Meet Ms. Steinle
Greetings Blue Jay Family,
I’m a proud cheesehead who grew up in Madison, WI, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin. After teaching in Madison for two years, I moved to Austin for the sunshine and to be closer to friends and family. I spent my first two years teaching in Round Rock before joining Austin ISD, where I’ve had the pleasure of teaching both high school and elementary students for the past 24 years. I’m now in my fifth year at Blazier, and I can confidently say that among all the schools I’ve worked in, Blazier stands out for its compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated team of educators. I am continually inspired by our students and the strong sense of community here.
My husband Chol and I have a 17-year-old son, Miles, who is a senior at Austin High. Our family loves to travel and explore new places. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing games (especially euchre—a Midwest favorite), dancing, exercising, camping, and, most importantly, spending quality time with my family and friends.
Supporting students in reaching their academic and emotional potential is a true privilege for me. I’m excited for another wonderful year of growth and learning with my students!
Favorites:
coffee
sparkling water
tex mex food
plants
Meet Ms. Garcia
Welcome, Bluejays!
I'm excited to begin my second year at Blazier Intermediate! I bring teaching experience from Arizona, Georgia, and Texas, and I’m grateful to be part of the Blazier community. This school holds a special place in my heart, especially because I get to share each day with my younger son, who also attends Blazier.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, CrossFit, cheering on my son in baseball, and catching up over coffee dates. My older son currently plays baseball at Georgia Southwestern University, and I am so proud of him! My Goldendoodle, Paloma, keeps me on my toes and adds a little extra fun to my home life.
Looking forward to a great year with our amazing Bluejays!
Meet Ms. Ray
Hello students and families! My name is Makenna Ray (Ms. Ray). I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona, where I started my teaching career doing 6th-8th grade resource in January! I graduated from Northern Arizona University with my bachelor's in special and elementary education. I have had a passion and overwhelming joy for teaching from a very early age! My hope for this year is that the students' are empowered, welcomed, accepted, and overall excited to be here! I am
Outside of school, some of my favorite things to do are: traveling, playing with my 4-year-old son, going to the gym, shopping, and trying new foods or coffee shops!
Meet Ms. Adalid
Mabuhay (Hello)!!
My name is Flordeliza Adalid, a J1 Exchange Teacher from the Philippines. I graduated at University of Makati with the degree of Bachelor in Elementary Education major in in Special Education. I am a dedicated special education teacher with 9 years of experience in nurturing and supporting students with diverse learning needs. My journey in education began with a deep-seated passion for advocating for all students to have equal opportunities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
I always prioritize building strong, trusting relationships with students and their families. I believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with parents, caregivers, and other educators to create a cohesive support network for each student. I also strive to foster a positive and engaging learning atmosphere where all students feel valued and motivated.
I AM PROUD TO BE PART OF BLUE JAY FAMILY!
Meet Ms. Dennis
My name is Angelique Dennis and this will be my 28th year teaching special education with all my years in AISD!
I was born and raised in San Diego, California but moved to Austin in 1990 so I consider myself an old school Austinite. I graduated from UT Austin with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education. I have one amazing adult son, Logan, who is also a UT graduate…Hook ‘em!
In my free time I love to buy houseplants, travel, go out to eat, do crossword puzzles, and spend time with friends and family.
I spent most of my career teaching ECSE and switched to SCORES and 5th grade a couple years ago. I love working with students and families to encourage positive social skills, problem solving, and communication. Every year I learn from and with my students and am excited for a new year!
My Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/
Meet Ms. Jones
Greetings Blue Jay Families,
I am a proud first year special education teacher at Blazier Intermediate! I graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor's degree in All Level Special Education. I have always known I wanted to be a teacher because I have a passion for helping students experience success. I have a lot of experience working in all areas of education for over 5 years, ranging from early childhood to adulthood. In my spare time, I love cooking, travelling, listening to music, and relaxing at home with my dog or visiting my beautiful niece!
Inclusion is my firm belief that all students are capable of learning and thriving in general education. Diversity of all kinds is the center of inclusion, and exclusion is the adversary. To work in a school is to presume competence in students, teachers, and parents. This belief goes beyond words, but actions as well that generate a space that students feel safe, valued, and accepted.
