Teachers

Yolanda Cuellar

Yolanda Cuellar has more than 20 years of experience teaching prekindergarten, first, and second-grade students in DISD. She is enthusiastic about the upcoming school year and is dedicated to supporting her students. Ms. Cuellar is passionate about ensuring all students gain the fundamental skills to help them achieve their academic and SEL goals. She uses interactive strategies to engage all learners and understands how to meet their learning needs.

Favorite Quote: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” - Mother Teresa 

Cynthia Acosta

Ms. Acosta is a dedicated and passionate educator based in Dallas, Texas. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and is currently pursuing her Master's degree. Ms. Acosta teaches Pre-K and is committed to creating a warm and welcoming classroom environment where every student feels valued and supported. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and watching documentaries in her free time. Ms. Acosta is excited to share her love of learning and to foster a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere for her students.

Favorite Quote: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane Goodal

Carmen Sanchez 

Cinthia Meraz 

Cinthia Meraz Pantoja obtained a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at El Paso. Ms. Meraz is grateful to be a part of Personalized Learning Preparatory at Sam Houston, as she is passionate about helping students develop their strengths and growth mindset in a meaningful and creative way that caters to their specific needs, skills, and interests. She is thrilled to welcome her new students for the upcoming school year.

Favorite Quote: "A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers"-Hellen Keller 

Emily Prieto

Emily Prieto is a native of Louisiana and a 2018 graduate of Louisiana State University (GEAUX TIGERS), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a certificate in Early Childhood Education. After relocating to Texas, she received additional certifications in Early Childhood through 6th grade (EC-6) and English as a Second Language (ESL). Ms. Prieto has continued her professional development by taking numerous courses through Texas Tech University.

She was a competitive swimmer as a child and has since coached multiple swim teams for various age groups and skill levels. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, swimming, and reading.

Ms. Prieto has been with PL Prep for seven years, teaching first, second, third, and fourth grades. She believes in fostering a safe classroom environment that motivates students and helps them feel successful in their learning. Ms. Prieto is eager to continue building strong relationships with her students and supporting their growth as lifelong learners.

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” -Margaret Mead

Dr. Alice Juarez

Dr. Alice Juarez is the first-grade dual language teacher for this year. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Cornell College and a Medical Doctorate from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. She enjoys spontaneous road trips and exploring the local Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area with her family, often creating joyful memories at places like Six Flags or the Dallas Zoo. Dr. Juarez is passionate about creating vibrant and engaging spaces for young learners. She is dedicated to building a supportive classroom community where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world for the better." - Marian Wright Edelman

Michaela Larry

Michaela Larry is a second-grade math teacher at PL Prep. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (EC-6) from Texas Tech University and is beginning her third year of teaching. Ms. Larry is dedicated to building strong connections with her students and fostering their independence so they can advocate for themselves and their learning.

She prioritizes equity in her classroom and believes that creating a fun and engaging learning environment is essential for addressing her students' individual academic, social, and emotional needs. In addition to her teaching role, Ms. Larry sponsors PL Prep’s Gardening Club and Robotics team. She enjoys reading fantasy and mystery books, baking, and playing board games in her free time.

“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching kids what counts is best.” — Bob Talbert

Arturo Martinez

Mr. Martinez is a passionate and dedicated elementary school teacher with over 9 years of experience in shaping young minds. He specializes in creating a fun, engaging, and supportive classroom environment where each student feels valued and encouraged to learn. Mr. Martinez holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas and a Graduate Certificate in Personalized Learning Methods from Texas Tech University.

His teaching philosophy is centered around fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning. She believes in using a variety of teaching methods, including hands-on activities, group projects, and interactive lessons, to meet the diverse needs of her students. 

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Martinez enjoys spending time with his family. 

Favorite Quote: “I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” – Albert Einstein 

Dominique Ibe

Mrs. Ibe is an experienced early learning educator in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station and taught 5th grade at PL Prep for three years. Additionally, she has experience teaching pre-K during her time in San Antonio. 

Mrs. Ibe holds several certifications, including EC-6 Generalist, 4-8 Math/Science, EC-12 Health, and ESL. She is passionate about teaching and personalizing instruction for all learners and enjoys working with students of varying ages. She aims to help students build self-confidence and a love for learning through self-reflection, positive dialogue, and teamwork. 

