Contributors

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Dave Denning

Dave Denning is beginning his 28th year in public education. Over the years, he’s had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, including teacher and coach, middle school assistant principal, middle school principal, high school principal, and Director of Human Resources.

Dave is passionate about building strong relationships, keeping students at the center of every decision, and helping grow future leaders. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Kansas State University and his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University. He also holds a Superintendent Certification.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys time with his family. He’s married and a proud dad to two wonderful daughters.

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Dr. Gilbert Gonzalez

Dr. Gonzalez is a dedicated educator with 31 years of experience. He began his career as an elementary teacher, where he developed a passion for fostering student growth and academic excellence. His leadership abilities led him to administrative roles, serving as an assistant principal at both elementary and secondary levels. He went on to become a principal at three different elementary schools, where he implemented strategies to enhance student achievement and school culture. He also served in a central office role as an area superintendent for 5 years where he provided guidance and support to 41 principals and their schools, driving improvements in instruction, leadership development, and student outcomes. Across all roles, he remained committed to improving student success, building strong school communities, and mentoring future leaders in education. 

Now retired, Gilbert enjoys cycling, traveling, and spending time with his 2 sons and 2 granddaughters.

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Michael Crow

Michael Crow has served in education for over 20 years, beginning his career as an English Language Arts teacher and coach before eventually moving into school and district leadership. He has held roles as a high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and currently serves as a curriculum director in central administration. Throughout his career, Michael has been recognized with numerous honors, including Teacher of the Year and being named District Middle School Coach of the Year twice. He is passionate about the power of strong relationships and high expectations, believing that when both are present, individuals and organizations can truly thrive.  

Guests

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Chansi Shope

Chansi Shope is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and the Lead Counselor at Colleyville Heritage High School. With over 12 years of experience, Chansi specializes in guiding young adults and families through the complexities of life’s transitions.

A proud "Double Frog," Chansi earned her Master’s in School Counseling and her Bachelor’s in Secondary English Education from Texas Christian University. Her extensive background in both teaching and counseling allows her to provide a holistic approach to student development and emotional well-being.

In addition to her leadership within the school district, Chansi operates a private counseling practice, offering clinical services to clients seeking support outside of the academic setting. Her mission is to meet every individual exactly where they are, fostering an environment of growth and resilience. Chansi remains dedicated to expanding her impact by helping families and young adults unlock their full potential.

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Dr. Brad Schnautz

Dr. Schnautz serves as the Executive Director of Region 11 Education Service Center where he is focused on advancing service leadership and regional impact.


Prior to joining ESC Region 11, Dr. Schnautz served as superintendent of Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. He has experience as a high school assistant principal, junior high school principal, and high school principal in Magnolia ISD. In 2015, Dr. Schnautz was selected as superintendent for Lexington ISD.

Dr. Schnautz earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University, a Master of Education in Administration from Sam Houston State University, and a Doctorate in Education from Texas A&M University.

He and his wife Jenny have been married for 25 years and have four children – Abby,  Mary, Lucy and Will. Dr. Schnautz and his family are members of 121 Community Church.


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Dr. Cody Koontz

Dr. Cody Koontz serves as the principal of Marcus High School in the Lewisville Independent School District. He is entering his 20th year in public education. He began teaching and coaching at Grapevine High School in 2005 before moving to MacArthur High School In Irving ISD in 2009 to teach and coach. In 2012 he transitioned to campus leadership at Chisholm Trail High School in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD before returning to Grapevine High School in 2014 where he served as an Assistant and Associate Principal. In 2017 he moved to Coppell ISD to open and become Principal at the Coppell 9th Grade Campus.


Dr. Koontz received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from Texas Christian University, his Masters of Education in Educational Administration from Lamar University, and his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. 


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Dr. Sally Osborne

Dr. Sally Osborne has been serving in education for 18 years. She has worked as an elementary classroom teacher, an intervention specialist, a campus learning liaison, and is currently teaching 6th grade English Language Arts at Cross Timbers Middle School. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Texas Christian University, a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas in Arlington, and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Texas Christian University. During her career she has been recognized as a campus teacher of the year and the district support specialist of the year. She is passionate about serving students, igniting a love for literacy, and helping students have their "lightbulb" moments. 


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Mandy Alexander

Mandy Alexander began her career in 1998 as a classroom teacher in Atkins, Arkansas. Since then, she has served in various roles, including drill team director, elementary teacher, middle school teacher, high school teacher, humanities instructional coach, learning liaison, and associate principal at Grapevine High School. Her diverse background in education and leadership positions has equipped her with a unique perspective and a comprehensive understanding of student needs across different grade levels.

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Ted Willmann

Ted Willman served 30 years in public education before retiring  in 2022. Ted taught mathematics and coached football for 23 years. He began his career in Dallas ISD at Stockard Middle School. He began his coaching career in Carlsbad, New Mexico. In Texas, he has coached at Brownwood, Burnet, Odessa Permian, Austin Westlake and Colleyville Heritage High Schools. He coached in 3 state championship games, two of those appearances at Burnet High School. The third championship appearance occurred while teaching and coaching at Westlake High School in Eanes ISD. He was the Assistant Head Coach at Burnet, Odessa Permian, Austin Westlake and Colleyville Heritage. He left coaching and took up the Assistant Principal role at Grapevine High School and held the Associate Principal of Education position there for 6 years. Ted loves to hunt, fish and spend time with his family.

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