We are a team, with the same goal in mind of being a bridge for students' success! Can't wait to get to know you all, and see how much our students grow this year ❤️
Meet Ms. Agan
Hello! My name is Kaitlyn Agan, and I teach 4th grade special education. This is my 6th year teaching in Austin ISD. I received my Master's in Special Education at UT (hook 'em) and a Bachelor's in Special Education at the University of Missouri (MIZ!).
At school, I'm passionate about teaching topics which encourage students to discover the world. Outside of school, I enjoy being with my family and friends, reading books, staying active with yoga/outdoor activities, and traveling.
Meet Ms. Torriente
I am a sixth year AISD SLP who is excited to serve first and third grade! Though I have lived in Austin for the past 15 years, I was born and raised in southern California. I attended college and graduate school at UT Austin where I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology before pursuing a master's degree in speech-language pathology. The best part of my job is teaching kids how to advocate for themselves and express their thoughts. I enjoy reading books, hiking, gardening, and painting pet portraits. I have two daughters (4 and 2 years old) and two dogs.
My Favorites:
Color: Blue
Food: Thai
Fast Food: In N Out
Drink: Sparkling Water
Coffee: Summer Moon
Candy: Twix/ Sour gummies
Flower: Daisy
Books: From Blood and Ash
Sports Team(s): What are those?
Meet Ms. Mata
Hello! My name is Ms. Angel Mata, and I am an exchange teacher from the Philippines. I earned my Bachelor in Special Education with a major in Teaching Children with Hearing Impairment from West Visayas State University, where I am also completing my Masters of Education major in Special Education.
I have been in the teaching profession for 10 years—8 years in inclusive education and the past 2 years focused on Life Skills instruction. Growing up with a brother with autism greatly influenced my perspective and philosophy as an educator and strengthened my passion for supporting students with diverse needs. I view my students as family and strive to provide them with patience, respect, and compassion.
My mission is to cultivate an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing classroom environment where every learner feels safe, valued, and capable of success. I place great importance on building meaningful connections with students and their families and believe in a team approach, partnering with parents, caregivers, and fellow educators to ensure consistent support. I am dedicated to fostering a positive learning space that inspires growth, confidence, and a love of learning.
Meet Ms. Ibarra
Hello! My name is Anita Ibarra, and I am excited to be starting my 21st year of teaching at Blazier Intermediate.
In my career I have had the great opportunity to work with Early childhood thru 8th grade students. I have learned that all students are capable of learning and they will thrive in a welcoming and inclusive environment. That is why my teaching approach is centered around providing a safe environment that allows students to learn in their own style and at their own pace.
I love spending time with my family. I have a 36 year old son, a 27 year old daughter, 2 beautiful grandchildren, 16 and 11 and a new grandson on the way.
Meet Ms. Rodriguez
I have been in the field of education for 15 years, with 8 of those years as a classroom teacher. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I truly enjoy working with students and families and believe in meeting each child where they are to support their growth and success. My goal is to create a positive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Outside of the classroom, I am a proud Christian and have been married for 24 wonderful years. I am also a proud mom to my daughter, who recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin—Hook ’em! 🤘
Meet Mx. Cotton
Hi there! My name is Allee Cotton, and I will be teaching 3rd and 4th grade Resource and Inclusion here at Blazier Intermediate. This is my first year being a Blue Jay, and my 6th year of teaching overall!
I grew up in Round Rock, Texas, and graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the College of Education. I am passionate about providing inclusive education, and creating equitable opportunities for all students. I strive to be a culturally responsive teacher, and a lifelong learner. Every child deserves a cheerleader who is dedicated to allowing them to shine in their own unique way, which is why I’m here! I am very grateful to be a part of the community at Blazier.
When I am not at school I enjoy spending time in nature… hiking, swimming, biking, camping, backpacking, all the things! I am currently studying to be an herbalist, and have a Trauma-Informed Yoga and Meditation Teacher certification. Traveling is where I feel most at home - ask me about my adventures! You can always find me singing, dancing, reading, and snuggling with my two cats Weasley and Granger.
I look forward to learning and growing with you this year!
Meet Ms. Cardona
My name is Sarah Cardona and this is my 11th year in education but first at Blazier.
