Leadership & Faculty Home / About Us / Leadership & Faculty Dedicated Leaders & Expert Teachers At our school, everyone works together to make sure students and families feel happy and supported. Our leaders, staff, and teachers are all here to help. Our teachers love sharing what they know, whether it’s about reading, music, or outer space! They make learning fun and exciting, helping students explore new things and find what they love. Together, we create a special place where students can grow and learn every day. From Our Award-Winning Head of School Lindsay Hay Dear Future Paragon Prep Family, Every morning at drop-off, before the school day begins, something small happens that I think tells you everything: kids chase chickens across the playground. Our kindergartners hatched those chickens from eggs earlier this year. They watched them in the incubator, named them, and now they help put them back in the coop before heading to class. It takes about two minutes, and it is completely joyful — which is exactly what I want this school to be. We have a motto we live by: Work Hard. Play Hard. Be Kind. They’re simple words, but I mean all three equally. The “work hard” part is real. Our curriculum is TEKS-aligned from Pre-K through 8th grade, and 92% of our students score above the national average for independent schools on the CTP, with 100% of graduates accepted to their high school of choice. Students who are ready can take Algebra I as early as 6th grade. We also compete in Math Counts, Math Olympiad, Science Olympiad, First Lego League Robotics, and more, because we think academic confidence is built by being tested, not just taught. We teach public speaking in every grade. By eighth grade, nearly every graduate wants to give a speech at the ceremony — no surprise, we’ve been building those muscles since they were seven! And our teachers hold themselves to the same standard we hold our students. Most have advanced degrees, and several are working on them right now. We have a certified strength and conditioning coach and a yoga instructor on staff, both trained specifically to work with children. Professional development here centers on one question: how do we deliver high-level academics in a way that inspires a lifelong love of learning? The “play hard” part is serious, too. Every student, 1st through 8th grade, belongs to a multi-grade College (think Hogwarts Houses), but with real academic and athletic competitions all year, culminating in a crowning ceremony where even the second-place trophy is deliberately ridiculous. We’ve been doing this since the nineties. It’s silly and competitive in equal measure, and kids genuinely care about it. Eighty-five percent of our middle schoolers play school sports, and our 34 electives and clubs mean that every student has a real chance to find their thing. The “be kind” part shows up in how we move through the world beyond campus. In sixth grade, every student takes a world cultures class where they visit the places of worship of six major world religions — three in one day, three the next. The goal is to find common ground without pretending the differences away. That’s a skill I don’t think you can teach in a classroom alone. Our annual service projects — Coats for Kids and Mobile Loaves & Fishes — connect students to their Austin community in ways that stick. And our class trips go to Washington D.C., Big Bend, Costa Rica, and New York City, among others. (No parents on those trips. I’m the mom. I make sure everyone has their sweatshirt.) What I can tell you, as someone who has been doing this for a long time, is that the thing parents notice first, the thing that keeps them here, is that their kids actually want to come to school. That’s not a small thing. If any of this sounds like what you’ve been looking for, I’d love to show you around. Come see us. Sincerely, Lindsay Hay, M.Ed. Head of School Paragon Prep, Austin, TX Read how Lindsay was named Head of School of the Year by Education Insider! Read More Browse By Role All Roles Faculty Leadership Search Joey Silva Dean of Students Joey Silva Dean of Students Email Joey was born in Albuquerque, NM and was raised in El Paso, TX. After graduating from high school he worked while going to college part-time; eventually going to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and transferring to and graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in Psychology with in minor in Communication. Joey then moved to Austin, TX in 2007, continuing to work and eventually received his masters degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Texas in Austin in 2013. Joey has been working with children for more than 15 years, 7 of them within the educational system. He has two young children of his own. “I’m trying to make people become the best versions of themselves possible, all the while appreciating the struggle that it takes. Life is not measured on where one ends up, but the obstacles one had to overcome to get there.” Mr. Joey joined the Paragon Team in 2015. Mr. Joey’s