Leadership, Faculty,and Staff
Behind every student’s success is a team of dedicated professionals. Our educators and mental health specialists bring extensive experience, deep expertise, and a genuine commitment to each child’s social, emotional, and academic growth. Together, they create a supportive environment where students thrive.
Administration 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.
Stephanie Cherry, LPC, BCBA
Principal of Dallas Campus
Stephanie Cherry, principal of the Dallas Campus, brings over a decade of experience in supporting Autistic individuals and their families. As both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Stephanie has unique insight into both emotions and behavior.
She loves building strong relationships with students and families, and working together to find creative, practical solutions that foster growth and resilience.
Ashere’ Thigpen, M.Ed
Director of Academic Services
Ashere’ has a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas-Arlington and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. She also holds a Principal and Kinder-8th grade Generalist teaching certificate in the state of Texas.
Her expertise includes supporting teachers in developing and implementing comprehensive curricula and lesson plans that align with state standards and meet student needs. She is also known for finding the best children’s books for any age or topic!
Jim Jenner
Director of Development
James “Jim” Jenner is the Director of Development at Vanguard Prep School, overseeing fundraising initiatives to ensure the school’s education and clinical teams have the resources needed to deliver the Vanguard program.
Jill Herrington, M.S., CCC-SLP
Operations Director
Jill Herrington graduated from Baylor University with a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. As a medical speech-language pathologist.
Jill has experience in direct patient care, workflow analysis/redesign, clinical informatics, and leadership. Jill loves to explore how processes can be improved to increase efficiencies, quality, and enjoyment in the workplace.
Lauren Campos
Director of Admissions
Lauren became involved with Vanguard when her son enrolled at the school nearly 20 years ago. She views Vanguard as an extended family and is profoundly grateful for the positive impact the school has had on her own family’s life.
Her ongoing dedication and heartfelt appreciation for Vanguard’s role in her life fuel her commitment to ensuring a welcoming and nurturing environment for all who are part of the Vanguard community.
Shannon Butler
Administrative Coordinator
Shannon joined the Vanguard team in 2024 after being impressed by the dedication of the staff and the supportive environment during her visits to Wolfpack basketball games.
She graduated from Curtin Business School in Perth, Western Australia, and has extensive experience in Human Resources and Graduate Recruitment, having worked for global companies across three continents.
Jen Pyn, MPS, PMP
Office and Facilities Coordinator
Jen joined Vanguard as a volunteer at the front desk in January of 2025. After meeting the staff and students at the school, she knew she wanted to be part of the Vanguard team.
She has a master’s degree in telecommunications from New York University and is a graduate of Fordham University. She was a professional project manager building financial trading floors and was a leader of engineering and operations teams at nationwide wireless companies. She loves solving problems and having a positive impact on the Vanguard.
Clinical Staff
Essence Hines
Director of Clinical Services
Degree(s): Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington with a concentration in Mental Health
Certificates/Awards: Licensed Master Social Worker
Why Vanguard? Essence chose Vanguard because of the strong sense of connection among families, students, and staff. To Essence, Vanguard represents love, strength, individuality and a place where students grow.
Bob Hennen
WISER Coach
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Troy University and Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from East Carolina University
Certificates/Awards: Licensed Professional Counselor
Why Vanguard? Bob appreciates Vanguard because of the staff’s genuine compassion for students and the strong culture supporting personal and professional growth.
Julie Dyer
Sr. Therapist
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Radford University
Certificates/Awards: Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, 15 Years of Service at Vanguard
Why Vanguard? Vanguard felt like home from the moment Julie walked through the doors. She values the opportunity to learn every day and feels fully supported in both her professional and personal growth.
Janette Warne
Outreach Coordinator / Instructional Specialist
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences and Master of Art in Speech-Language Pathology from Wichita State University
Certificates/Awards: Speech-Language Pathologist, ASHA Certification, 5+ Years of Service at Vanguard
Why Vanguard? Janette first joined the Vanguard family as a parent. Inspired by the support her family received, she joined the school to help provide the same experience for other families.
Becca Moreno
School Psychologist
Degree(s): Bachelor of Art in Psychology from the University of Dallas and Specialist in School Psychology from Texas Woman’s University
Certificates/Awards: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Why Vanguard? Becca chose Vanguard to be part of a community that shares her values and passion for advocacy, inclusivity, social-emotional learning, and helping every child succeed academically.
