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MEET OUR STAFF

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Connect. Guide. Empower.

We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team of teachers and staff. Our diverse team is made up of teachers with a wide range of backgrounds and experience. Every one of our teachers is passionate about helping our students reach their full potential.

 

Our teachers are experienced in helping those with learning differences and use a compassionate, caring and creative approach to teaching. We also have a strong support staff that provides additional resources and guidance to our students and families. Our team of professionals is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment for our students.

 

We are dedicated to helping our students grow and reach their goals.

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Executive Director

Monica Howard

Monica has been married for over 22 years to the love of her life, Trevor, and together they have 6 children along with 4 grandchildren. Her family serves together on the worship team at a vibrant and growing church where Monica leads as the Director of Worship. Above all, Monica loves Jesus and has committed to keep Him at the center of her life, family, and work.​

Monica has owned and operated several small businesses and was called out of her corporate career of 17 years, where she was the Vice President of Customer Success for a prominent project management software company, to become the Executive Director of Foundations Christian Academy (FCA). She possesses tremendous skills in strategic planning and relationship building resulting in substantial revenue growth.  Monica has a proven reputation as a driven, creative, outcome focused leader that specializes in hiring the best people, growing leaders, leveraging technology to increase efficiency, building lasting relationships based on trust, and creating sticky teams. She is committed to using these skills to help bring visibility and resources to the children and families of FCA.  

Monica attended Texas A&M University and is trained in Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). She has raised two children with learning differences and believes all children, no matter their ability or socioeconomic status deserve to be respected, included and receive a high-quality, kingdom education.

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Principal

Frances Sandoval

Ms. Frances Sandoval a graduate of University of Clear Lake brings with her 28 years of Special Education teaching experience from the Clear Creek Independent and Big Sandy Independent school districts. She has vast experience developing children from all backgrounds, including ADHD, ODD, ED, and ASD. Ms. Sandoval carries her teaching certification in the State of Texas and is a CPI certified trainer, as well as certified in Applied Behavior Analysis. Ms. Sandoval is 2 years into her MS program for Administration.
Ms. Sandoval retired from teaching in May, 2023 and moved back to Pearland to be with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, ages 3 and 6. She loves Jesus and leads praise and worship at her church. For Ms. Sandoval, Christ is the center of her life and is first in all she does. She believes the Holy Spirit is her best friend and God has called her to mother the next generation for his Kingdom.

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Executive Administrative Assistant, Music

Angela Chavez

Mrs. Angela Chavez is a devoted follower of Jesus, known for her gentle spirit and genuine love for people. She is married to her best friend, Manuel, who has been her greatest support and companion in both life and ministry. Mrs. Houchin’s heart for the Lord is woven into everything she does, whether she’s teaching, serving, or worshipping.

Mrs. Houchin holds a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies from Calvary Chapel Bible College, a foundation that has deepened her love for Scripture and equipped her with the knowledge to support and minister to others. Her time as the Children's Ministry Director at Calvary Chapel of the Coastlands provided her with valuable experience, not only in leading children but also in navigating the administrative side of ministry with wisdom and grace.

Worship is at the core of Mrs. Houchin’s life, and she expresses this passion through teaching music and leading worship, where her heartfelt devotion to Jesus shines through. Her love for music goes beyond instruction; it’s an opportunity to draw others closer to God.

Mrs. Houchin’s role at Foundations Christian Academy is more than a job—it’s a calling. Whether she’s supporting students in the classroom as a substitute teacher or managing administrative tasks, she approaches each responsibility with a heart of service. She is deeply committed to creating a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where students can thrive both spiritually and academically.

Her life is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to the Lord, her family, and the community she serves. Mrs. Houchin believes in the power of grace, patience, and love in transforming lives and is dedicated to embodying those values in every interaction.

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1st & 2nd Grade

Carlita Brown

Mrs. Brown brings 20 years of experience in early childhood education to her role as the teacher of the 1st and 2nd grade class at Foundations Christian Academy, where she has served for 5 years. Possessing a degree in Early Childhood Education along with CPR and TBRI certifications, Mrs. Brown is proficient in administering the Iowa Standardized Test and implementing the Abeka Curriculum. She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and enriching learning environment. Outside of work, Mrs. Brown prioritizes her family and is guided by faith, having been married for over 15 years and being a proud parent of two children. The school is delighted to have her expertise and dedication as part of its faculty.

