safe, the mind is open to learn new concepts. Students will feel successful. A plan of action is researched and designed for each individual student. Students are empowered with skills to accomplish their goals. Creating fun and enjoyment allows students the freedom to express themselves. Music and movement brings concepts to life and smiles on faces. Students are given freedom and independence to make choices for themselves which gives them a sense of ownership in their learning. Students are valued and have purpose. To bring students together to create value by making contributions to themselves and others. Students will experience a sense of belonging to a community. My classroom is a place of nurturing and supporting students on an on-going basis.
Mrs. H
Teacher/Renner Secondary Hybrid Program Facilitator
Tina Jiminez
Teacher
I graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in Recreation and Park Administration with a minor in Business and an emphasis in Child Development. The years following graduation I worked at two different Resorts where I started their Children's programs and weekend activities. I moved into Human Resources a few years afterwards and had a wonderful time onboarding employees. Life moved me to Wisconsin, Kentucky, Florida back to Illinois and then here in Texas. I started working at Renner in August 2021 when my kids went back to school. I enjoy working with all the kids but have found the younger grades to be most entertaining. Because of my background in recreation, I try to bring fun into learning. I believe children learn better when work is fun. I am currently First Aid and CPR certified and completed the Seizure Training for School Personnel.
Kristi McFarland
Teacher/Math Department Chair
My name is Kristi McFarland, and I have dedicated 29 years to education, driven by a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree focused on reading for grades K-8, along with certifications in Special Education for PK-12 and Generalist for grades 4-8. My teaching career began at Paul Pewitt Middle School in Omaha, Texas, where I spent 18 years teaching resource math in grades 6-8 and life skills , gaining invaluable experience in special education. Following my time at Paul Pewitt, I spent 11 years at Franklin Middle School as a reading and math intervention teacher. There, I co-taught math, science, English, and history in 8th grade, and developed targeted interventions to support student learning. This role allowed me to refine my skills in collaborative teaching and tailored instruction, reinforcing my commitment to helping all students succeed. Currently, I am in my second year at Renner Academy as the Math Chairperson, a role that excites me as I continue to contribute to student growth and curriculum development. My career has been driven by a deep passion for working with students with disabilities, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunities at Renner Academy to make a meaningful impact in math education and beyond.
Lauren Ott
Teacher/Dyslexia Teacher
Hello! My name is Mrs. Lauren and this is my second year teaching ELAR and Literacy Lab at Renner Academy! I love teaching reading because of how incredibly rewarding it is to see our hard work reflected in their progress from the beginning to the end of the year. Watching them grow motivates me and keeps my passion for teaching alive! I received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Midwestern State University and am a certified Dyslexia Specialist. Outside of teaching, I'm married to my wonderful husband, Kyle, and we’re excitedly preparing for the arrival of our first child, a baby boy, this December. I am so excited to see what this year has in store for Renner Academy!
Laurie Parker
Teacher
Hello, my name is Laurie Parker. I am excited to be part of the Renner Academy team. Before Renner, I served as a supervisor for an afterschool educational enrichment program, serving grades PreK-6 for a 4A independent school district, providing a commitment to supporting youth development.
I served as a behavior specialist for the past 7 years, and look forward to utilizing my training in Ross Greene's collaborative problem-solving approach, Crisis Prevention Intervention, and Zones of Regulation as the enrichment/social-emotional learning teacher at Renner. I also hold a certification for Mental Health First Aid.
Along with my experience in education and working with kids, I have over 36 years of experience as an entrepreneur, owning my own successful accounting business.
The blend of skills in entrepreneurship, education, and mental health enables me to be a versatile and impactful leader.
Megan Schwartz
Teacher/Dyslexia Teacher
Hello my name is Megan Schwarz. My experience in teaching literacy is primarily from Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. There I worked intensively with students of all ages, mostly young children, with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and many other learning challenges, using individualized plans for building skills in reading and writing. I am trained in their phoneme sequencing, symbol imagery, and reading comprehension programs. As a consultant for Lindamood-Bell, I introduced their programs to teachers and worked with student groups in Title I schools.
