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
Hello and welcome BlueJays! I am excited to be back in Texas, where my teaching career started over a decade ago at Bedichek Middle School. Since then, I have gained teaching experience in Arizona and Georgia. This year is very special for me because I get to attend school with my own BlueJay and see his excitement for school each day.
When I’m not working, I enjoy family time, crossfit, coffee and shopping. I have 2 sons, Derek and Manu and a Goldendoddle named Paloma. Manu is a soaring BlueJay and Derek plays baseball for USCA. I look forward to a wonderful year at Blazier.
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. "Kat" Landgrebe
I am Katherine "Ms.Kat" Landgrebe. I have been working within Special Education for AISD for over 3 years now. I love getting to be a teacher because I get to empower my students, their families, and other educators by providing them with encouragement and an alternate perspective.
I believe that every single individual is capable of achieving wonderful things when it comes to learning, some just need additional tools and time.
We have an amazing school year ahead of us!
Meet Ms. Laible
Hello! My name is Ms.Laible, and I am delighted to be part of the Blazier Elementary team as a Special Education Teacher. I was born and raised just North of Chicago where I earned my degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language from DePaul University in Lincoln Park. From a young age, I knew teaching was my true calling, and I’m excited to bring that passion to my work every day.
As a life-long learner, I am always eager to expand my knowledge and share that enthusiasm with my students. My interests include reading non-fiction books, watching documentaries, drawing, listening to music, and enjoying the outdoors. Each of these interests enriches my teaching and helps me stay engaged and inspired.
Teaching is my greatest joy and what truly makes me happiest! I am deeply committed to helping students grow and succeed, and I firmly believe that every child has the potential to achieve greatness. I am passionate about equitable education and strive to create an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
I am looking forward to another fantastic year at Blazier, working with our incredible students and contributing to their educational journey. Here’s to a year full of growth, discovery, and achievement! GO BLUE JAYS!
Meet Ms. Dennis
My name is Angelique Dennis and this will be my 27th 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.
These are a few of my favorite things:
- Colors: Green & Purple
- Books: memoirs, early childhood literature
- Foods: Breakfast tacos, peanut butter, cookies
- Subject in school as a child: Reading!
- Candy: M&Ms, Skittles, Toffee
- Shopping: Home Goods, Nordstrom
Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/27NCM6CE57J8U?ref_=wl_share
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