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2nd Grade

Heidi Dyer

Mrs. Dyer is a certified educator with over 14 years of dedicated experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. She holds degrees in Christian Counseling and Special Education from Liberty University and the University of Texas, graduating with honors. Her certifications include EC-6 Generalist, EC-12 Special Education, and 30 hours of Gifted and Talented training.

Mrs. Dyer’s expertise lies in designing and implementing individualized education plans within functional and therapeutic classroom environments. She has received specialized training in autism, non-verbal communication strategies, assistive technology, and speech supports. Her collaborative approach has led to successful partnerships with physical and occupational therapists, particularly in sensory integration and motor lab activities tailored to students with developmental and learning differences.

Known for her compassion, adaptability, and trauma-informed approach, Mrs. Dyer creates structured, nurturing spaces where children feel safe, valued, and capable of growth. She is CPR certified and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Apologetics and Culture, further reflecting her commitment to both faith and education.

Outside the classroom, she actively serves her church and local community through prison ministry, homeless outreach, and mission work. She and her husband Doug cherish their roles as parents and grandparents and love spending time with their family.

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3rd Grade

Melissa Booker

Melissa Booker has spent her 25-year professional teaching career building educational foundations for neurotypical and neurodiverse children.  Mrs. Booker loves the Lord and infuses the Word of God into the lives of the children God brings into her care. She is committed to building strong relationships and believes every child has unique and special gifts that God has called her to help develop.  She carries a Level III certification in P.I.S.D., a Level 3 certification as a Christian Mental Health Coach, C.P.I. certification in De-Escalation, T.B.R.I. certification, International Baccalaureate certification for Primary Years, and PECS certification.

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4th Grade

Jenny Little

Jenny Little is an experienced educator with over 15 years of teaching in K-10 classrooms. For the past 6 years, she has focused on supporting students with autism, ADHD, and learning differences, developing specialized strategies that cater to their unique needs. Jenny’s deep commitment to inclusive education is evident in her ability to create environments where all students can thrive academically and socially.

In addition to her teaching credentials, Mrs. Little holds a degree in nursing, which has further enhanced her understanding of the diverse needs of her students. Her nursing background equips her with a unique perspective on student well-being, allowing her to approach education with a holistic mindset.

As a “teacher’s teacher,” Mrs. Little is highly regarded for her mentorship and leadership among her peers. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, fostering a collaborative spirit, and continuously improving the educational experience for both students and teachers.

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5th Grade

Barbara Hollen

Barbara Hollen is a seasoned educator with more than 28 years of experience serving children from early childhood through eighth grade. Her passion and expertise lie in supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other learning differences, both in inclusive settings and specialized environments.

Barbara holds a Level 2 Certification through Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) and has served in multiple educational roles, including Physical Education teacher and Chapel Director. She has designed and led movement-based instruction for neurodiverse students, integrating sensory-informed practices to promote physical development and emotional regulation. Her instructional approach is rooted in evidence-based strategies tailored to support learners with varying cognitive and developmental profiles.

Her professional work is deeply informed by personal experience—Barbara is the mother of a son with ASD and learning disabilities. Walking alongside him in his educational journey has equipped her with unique insight into the needs of families navigating similar paths. This lived experience has enhanced her capacity to connect with students and parents alike, offering both empathy and skilled support.

In addition to her professional roles, Barbara is a wife of 35 years, a mother of three, and a proud grandmother to three beautiful granddaughters. Her family is a central part of her life and a source of inspiration in her work with children.

Barbara approaches her role as an educator with a profound sense of calling. She believes that every child is fearfully and wonderfully made, and she seeks daily guidance from the Holy Spirit as she nurtures, teaches, and advocates for children with learning differences.

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5th and 6th Grade

David Mitchell

Mr. Dave Mitchell is a devoted follower of Jesus and has been joyfully married to his wife, Pam, for 34 years. Together, they have raised three grown children and are the proud grandparents of eight—an experience that has further fueled his passion for Christ-centered education.