Ian McCarthy
Clinical Support Staff
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Tech University and currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Counseling at Southern Methodist University
Certificates/Awards: Registered Behavior Technician
Why Vanguard? Ian is excited to be part of Vanguard Prep School, where he can support students’ growth and help children and their families succeed.
Kelty Conner
Clinical Support Staff
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science at the University of North Texas
Why Vanguard? Kelty is inspired by Vanguard’s focus on supporting students as they develop at their own pace. She is committed to helping every child thrive in a safe and nurturing setting.
Sydney Overton
Drama Therapy
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts with emphasis in Drama/Dance from The University of Texas at Dallas, Dual Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Drama Therapy from Lesley University
Why Vanguard? Sydney was drawn to Vanguard’s focus on social-emotional learning and community. She loves supporting student growth through drama, music, and other creative endeavors.
Lower School Teachers
Amy Rangel
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in English from Baylor University, Master of Interdisciplinary Studies with focus on Child Development from Texas Tech University
Certificates/Awards: 5+ Years of Service at Vanguard
Why Vanguard? Amy was teaching a class at Brookhaven related to Children with Special Needs. The class needed a school to visit so she scheduled a tour. There was something magical about about Vanguard and she immediately wanted to be a part of it! She started working part-time the following school year.
Antaniece Johnson
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education from Arizona State University and a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas
Certificates/Awards: General Education Certification, English Immersion
Why Vanguard? Antaniece chose Vanguard because she believes in the school’s mission. She is passionate about supporting the whole student—academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Devin Warren
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in family studies and child development from The University of North Texas
Certificates/Awards: 5 Years of Service at Vanguard
Why Vanguard? Devin chose Vanguard because she loves being part of a family. She values Vanguard’s community, where everyone works together to support each child’s success.
Klaudia Wisniewski
Teacher
Degree(s): Dual master’s degree in childhood education and special education from Hunter College
Certificates/Awards: EC–12 Special Education and EC–6 Core Subjects certifications
Why Vanguard? Klaudia chose Vanguard because of the school’s mission and its approach to supporting students. She appreciates the collaborative environment and the focus on meeting each student’s unique needs, which closely aligns with her own teaching philosophy and experiences.
LeighAnn Wolle
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Family Science and Master of Education in Instructional Practice and Special Education from Lipscomb University
Why Vanguard? LeighAnn chose Vanguard because of its unique approach to education. She appreciates the focus on helping each child reach their full potential, not just preparing them for a test.
Khaterra Dangerfield
Student Support Staff
Degree(s): Bachelor of biology from Texas A&M University-Commerce and currently pursuing a Special Education (EC-12th Grade) certificate.
Certificates/Awards: Registered Behavior Technician
Why Vanguard? Khaterra chose Vanguard because of its tailored approach to supporting children with a range of needs. She enjoys providing students with warmth, care, and encouragement as they learn.
Martha Sharrock
Student Support Staff
Degree(s): Bachelors of Art
Certificates/Awards: Registered Behavior Technician, 5+ Years of Service at Vanguard
Why Vanguard? Martha chose Vanguard because of its supportive and engaging environment. She loves watching students grow and learn socially, emotionally, and academically.
Michele Guerrero
Student Support Staff
Degree(s): Associate of Arts in Teaching degree at Dallas College in Early Childhood through 6th grade
Why Vanguard? Michele joined Vanguard because of the safe and welcoming environment the staff provides for every student. She enjoys being part of a team that supports all children as they learn and grow.
Niki Litolff
Student Support Staff
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Acting from the University of North Texas
Why Vanguard? Vanguard is a place where anyone can grow, thanks to the care, support, and respect provided to both students and staff.
Middle School Teachers
Arijana Suzich
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Why Vanguard? Arijana was drawn to Vanguard from the moment she learned about the school and its commitment to a supportive, inclusive learning environment. She believes education should nurture the whole child and found that philosophy clearly reflected in Vanguard’s mission.
Stephanie Kent
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor degrees in theatre and mathematics from Northwestern University, Master of Education in Secondary Education from George Washington University, and Master of Fine Arts in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities from the University of Texas at Austin
Certificates/Awards: Secondary Math Teaching Certification in Virginia
Why Vanguard? Stephanie joined Vanguard because of the strength of its community. When she first visited, she was struck by the compassion and respect she saw and felt throughout the school.
