Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center
Faculty
Support Staff
Office Staff
Aimee De Luna
Office Secretary
Hello everyone, my name is Aimee De Luna and I am a Fort Worth Native. This is my 4th year with Alice Carlson ALC and I want to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about myself. I am a dog mom to a wonderful 3 yr old Classic Bully and a 1.5 year old Dachshund and they are my life! I am a licensed cosmetologist and occasionally practice. I have a passion for art, diy crafts, and I have even started experimenting with photography. I love being part of this community and hope to see you around the school!
Amber Murphy
Email: amber.murphy@fwisd.org
Phone: 817-815-5700
Office Clerk
I am honored to step into the role of Assistant Office Manager and look forward to supporting our students, families, faculty, and staff. This year is especially meaningful for my family, as it marks our 10th year as part of the Alice Carlson school community.
I am a proud product of FWISD and a graduate of TCU. Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Alice Carlson PTA Board, which has allowed me to build strong relationships with many of our families, staff, and community members.
I live in Benbrook with my husband of nearly 20 years, Nathan; our son, Aiden, a former Carlson student who will soon attend IM Terrell; our daughter, Zoe, who is an incoming fourth grader at Carlson; and our six-year-old pup, Max.
When I'm not at school, I enjoy swimming, visiting the ocean whenever I can, reading a good book, and relaxing with a great cup of coffee.
I am passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our students and families, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our school in this new role. I look forward to working with all of you and contributing to another wonderful year at Alice Carlson.
Amy Groat
Family Engagement Specialist
Nurse
Library
Robb Smith
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Librarian
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Research Coach
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Media Specialist
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Technology Liaison
Hello! My name is Robb Smith and I'm the Librarian at Alice Carlson. This year is my 7th at Alice Carlson, and my 32nd as a teacher. I grew up near Eagle Mountain Lake and went to Boswell High School. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's degree in English. Hook 'Em! My first Master's degree came from Texas Wesleyan University, where I majored in Reading and where also recieved my Principal's Certification and Master Reading Certification. I earned my Library Certification through the University of North Texas.
Counselor
Madeleine Savage
This is my 21st year in education, and my 19th as a school counselor.
I graduated with my Undergraduate and Graduate Decrees from Texas Christian University. I have a Masters of Education in Counseling and am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas.
Before coming to Carlson, I spent a year in FWISD at Alice Contreras Elementary. Before that, I spent the majority of my counseling years in Keller ISD at Elementary and Middle School campuses. I also served as an Interverntion Counselor for my last 5 years in the district. I’m beyond thrilled be a part of the Carlson community. My own kids are here as well, and I can’t imagine a more special place to be!
I’ll be with your kids during Wednesday enrichment time for guidance lessons (along with our other Enrichment teachers),and will have the chance to do 11 lessons with each classroom this year. In those lessons we cover important character traits like Respect, Empathy, Gratitude, etc. as well as support with friendships/ big emotions/ school transitions. I also spend time with students individually when they need some additional support and pull small topic-specific counseling groups as well.
If there’s anything I can do to help your or your student(s), please send me an email! I look forward to working with you and your student(s) this year!
Reading Acceleration
Email: susan.titus@fwisd.org
Susan Titus
K-2 Reading Acceleration
Math Support
Email: cricket.quast@fwisd.org
Cricket Quast
3-5 Math Support
Cafeteria Staff
MaryAnn Nogales
Nutrition Services Manager
Kanetria Hardeman
Nutrition Services
Email: leticia.gonzalez2@fwisd.org
Leticia Gonzalez
Nutrition Services
Marisol Campos
Nutrition Services
Custodians
Juan Samaniego
Head Custodian
Cruz Alanis
Custodian
Email: hilda.navadevillagomez@fwisd.org
Phone: 817.815.5700
Hilda Nava De Villagomez
Custodian
Teachers
Kindergarten
Joey Mantecon
My name is Joey Mantecon. I was born in Fort Worth and raised in the mid-cities. Carlson has been part of my life since 1995! I graduated from the University of North Texas in 1998! YOu could say I was professionally born and bred wearing Carlson purple!
I enjoy establishing relationships between the students and families. I emphatically believe that parents and I are in a partnership! Together we develop a life-long learner and productive citizen -“Now, what really makes a teacher is love for the human child; for it is love that transforms the social duty of the educator into the higher consciousness of a mission.”
GO COYOTES!
