Educators Who Teach Like It Matters

Jolie Horvath

Director of Assessment & Academic Support

Jolie Horvath brings experience in education, athletics, fitness, and student support to her role as Director of Assessment & Academic Support. A Dyslexia Practitioner and Clinical EFT Practitioner, she is passionate about helping students build confidence, overcome challenges, and develop the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Jolie enjoys lifelong learning, particularly in neuroscience, neuropsychology, and emotional well-being. Outside of school, she enjoys dancing, spending time with family and friends, and being at the barn with her daughters and their horses.

Susana Demore, PT, DPT

Director of Student Wellness

Dr. Susana Demore is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with 18 years of experience, including sports medicine. As Director of Student Wellness, she leads Valor Heights' Individualized Wellness Program, helping students build healthy habits, prevent injuries, and reach their personal wellness goals.

A wife, mother of two, and breast cancer survivor, Dr. Demore is passionate about fitness, holistic health, and helping every student thrive.

Adrian Salguero

Upper School Lead Teacher & Director of Soccer

Adrian Salguero is a Physical Education and Sports Science educator with experience in schools, colleges, and high-performance soccer programs in the United States and Europe. He holds a Master's degree in Strength and Conditioning and Injury Prevention in Soccer, an MBA in Sports Management, and is a U.S. Soccer A Licensed Coach.

As Upper School Lead Teacher and Director of Soccer, Adrian teaches high school students while leading Valor Heights' soccer program and Individualized Development Program (IDP). He is passionate about helping students grow academically, personally, and athletically as they prepare for success in college, professional opportunities, and beyond.

Dr. Paola Ibarra

Medical Education & Wellness Advisor

Dr. Paola Ibarra is a physician with experience in family medicine, clinical research, and medical education. She has led clinical research studies, served on a research ethics committee, and taught fourth-year medical students. As Valor Heights' Medical Education & Wellness Advisor, she partners with our wellness team to support student health education and the Individualized Wellness Program.

A wife, mother of two, and lifelong learner, Dr. Ibarra enjoys nutrition, tennis, cooking, and spending time with her family. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Rebecca McAllister

Lead Teacher, Lower School

Rebecca McAllister earned a B.S. in Teaching Social Science from Brigham Young University and has taught in public schools, charter schools, homeschool and co-op programs, Lone Star Continuing Education, and online English programs. As the Lead Teacher of Lower School, she provides leadership for grades 5–8 while fostering a learning environment that encourages curiosity, responsibility, and academic growth.

Outside the classroom, Rebecca leads a nonprofit that furnishes homes for refugee families. She is passionate about reading, history, travel, and learning about different cultures, and she is always eager to learn something new.

Mrs. Ellen Reeves

Lower School English Language Arts Teacher

Mrs. Ellen Reeves is a dedicated educator with 34 years of both public and private classroom experience. She brings a lifelong passion for reading and writing to Valor Heights, using literacy to build meaningful relationships, strengthen students' confidence, and inspire a lasting love of learning.

Ana Willis

College Access Counselor

Helps students and families navigate college planning, academic transitions, and family goals with bilingual support for U.S. and international pathways.

Ms. Aiza Adil

Lower School Assistant Teacher & Art and Media Teacher

Ms. Aiza Adil supports students across the Lower School while teaching art and media. She enjoys helping students express their ideas creatively, develop new skills, and build confidence through hands-on projects and visual storytelling.

As both an assistant teacher and arts educator, she brings creativity, encouragement, and thoughtful support to the classroom.

Ms. Michelle Peterson

Lower School Assistant Teacher & Theater Teacher

Miss Michelle Peterson supports students and teachers across the Lower School while coordinating theater and creative projects. She brings warmth, flexibility, and encouragement to the classroom and enjoys helping students build confidence, collaborate with others, and express themselves creatively.

Vanessa Cavazos

Cheer and Dance Teacher

Vanessa Cavazos leads Valor Heights' cheer and dance program, helping students build confidence, coordination, teamwork, and performance skills. She creates an encouraging environment where students can grow as athletes, performers, and leaders while expressing themselves through movement.

Deon Thompson

Sciences

Blends biology, chemistry, anatomy, and hands-on labs while fostering curiosity and critical thinking through real-world exploration.

Julio Ramirez

Soccer Coach

Motivates students through teamwork and discipline, fostering confidence and sportsmanship.

João Ferreira

Goalkeeper Coach

Originally from Brazil, João began playing at age four and went on to collegiate and semi-professional soccer in the United States. A U.S. Soccer Grassroots Licensed coach, he trains goalkeepers of all ages and skill levels, building confidence, discipline, and a genuine love for the game.

Megan Watson

Music

Brings structure and creativity to music class, developing student discipline, collaboration, and lifelong music appreciation.

Olivia Alvarez

Student Leadership & Marketing Intern

Olivia Alvarez is a sophomore in the Business Honors Program at The University of Texas at Austin's McCombs School of Business. She supports school operations, student leadership programming, marketing initiatives, and experiential education projects. She serves as advisor for the student council, a chapter of the National Association of Student Councils.

Olivia is passionate about mentorship and helping others find their footing, whether in the classroom or on a leadership team.