Meet our School Leader
VASHUNDA WARREN, Ed.D
Vashunda Warren, Ed.D., is a reflective servant leader who inspires excellence and innovation, cultivates collaborative relationships, and champions experiential learning. Dr. Warren has worked in the field of education for over 25 years in varying capacities including classroom teacher, adjunct college professor, instructional facilitator, STEM coordinator, professional development manager, and campus administrator. In March 2021, Dr. Warren obtained her doctorate in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University where she conducted research on the lived experiences of teachers who attended teacher professional development sessions hosted by informal learning institutions for consecutive or multiple years.
Meet Our Governing Board
Dr. Sharon Lee is a resident of Kaufman, Texas, the third largest city in Kaufman County. As an active member of First Baptist Church Kaufman, she advocates for the community’s interests and concerns. Dr. Lee served as the Director of Research in K-12 Education at Dallas Baptist University. Her career spans 46 years in various roles focusing on curriculum, instruction, and research. Her teaching and leadership experiences provide a foundation for fostering innovative and effective STEM education initiatives. She helped establish the Division of Technology and Innovation at the University of South Dakota before moving to Texas. Dr. Lee’s service to school boards highlights her commitment to advancing education and contributing to the strategic direction and growth of educational organizations, making her well-positioned to serve as Governing Board President of Visionary STEM Academy.
Deri Adams-Hooper capitalizes on her wealth of expertise, leveraging 50 years of experience in education, spanning leadership roles at the campus, district, and state level, including her tenure with the Texas Education Agency. Equipped with the knowledge and expertise gained from her 50 years in education, she realizes that education is a process that must focus on sound research-based instructional practices that support the art of teaching and learning. She is dedicated to advancing project-based learning through a STEM approach and driving innovative, highly-effective instructional practices. Mrs. Hooper’s involvement in various educational platforms reflects her vested interest in the long-term success and sustainability of Visionary STEM Academy. With a deep-rooted passion for student achievement, Mrs. Hooper is committed to making decisions that ensure the school’s positive impact on future generations of the students of Kaufman County.
Dustin Miller has a successful track record in various roles at the Dallas Arboretum, including Vice President of Learning and Guest Experience and Director of Experience and Innovation. He is a bilingual, forward-thinking leader with expertise in dynamic management, program development, and data-driven strategies. His MA in Anthropology has also equipped him with expertise in both qualitative and quantitative data strategies. Mr. Miller's notable accomplishments include significant growth in revenue, event management, and education program effectiveness, showcasing exceptional leadership and impact on organizational growth. As a former board president of the Informal Science Education Association of Texas and previous executive board member of Texas Project WILD and Texas Children in Nature Network, Mr. Miller leverages resources and connections to innovative STEM learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting with statewide networks.
Amy Horton grew up in Kaufman County and is a resident of Terrell, Texas. Amy has been involved in the community as a past Girl Scout Service Unit Manager, troop leader, Boy Scout volunteer, and a volunteer at Serenity Corner. As a Human Resources Executive specializing in the technology industry, Mrs. Horton’s direct involvement in nurturing and supporting a skilled STEM workforce through talent acquisition and career development is tailored to the unique needs of STEM organizations. She excels in organizational planning, executive coaching, staff development, and fostering a cohesive culture built on transparency, trust, and integrity. Ms. Horton’s achievements include creating training programs to develop skill gaps to meet an organization's needs.
Damaris Diaz has a strong connection to Kaufman County as demonstrated by her role as a Branch Manager at Wells Fargo in Terrell, Texas. Mrs. Diaz significantly contributes to the local community and the branch’s success by enhancing production rates and managing staff effectively. Her impact goes beyond the workplace, as she gathers and reviews customer feedback to improve operations, further solidifying her ties to the Terrell community. Mrs. Diaz’s local presence and engagement extend to recruiting and hiring talented individuals, thus positively impacting the talent pool in the Terrell area. Her experience and dedication in Terrell highlight her valuable contributions to the financial sector and the local community of Kaufman County.
Suzie Ruel is a local nonprofit leader who has dedicated her career to improving the lives of Texas children. Throughout her career, she has worked for Momentous Institute, which houses a Pre-K3 to 5th grade elementary school. She also oversaw the marketing department for the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, where she saw students inspired by exposure to STEM. Mrs. Ruel is passionate about creating access to high-quality STEM education in Kaufman County. Currently, Mrs. Ruel serves as the Vice President of Finance and Operations for TexProtects, an advocacy nonprofit that protects children from abuse and empowers families to thrive. She is impassioned to apply her professional skills to ensure the success of Visionary STEM Academy.
Meet Our Advisory Board