Maren Foshee
Teacher
Madeline Miller
Teacher
1st Grade
Randi Buchanan
My name is Randi Higgins. I have been teaching for 21 years in FWISD. I have had the privilege of teaching pre-k, kindergarten, first grade and fifth grade math. I currently teach a kindergarten and first grade loop. Looping helps me to build a strong relationship with the kids and families in my classroom. I graduated from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls with a bachelors degree in education with an emphasis in math and early childhood. I love working with young children . They are eager to learn and play! I believe wholeheartedly in the Applied Learning philosophy and think the applied learning experience sets kids up to be very successful in life.
Angela Tuttle
Hi! My name is Angela Tuttle. I began teaching in Plano, Texas in 1993. After moving to Fort Worth, I joined Alice Carlson in 2003 as a part-time intervention reading teacher. In 2008, I left "the closet" and began teaching full time again at Carlson. I received my undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master’s degree from the University of North Texas. I’m also a trained Reading Recovery teacher. For the past 10 years, I’ve attended The Reading and Writing Institute at Columbia University. I truly believe in the applied learning philosophy of teaching and look forward to working with children in developing the skills they will need to become independent, life-long learners. I am eager to work with you to ensure that your child experiences the best kindergarten year!
Kelsie Foster
Teacher
2nd Grade
Christi McDaniel
Teacher
My name is Christi McDaniel. I grew up in Burleson, and graduated from Tarleton State University. This will be my twenty second year at Alice Carlson! I look forward to working with you! Welcome to Alice Carlson!
Michelle Landy
Teacher
My name is Michelle Landy. I was born and raised here in Fort Worth. I graduated from TCU. Go Frogs!! I received my Masters of Education in Instruction and Curriculum Design from Texas Wesleyan University.
I look forward to working with you and your children!
Email: andrea.guzman@fwisd.org
Phone: 817.815.5700
Andrea Guzman
Teacher
My name is Andrea Guzman and I am excited and honored to be joining the Alice Carlson family! For the past 3 years, I have taught in a self-contained classroom at The Academy at Nola Dunn in Burleson ISD. During my time there I had the opportunity to loop with my students from Kindergarten to 1st before moving to 2nd grade. I had the privilege to learn from some amazing educators and mentors who have contributed to my growth as an educator. Before becoming a classroom teacher, I served as both the PEIMS Clerk and Activities Clerk at my campus, experiences that deepened my understanding of school operations and allowed me to build relationships with families and staff.
I am a proud Fort Worth native and a graduate of Paschal High School. My husband, Salvador, and I have called Burleson home for the last 17 years. We are raising four beautiful children, Gianna (18), Illianna (15), Salvador (12), & Roman (10). We are especially excited that our oldest daughter will be attending TCU as a freshman this fall—Go Frogs! We also have two dogs, Frida, our German Shepard and Coco, our Chihuahua. We are a big fun family!
When I am not teaching, I enjoy volunteering and giving back to the community through my volunteer work with The Junior League of Fort Worth, where I currently serve on a council that supports our members and helps create volunteer opportunities with local nonprofit organizations. I am also actively involved in the women's ministry group at my church. In my free time, I love gardening, collecting plants, crafting, watching my boys play soccer, and spending time with both my immediate and extended family.
I look forward to this new adventure and being a Carlson Coyote!!
3rd Grade
Sara Guzman-Piña
Teacher
Dixie Johnson
Teacher
I starting my teaching career here at Alice Carlson teaching 2nd grade. It is a great place to learn and grow as an educator. I love watching children have the moment in their learning when they realize they have been successful. This is my first year in 3rd grade and I am excited to see where our learning takes us. On a personal note, my husband and I have lived in Fort Worth for 16 years and have 4 children. This year they all attend Alice Carlson.
Cara Varnell
Teacher
All of my children have attended Carlson, and I knew I wanted to belong to this community as a teacher. This is my eleventh year to teach at Alice Carlson, and I have taught in Fort Worth ISD for 16 years. Children amaze me with their insight and creativity every day. My passion is creating a learning environment for students where they grow in confidence, both personally and academically. I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia where most of my family still lives. However, I consider myself a native of Fort Worth after living here for 25 years. It is a great city to live in.
4th Grade
Debbie Biediger
Math / Science Teacher
My name is Debbie Biediger. I grew up in west Texas and completed a Bachelor of Science degree at Texas Tech University. I began my teaching career at the junior high school I attended. I moved to Fort Worth in 1999 and have been at Alice Carlson since 2013. Each year brings a new joy in helping your children learn and grow in our amazing learning community. Thank you for your support!
