2025 NEW STAFF
Libby Ashworth
Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher
Libby Ashworth earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Baylor University and her master’s degree from Texas Tech University. Her Action Research Project covered ability grouping within the classroom, and she received excellent reviews on her student teacher internship. Ms. Ashworth counts creating hands-on lesson plans and cultivating an engaging learning environment among her teaching strengths.
Cara Bruder
Reading Coordinator
Cara Bruder has been a teacher for 13 years. She taught kindergarten and first grade in a general education setting and then moved into special education, where she was an inclusion teacher and dyslexia therapist. Ms. Bruder has a master’s degree in reading and academic language therapy from Southern Methodist University. Since 2017, Ms. Bruder has served as a lead dyslexia interventionist for Dallas ISD and as a private tutor working with students one-on-one and in small-group settings.
Shaniiq Davenport
Elementary/Middle School Music Teacher
Shaniiq Davenport earned her bachelor’s degree in music therapy with a minor in voice from Howard University and is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). She has experience working with preschoolers in a Montessori setting, with elementary students in the Autism Program Preparing Learning for Excellence (APPLE) in Spring Branch ISD, and providing music therapy services to students across various DFW school districts.
Karla Gurley
Middle School Literature & Language Arts
Karla Gurley has more than 15 years of experience helping young learners thrive. She has a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in education leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington. Ms. Gurley taught in Shanghai, China for five years and most recently served as the program manager for Reading Partners North Texas, where she led the design and adaptation of literacy-focused lessons and activities for students with diverse learning needs.
Amanda Kramer Reading Specialist
Amanda Kramer most recently served as a reading interventionist (2nd-5th grades) in the Dallas ISD, where she worked with small groups in a pull-out format, designed lesson plans and monitored progress and data analysis to drive instruction. She also led after-school tutoring and sponsored the after-school reading club. Ms. Kramer holds degrees from Kilgore College and the University of North Texas.
Elizabeth Martin
High School Office Manager
Elizabeth Martin will serve as the office manager at the high school’s Cochran Chapel location. Mrs. Martin is no stranger to Oak Hill Academy, having worked as a teacher aide and Spanish teacher during the 2021-2022 school year and as a substitute teacher at Oak Hill for four years. Mrs. Martin is involved in teaching the children’s ministry at her church as well. She will be a friendly face and a helpful administrative manager at the high school.
Angela Ponce
Middle School Math & Language Arts
Angela Ponce has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in child development and family studies from Texas Tech University and the University of North Texas (UNT), respectively. In addition, Mrs. Ponce completed the Teaching Certificate Program from UNT and has since spent 12 years in education. She has gotten to know the OHA community by serving as a substitute teacher this past school year, and is excited to be part of such meaningful work.
Laura Toler
Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher
Laura Toler has taught school since 2012, most recently at Golden Rule Charter School in Dallas where she was named Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year. She earned a bachelor’s degree and then a Master of Education in Special Education from Texas Tech University. Ms. Toler has experience in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to create and implement plans for students with special needs and offer tailored strategies for success.
Lorna Wilson
Third Grade Teacher
Lorna Wilson has served as a teacher for 16 years, including classroom experience in Colleyville and Richardson ISDs, and several special education teaching roles. She earned a master’s degree in educational technology from Lamar University. Throughout her career, she has worked with students across a range of abilities and needs, creating inclusive learning environments where each child feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed.
Meet Madison Alves
Head of Preschool
Madison Alves, MS, CCC-SLP, is the head of preschool at Oak Hill Academy. Madison earned a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Baylor University and a master’s in communication disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas. She joined the Oak Hill team in 2020. Madison is also a licensed Floortime Basic Practitioner, and she infuses the preschool division with her creativity, sunny disposition, and nurturing nature. Madison enjoys baking, getting coffee and going on walks with her husband.