Fine Arts Staff

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 24

Current Teaching Position: Fine Arts Director/Head Band Director

College/University: Henderson State University, Bachelor of Music Education

Previous Schools: Sulphur Springs, Winnsboro

Director Accolades: Mr. Emmert comes to Barbers Hill ISD with 24 years experience teaching band and has spent 20 of those at Sulphur Springs ISD. Under Mr. Emmert’s leadership, Sulphur Springs High School Band earned consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards, with the marching band qualifying for the UIL State Marching Contest annually and finishing among the state’s top five bands from 2022–2025. The program also achieved statewide recognition in concert performance, including a third-place finish at the 2024 TMEA Honor Band State Finals and a first-place finish at the State level in the 2025 Outstanding Performance Series. Emmert has presented clinics at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention and is recognized for his expertise in marching band rehearsal techniques.   

Prior to Sulphur Springs, Emmert served as Head Band Director at Winnsboro High School where the band program finished fifth in TMEA Honor Band State Finals.  He spent 12 years at Sulphur Springs Middle School, where he grew the band program to more than 270 students and led it to consistent sweepstakes success. 

In addition to his work in public education, Emmert has served for more than two decades as a Music Minister and Director of Choral Ensembles in Global and United Methodist Churches. He is an active UIL, TMEA, and ATSSB adjudicator and clinician, a frequent guest lecturer at the university level, and has served as principal timpanist for the Northeast Texas Symphony. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu, Alpha Chapter, national honorary band fraternity. 

Personal Information:  Mr. Emmert and his wife, Christi, have been married for many years and have three sons.  Christi teaches Elementary Music at Elementary School South in Barbers Hill.  Their oldest son, Brody, attends Texas A&M University, where he is a member of the Corps of Cadets and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. Mitchell and Chip will be joining the Soaring Eagle Band as 11th and 8th graders this year.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 15

Current Teaching Position: Assistant Band Director, Color Guard Director, Applied Music I - IV

College/University: Music Education at Midwestern State University; Dance and P.E. Certified 

Previous Schools:  Crystal City ISD, Wills Point ISD, Terrell ISD

Directing Accolades: Mr. Ascaño’s impressive career is marked by multiple Concert and Sight-Reading Sweepstakes honors and two-time WGI Regional Finalist recognition. He is TEA Certified in Music, Dance, and P.E., and has participated as a finalist in both UIL 4A and 5A State Marching Band competitions. As an equipment judge for TECA, he has contributed his expertise to the marching arts. Mr. Ascaño has also shared his knowledge as a session presenter for ATSSB and TBA. His performance experience includes being a member of the DCI Blue Knights (2007-2008) and marching with WGI Black Gold in 2005, 2010, and 2019. Additionally, he earned All-State honors in 5A at the TMEA Convention in 2004.

Personal Information: Mr. Ascaño is a graduate of Midwestern State University and Rider High School in Wichita Falls, TX. He currently teaches the BHHS Symphonic Band, BHHS Color Guard, and ISN Beginner Saxophone. Outside of his teaching, he enjoys hiking, caring for plants, spending time with dogs, and traveling the world.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 10+ years at a dance studio; 3 years in public education

Current Teaching Position: Director of Eaglettes Dance Team and Dance I - IV Director

College/University: Bachelor of Science in Dance and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Lamar University

Previous District: Goose Creek CISD

Personal Information: Mrs. Bell is a Baytown native and a former four-year member of the Sterling Stars Drill Team. She served as Major during her junior year and as Colonel, the highest-ranking position, in her senior year.

Mrs. Bell is a graduate of Lamar University, where she earned two bachelor's degrees—one in Interdisciplinary Studies and another in Dance. She was the owner of Baytown Dance Company for a decade, teaching ballet, tap, and jazz.

Mrs. Bell has been married to her husband, Derek, for 15 years, and they have one daughter, Gracie.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 7

Current Teaching Position: Assistant Band Director, Percussion Director

College/University: Bachelor of Science in Music Education from East Texas A&M University

Previous District: Mineola ISD

Director Accolades: Mr. Brannon's drumlines have won multiple awards, including 16 Best in Class Percussion Awards, 10 Second Place Overall Percussion Caption Placements, and 6 Best Overall Percussion Caption Awards. He also premiered and conducted the percussion ensemble Berserker at the 2019 TMEA 3A Honor Band Concert.

