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.
Janette Warne
Head of School
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences and Master of Art in Speech-Language Pathology from Wichita State University
Julia Alderman-Patty
Admissions Coordinator
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.
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.
Arijana Suzich
Team Lead
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Logan Spiddle
Middle School Teacher/Operations Coordinator
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.
Joy Tama
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor in Child Development from East Texas Baptist University and earning a Master in Applied Science Behavior with emphasis in Special Education
Certificates/Awards: Registered Behavior Technician
Why Vanguard? I chose Vanguard because of how they focus on leveling the playing field instead of a child faults. How can we help this child succeed in a way they feel confident not how we think it should look like. that makes a whole difference in a child’s educational journey
Sarah Kirby
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. Currently pursuing a degree in Communications in Science and Disorders from the University of South Florida.
Certificates/Awards: Registered Behavior Technician
Why Vanguard? I chose Vanguard because I believe every child deserves a supportive environment where they feel understood, valued, and capable of success. I am passionate about working with students who have social and emotional learning disabilities, and I appreciate Vanguard's dedication to meeting students where they are and helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Being part of a team that prioritizes individualized support and meaningful student relationships allows me to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.
Sharla Baird
Student Support/Art Specials
Degree(s): Bachelor in Psychology from University of Arizona, earning a Master in Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis in Grief and Bereavement
Why Vanguard? Vanguard is a place where I can support students emotionally, developmentally, and academically. Being able to walk with them as they learn new things, make new friends, and grow is a dream come true.
Merissa Mendez
Receptionist
Degree(s): Associates of Arts in Deaf Studies
Why Vanguard? The staff is extremely friendly and the children are amazing. The atmosphere is welcoming to everyone who interacts with the staff.
Inclusive School Sports, Performing Arts, & Extracurricular Activities For Fort Worth Area Students
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 just miles from Fort Worth.
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.
Pre-K through 8th Grade
Parent Organization
The Vanguard Preparatory School Parent Organization is dedicated to supporting our unique school community in Aledo and Fort Worth, 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 Aledo and Fort Worth 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.
