Founding Team

Dana Stuart Browning

Founder & Superintendent

Inspired by her youngest daughter’s experience, Dana Stuart Browning and her team of teachers founded The Texas Girls School to empower young women, especially in STEM fields. Despite excelling in math, her daughter felt uncomfortable pursuing STEM in high school, which ignited Dana’s passion to create a school that fosters confidence and encouragement for girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This personal experience drives her commitment to shaping an educational environment where girls feel empowered to embrace their strengths and thrive in STEM.

A woman stands in front of a classroom of students, holding a microphone, giving a presentation about core values at Texas Girls School, with a large digital screen behind her displaying information and graphics about core values.

In addition to being a mother of two girls and two boys (three currently in college and one in an Austin ISD School), she is a lifelong Texan and career educator. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and received her master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University. Over the past two decades, she has worked extensively in education, gaining experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum writer, International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator, College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Grader and Instructor, and Certified Texas Principal.

Dana’s career highlights include being selected as a Texas Charter Schools Fellow in the TEA Charter School Incubator Project, serving as a Leader in Residence at the Meridian IB World School, leading as a Learning Specialist at the University of Texas at Austin, and founding an award-winning Model UN team at Lake Travis High School.

Having raised her children and built much of her career in Lake Travis ISD, Dana also found time to serve on a board of directors and founded a 501(c)(3) organization focused on improving education and clean water access in Tanzania, East Africa. She enjoys writing (she and her son published Adventures in Big Bend National Park during the pandemic), practicing yoga, and traveling. Dana has visited over 40 countries, many of them as part of student-travel tours, with a focus on education—highlighting Europe, Asia (India, Vietnam, and Cambodia), and Africa. Both of her daughters have been proud Central Texas Girl Scouts.

Dana is committed to elevating Texas teaching professionals, promoting the future roles of Texas girls in the global economy, and encouraging all women to pursue their dreams and reach their highest potential.

Founding Leadership

  • KAT PATSCHKE Founding Director of Finance and Operations

    KAT PATSCHKE

    Founding Director of Operations & Finance

    Kat Patschke is a seasoned operations leader with six years of experience in an IB World School and over a decade in program and team management. She holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s Degree in Youth and Community Studies with a minor in Business from the University of Texas at Austin.

    In her previous roles, Kat was responsible for spearheading the development of vast programs carefully designed to enhance the learning experience for students through creative thinking and relationship building. 

    She lives with her husband, two sons, two dogs, and two cats in Liberty Hill. In her spare time, Kat enjoys watching her sons play various sports, completing DIY home projects, and snuggling with her pets.

    Kat is excited to bring her strategic vision and operational expertise to The Texas Girls School as Director of Operations, supporting its vision to “create compassionate and confident leaders who consider both the local and global impact of their actions”.

  • A woman with short hair, wearing a colorful patterned top, gold chain necklace, and a nose ring, smiling against a dark background.

    ADAUGO OGIKE-LOVE

    Instruction & Teaching

    Adaugo began her education career in 1991 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a Pre-K teacher and preschool director. Over the years, she’s taught at every level—from elementary to high school—and has held a range of leadership roles, including Dean of Culture and Assistant Principal in both Milwaukee and Chicago.

    After relocating to Austin in 2015, Adaugo served as a school leader at KIPP Austin Vista Middle and later as a founding Assistant Principal at KIPP Paseo Primary. She also contributed at the regional level, focusing on academic acceleration and leadership.

    Adaugo holds a BS in Educational Policy and Urban Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master’s in Education from Carroll University. She is passionate about coaching and mentoring educators, fostering strong school cultures, and spending time with her family and her Boston Terrier, Bella.

  • ALISSA EISSNER

    ALISSA EISSNER

    Registrar/Campus Coordinator

    Alissa Eissner is an experienced educator and passionate advocate for young women’s empowerment. With a background in middle school education, she has taught in schools across Phoenix, Arizona, and Austin, Texas, helping students grow both academically and personally.

    In her previous roles, Alissa focused on creating opportunities for young women to thrive—both in and beyond the classroom—by fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. She is committed to guiding students and families through the enrollment process and ensuring a smooth transition into the school community.

    Alissa is excited to bring her dedication and expertise to The Texas Girls School as Campus Coordinator, supporting its mission to empower young women and cultivate a strong, connected community.

Founding Teachers

  • Woman with long black hair, wearing a maroon long-sleeve top, jewelry, and smiling, standing in front of a beige brick wall.

    TARA BARRON

    Founding Humanities Teacher

    Tara Barron was born and raised in the Bay Area of Northern California. She and her family moved to Cedar Park, Texas in the summer of 2020 and it has been a wonderful place to raise her two daughters. She earned her B.A. in History with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies from UC Davis, followed by a Master’s in Education and a Social Science Credential from the UC Davis School of Education. She also holds a Texas Social Studies Teaching Certificate and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Educational Administration at Texas A&M International University.

    In Costa Rica she earned her TEFL certification and was a founding teacher at a public charter school in California. Most recently, she has served as a teacher and curriculum developer in an Austin-area private school specializing in Gifted and Twice Exceptional education. During her time there she designed and taught innovative courses in Social Studies and research skills, as well as electives including podcasting, speech and debate, and art.

    As a founding teacher of the Texas Girls School, Tara is dedicated to building a humanities curriculum grounded in project-based learning, student voice, and real-world skills. She believes deeply in the power of collaboration and community-building to inspire meaningful academic growth and confidence in young learners.

  • Bonsall Kelly

    KELLY BONSALL

    Founding Innovation & Design Coordinator

    Kelly Bonsall is a visual artist, experienced educator, and creativity guide with over twenty-five years of experience in the arts. She has taught in a wide range of settings—from public schools and museums to private studios and community workshops—sharing her love of art and helping others tap into their creative potential.

    As a lifelong learner, Kelly encourages the same curiosity and self-exploration in those she teaches, guides, and mentors. She believes in the power of art to foster self-discovery, confidence, and connection, and she is dedicated to creating a safe and inspiring space for girls to explore their voices through visual expression.

    At The Texas Girls School, Kelly envisions building a vibrant visual arts program that honors each student’s unique creativity while introducing them to a diverse range of materials, techniques, and artistic traditions. Her goal is to cultivate a dynamic studio culture where students feel empowered to take creative risks, think like artists, and see themselves as change-makers in the world.

  • Amanda McGarrah

    AMANDA MCGARRAH

    Founding College Success Teacher

    With five years of teaching experience, Amanda is a dedicated educator with a strong passion for creating meaningful learning environments that nurture both academic and emotional growth. Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from California State University, San Bernardino, and believes that social-emotional learning is a vital key to student success. 

    In addition to her work in the classroom, Amanda volunteers at Magdalene House for Women, where she supports healing and empowerment for survivors. As a single mother to a wonderful 16-year-old daughter, Amanda leads with compassion, resilience, and purpose. Outside of teaching, Amanda enjoys staying active—especially paddleboarding—and believes that kindness is the foundation of everything she does.