Mr. Brannon has earned two UIL State 3A Marching Gold Medals and assisted with a UIL State 5A Marching Contest appearance, where his percussion section ranked 15th overall in 2024 and 8th overall in 2025. His students have placed in TMEA and ATSSB Region and Area auditions, and many have received Division 1 ratings at UIL State Solo and Ensemble, including two Outstanding Soloist recipients. Additionally, Mr. Brannon's percussion ensembles have placed 1st, 2nd, and 4th at various Percussion Ensemble Festivals.

Number of Years Teaching: 20

Current Teaching Position: Lead Art Teacher

College/University: Bachelor of Arts in Art at University of Texas at Austin; Education Post-Baccalaureate Program at Lamar University

Previous Schools: Warren ISD

Teaching Accolades: Reaud Excellence in Education Award Recipient, AP Art Reader, VASE Juror

Personal Information:  Ms. Elliott has taught in Barbers Hill for 4 years. She has three children, two grandchildren, and one grouchy cat. Ms. Elliott enjoys drawing, painting, stand-up comedy, and beach days.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 10

Current Teaching Position: Assistant Choir Director

College/University: Lamar University

Previous Schools: Goose Creek CISD

Personal Information: Mrs. Hilyard has been married to her husband for 13 years. They have three children: Harrison (10), Lorelei (8), and Holden (6). They attend Second Baytown and love serving their community.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 19

Current Teaching Position: English III, Assistant Director of Eaglettes

College/University: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication - Electronic Media at Southwest Texas State University

Previous Schools: Goose Creek CISD

Personal Information: Mrs. Hopper was a four-year member of the Sterling Stars Drill Team, where she held the title of Major of Reserves. She is married to Kyle, and they have two children, Reese and Kylie.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 28

Current Teaching Position: Technical Theatre Director

College/University: Bachelor of Arts at Texas A&M University - College Station

Previous Schools: Deer Park ISD

Director Accolades: Mr. Irwin's students have earned 4 State One Act Play Appearances and 3 State Theatrical Design Appearances.

Personal Information: Mr. Irwin's teaching career began at Deer Park High School. A native of Pasadena, Texas, he was hired in 2013 to begin the Technical Theatre program at Barbers Hill High School. Mr. Irwin is married to his wife, Sheralyn, and has two children, Christian and Savannah.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 15

Current Teaching Position: Head Theatre Director, Advanced Theatre I & II, Theatre Production, Theatre I - IV

College/University: East Texas Baptist University

Previous Schools: Deer Park ISD

Directing Accolades: Ms. Kouba is a highly accomplished educator with a distinguished record of success, including four consecutive years as an OAP State Placing Director (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026). She has also led her teams to 14 OAP District Championships and was named the 2016 Deer Park ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. 

Personal Information: In addition to directing, Ms. Kouba serves at her local church as a worship leader. In her free time, she enjoys going to Pilates, watching college football, and walking her dog, Tucker, at the park.

Number of Years at BHISD: K-12 Class of 1989; Hired 2016.

Current Position: Secretary, Director of Fine Arts

College/University:  BS Management - University of Phoenix; AAS Legal Studies - San Jacinto College

Previous Career:  Investor Relations/Corporate Communications (16 years); Paralegal (5 years)   

Accolades:  BHISD Mentor of the Year (2016)

Personal Information:   Mrs. Novosad took an early retirement in 2012 to stay at home with her children.  During her eight years at home, she spent most of her time volunteering with youth ministry, serving as room mom, and mentoring.  She found a love for being in the classroom and began substitute teaching in 2016.  Prior to joining the staff full-time in 2020, Mrs. Novosad served as President of the BH Band Booster Club for five years.