Mr. Mitchell holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University and a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling from the Master's School of Divinity. He has also completed doctoral coursework (ABD) in the Ed.D. program at Grand Canyon University.

Over the past 20 years, Mr. Mitchell has taught middle and high school students, served as Principal and Head Administrator, coached athletics, and co-managed a real estate investment business with his wife.

Mr. Mitchell believes in teaching the whole student—mind, body, and spirit—and is committed to helping each child discover their God-given strengths. He is excited to continue investing in the lives of students and partnering with families to help them thrive both academically and spiritually.

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7th and 8th Grade, Art 

Callan Summers

Mrs. Callan Summers, a proud alumna of Houston Christian University, holds a Master’s degree in Studio Art and has four years of experience teaching middle and high school students. Her teaching approach emphasizes fostering creativity and critical thinking skills, helping students navigate their academic and personal growth with confidence.

Mrs. Summers brings a deep passion for art education, using her expertise to inspire students to explore their creative potential and understand the beauty of God’s creation through artistic expression. Her commitment to nurturing each student's unique talents and abilities will be a valuable asset to the FCA community as she supports their growth both in and out of the classroom

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Paraprofessional

Alison Lawson

Ms. Alison Lawson is a dedicated paraprofessional with an Associate's Degree in Applied Science as a Radiographer from San Jacinto College. With seven years of experience, she has provided invaluable classroom support, including assistance with administrative tasks. Her greatest strength is her patience, which she uses to help students of all abilities learn and grow.

Ms. Lawson has a deep commitment to working with special needs children, understanding their unique needs, and helping them reach their full potential. Outside of her professional life, she's a proud wife and mother of three boys, providing unwavering support.

Her faith is central to her life as a devoted Christian who emulates the love and compassion of Jesus. Ms. Lawson believes in loving the unlovable and carries this principle into her personal and professional life. She is a dedicated mentor, role model, and a source of inspiration for her students and colleagues.

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Paraprofessional

Silvia Ball

Mrs. Silvia Ball brings over 20 years of dedicated experience as a paraprofessional, supporting individuals with learning differences and diverse abilities. Throughout her career, she has effectively managed group homes, developed and implemented personalized care plans, and led teams to uphold high standards of service. Mrs. Ball's exceptional leadership and compassionate approach have been instrumental in advocating for necessary services and ensuring that individuals receive the care and support they need. Her commitment to these values extends to her role in advocating for the needs of students, reflecting her deep understanding of and dedication to personalized care.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Ball is a supportive wife to a disabled veteran and a devoted caregiver to her mother, demonstrating her strong personal values and commitment to family. Her faith profoundly influences her approach to both her professional responsibilities and personal life, guiding her in providing empathetic care and effective leadership. Mrs. Ball's extensive experience and unwavering dedication make her a valuable asset in any role focused on enhancing the well-being and support of individuals with diverse needs.

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Paraprofessional

Hudson Holtzinger

Mr. Hudson Holtzinger serves as a paraprofessional at Foundations Christian Academy, providing daily classroom support and individualized assistance to students with a variety of learning needs. With a heart for ministry and a passion for helping students grow both academically and personally, Mr. Holtzinger plays an integral role in creating a positive, structured, and encouraging learning environment.

As part of FCA’s specialized support team, Mr. Holtzinger works alongside teachers and therapists to implement individualized strategies, classroom accommodations, and behavior supports. His calm demeanor, patience, and ability to build trusting relationships make him a valuable presence in both academic and social settings.

In addition to his paraprofessional role, Mr. Holtzinger shares his talents in computer skills and music, offering creative outlets for students to engage and develop new abilities. He brings over five years of communication training and ministry experience, which have equipped him to foster connection, promote confidence, and support students of all abilities.

Above all, Mr. Holtzinger is passionate about seeing each student thrive and views his role at FCA as an opportunity to live out his calling to serve others and reflect Christ’s love in action.

2600 Stanley Lane
El Lago, TX 77586

Office - 281.984.7588

Foundations Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. Each student is granted the same rights and privileges, allowing all the same opportunity to enlist in any program or activity, including educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, athletics, and other school administered programs.

Copyright © 2023 Foundations Christian Academy. All rights reserved.

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