YouTube Channel. Valor Program Rama Sreekantham Subject Area Specialist Rama Sreekantham Subject Area Specialist Email Ms. Sreekantham joins Paragon with 8 years of science teaching and curriculum development experience. She earned her BS degree in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology from the University of California, and an MS in Biotechnology from Penn State. A resident of Austin since 2003, she worked as a DNA analyst for a decade before shifting gears to teaching. Her passion for excellent education extends to UT – mentoring college students in the UTeach program – and also extends to her service on the Board of Directors at Williams Community School. Rama Sreekantham joined the Paragon Team in 2020. Shaun Stubblefield 7th & 8th Grade English Shaun Stubblefield 7th & 8th Grade English Email Shaun Stubblefield is a passionate educator who brings over five years of teaching in history, literature, and music to the classroom. He is deeply committed to creating engaging, student-centered learning environments that spark curiosity and critical thinking. Mr. Stubblefield specializes in project-based and mastery-based learning, helping students connect academic subjects to real-world experiences. Mr. Stubblefield holds a Master’s in Secondary Education from Regis University, a Master of Music in Music History from Northern Arizona University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in English Church Music from the University of York in the U.K. His academic background reflects his passion for both the humanities and the arts, and he brings this depth of knowledge into his interdisciplinary teaching. He has taught in a wide range of educational settings—including gifted and talented programs and IB-aligned schools—where he has developed original curricula in history, literature, drama, and music. When he’s not in the classroom, Mr. Stubblefield enjoys independent research, playing video games, and spending time with his partner and their energetic three-year-old dog, Gianna. Adriana Vanderende Kindergarten Adriana Vanderende Kindergarten Email Kate Wade Art Kate Wade Art Email Kate Wade graduated with a Bachelors of Science from the University of Texas at Austin. Her major was Textiles and Apparel, which included fashion design, visual displays and graphic art combined with a science aspect of chemistry labs and fabric testing. While studying fashion, she developed a strong admiration for costume design, and it continues to be a source of her inspiration. While attending UT, she developed skills that would lead into working on fashion shows, collaborative projects and avant-garde photo shoots with local artists. Her passion has always been pursuing a career in art. She has been a practicing artist from a young age, exploring many different forms and media. Kate has since finely tuned her skills in acrylic painting and pastel drawing, with an emphasis on mixed media. She continues to play with art while working in her studio in her spare time. She began teaching adults to paint in 2012, and found the pure joy of helping others how to hone their skills. Teaching kids was the next part of her calling, and she found immense joy working with the youngest artists. She continues to work with kids, teaching ceramics and pottery painting. She has a young artist of her own named Zeke, who is the center of their world. They enjoy spending as much family time as possible. Kate is excited and eager to share her love of teaching and learning with the Paragon community. Kate Wade joined the Paragon Team in 2018. Jacob White Director of Athletics Jacob White Director of Athletics Email Jacob was born and raised in San Antonio and moved to Austin where he graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2013. He received a Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Education, with a specialization as a Fitness Instructor. Jacob spent his college years learning about the human body and gained valuable experience training athletes and the general public through class work and internships. Along with coaching at Paragon, Jacob is a Lonestar Soccer Club Jr. Academy coach. He also has experience as a speed/agility and strength coach for youth athletes of all sports, ages, and skill levels. He is excited to continue using his skills to help Paragon students grow on and off the field, in all aspects of life. Jacob White joined the Paragon Team in 2013. Virginia Woodruff 6th Grade English Virginia Woodruff 6th Grade English Email Jim Wyatt 7th & 8th Humanities Jim Wyatt 7th & 8th Humanities Email Mr. Wyatt grew up in Bellville, a small town in Texas. He graduated from Southwest Texas with a B.A. in Anthropology. Followed by a Master in Religious Studies from Austin Seminary. Retired from AISD after 24 years of teaching 8th grade American History at Murchison Middle School. Outside of work, Mr. Wyatt enjoys triathlons and puttering around his workshop. Rachel Yeager Physical Education Rachel Yeager Physical Education Email Rachel Yeager was born in New