Mrs. Novosad has been married to her husband Matt since 1999.  Their three children are all Eagles (C/O '19, '22 and '26). In her spare time, Mrs. Novosad enjoys traveling with her family, and volunteering in multiple ministries at her church.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 14

Current Teaching Position:  Technical Theatre I, Theatre I, Advanced Theatre I, Co-teaching Theatre Production

College/University:  B.S. in Radio-TV-Film from The University of Texas at Austin; Post-baccalaureate teacher certification in Theatre Studies from UT Austin

Previous Schools:  Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, Montgomery ISD

Directing Accolades:  4th place at the 5A UIL OAP State Meet in 2022; 5 consecutive Region appearances in 5A UIL OAP with the two most recent being alternate to State. 2020 Volunteer of the Year award for Texas Thespians, 2021 recipient of the Golden Apple Teaching Award from Texas Thespians.

Personal Information:  Mr. Ramirez could talk endlessly about movies (especially horror films), hard rock, heavy metal, and Star Wars. He enjoys writing, watching films, eating great Tex-Mex and Thai food, and loves spending time with his family including his Corgi, "Puck, Merry Wanderer of the Night"

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 5

Current Teaching Position: Assistant Band Director - Percussion

College/University:  Texas A&M University - Commerce

Previous Schools:  Killeen ISD

Directing Accolades:  Mr. Rojas is a dedicated Vic Firth Educator with a passion for percussion excellence. Under his guidance, the Barbers Hill Front Ensemble secured a 1st place finish at the 2022 Aldine Drumline Contest. As a performer, he showcased his talent on a national stage as a member of the Phantom Regiment Front Ensemble in 2019.

Personal Information: Mr. Rojas recently married in June 2024 and enjoys life with his two turtles, Juanita and Godzi, along with his husky, Arya. In his free time, he enjoys listening to scary story podcasts and composing music for the marimba.

Number of Years Coaching: 3

Current Teaching Position: Guard Tech

Colleges/Universities: Sam Houston State University

Previous Schools: Manvel HS and Langham Creek HS

Personal Information:  A graduate of Tomball Memorial High School, Morgan was a member of the Roaring Blue Band Color Guard, where she discovered her passion for color guard and the marching arts. She went on to perform with several nationally recognized organizations, including Louisiana Stars, Spirit Independent, Cypress Independent, Blue Knights, and Phantom Regiment.

During her marching career, Morgan was a DCI World Championships finalist with both Blue Knights and Phantom Regiment, where she also served as Dance Line Captain. She competed in DCI Open Class Finals with Louisiana Stars and performed at the WGI World Championships with Cypress Independent, gaining valuable experience performing at the highest levels of the activity.

Outside the classroom, Morgan has an extensive background in public speaking and stage performance through the pageant industry. She has earned numerous state and local titles, including Miss Tomball German Festival Queen, Miss Galveston Bathing Beauty, and Miss Rodeo Charis Hills, and was recognized as Third Runner-Up, Speech Award Winner, and Dreamcatcher Award recipient at Miss Rodeo USA.
 

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 19

Current Teaching Position: Head Choir Director

Colleges/Universities: Baylor University/Bachelor's in Music Education

Previous Schools: Goose Creek CISD & Waco ISD

Directing Accolades: Mrs. Taleno was named Best Choir Director in the Baytown 411 Cream of the Crop Contest in 2026.  She was also featured as one of Baytown Sun's Top 23 under 40 in 2020.  While at Baylor, she won 1st place in the National Association of Teacherss of Singing (NATS) for 3 consecutive years. She is a lifelong resident of Baytown and was a 3-year Texas All-State Choir member with Sterling High School.

In 2025, the Barbers Hill Swing Choir was featured as a TMEA Showcase Choir, for the first time in school history.

Personal Information: Mrs. Taleno is married to Robert and has two children, Leilani & Zeke. Mrs. Taleno is passionate about helping students achieve competitive success in music. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys playing with her pups - Pascal, Bailey and Teddy.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 25

Current Teaching Position: Assistant Choir Director

College/University: Bachelor of Music Education at Louisiana State University

Previous Schools: Deer Park ISD

Directing Accolades: Mr. Truitt's students earned the 2017 TMEA Honor Choir  and Deer Park Junior High Tenor Bass Choir.

