The Rise School of Houston
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Teachers

Saveem Afraz
Teacher

Pennsylvania State University, M.Ed in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis.  Experience includes teaching in Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities as well as developing and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans.

Olivia Espinosa
Teacher

Texas Christian University, M.S. B.S. Early Childhood/Special Education. Experience includes teaching in a Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities as well as Prekindergarten inclusion. Joined Rise in 2015.

​Holly Hoffman
​Teacher

University of Houston. B.A. in Communication Science Disorders and Psychology. Pursuing M.Ed Special Populations. Previous experience with working with children and adults with specials needs in a variety of settings. Joined Rise in 2019.

Erica Kelley
Teacher

University of Houston, M.Ed. Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Special Education.
Experience includes teaching in early education programs as well as at the university level. Joined Rise in 2010.

​
Dulce Ladner
Teacher

University of Houston-Clear Lake currently working on her Master of Science in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Young Children with Disabilities.  Joined The Rise School of Houston in 2018.
Tiffany Maldonado
Teacher

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Liberty University.  Tiffany  is pursuing  her Graduate degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Young Children with Disabilities.  Joined The Rise School of Houston in 2012.
​

Stacey Spaans Micheli

Teacher

Texas  A & M University BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus Special Education.  Pursuing her M.Ed in Special Education.   Teaching experience in both special education classroom settings and Early Childhood classroom settings in Coppell I.S.D.  Previously work at Camp Barnebas in Springfield   Missouri.

Margaret Reith-Herrera
​Teacher

University of Heidelberg, M.S. B.S. Education, Experience includes teaching Montessori as well as teaching preschool children with special needs in the public school setting. Joined Rise in 2011. 

Menomanee Smith

Teacher

Texas Southern University, BA Psychology and University of Phoenix, M.Ed Early Childhood/Special Education. Joined Rise in 2005. 


Candice Trotter
​Teacher

Steven F. Austin University, B.S. in Child Development. University of Texas at Dallas, M.S. in Early Childhood Disorders. Experience includes Early Intervention Specialist in Houston. Joined Rise in 2017.







Therapists

Emily Berman
Physical Therapist
​Texas Children’s Hospital

Doctorate of PT from University of Texas Medical Branch, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, MPT and BS HealthCare Science; University of Texas at Austin, BA Psychology in 1999.  Certified in Pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment, Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner, American Heart Association CPR Instructor and holds a National Child Passenger Safety Certification.  Experience working in outpatient, home health, acute, critical care and the aquatic setting as a physical therapist.  On staff at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) and contracted by Rise from TCH to work with Rise students. Joined TCH in 2003 and Rise team in 2007.

Veronica Butler
​Music Therapist

Walden University, Master of Science in Education K-12/Curriculum Instruction & Assessment. Sam Houston State University, B.A. Music Therapy.  Board Certified Music Therapist and carries the NMT and Fellow certification from the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy. Veronica is a Licensed Massage Therapist/Certified Infant Massage Instructor and has taught Kindermusik and Music Together. Clinical Training Director of American Music Therapy Association and participates in mentorship programs with NYU and CCISD, HSID. Joined Rise in 2000.


Tamara Freeman
Occupational Therapist
​Texas Children’s Hospital

Lousiana State University Health Sciences Center, Masters of Occupational Therapy. She has worked as an occupational therapist for 12 years and worked for Texas Children's Hospital at the outpatient clinic and Down Syndrome Clinic for the past 3 years. Joined Rise in 2017.

Jana Post
Language/Assessment Specialist
Lamar University, MS Early Language Studies and Deaf Education and M.Ed. School Counseling; Baylor University, BS Early Childhood Development and Interdisciplinary Studies. Previous experience as teacher, educational coordinator, and language therapist. Joined Rise in 2010.

Meredith Daly
Speech and Language Therapist
Texas Children's Hospital

Received her MA from The University of Houston in Communication Disorders. Meredith was a graduate extern student at Rise in 2019.  She has experiences with autistic populations and with other neurological and developmental differences. We are so happy to have Ms Meredith back at Rise
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​The Rise School of Houston
5618 H. Mark Crosswell, Jr. Street
Houston, TX 77021
713-532-7473

© 2016 All Rights Reserved
The Rise School of Houston is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
  • Home
    • Need for Rise
  • ABOUT RISE
    • Our Team >
      • Board of Directors
      • Administrative Staff
      • Teachers and Therapists
      • Supported Employment
    • Mission and Vision
    • Philosophy and Goals
    • Facility
    • Accreditation and Affiliations
    • Rise History
    • Annual Report
  • Program
    • Curriculum Model >
      • 3Ls
      • Loose Parts
      • STEAM
      • Music
    • Benefits of Inclusion
    • Student Stories
  • Events
    • Heart & Sole
    • Rise, Shine & Shoot
    • Gifts from the Heart
    • John H. Duncan Invitational
  • Ways to Give
    • Volunteer
    • Back to School Campaign
    • Make a General Donation
    • Fund for Faculty
    • Heritage Society
    • Endowment Fund
    • Planned Giving
    • Transfer Stock
    • In-Kind Support
    • Facility Dog
  • Tours and Admissions
  • Parent Portal
    • School Calendar
    • Family Handbook
    • Covid-19 Addendum
    • Online Resources
    • Current Families >
      • Parent Forms
  • Contact Us
  • #GIVINGTUESDAY
  • The Luke Thomas White Memorial Scholarship Fund