On April 16, the Katy Independent School District recognized its ‘Of the Year’ honorees, honoring the many individuals who contribute to the district’s success. This year’s 30 honorees were chosen from peers, departments and divisions, and represent “above and beyond” excellence in an array of positions supporting students, schools and families in Katy ISD. The event also honored the campus and rookie teachers of the year.

“These remarkable educators, support staff, operations team members, safety professionals and campus leaders exemplify what it means to serve with heart, lead with integrity and show up each day for our students and staff across Katy ISD,” said Board President Victor Perez.

The evening’s theme, the Acoustics of Katy, honored the way the different parts of the district work together to support the district’s mission and vision.

“Earning an ‘Of the Year’ distinction in a premier district like Katy ISD is a testament to your excellence, character and impact,” said Ken Gregorski, Katy ISD superintendent. “The strength of Katy ISD comes from each of you, from every classroom, office, patrol car, bus and beyond, working in concert to create something greater than any one role.”

The 2025 ‘Of the Year’ honorees include:

Category Name Location

Elementary Assistant Principal

of the Year Jessica Estes Kilpatrick Elementary

Elementary Instructional

Paraprofessional of the Year Tim Keiser Randolph Elementary

Elementary Instructional Coach

of the Year Kayla Beesley West Memorial Elementary

Nurse of the Year Kristi Folse Jordan High School

Speech Language Pathologist of

the Year Aitran Jaime Jeanne Coleman Support Annex

Transportation Employee of the

Year Kolbe Bates South Transportation

Diagnostician of the Year Sharon Anderson Hayes Elementary

Elementary Security Officer of the Year Roderick Cooper Pattison Elementary

Elementary Administrative

Paraprofessional of the Year Amy Soddy Alexander Elementary

Junior High Counselor of the

Year Nathanial Welch West Memorial Junior High

ARD Facilitator of the Year Regina Campbell Sundown Elementary

Campus Student Support

Personnel of the Year Norma White Raines Academy

Secondary Principal of the Year Janelle Coleman Opportunity Awareness Center

Elementary School Counselor of

the Year Dr. Penelope Flores Bryant Elementary

Maintenance & Operations

Employee of the Year Eligio Santiago Central Maintenance

High School Counselor of the

Year Tanya Marshal Jordan High School

Elementary Library Media

Specialist of the Year Melissa Bryant Stephens Elementary

Nutrition & Food Services

Employee of the Year Gretchen Heilman Tays Junior High

Secondary Administrative

Paraprofessional of the Year Susan Smith Tompkins High School

Elementary Principal of the Year Malynn Rodriguez Kilpatrick Elementary

Substitute Teacher of the Year Kashif Husain

Secondary Instructional Coach

of the Year Alison Leslie Paetow High School

Secondary Instructional

Paraprofessional of the Year Michael Chuter Beckendorff Junior High

Secondary Assistant Principal of

the Year Teri Faigle Cinco Ranch High School

Licensed Specialist in School Psychology of the Year Kathryn Feagins Special Education

Secondary Library Media

Specialist of the Year Sean Heller Cinco Ranch High School

Secondary Campus Assigned

Police Officer of the Year Charles Dilworth, Sr. Katy Junior High

Secondary Campus Assigned

Level 2 Security Guard of the

Year Joel Perez Nelson Junior High

At Large (Unassigned) Police &

Emergency Management

Employee of the Year Traci Dugas Law Enforcement Center

ESC Administrative

Paraprofessional Ellen Hebert Education Support Complex