Personal Information:  Mr. Truitt has been married to his wife, Laura, for 26 years. They have two sons. Carter (23) is a history teacher and coach in Deer Park ISD, and Landon (19) is a Computer Engineering major at the University of Houston.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 8

Current Teaching Position: Assistant Band Director & Jazz Band Director

College/University: Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from Stephen F. Austin State University

Previous Schools: Cedar Bayou Junior School and Sterling High School

Directing Accolades: 

Mr. Watson has had consecutive sweepstakes ratings for his concert bands at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contests.  He started the jazz band class at Cedar Bayou Junior School in GCCISD.  At Barbers Hill, the Soaring Eagle Jazz Band has been named a Commended Winner in 2023, and a National Winner in the 2024 Mark of Excellence National Jazz Honors.  They also have taken 2^nd place in the 2023 Jazz at the Falls Contest and 1^st place at the 2024 Bill Watrous Jazz Festival at Sam Houston State University.

Mr. Watson is a current TMEA and TJEA member.  He has also held the position of principal trombone player for the Bay Area Philharmonic, (formerly known as Baytown Symphony Orchestra) for the past 5 years.  He has also served on staff at Stephen F. Austin State University Summer Band Camps for trombone and low brass classes since 2021.

Personal Information: Dwight currently resides in Baytown with his beautiful wife, Blanca, and their son, Felix.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 6

Current Teaching Position: Art

College/University: University of North Texas

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 10

Current Teaching Position: Choir Director

College/University: Lamar University

Previous Schools: Goose Creek CISD

Personal Information: Mrs. Cole loves teaching choir at Barbers Hill and is grateful for the support of her husband, Jonathan, and their two children, Cadence and JJ, who are also BH Eagle students!

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 18

Current Teaching Position: Assistant Band Director

College/University: Masters of Music in Clarinet Performance at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory

Previous Schools: Lufkin ISD, Longview ISD, Spring ISD, Klein ISD, Nacogdoches ISD

Directing Accolades: Ms. Ray's bands have consistently received superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sight-reading contests. She recently presented a clinic on teaching clarinet at the Texas Bandmasters Association conference and served on the committee to revise the UIL Prescribed Music List for clarinet.

Personal Information: Outside of teaching band, Ms. Ray enjoys playing the clarinet, reading, and cycling.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 21

Current Teaching Position: Theatre Director

College/University: Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Communication Arts

Previous Schools: Clear Creek ISD, Crosby ISD

Directing Accolades: Mrs. Vass has earned 14 UIL One-Act Play victories and was honored as Teacher of the Year for her outstanding contributions to education and theater. BHISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, 2025 - 2026.

Personal Information: Mrs. Vass is a proud wife and mother.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 14

Current Teaching Position: Band Director

College/University: Lamar University

Previous Schools: Humble ISD, Denver City ISD

Directing Accolades: Under Mr. Wolfe's direction, his beginning bands have won eleven first-place awards at festivals such as the Splashtown Contest (hosted by Gabe Musella), the Gator Music Festival (hosted by John Hinojosa), and the Abernathy Band Festival (hosted by Matt Knight). His advanced ensembles have earned numerous accolades, including Best in Class and Overall Outstanding Band honors at various festivals. Mr. Wolfe's bands have consistently achieved UIL Sweepstakes recognition and have remained competitive at the regional, area, and state levels in the TMEA Honor Band competition. Additionally, he enjoys serving as a band clinician and UIL adjudicator throughout Texas.

Personal Information: Cameron Wolfe is entering his 14th year of teaching and is currently in his 5th year at Barbers Hill ISD.

At Barbers Hill Middle School North, Mr. Wolfe conducts the Honor Band, Jazz Band, and assists with the Symphonic and Concert Bands. He also teaches beginning trumpet and beginning French horn. Mr. Wolfe’s bands have consistently earned UIL Sweepstakes ratings, unanimous first-division ratings at various contests, and Best in Class and Overall Outstanding Band honors. His bands also compete in the UIL Honor Band competition, where they have earned region, area, and state placements. Over the course of his 14-year career, Mr. Wolfe's beginning bands have collectively earned eleven first-place finishes in festivals such as the Splashtown Band Festival (hosted by Gabe Musella), the Gator Music Festival (hosted by John Hinojosa), and the Abernathy Music Festival (hosted by Matt Knight).

Before joining Barbers Hill, Mr. Wolfe served as the Head Band Director at Atascocita Middle School in Humble ISD and as the Assistant Band Director in Denver City ISD. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Lamar University, where he studied under Dr. Scott Deppe, Dr. Ryan Smith, Dr. Raul Ornelas, and Dr. Brian Shook. While in college, Mr. Wolfe was a member of the Lamar Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and served as trumpet section leader in the Showcase of Southeast Texas Marching Band.

Mr. Wolfe is an active clinician and judge in the band community and maintains professional affiliations with the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Texas Music Adjudicators Association.

He enjoys motivating young musicians to reach the highest levels of performance by sharing his passion for music daily. Mr. Wolfe feels honored to work alongside colleagues who share his commitment to maximizing student success and is grateful for the loving support of his family, mentors, and friends who have shaped his career.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 22

Current Teaching Position: Theatre Director

College/University: Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, Master of Science in Theatre

Previous Schools: Allen ISD

Directing Accolades: Mrs. Balogh is a veteran director with an extensive career in theatre, having directed 22 UIL One Act Plays and 25 musicals. Her productions have achieved remarkable success, including seven UIL One Act Play contest wins and 13 runner-up finishes. Her students have earned numerous individual accolades, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Performer, All-Star Cast, and Honorable Mention All-Star Cast, along with six Outstanding Tech Crew awards.

A dedicated educator, Mrs. Balogh was named Teacher of the Year in 2014 at Ereckson Middle School in Allen ISD and has been recognized as a Lifetime PTA Member for her community leadership. In 2019, she received the Love Thy Neighbor Award from Judge Blake Silvia for her contributions to the Mont Belvieu community. Most recently, in 2024, she was honored as the Cream of the Crop – Best Middle School Teacher by Baytown 411.

Mrs. Balogh is deeply grateful for the support of the Barbers Hill community, which has allowed the middle school theatre program to thrive, giving students the opportunity to shine both on and off the stage.

Personal Information: Mrs. Balogh is devoted to her family and adorable golden retrievers.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 5

Current Teaching Position: Art

College/University: Sam Houston State University, Bachelors' Fine Arts, Musical Theatre

Previous Schools: Goose Creek ISD

Personal Information:  Mrs. Kruer is passionate about the arts and inspiring students to discover their own creativity. She is married to her husband, Alan, and spent 11 years working professionally in musical theatre before becoming an art teacher. Her background in theatre shaped her love of creativity, collaboration, confidence, and self-expression, which she brings into the art classroom every day. She enjoys encouraging students to explore new ideas, take creative risks, and find joy in making art.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 16

Current Teaching Position: Choir Director

College/University: University of Texas at San Antonio, University of North Texas

Previous Schools: Goose Creek CISD

Director Accolades: Mrs. Mejia is a dedicated and results-oriented music educator with 16 years of experience teaching at both the high school and middle school levels. As a former lead mentor for all new and first-year teachers in GCCISD, she has shown a strong passion for instructional leadership and professional development.

Personal Information: Mrs. Mejia has been married for 23 years to Danny Mejia, an elementary music educator in GCCISD. Together, they are proud parents of their son, Jacob Mejia, a student at Middle School North. A former opera singer, Mireya brings her passion for music and performance into her teaching, inspiring her students to reach their fullest potential.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 16

Current Position: Band Director

College/University:  McNeese State University

Previous Schools: Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD, Clarksville ISD

Directing Accolades: Mr. Ochoa is a consistent UIL Sweepstakes Award winner and has led bands to the UIL State Marching Contest. He has also advanced to the State Honor Band Competition and was honored as the 2014 Little Cypress Jr. High Teacher of the Year.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 17

Current Position: Assistant Band Director

College/University:  Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Music at Lamar University

Previous Schools: Little Cyprus Mauriceville CISD

Personal Information: Mrs. Stone lives in Mont Belvieu with her husband, Kevin, and their youngest daughter. Their oldest daughter, Tori, a graduate of Baylor University with a degree in music education, is currently teaching band in the Dallas area. Their son, Colby, is working toward a degree in music education at The University of Texas in Austin.

Number of Years Teaching: 8

Current Teaching Position: Art Teacher

College/University: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design at University of Houston-Clear Lake

Previous Schools: Goose Creek CISD, Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

Personal Information: Mrs. Fontenot is married, has a three-year-old son, and three dogs. Her hobbies include creating art and photography.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 11

Current Teaching Position: Music Teacher, Choir Director

College/University: Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance at Lamar University

Previous Schools: Bridge City ISD, Goose Creek CISD

Director Accolades: In her 11 years of teaching, Mrs. Howerton has taught 4th-12th grade students, helping them succeed in the choir world in numerous ways. Her choirs have earned many awards, including multiple UIL Concert and Sightreading Sweepstakes over the past 11 years, numerous UIL solo and ensemble superior ratings, and several first-place trophies at various competitions. Teaching choir and music across multiple grade levels has allowed her to grow as an educator. She remains committed to continuing her growth and sharing her passion for choral music and music in general with her students. She looks forward to many more years at Barbers Hill.

Personal Information: Mrs. Howerton has been married for 10 years to her high school sweetheart, Cole. Together, they have two beautiful children, Clark and Emma, as well as a beloved fur baby named Lady.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 27

Current Teaching Position: Assistant Band Director

College/University: Bachelor of Music Education at Lamar University and a Masters in Counseling and Human Development at Lamar University

Previous Schools: Pasadena ISD, Hardin-Jefferson ISD, Orangefield ISD

Directing Accolades: Ms. King consistently earns 1st divisions at UIL Concert and Sightreading Contests and enjoys being invited to judge various band events. She was also honored with the opportunity to serve as the guest clinician for the Beaumont All-City Band.

Personal Information:  Ms. King is the proud mother of two rockstar daughters! Kate is a senior Percussion Performance major at Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!), and Laura is a senior at Anahuac High School, where she shines as a very talented dancer. She feels incredibly fortunate to be their mom!

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 14

Current Teaching Position: Music Teacher/ Choir Director 

College/University: Bachelors in Music Education at Stephen F. Austin State University 

Previous Schools: Goose Creek ISD (9 years)

Directing Accolades:  Mrs. Kohles has earned many awards, including multiple UIL Concert and Sightreading Sweepstakes over the span of her career, numerous UIL solo and ensemble superior ratings, also for several years has had students make the TCDA Honor Choirs, and 2 years in a row of superior rating at the Shadow Creek Choir Festival. She is also a member of TMEA, TCDA and TMAA.

Personal Information:  Mrs. Kohles is married to her high school sweetheart, Brad and has one energetic daughter, Clarise. Outside of school, she sings for St. Louis Catholic Church, praise and worship for various retreats and is also a member of the St. Anthony's Cathedral Basilica Schola.

Number of Years Teaching: 16

Current Teaching Position: Art Teacher

College/University: Bachelor of Fine Arts and Digital and Photographic Imaging at Texas State University; Art Education at the University of North Texas

Personal Information: Ms. Sherman has dedicated her entire art teaching career to being a BH Eagle. She taught at Middle School North from 2009 to 2023 and at Intermediate School North from 2023 to 2025. Throughout her career, she has taught a variety of subjects, including Study Skills, Leadworthy, and Yearbook, in addition to Art. She has also coached multiple UIL Art History teams.

One of her greatest joys each year is the campus Chair Affair/Art for Chair-ity event. During this project, students paint unique stools and chairs to auction off for a charity chosen by the students. This event teaches students that their artistic talents can make a meaningful impact on others' lives. Through their work, they learn teamwork, integrity, empathy, and the importance of sacrificial love for people they may never meet.

Ms. Sherman deeply values the Barbers Hill community and school district. She feels privileged to collaborate with the district’s talented art teachers in art-centered professional development and the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Competition.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband and two sons, who also attend Barbers Hill schools.

Number of Years Teaching: 14

Current Teaching Position: Art Teacher

College/University: Texas Women's University

Previous Schools: Goose Creek CISD

Directing Accolades:  Giant Teacher of the Month-Multiple Years, Math and Science Distinctions for 14 years

Personal Information:  25-26 is Mrs. Brack's first year teaching art, but she brings 14 years of teaching experience to the classroom.  Art is a passion of hers, and she believe it's a powerful tool for personal growth, problem-solving, and self-discovery. Her is to create a supportive, inspiring environment where students feel free to explore their creativity, take risks, and develop both their artistic skills and confidence. 