Mrs. Ibe looks forward to contributing to the growth of the PL Prep community!

Favorite Quote: “Be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” ~ Paul

Pamela Vargas

Crystan Barnes

Mrs. Barnes is originally from Chicago but moved to Texas during her teenage years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark Atlanta University. As a child, she was a competitive cheerleader and has since coached cheerleaders at the elementary level. She enjoys reading, dining, shopping, and spending time with her family. She recently discovered a new passion for archery and looks forward to sharing it with her students.

This year marks her tenth year teaching in Dallas ISD and her third year as part of the PL Prep Family. Mrs. Barnes is excited to continue fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment while motivating her students to take charge of their learning.

Favorite Quote: “You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.” —Maya Angelou

Norma Cavazos

Merced Fletcher

Mrs. Fletcher holds a degree in Political Science with a minor in Education from the University of Florida. After moving to Texas, she earned teaching certifications in Special Education (SPED) and Early Childhood through 6th grade (EC-6) through Texas Teachers of America. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas Tech University.

Mrs. Fletcher has been with PL Prep for seven years, teaching kindergarten and 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. She values her experience at a PL campus because it allows students to take ownership of their learning and thrive in an environment tailored to their needs. In her free time, Merced enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their two Goldendoodles.

.Favorite Quote: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore: “Harry Potter”

Diana Molina

Ms. Molina holds a degree in Childhood Education and Educational Psychology and a Master's in Teaching Languages in Multilingual Contexts. She has been working as a bilingual teacher in Texas for the past ten years and lives with her husband and two children attending schools in Dallas ISD. Ms. Molina is a dedicated educator who firmly believes that every child has the potential to succeed with the right guidance. Her main objective is to cultivate a lifelong passion for learning in her students and positively influence their lives. She is excited to work in a learning environment that aims to help students develop confidence, perseverance, and a strong foundation for academic and personal growth—all while having fun.

Favorite Quote: “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” J.R.R. Tolkien

Winnie Osagie Hanson

Thai Blyden

Thai Blyden earned a BA in Psychology and Child Development from California State University, San Bernardino. She obtained her teaching credential from the University of Redlands in 2011. Thai taught in California and Florida before relocating to Texas in December 2019. She firmly believes that every student deserves a quality education and that students learn best when they are highly engaged through 21st-century technological tools and a standards-based curriculum.

Thai serves as the TAG (Talented and Gifted) teacher at PL Prep. She aims to provide an educational experience that empowers competent students to create, collaborate, communicate, and think creatively alongside their intellectual peers. She is dedicated to engaging and challenging students to prepare them for college and career readiness through a student-centered, personalized, project-based learning program. This approach helps students develop the 21st-century skills necessary to tackle today's and tomorrow's challenges, ultimately turning them into successful lifelong learners.

Favorite Quote: The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. Confucius

Mbemba "Coach" Nseka

Serge Nseka, also known as Coach, is a Physical Education teacher at PL Prep. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Arlington and is entering his seventh year of teaching here. Coach is passionate about helping young students discover the joys and benefits of physical activity. He is dedicated to nurturing strong, healthy bodies, creating unforgettable moments of fun, and fostering teamwork, all to ensure that his students maintain a long, active lifestyle.

In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Coach Nseka also coaches the 3rd-5th grade Chess, Esports, and Soccer teams. He is always seeking new ways to engage students in the wide range of activities offered by DISD. Coach looks forward to connecting with your child and encouraging their love for exercise!

Favorite quote:  “Discover the Joy which is in the Journey” ~B.H. Crowson

Carla Renteria

Ms. Renteria is proud to serve as the art teacher at PL Prep. She holds a Master’s degree in Art from SOAS, University of London, where she specialized in Sustainability and Material Culture. 

Passionate about environmental awareness, Ms. Renteria believes that artful upcycling can inspire meaningful change and support climate action. She is committed to fostering creativity and compassion in her students, encouraging them to be kind to their mind, body, and planet. She views art as a transformative tool to build self-confidence, nurture connections, and promote positive change. 

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Renteria shares her passion with the community by leading upcycling art workshops to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and inspire collective efforts to heal our Earth. She truly believes that art has the power to transform the world for the better and empower the next generation to create a brighter future. 

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela