Jessica Zacarias
Hi! My name is Jessica Zacarias (Za-kah-ree-as) and this will be my 13th year teaching and my first year at Oak Forest. I am so excited to be working for such an amazing community of teachers, students and parents. I moved from San Antonio this summer and I prayed so much to be hired at the perfect school and I did! I want to share a little information about myself. I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in Interdisciplinary Education and masters degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I began my teaching career in the amazing Northside ISD in San Antonio where I taught 3rd and 4th grade. For fun I enjoy signing up for ½ marathons and regretting it the mornings I have to run them, traveling and reading mystery books. My small family in Houston is my Jorge, my fiance and my Shih Tzu, Macarena. I can’t wait to meet all of you!
Kandace Ryan
Hello! My name is Kandace Ryan and I am entering my fourth year as a special education teacher and my first year at Oak Forest Elementary. I am from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and attended the University of Oklahoma for my bachelors and masters degree. My educational background is in psychology and counseling, but I have always had a passion for educating young minds. My interests include traveling (12 countries, 28 states and counting!), anything sports related, bike riding and being outdoors, watching Netflix, and of course spending time with family and friends. I am so excited to be joining this team of wonderful educators. Thank you for welcoming me to the Oak Forest Family!
Audrey Gordon
Hi! My is Audrey Gordon. This school year will be my sixth year teaching 3rd grade. I am a product of Houston ISD schools myself, having started my own education at Briargrove Elementary and graduating from Bellaire High School in 2009. I consider myself blessed to be continuing my time in HISD as a teacher! I graduated college from Austin College with a degree in Educational Psychology and Religious Studies. I received a Montessori certification for 1st-3rd grades from the Houston Montessori Center. I am passionate about hands-on teaching and love to watch children’s minds grow. I enjoy spending my free time with friends and family, and being active as often as possible. I can’t for the year to begin!
Katie McCoy
Hello there! My name is Katie McCoy. This will be my third year teaching 2nd grade. I have lived in Oak Forest my whole life and I am absolutely thrilled to be a member of this amazing staff and look forward to being involved in my community. I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in EC-6th education. I recently got married to my wonderful husband Nick, who is a health teacher and defensive coordinator at Heights High School. I enjoy traveling to new places, shopping and having fun with my friends and family. I look forward to meeting all of you!
Cayce Carlsson
Hi! My name is Cayce Carlsson and I will be teaching Kindergarten this year. I am so happy to a part of the OFE team! I am a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont. I have prior teaching experience in the public schools teaching Kindergarten and First Grade. I taught preschool for 6 years at JMS just down the road from here. I have three daughters who all attended Oak Forest and I was a substitute teacher here for the past school year in second grade, Science Lab, and Kindergarten. My hobbies include reading and travel. I’m happy to be at OFE with such great teachers and families. Let’s have a great year, Bobcats!