Jaclyn Robinson
Teacher
Degree(s): Child and Youth Worker Diploma from St Clair College, bachelor's degree in sociology from Acadia University, and specialization in special education from University of Calgary
Why Vanguard? Jaclyn chose Vanguard for its commitment to meeting each child’s needs within a safe and supportive learning environment. The school’s focus on the whole child aligns with her belief that meaningful learning happens when emotional and behavioral needs are supported alongside academics.
Kaitlyn Armstrong
Studen Support Staff
Degree(s): Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education at the University of North Texas
Why Vanguard? Kaitlyn chose Vanguard after spending time on campus as a student observer through her Dallas College teaching program. She was impressed with the positive environment and strong sense of community.
Desiree Harris
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California Baptist University
Why Vanguard? Desiree is passionate about Vanguard’s mission to provide a specialized school for children with diverse learning needs—one that offers the same opportunities for graduation and future employment as traditional school settings.
High School Teachers
Beth Trout
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, General Sciences, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas
Certificates/Awards: Vanguard Staff Member of the Year 2021
Why Vanguard? Beth values the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally at Vanguard. She sees the benefits of the school’s social and emotional focus not only for students, but for herself and other adults as well, and appreciates the consistent encouragement and support from administrators and teachers across all grade levels.
Quinn Holman
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Services from John Brown University
Why Vanguard? Quinn immediately noticed the language and culture of Vanguard— one where staff, students, and families consistently lift each other up. The school supports academic, social, and emotional growth to create a community where everyone, not just students, continue to learn and grow.
Ross De Wet
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Texas Wesleyan University
Certificates/Awards: Currently pursuing alternate certification for special education
Why Vanguard? Ross chose Vanguard for its specialized approach to supporting children who thrive in a different learning environment. He appreciates the daily support from his coworkers and the strong team culture that is evident throughout the school.
Tanya Goforth
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Milligan College and Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University
Why Vanguard? Tanya chose Vanguard because of its expertise in integrating social-emotional, behavioral, and academic support. She values the collaboration and encouragement shared among staff and families.
Trisha Simmons
Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education with a minor in Psychology from Illinois State University
Certificates/Awards: Registered Behavior Technician and currently pursuing alternate teaching certification in special education
Why Vanguard? Trisha chose Vanguard because from the moment she walked in, she felt at home. The welcoming environment and supportive community immediately made her feel comfortable and connected.
Launch Team
Stephanie James
Degree(s): Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from The University of North Texas
Certificates/Awards: American Heart Association HeartSaver Instructor, 25+ Years of Service at Vanguard
Why Vanguard? Stephanie chose Vanguard because it’s a community where people genuinely care about each other. The collaboration with families here helps students develop essential strategies to navigate their world, making it a supportive and enriching environment.
Avery Piper
Degree(s): Currently pursuing associates degree in special education K-6 from Richland College
Why Vanguard? Avery appreciates the supportive staff and the therapeutic approach to teaching at Vanguard. Stephanie's is fine.
Fine Arts & Athletics
Laura Stallings
Art Teacher
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts with emphasis in Drama/Dance from The University of Texas at Dallas
Certificates/Awards: Texas All Level Teaching Certificate, 10+ Years of Service at Vanguard
Why Vanguard? Laura began teaching after-school clay classes at Vanguard and quickly connected to the school community. When an art teacher position opened, she was excited to step into the role, and she continues to find fulfillment teaching at Vanguard.
Sydney Overton
Drama Therapy
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts with emphasis in Drama/Dance from The University of Texas at Dallas, Dual Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Drama Therapy from Lesley University
Why Vanguard? Sydney was drawn to Vanguard’s focus on social-emotional learning and community. She loves supporting student growth through drama, music, and other creative endeavors.
Dave Welsh
Flex Teacher
Certificates/Awards: 20+ Years of Service at Vanguard
Why Vanguard? Dave was drawn to Vanguard years ago by a strong sense of purpose. The school gives him the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives every day.
Sean Dixon
PE & Athletics
Degree(s): Bachelor of Recreation Management from Victoria University and a Graduate Diploma of Media and Communications from Swinburne University
Certificates/Awards: Certificate IV in Training and Assessment from Victoria University
Why Vanguard? Sean was drawn to Vanguard’s welcoming and inclusive environment. He knows every learner is different, and he appreciates how the school supports students in ways that meet them where they are.
Sage Vecchio
Music Teacher
Why Vanguard? Sage is inspired by Vanguard’s approach to wellness. She welcomes every child and enjoys supporting them in reaching greater independence and connection within the community.
Aledo Campus Teachers
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.
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.