We wouldn’t be able to do the work we do without our creative and talented team. They make our mission possible.
Executive Director
She/Her/Hers
Cathy joined APIE in 2012 and is an experienced teacher, campus administrator & assistant superintendent. With a Ph.D. in educational administration through UT’s Cooperative Superintendency Program, she is a true Longhorn. Cathy has 2 children and enjoys running & cycling. Being a Math Classroom Coach is her weekly highlight.
Program Director
She/Her/Hers
Isadora joined APIE in 2023 and is a former academic dean, director of middle school, and teacher. Formerly a crime journalist, Isadora switched careers to become an educator and earned her M.Ed. in Education Administration in 2015. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, she loves Mexican food, the beach, and walking with her husband and son.
Finance/HR Director
She/Her/Hers
Barbette, who has an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and many years experience in nonprofit financial and administrative management, joined the APIE finance team in 2011. Barbette is a long-time fan of Longhorn football, Ballet Austin, and Broadway shows.
Development Director
Wendi joined APIE in 2016 with extensive nonprofit development experience in education and an MBA from George Washington University. Originally from Washington, DC, she enjoys the outdoors, food, travel, and her miniature dachshunds.
College Readiness Advocate
She/Her/Hers
Elena joined APIE in 2024 as a College Readiness Advocate. She graduated from Texas State University in December 2023 with a double major in Psychology and Social Work. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games such as Animal Crossing and Mario Kart with her friends. Elena is an avid reader and loves exploring new coffee shops to fuel adventures both on and off the screen.
MATH CLASSROOM COACHING MANAGER
Development Coordinator
He/Him/His
Joe joined APIE in 2018 as a member of the Americorps VISTA program. He earned his bachelor’s degree from from Williams College and has experience tutoring reading at multiple AISD schools. Joe enjoys learning new languages, going to shows, Austin FC, and volunteering weekly as an APIE Math Classroom Coach.
SALESFORCE SPECIALIST
He/Him/His
Chris joined APIE in 2017 and is responsible for the configuration, support, and improvement of our Salesforce database. He enjoys spending time reading, cooking, hiking, and hanging out with his kids.
Finance/HR Manager
They/She/Hers
Melina joined APIE in 2023. She earned her MBA at Texas Woman’s University and is an AmeriCorps VISTA alum. She has a passion for working in nonprofit and volunteering. Melina enjoys crocheting, playing tennis, and taking care of her plants.
College Readiness Advocate
She/Her/Hers
Danna joined APIE in 2023 as a College Readiness Advocate. After gaining a BA in Political Science from Simmons University in Boston, MA, she became a TFA 2019 Corps Member from the Rio Grande Valley where she taught AP Government and AP Microeconomics. She transitioned to Austin and taught AP Government, AP Microeconomics, and Personal Financial Literacy. She is passionate about expanding accessibility and granting the opportunity for students to reach their full potential.
Lead Advocate
She/Her/Hers
Luz loves finding new ways to let her creativity flow, whether it’s through sewing, makeup, or nail art! On days when she is happy to turn her brain off, watching “The Devil Wears Prada” with her cat is the way to go.
Lead Advocate
She/Her/Hers
Michele graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and worked as a middle school educator in AISD for 26 years before joining APIE in 2022 as a GEAR UP Advocate. Her husband is also a teacher and they have two sons. She enjoys reading, crocheting, and travel, and rooting for the Longhorns.
School Connections Manager
She/Her/Hers
Wen joined APIE in 2022 after working several years in prevention programs to serve AISD middle and high school students. She believes all students deserve access to quality wrap-around supports so that they may thrive. During her free time, Wen likes to hang out with her nieces and nephews, watch comedy, and cook vegetarian Vietnamese food.
college readiness Advocate
They/Them/Theirs
Aaron Barba is a hardworking, ambitious individual. Their background is just as diverse as their mindset and resources. Specializing in SEL and case management, Aaron utilizes these skills to discover the best ways to support our students and staff while creating new avenues for growth and creativity. When they aren’t serving our cohorts, they can be found all over the city of Austin running operations for their nonprofit called Love is Human, performing with their band called United Love, and working towards professional development certifications via ACC, NYU, and other higher education institutions.
Lead Advocate
She/Her/Hers
Lexy joined APIE in 2022 as a GEAR UP Advocate with experience working as a Preschool teacher, and as an Elementary and Middle camp counselor. She’s a Texas State Alumnus with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology. In Lexy’s own words: “My passion is meeting people where they’re at and helping them reach their unique goals!” In her free time, you can find Lexy outdoors with her pup.
Fundraising and Events Manager
she/Her/Hers
Rebekah joined APIE in 2024 as the Fundraising and Event Manager. Rebekah has her BS in Accounting from Portland State University. She recently moved to Austin from Portland, Oregon, where she was the Development Director for a free community medical clinic. Rebekah enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 daughters, traveling, reading, and running.
Want to be part of an energetic team committed to changing lives through education? If you’re passionate about supporting students and helping them succeed, we want to hear from you. Apply with us today!
P.O. Box 17402 Austin, TX 78760
P: 512-637-0900 | F: 512-414-3116
Austin Partners in Education will be closed beginning Friday, December 20 and ending Friday, January 3. We will return to normal business hours on Monday, January 6. All correspondance will receive a reply upon our return. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Happy Holidays!
Austin Partners in Education cerrará comenzando el viernes 22 de diciembre y hasta el viernes 5 de enero. Volveremos al horario comercial normal el lunes 8 de enero. Todos los correos electrónicos, llamadas telefónicas y solicitudes de verificación de antecedentes de voluntarios se completarán a nuestro regreso. Gracias por su paciencia y comprensión. ¡Felices Fiestas!