Number of Years Teaching: 11

Current Teaching Position: Art Teacher

College/University: Bachelor of Fine Arts and EC-12 Art Education at University of Houston-Clear Lake

Previous Schools: Pearland ISD, Goose Creek CISD

Directing Accolades: Ms. Gaughan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and Applied Design and an EC-12 Art Education Certification. She is a former teacher at the UHCL Art School for Children and Young Adults, serving students in both CCISD and UHCL. A dedicated member of the Texas Art Educators Association, she was recognized as an Outstanding Art Educator by the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, earning a Best of Show award in 2022.

Personal Information: Ms. Gaughan actively participates in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) and Junior VASE, supporting students in their artistic growth and achievement. Outside of education, she has a strong passion for art, design, and travel. She is also a Certified Real Estate Home Marketing Specialist with expertise in home design and staging.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 24

Current Teaching Position: Music Teacher, Choir Director

College/University: Bachelor of Arts at Lamar University

Previous Schools: Lumberton ISD, Goose Creek CISD, Leader ISD, Humble ISD

Directing Accolades: Mrs. Guseman has led numerous choral groups to success at UIL, earning multiple sweepstakes trophies. She has guided hundreds of students to placements in All-Region Choirs and has had numerous students selected for the TCDA All-State Honor Choir.

An active adjudicator for UIL and TMEA, Mrs. Guseman also serves as a clinician for Region and Honor Choirs. She is a proud member of TMAA, TMEA, and TCDA. Above all, she values making meaningful connections with her students.

Personal Information: Outside the music classroom, Mrs. Guseman enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring fashion and film, and embracing creativity in all aspects of life. She has been married to her husband, Sam, for 19 years, and they have an 11-year-old daughter, Gia, who is a proud member of the ISS choir.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 10

Current Teaching Position: Music Teacher, Choir Director

College/University: Texas State University

Previous Schools: Comal ISD

Directing Accolades: Rachel Rozsypal is an accomplished vocalist and performer with a distinguished musical background. A proud graduate of Barbers Hill High School, Mrs. Rozsypal has showcased her talent on prestigious stages, including a performance at Carnegie Hall. She was also honored with an invitation to sing with Sing America overseas, further solidifying her reputation as an exceptional artist.

Recognized for her dedication and skill, Mrs. Rozsypal has received multiple campus grants and awards for musical excellence. As a member of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), she continues to contribute to the advancement of music education and performance.

Personal Information: Ms. Rozsypal is a devoted mother who finds joy in caring for her special needs child, creating a nurturing and supportive home environment. She treasures time with family and friends, making lasting memories through shared experiences.

A passionate music enthusiast, she enjoys playing the ukulele and often brings it along on her travels. One of her favorite pastimes is visiting the river with her golden retriever, Sandy, where they enjoy the outdoors together. She also takes great pride in staying connected with former students, attending their events to celebrate their achievements and milestones.

Number of Years Teaching/Directing: 24

Current Teaching Position: Band Director

College/University: Bachelor of Music Education at Lamar University

Previous Schools: Bridge City ISD, Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD

Directing Accolades: Mrs. Talbert’s bands have consistently earned Sweepstakes trophies at UIL and have placed four times in the TMEA State Honor Band competition. In 2004, she was recognized as Mauriceville Middle School Teacher of the Year and Little Cypress-Mauriceville C.I.S.D. Secondary Teacher of the Year. In 2010, she was honored as Phi Beta Mu’s Outstanding Young Bandmaster of the Year.

Since 2011, Mrs. Talbert has served as a band director at Barbers Hill ISD in Mont Belvieu, TX. Her professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Delta Omicron (Professional Music Fraternity), Women Band Directors International, and Phi Beta Mu (Honorary Music Fraternity).

Personal Information: Mrs. Talbert is an active clinician, adjudicator, and music educator in both Texas and Louisiana. She resides in Mont Belvieu, TX, with her husband, Nick, and their daughters: Lucy, Bailey, Lily, and Shelly.