Jersey and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where she participated in high level competitive soccer and basketball and eventually ultimate frisbee– experiences which influence her coaching style today. In 2012, she moved to Austin to participate in the Personal Trainer Certification Program at the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Professional Education in collaboration with the World Instructor Training Schools. Rachel is a level I Certified Functional Strength Coach, and hopes to complete level II in the future. Rachel’s experience with coaching youth is extensive and well rounded. Rachel served as a lead coach with Soccer Shots where she became an expert in developing motor skills for children 2-8 years old via soccer. She honed her craft with Lonestar Jr. Academy and Soccer Shots for more than a decade and is a Licensed Soccer Coach via US Soccer. Her experience with middle and high school aged children came from her coaching position at Meyer Athletic Development where she taught sport related speed and strength training. Rachel still maintains a passion for ultimate frisbee and plays on the Austin Torch, a women’s and non-binary professional ultimate frisbee team. She is a founding co-president of this non-profit team and has served in this role since 2019. Rachel brings unique and valuable knowledge to coaching and physical education curriculum design via her passion of efficient strength training, injury prevention and developmentally sound curriculum design. Rachel joined the Paragon Team in 2021 Crystal Young Substitute Teacher Crystal Young Substitute Teacher Email Crystal Young holds an education degree from the University of North Texas and has enjoyed 23 years of teaching young children in the Dallas and Austin public school systems. Most recently from Austin’s Sunset Valley Elementary School, she was their Teacher of the Year for the 2014-15 school year. Ms. Young looks forward to putting her knowledge and experience to work in the shaping of her own Pre-School Program at Paragon, working with the school’s littlest of learners. Crystal enjoys cooking/baking, catching up with friends over dinner, making jewelry and scouring the internet for new things to learn. Crystal Young joined the Paragon Team in 2017. Page 3 of 3 Jump to Page Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Learn More About Paragon Prep Teachers What qualifications do teachers at Paragon Prep hold? At Paragon Prep, students learn from an exceptionally credentialed faculty where every teacher holds either a teaching certificate with a Bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate degree paired with real-world industry experience. This unique combination ensures that educators have not only mastered their subjects but have also lived them. Our staff is highly distinguished, with 11 teachers holding Master’s degrees and one holding a Doctorate. Beyond these impressive credentials, our faculty members are driven by a genuine passion for children and learning, bringing both deep expertise and heart into the classroom every day. How does Paragon Prep invest in its teachers’ ongoing growth? At Paragon Prep, we believe teacher growth directly fuels student success, which is why professional development is a daily priority rather than an annual event. Through our partnership with Spring Education Group, faculty access a robust program focused on leadership and refining their instructional craft. By constantly evolving and stretching their skills, our teachers model the same lifelong learning and adaptability we expect from our students. Do you have long-standing faculty and staff at Paragon Prep? One of the defining features of Paragon Prep is the remarkable stability of our team. Our Head of School has been a cornerstone of the community since 2011, and that long-term commitment extends across our entire faculty and staff. Most of our educators bring five or more years of experience specifically at Paragon, ensuring that students are greeted by teachers who deeply understand our culture and values. This continuity allows our staff to truly embody what it means to be a “Paragon Knight.” Even as we grow, we are intentional about maintaining these high standards, carefully selecting new team members who are not only highly qualified but also fully invested in the long-term success of our students. What makes teachers at Paragon Prep exceptional? Teachers at Paragon Prep are exceptional because they combine high-level credentials, including 12 advanced degrees, with real-world industry experience. This expertise is sustained by a culture of continuous growth, where professional development ensures our faculty never stops learning. With a majority of the staff serving for five or more years, this stability creates a deep-rooted understanding of our community and values. In our small classes, this translates to a mentorship model where every teacher knows each child’s name, strengths, and needs, ensuring every student is both challenged and celebrated.
