Meet the Dallas ISD Central Personalized Learning Team
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Kristen Watkins
Executive Director, Personalized Learning and Innovation Sustainability Kristen leads all district efforts to move towards scale, sustainability, and fidelity of implementation of PL districtwide. In addition to PL, she directs opportunities to spark and sustain innovation districtwide through programming and fellowships. Kristen began her teaching career in 2009 as a middle school language arts, reading, and AVID teacher and was nationally recognized for her success in the classroom. When she's not working, there's a good chance you'll find her running, cheering on the Kansas Jayhawks, or traveling to visit family and friends. krwatkins@dallasisd.org |
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Lily Ruble
Director, Personalized Learning Lily is the Director of Personalized Learning in the Dallas Independent School District. She primarily focuses on coaching and developing school leaders and instructional coaches to support teachers moving towards personalized learning. Lily began her career in education in 2012 as an elementary teacher. Through her roles in the classroom and serving as an instructional coach at the campus and district level, she developed a passion for innovation and empowering all learners to find ownership in the classroom. Her son, Anson, husband Chase, and dog Huckleberry keep Lily entertained when she’s not at work. lruble@dallasisd.org |
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Vanessa Rodriguez Manager, Big Ideas Programming Vanessa began her educational career in 2006 teaching and coaching at the middle school level. From 2015-2021, she served as Personalized Learning Coordinator, supporting schools through implementation of personalized learning and led the Innovation in Teaching Fellowship. As the Manager of Big Ideas Programming, Vanessa leads efforts to increase opportunities for students and staff to develop their entrepreneurial skills through Big Pitch competitions and programming. When she’s not working, you can find her cheering on her favorite sports team, traveling to visit family and friends near and far, or relaxing on a warm, sunny beach. vanrodriguez@dallasisd.org |
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Brittny Fillmore
Coordinator, Personalized Learning Brittny comes from a long lineage of educators and began her own education career in 2007. At the elementary level, Brittny has taught numerous grade levels and supported teacher growth as an Instructional Coach. Brittny holds a BS in Education and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. Currently, she serves as a Personalized Learning Coordinator for Dallas ISD, supporting schools as they implement personalized learning. She is passionate about creating diverse and inclusive learning environments where all students are given opportunities to thrive. When she’s not working, Brittny can be found gallivanting across DFW with her husband Jerry and their son, Braylen. bfillmore@dallasisd.org |
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Nicolette Luna
Coordinator, Personalized Learning Nicolette began her education career in 2012 in Southwest Louisiana. Through various roles at the campus level, she developed a passion for ensuring education is equitable for all scholars. Currently, she serves as a Personalized Learning Coordinator for Dallas ISD, supporting schools as they implement personalized learning. When she’s not working, Nicolette enjoys spending time with family & friends, being with her dog Milo, working out, cheering on her favorite sports team, and traveling. niluna@dallasisd.org |
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Mary Nunley
Coordinator, Design Thinking As the Design Thinking Coordinator, Mary leads the iDesign Central Fellowship- an experience for central staff leaders to learn how to use the design thinking process to activate a hack mindset to transform team and work culture. Mary began her career in education in 2012 as a secondary mathematics teacher and has experience in both traditional-public and public-charter high schools. Most recently, Mary was the lead teacher at CityLab High School where she designed innovative learning experiences for students using project-based curriculum through personalized learning models. Mary is a continuous learner who takes every opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills. She is passionate about supporting others and loves brainstorming to help determine potential solutions for challenges. When she is not working, Mary loves spending time with her dogs, trying to keep her houseplants alive, and socializing with family and friends. mnunley@dallasisd.org |
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Michael Strange
Coordinator, Personalized Learning Mike was born and raised in Arlington, Texas, where he was first in his family to go to college, attending Dallas Baptist University. Since 2003, he taught middle school and high school science, as well as coached soccer. Mike returned to Dallas ISD in the administration role a few years ago to help teachers leverage technology for a more student-centered approach. Outside of work, Mike finds himself chauffeuring his two kiddos around the metroplex and finishing projects at the house with his wife, Erin. mistrange@dallasisd.org |
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