Leadership & Staff

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.

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.

Staff

  • Smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a blue top against a blue background.

    DANA STUART BROWNING

    Founder & Superintendent

    Inspired by her daughter’s STEM experience, Dana Stuart Browning founded The Texas Girls School to empower young women in science and technology. A lifelong Texan and career educator with degrees from UT Austin and Saint Mary’s University, she has spent two decades as a teacher, College Board AP instructor and grader, IB Coordinator, and Certified Texas Principal. She has led initiatives as a TEA Charter Schools Fellow, Leader in Residence at Meridian IB World School, and Learning Specialist at UT Austin.

    Passionate about global education, she founded a nonprofit supporting schools in Tanzania and has led student-travel tours across 40+ countries. Committed to elevating Texas teachers and advancing girls’ roles in the global economy, she helps young women gain confidence, embrace their strengths, and pursue their dreams.

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    Assistant Principal of Instruction/STEM Coordinator

  • KAT PATSCHKE Director of Operations

    KAT PATSCHKE

    Director of Operations

    Kat Patschke is a seasoned operations leader with six years of experience in an IB Charter 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”.

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    DANIELA RUBIO

    Human Resources & Executive Assistant

    Daniela grew up in Venezuela and moved to Athens, Georgia, as a teenager with her family in pursuit of new opportunities. She attended the University of Georgia and began her career in education with Teach For America in Atlanta. After teaching in Atlanta Public Schools and earning her master's degree in Educational Administration, Daniela relocated to Texas with her husband. Over the next 16 years, she served as a teacher, assistant principal, elementary school principal, and district-level leader in various charter schools, gaining extensive experience in school leadership and operations.

    Daniela lives in East Austin with her husband and children.

  • ALISSA EISSNER

    Alissa Eissner

    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.

  • Serena Manna

    Serena Manna

    Outreach Coordinator

    Serena Manna holds a B.S. in International Business and an M.S. in Global Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development, with fieldwork in Thailand. Her career spans over six years in workforce development, education access, and social impact. Serena has advised small business owners, designed training for community leaders, and led communications and events that foster engagement and leadership. She brings a strong background in operations, outreach, and creative strategy to her work—always with education at the center. Serena has organized C-suite panels, community events, and alumni programs that bring people together around purpose. She’s passionate about creating pathways to opportunity through learning, connection, and impactful programming.