Staff

Joan P. David - Director
Joan P. David brings over 21 years in special education and administration to the Rise School of Austin.  Her experiences range from teaching students from early childhood through the secondary level, conducting educational and psychological evaluations, and overseeing the development of a special education program in South Central Texas.

Ms. David earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish at William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri and holds a Master’s degree in School Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.  Most recently, Ms. David completed her Principal’s certification through the Cohort of Leadership Associates at Education Service Center, Region 20, in San Antonio, Texas, with a focus on parent involvement and early childhood intervention.  She has provided training to staff in differentiating instruction for ways to meet individual needs, as well as training in inclusion within the public school setting. 

Barbara Weiss – Executive Assistant/Event Coordinator
Barbara earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Texas in 1990.  Her background includes 20 years in Human Resources and 10 years in fundraising and event coordinating.  For three years, she served on the Board of Directors for the Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin.  

Leslie Powers – Development Director
Leslie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication at Texas Christian University in 2003, completing a double major in Advertisting/Public Relations and Theatre.  She comes to Rise Austin with nearly four years of experience in Development at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.