Todd Evers
Language Arts / Social Studies Teacher
My name is Todd Evers and I teach 4th Grade Reading, Writing and Social Studies. I grew up in a small town in Illinois and graduated from Augustana College. My wife, Beth, and I moved to Texas in 2001, and we now consider ourselves Texans! I've had the privilege to teach in Birdville, Midway and Crowley ISDs before joining the Carlson faculty in 2017. I feel fortunate to be a part of this amazing group of people who daily go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of students. Two of our children have grown up in the Carlson halls, while our youngest is now in 3rd grade. Go Coyotes!
Email: jade.mullins@fwisd.org
Jade Mullins
Hello! My name is Jade Mullins, and I am so excited to be teaching 4th grade at Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center. I grew up in central Illinois, attending a laboratory school in Bloomington-Normal. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Middle School Science Education at Texas Christian University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in the spring of 2025.
Before joining Alice Carlson full time, I worked as a substitute teacher for several years, which gave me the chance to learn from many classrooms and teaching styles. I have wanted to be a teacher since the age of seven, and I am so grateful to now be living that dream at a school that values lifelong learning, grit, and curiosity. I especially love working with students on science and hands-on investigations that allow us to explore and better understand the world around us.
5th Grade
Dr. Carlee Byrd
Language Arts / Social Studies Teacher
I am honored to be your new 5th-grade Literacy and Social Studies teacher. Over the past year, I have learned the wonderful things students can achieve through applied learning instruction. I am ready to join the stellar tradition and achievements of ACALC's staff.
I have taught for 21 years in Fort Worth ISD, serving as both a literacy teacher and a special education teacher. I taught at Como Elementary, Burton Hill Elementary, and Overton Park Elementary. Throughout my career, I have been honored with the Chair of Teaching Excellence in Elementary Reading, named a Top 5 candidate for District Teacher of the Year, and received the PTA Lifetime Achievement Award. I love spending time with students and getting to know their families. My favorite novels to read with students are The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and anything by Roald Dahl.
I live in Fort Worth with my husband of 19 years, Josh, and our two daughters, Astrid, 17, and Quinn, 14. We love to travel as a family. This year, we visited Universal Studios and Garner State Park, and my daughters visited China for 3 weeks!
I love to garden, and potted plants are my specialty. My favorite plants are pothos, tulips, and petunias. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering for several nonprofits that support children and youth.
Christina McDaniel
Anna Cook
Teacher
My name is Anna Cook. I grew up in Fort Worth and attended FWISD schools Kindergarten through 12th grade. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I attended Texas A&M University and received a Bachelor’s in Science in Elementary Education. I’ve had the privilege to serve as a regular substitute at Alice Carlson the last two years before joining this year full time! Last year I also had the opportunity to serve at a hybrid homeschool, Mosaic Academy, as a 3rd-5th grade teacher. I’m excited for what this year holds and the chance to experience all that Alice Carlson has to offer.
Specials
Correy Sharkey
Art
Some of the exciting things coming soon to the art room, are the new tables, storage cabinets, sink, and counter tops, thanks to our amazing PTA. We've also started to upload this year's student art on Artsonia, so check it out!
Please access the website to view your child's Grade Level Activities. And, check out the Support the Art Room tab in order to see how you can contribute to the learning.
Susan LaPointe
Music
I am so fortunate that my passion and my career are the same – music. I love teaching and I love creating and performing with my students. Our classes are filled with singing, dancing, playing instruments, and learning music theory including rhythmic notation, note reading, solfege, and composition.
Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul, on which they mightily fasten, imparting grace, and making the soul of him who is rightly educated graceful, or of him who is ill-educated ungraceful. Socrates
Michael Daleo
Physical Education
Special Education
Veronica Guttierrez
Inclusion Teacher
My name is Veronica Guttierrez and I am the Special Education Inclusion Teacher. I started my teaching career within Keller ISD and joined the Alice Carlson family in 2017. During my teaching career, I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of students ranging in ages and grade levels. I graduated from Texas Women's University with a focus in EC-6 Generalist, Special Education and ESL.
I love being at Alice Carlson! I looking forward to working with your student and helping he or she determine their greatness!
Jennifer Lemon
Inclusion/Resources
Email: anisa.nhan@fwisd.org
Anisa Nhan
LSSP
Erin Hagood
Speech Therapist
Email: karen.britton@fwisd.org
Phone: 817-815-5700
Karen Britton
Dyslexia Interventionist
Melinda Piercefield
Diagnostician
Zaynab Muhammed
Inclusion Teacher Assistant