Leadership & Teachers

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.

District & Campus Leadership

KAT PATSCHKE

Director of Operations

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”.
DONIDA GARCIA

Assistant Principal of Instruction/STEM Coordinator

With nearly 20 years of experience in education, including three years as an Assistant Principal at an IB World School, Donida is dedicated to empowering teachers and fostering student success. She began her career as a teacher in her hometown of Seattle before moving to Texas. She taught in public, private, and charter school settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Texas State and has served as an assistant principal for the past three years. Throughout her career, Donida has taken on key leadership roles, including content and curriculum leader, school board member, committee chair, and team leader. These experiences have strengthened her ability to support educators in refining their practice and creating impactful learning environments. She firmly believes in the power of continuous growth, both for educators and students. As Paulo Coelho said, 'When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.' This philosophy drives her commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in education. Donida is excited to bring her expertise to new opportunities that drive meaningful change.
ADAUGO OGIKE-LOVE

Dean of Students/SPED Coordinator
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.
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

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

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. An IB World School Diploma graduate, 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.
LAURA McCORMICK

Registrar/PEIMS Coordinator

Laurie has devoted her career to education, recently transitioning from the classroom to serve as Registrar/PEIMS Coordinator at The Texas Girls School. Her shift into a support role was prompted by progressive hearing loss—an unexpected challenge that she has met with resilience and a continued passion for serving students.
Laurie’s firsthand experience as a teacher gives her a strong understanding of both instructional and operational needs, allowing her to bridge the gap between educators, students, and administration. She has taught upper elementary grades, mentored teachers, led curriculum development, and created a summer writing camp she also fundraised for and ran.
She holds a B.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas State University and TEA certifications in EC–6, 4–8 ELA/Reading, and ESL. With keen attention to detail, optimism, and a deep commitment to student success, Laurie plays a vital role in making systems work for everyone at TTGS.

Teachers

AMANDA MCGARRAH

College and 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.
KELLY BONSALL

Art Teacher

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.
NEHAL KAMEL

Digital Media Teacher & Librarian
Nehal is an educator, writer, and media specialist with a strong foundation in English, media studies, and digital communication. She holds an M.A. in Media Studies and a B.A. in English from The University of Texas at Austin, where she served as a teaching assistant for courses in world cinema, video game cultures, and media industries.
Her professional experience includes content development for leading tech companies, reading intervention and instruction at the K–6 level, and editorial leadership for academic journals such as Flow and The Velvet Light Trap. She has also played a key role in community outreach and educational program development through innovative school initiatives. With a passion for literacy, critical thinking, and inclusive education, Nehal works to foster student engagement and support lifelong learning. Her work reflects a deep commitment to bridging media literacy with classroom learning in meaningful, culturally relevant ways.
MIKAYLA LANGHAM

Spanish Teacher
Mikayla Langham is a passionate educator in her fifth year of teaching, and she’s thrilled to be a founding educator at The Texas Girls School. She brings a global perspective and deep commitment to equity, having taught multilingual learners in both the U.S. and Mexico and co-founded a ministry in Mexico focused on teaching English as a Second Language. At TTGS, Mikayla is leading the development and instruction of a culturally responsive Spanish program that empowers girls to see language as more than just vocabulary, but a gateway to identity, advocacy, and global connection. She’s excited to help students not only learn Spanish but to fall in love with language learning and discover their voices as global ambassadors.
Beyond the classroom, Mikayla runs a nonprofit devoted to expanding access to high-quality education around the world. She oversees global initiatives supporting students and schools in Zambia, Uganda, India, and the U.S. Mikayla has climbed three volcanoes and spent last summer on a round-the-world trip visiting nine countries across three continents! She brings that same spirit of adventure and curiosity into her teaching every day and is committed to helping every girl at TTGS grow with confidence, compassion, and curiosity.
JESSICA CORTEZ

STEM Teacher
Jessica was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma and earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma State University. She later moved to Austin, Texas to pursue a master’s degree in STEM Education at the University of Texas at Austin. Her teaching background includes both local and international experiences, including time in Costa Rica and work with the NASA Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium.
Most recently, Jessica worked in a fifth-grade classroom in Central Texas as a graduate research assistant, where she supported math instruction and collaborated with a university research team focused on creating inclusive educational media for elementary students. Her work emphasized equity and representation in STEM education—values she carries into every learning environment.
Jessica is thrilled to join the incredible community at the Texas Girls School and looks forward to a year of creativity, exploration, and growth with her students. Outside the classroom, Jessica enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and running.