Vanguard Aledo Location
Aledo Staff
Patti Pickering, MBA, LPC
Head of School
Patti Pickering joined Vanguard as Head of School in May 2016. She holds master’s degrees in business administration and professional counseling from Dallas Baptist University and has more than 30 years of experience across a variety of healthcare, therapeutic, and educational settings. Patti is committed to helping children who have experienced trauma and other challenges find a safe place to heal and discover their full potential.
Logan Spiddle
Principal
Degree(s): Master’s degree in education from the University of Texas at Arlington and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida State University
Before stepping into the role of principal on the Aledo campus, Logan Spiddle began his Vanguard career in 2020 as a middle school science teacher on the Dallas campus. Logan is committed to creating a school community where every student feels valued and supported.
Outside of school, Logan enjoys attending concerts, skateboarding, spending time outdoors, and traveling.
Julia Alderman-Patty
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications from Texas State University
Certificates/Awards: EC-4 Generalist, K-12 Sped, EC-12 PPR, TEA Reading Academy, ESL
Why Vanguard? When Julia considered returning to the classroom, she visited Vanguard and immediately felt it was where she belonged. She is passionate about making a positive impact in students’ lives and values how therapeutic support works hand-in-hand with academic learning.
Latisha Torres
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science and Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Certificates/Awards: EC-6 Generalist, EC-12 Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities, Texas English Second Language Supplementary, TEA Texas Reading Academy
Why Vanguard? What stood out to Latisha about Vanguard is how therapeutic support works alongside academic learning. She also appreciates the strong sense of community among the staff.
Marissa Ozuna
Lead Clinician
Degree(s): Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
A licensed professional counselor and the lead clinician at Vanguard Aledo. She began her journey with Vanguard as a registered behavior technician and quickly connected with the meaningful work being done with students and families. She believes in helping students become their own best resource and celebrating small wins that lead to big growth.
Outside of work, Marissa enjoys cheering on her favorite football team and spending time with her fiancé, her pup Dez, and her family.
Kristina Hadley
Receptionist
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Inclusive Elementary Education from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Certificates/Awards: General Education EC-6, Special Eduaction EC-12
Why Vanguard? Having previously been a classroom teacher, Kristina enjoys supporting students and families in a new and positive way. She loves being part of the educational environment Vanguard provides for its students.
Inclusive School Sports, Performing Arts, & ExtraCurricular Activities
Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door! Vanguard offers sports, performing arts, creative projects, and social outings that let students strengthen social-emotional skills while they explore new interests and have fun together.
Some of the best learning opportunities for our students occur outside of the school day. Vanguard offers a variety of inclusive sports, performing arts, creative ventures, social club outings, and other extracurricular activities at our Aledo campus.
Lower School
(Pre-K through Grade 5)
Parent Organization
The Vanguard Preparatory School Parent Organization is dedicated to supporting our unique school community and working to help every member feel valued, empowered, and inspired to thrive.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."
– Henry Ford
We Aim For Inclusivity
In keeping with Vanguard’s inclusive culture, all parents of Vanguard students are automatically members of the VPO. Our organization’s mission is threefold:
1. To partner with the faculty and staff to plan and execute important community events that bring the Vanguard family together, such as Trunk-Or-Treat, field day, faculty/staff appreciation, graduation, and many other events.
2. To enrich the school environment by assisting with fundraising efforts year-round, as well as providing any other volunteer assistance the school may need.
3. To foster an encouraging and welcoming community of parents where all feel heard, seen, accepted, and supported as parents of children with neurodivergent needs. (This goal is achieved through parent coffees and other social events throughout the school year.)
In all that we do, we are committed to celebrating the unique journey of each individual while also uplifting our remarkable staff and recognizing them as the champions they are.