I am so excited to be a part of this community this year as a special education teacher and can't wait to get this year started. I have a Masters of Science in Sports Management from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from St. Edward's University.
I am the proud mom of a soon to be two year old and love sports! #GoBirds!
Meet Ms. Foster
Firstly, I am a proud 7 th generation Texan and native Austinite. I have had the invaluable opportunity to work with Austin ISD since 2017 as a Substitute Teacher, Teacher Assistant, and finally, in my current role as a Special Education Teacher. Prior to
obtaining my certification in Special Education, I attended the University of Texas at Austin where I studied History, Anthropology, and Indigenous American Studies.
My dream to attend UT Austin began while I was serving in the U.S. Air Force. From 2009 to 2016, I served as an Aerospace Medical Technician and Staff Sergeant before being given an Honorable Discharge to complete my education and transition back into civilian life. While I did not start my path expecting to become a teacher, I quickly found my niche and fell in love with helping young minds reach their highest level of potential and
self-confidence.
Austin ISD has not only shaped my own educational experiences and memories, but those of my parents and siblings as well, leaving me with a deep sense of belonging and duty to continue to serve this community that is so near to my heart and legacy.
Meet Ms. Cañete
With over 8 years of experience in education, Cristina Canete has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels across a variety of subjects, including Career and Technology Education. She currently supports and teaches 6th grade resource students at Blazier Elementary, where she is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment that helps all students grow and succeed.
Cristina is passionate about helping young learners develop confidence and essential life skills. Outside the classroom, she enjoys music and spending quality time with her family.
Meet Mr. Ramos
I am a Special Education Dual Language Teacher with over 25 years of experience in education. Throughout my career, I have served as a dual language teacher and administrator, earned two master’s degrees in Education, and obtained certifications in Dual Language and Special Education. I am currently working toward my CAP Certification to further strengthen my skills and knowledge.
Originally from Madrid, Spain, I am fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows me to connect with and support students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. My teaching philosophy is rooted in creating an inclusive, supportive, and academically challenging environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, playing sports, and making music. These passions bring balance to my life and inspire the creativity and cultural appreciation I bring into the classroom every day.
Meet Ms. Perez
Hola! My name is Alejandra Perez. I’m looking forward to my 2nd year at Blazier Intermediate. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and shortly after moved to Texas. This is my 7th year working in education and I’m super excited for another wonderful year!
Some of My Favorites :
Color- Green
Food- Mexican or Ethiopian
Fast Food- Chipotle or Culvers
Drink- Sparking Water (ie. La Croix)
Coffee- London Fog or Matcha Latte
Candy- spicy/sour mexican candy
Sports Team(s)- Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers
Hobbies- traveling, cooking, crafting, thrifting
Books- Three Body Problem, Dark Matter, Recursion
Contact information: alejandra.perez@austinisd.org
Meet Ms. Arredondo
Hello!
I'm Ms. Arredondo, and I'm thrilled to be starting my 18th year in education. I graduated from Texas A&M Corpus Christi with a degree in Kinesiology and a Minor in Special Education.
I am passionate about creating a fun and welcoming classroom where students feel safe and excited to learn. When I am not in the classroom, you can probably find me shopping, at a sporting event, trying to keep my plants alive, or looking for my keys!
Meet Ms. Martinez
Hi Blue Jays! My name is Alicia Martinez and I’m excited to join Blazier Intermediate as a Sped - SBS “Social Behavior Skills” Teacher 😊 This will be my 5th year in Education all in Special Education. I love working with students while creating a safe and inclusive environment where they can learn, grow, and feel respected.
I come from a big family and in our free time we enjoy playing volleyball, kickball, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and Tx Longhorns “Hook ‘Em”
I look forward to an adventurous school year filled with great learning experiences and new memories with our students. Let’s Go Blue Jays!!
Meet Ms. Freeman
Hi there! I’m Ms. Iris, and I’m so excited to be your child’s Speech Therapist this year. This is my 4th year at Blazier and 8th year practicing as a clinician.
This year I will be supporting Blazier speech students in grades 4-6. I am incredibly passionate about educational equity and ensuring every student has a voice!
When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me swimming at Barton Springs, thrifting, or enjoying live music on a patio somewhere.