I am also certified in Reading by Design dyslexia intervention. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Cross-Cultural Sociology from Westmont College and a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults.
I home educated my two children in their early years of learning to read and write. Walking alongside students as they build confidence that they can learn in their own unique ways has been some of the most fulfilling work of my life. I look forward to helping your child find joy in learning.
Madison Summey
Teacher
Hello, my name is Madison Summey. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, along with two Master's degrees in Criminal Justice and Educational Psychology. My teaching experience includes working as a Kindergarten teacher and as an Instructional Assistant. Currently, I tutor students from Pre-K to 12th grade at Sylvan Learning Center, focusing primarily on English and Math, with occasional lessons in science and history.
I am passionate about helping students realize their potential both inside and outside the classroom. I’ve recently expanded my qualifications by earning training and certification in Reading by Design, further enhancing my ability to support students with dyslexia. Teaching brings me immense joy, and I love guiding kids to discover what they’re truly capable of achieving.
Terry Snow
Teacher
My name is Terry. Snow. I started at Renner Academy in 2024. I have over 18 years of teaching experience STEAM in Arizona. My career began in 2005 when I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in art education. I taught art for 7 years at K-8 schools in Arizona. I earned my masters degree in 2014 from Grand Canyon University where I studied educational technology. I was provided the opportunity to develop a STEM program that earned a national STEM certification. I enjoy using hands-on learning in my classroom with real world problems to help make learning more meaningful and impactful. I enjoy watching students go from “I can’t” to “I can”. I have spent my teaching career working with students grades kindergarten through eighth grade. I love to see how much they grow and change over the years. I look forward to growing along with the staff and students at Renner Academy.
Lorretta Walthall
Dyslexia Teacher
Hello, my name is Loretta Walthall, and I’ve had the privilege of enjoying a rewarding career in education for over 30 years.
I graduated from Yoe High School in Cameron, Texas, in 1975, and went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas A&M University in 1979.
My journey began as the teacher and director of a private kindergarten in Lancaster, Texas, where I spent five enriching years. Afterward, I transitioned to public education, teaching 5th and 6th-grade science and social studies, but it was in my hometown of Cameron, Texas, that I discovered my true passion: dyslexia intervention.
For 26 years, I have had the joy of working with students of all ages in dyslexia intervention, a calling that has brought me immense fulfillment. There is nothing more rewarding than helping a child with dyslexia realize that they are intelligent and capable of mastering reading, spelling, and even cursive writing. Watching these students grow in confidence as they grasp skills that once seemed impossible never ceases to inspire me.
After a five-year break from education, my passion for working with dyslexic students was reignited through the rewarding experience of teaching at Renner Academy over the past four semesters. Encouraging their growth and learning has brought immense joy and fulfillment.
My commitment to dyslexia intervention is supported by extensive training, including courses at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Dyslexia, multiple programs through the Region 6 Service Center’s Dyslexia Intervention programs, along with training in Reading by Design. I am always seeking new opportunities to deepen my expertise, as empowering dyslexic students to unlock their full potential is the cornerstone of my teaching career. Simply put, I am passionate about this work—and I truly love every moment of it
Bash
Chief Happiness Officer
Hello my name is Bash. I was part of the foster program at Renner Academy. I was able to come to school and be with the most amazing kids and teachers. I fit in so well, Kristen Renner, the founder and Head of School of Renner Academy, adopted me. I became the Chief Happiness Officer at Renner. I get to visit classrooms, sit with boys and girls that may need some happiness if they are feeling sad, listen to kids read, and be part of an amazing school team! I love to be petted, and I love to get special treats, but most of all I LOVE kids! I cannot wait to spend my day at school!
Ren the Roadrunner
Renner Mascot
Hello my name is Ren. I am the school mascot at Renner Academy. I get to participate in so many fun events, such as birthday celebrations and family outreach programs. What makes me special is I was chosen to be the school mascot by the student body. Not only did they choose me, a roadrunner, but they named me as well. Being the school mascot is the best job ever! It's a great day at RA!
