How We Can Help > Chapel Hill Academy Charter School > About CHA > Faculty > First Grade

First Grade

Kristen Knott
Bachelor of Science       
kknott@lenapopehome.org
817-289-0242

Ms. Knott graduated from Abilene Christian University with honors. She has a Bachelor's degree in Education and is certified EC-4th and ESL. Ms. Knott taught 2nd grade ESL in China last year.  This is Ms. Knott's first year with Chapel Hill Academy.  She loves teaching and is dedicated to the education of young children.

Shania D. Hence
Bachelor of Science
shence@lenapopehome.org
Room 111
817-289-0242

Ms. Hence is an Honor Graduate of  the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She is certified in Early Childhood Education in Arkansas and EC-4th and ESL in Texas.  Ms. Hence serves as the lead First grade teacher at CHA.  Mrs. Hence's prior experiences in working as a teacher have enabled her to implement a structured, well-organized and academically productive classroom environment.  This is Ms. Hence’s first year at Chapel Hill Academy.  Her prior experience includes teaching Pre-Kindergarten and 1st grade for three years in Arkansas and working as a tutor for Sylvan Learning Center. 

Dottie Cruz
Master of Education
dcruz@lenapopehome.org
Room109
817-289-0242

Mrs. Cruz graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Social Work and her Master's degree in Education from Texas Christian University.  She was the founder and director of a Montessori preschool for five years in the Ryan Place Neighborhood.  She also worked for Bright Horizons client center in Seattle, Washington for two years.  This is her second year working at Chapel Hill Acadey teaching 1st grade.  Ms. Cruz also worked for All Church Home as a home parent for several years and has been a Site Supervisor for Clayton Childcare at Trinity Valley School and the Child Study Center. 

 

Ryan J. Shephard
Bachelor of Science
rshephard@lenapopehome.org
Room110
817-289-0242

Mr. Shephard began working for Lena Pope Home as a Behavior Interventionist at Insights Elementary two years ago.  This is his first year teaching at Chapel Hill Academy.  Prior to his employment with Lena Pope Home, Mr. Shephard worked as a youth care worker at United Methodist Youthville in Newton, Kansas.  He received his Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Bethel College.

 

First Grade Instructional Assistant

 

Mr. Washington is an instructional assistant for First grade.  He has been employed with Lena Pope Home for one year. Prior to coming to CHA, Mr. Washington was a Behavior Interventionist in the JJAEP program at Lena Pope Home.    Mr. Washington has over five years experience working with children ages 3-18.  Prior to employment with Lena Pope Home, Mr. Washington worked at one of Fort Worth’s largest mega ministry churches as a full time Youth Minister.  While working as full time Youth Pastor Mr. Washington was responsible for overseeing the Youth Christian Education Program as well as the church’s entire youth department.  Mr. Washington attends TCC and is currently working on obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.