Barrett-Lee Early Childhood Center

I am currently the proud principal of Barrett-Lee Early Childhood Center, where I have spent my entire 26-year career. I began teaching PK in 2001 after graduating from Sam Houston State University. In 2014, I became the first Assistant principal, and in 2017, I was honored to be selected as principal. I have been Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year while serving here at Channelview.    

I knew I wanted to enter education while I was in high school. I taught VBS at my church each summer while in high school and college.  I was a PAL in high school and also a Co-Op Student at Schochler Elementary, where I worked in the computer lab. I substituted while in college and knew my niche was early childhood from the beginning.  

I have the unique and rare privilege of spending my career in Channelview ISD, having grown up here and attended school from K-12 at Schochler Elementary, Cobb Elementary, and Alice Johnson. I also attended both the original high school and the current high school, graduating from CHS in 1998. I follow in the footsteps of my dad and many other family members.  While in high school, I was active in our FFA Chapter, raising steers, pigs, and chickens, participating in LDEs, and holding offices of President and Secretary. I was also a proud Channelette for the high school drill team, where I served as President and Reporter, and was inducted into NHS, joined Student Council, and graduated in the top 10%.  I took classes at San Jac, received my Bachelor's degree from SHSU, my Master's degree from UHCL, and am currently working on a Doctorate degree from SHSU. 

 It is now a joy to relive all my CISD memories as I watch both my children, Madison and Case, grow up in the same district where I made so many fond memories.  Watching my daughter attend Ms. Coats's class, the same teacher I had, was a surreal moment, as was being president of the same FFA chapter.  I was also fortunate to serve as Assistant Channelette Director for several years under Mrs. Hutchins’s leadership, who was also my drill instructor when I was on the team.  I met my husband, Robert Laird, on the steps of CHS in 1994, and we both appreciate the opportunity to serve this community that has given us so much.

Howdy, Blue Jays! 

I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal at Barrett-Lee Early Childhood Center. It’s a privilege to be part of a community that prioritizes students and values the strong partnerships among families and staff. With over 13 years of experience in Channelview Independent School District, I have been fortunate to grow both as an educator and a leader. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles, including: Inclusion Teacher, Self-contained Teacher, Dual-Language Teacher, Mentor Teacher, and Lead Teacher, which has allowed me to support a wide range of learners and celebrate the diversity within our classrooms. I am deeply passionate about bilingualism, biliteracy, and ensuring that all students receive a high-quality, inclusive education. I believe that the early years set the foundation for lifelong learning, and I am committed to creating a nurturing, engaging, and equitable environment where every child can thrive. I genuinely love being part of a community that values both language and inclusion at the heart of learning.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I have been happily married for 7 years and am a proud mother of two wonderful children, who keep me active with their numerous activities and energy! In my free time, I enjoy dancing, spending time with my family, and participating in CrossFit workouts. 

BLECC is a special place to me, and I’m proud to be part of it. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.