Having 30 Years Experience
We are dedicated to providing a meaningful, enriched learning experience that supports both academic growth and personal character. Rooted in Christian values, DECATS helps scholars recognize their talents as gifts—and encourages them to use those gifts with purpose, responsibility, and kindness.
Our belief: “Better at does not mean better than.”
We teach scholars to lead with humility, support others, and grow into thoughtful, capable young people.
Who We're Shaping
We strive to help each scholar develop into:
- A curious learner excited by new challenges
- A confident problem-solver ready to explore big ideas
- A kind and capable leader who uplifts others
- A young person grounded in character and service
At DECATS, learning goes beyond academics. It’s about becoming the best version of who they are meant to be.
Leadership Team
Jean Hernandez, 2009
Mrs. Hernandez is very proud to be returning to the DECATS team for her eighteenth year! She worked as a mentor for many years, then moved into the position of Administrative Assistant for three years before becoming the director. She is currently a Second Grade teacher at Epiphany Catholic School in Katy and is thrilled to host DECATS at her home campus. Previously, she worked in Katy ISD for 13 years. After working in the business field for over 14 years, she discovered that working with children was her calling while performing with a children’s theater. She has been teaching ever since. She looks forward to another fun, enriching and memorable summer!
Christine Powell, 2008
Mrs. Powell is returning to DECATS for her 18th year. This will be her third year as Administrative Assistant. She teaches 5th and 6th grade math at St. Anne’s Catholic School. Math was always her favorite subject in school. Now, as a mom and teacher, being with her kids, reading, playing golf, and being outdoors are her favorite things to do.
Adriana Gutierrez, 2009
Mrs. Gutierrez serves on the DECATS Operations Team, where she leads communications and social media. With more than 30 years of experience as a bilingual educator, she has worked with students across a wide range of ages and learning levels. She has served at St. Laurence Catholic School for the past 20 years. Mrs. Gutierrez finds her greatest joy in seeing scholars become excited about learning and discovering new ideas. She looks forward each year to welcoming another exceptional group of gifted scholars as they begin a new and enriching learning journey. This marks her 18th year with DECATS.
Wendy Santos, 2004
Mrs. Santos has been in education for over 20 years. She is passionate about writing integrated curriculum and loves to help students and teachers think about their thinking. She believes that each person has something to offer the world and her mission is to help students discover who they are meant to be. At home, Wendy works to raise her two teenagers, the most adventurous part of her day. In addition, she volunteers at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church as a member of the Choir and the Meals Ministry. When she finds a moment to herself she enjoys meditation, reading, writing, cooking, and crafting. This is Mrs. Santos’ 22nd year with DECATS.
Mentors
Laura Barone, 2026
Mrs. Barone is excited to be a part of the DECATS team this year! She has been teaching for 6 years and at Epiphany for the past 5. She is currently teaching 4th grade Reading, Language Arts, and Religion. She moved to Texas from Michigan twelve years ago and is blessedly busy raising her three young children with her husband whom she met at Saint Louis University. When Mrs. Barone gets free time, she loves to read, DIY house projects, and travel.
Johanna Bonno, 2010
Ms. Bonno is thrilled to be a part of the DECATS team for the 16th year! After performing for years in musical productions in theaters throughout Houston and coaching young performers in voice, she is so happy to be teaching Music and Theater Arts at St. Laurence. A classically trained singer, she earned her degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, and while Ms. Bonno can often be found on the stage during much of her free time, she cannot wait to share her passion of music/theater with DECATS scholars this summer!
Shannyn Brinker, 2019
Mrs. Brinker is excited to return for her 6th summer of DECATS! She has just wrapped up her 13th year in Education. She currently serves as the Dean of Curriculum at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School in Katy. She enjoys sewing, embroidery, and quilting! She also enjoys baking for her family friends. She is excited to teach students basic sewing skills this summer & watch their creativity flow. Shannyn is an avid Harry Potter fan & is excited to invite students to enter Hogwarts Academy this summer! Shannyn is an avid volunteer & board member with Houston Collie Rescue. She also volunteers her time with the Sanctuary of Surrender Maternity Home. Shannyn & her family are parishioners at Christ the Redeemer in Cypress.
Steve Burdette, 2025
Mr. Burdette and his wife moved to Katy, Texas, in 1993, where they raised their five sons. A lifelong woodworker, Mr. Burdette is a founding member of the Handyman Assistance Network for the Disabled and Elderly Ministry at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. He also mentored numerous Eagle Scout projects during his two decades as a Boy Scout Leader. Beyond woodworking, his interests include outdoor sports, metalwork, leatherwork, and 3D printing. Retired from a 48-year career in Information Technology, Mr. Burdette now works with Little Way Construction, LLC, crafting custom liturgical furnishings for private homes and Catholic churches around the country. His dedication to his faith, family, and craftsmanship inspires his work, and he is excited to share the “woodworking experience” with the scholars of DECATS.
Ashley Chabarria, 2024
Ms. Chabarria has been in education for over 14 years with 10 of those years teaching. She and her family moved from Odessa, TX 10 years ago and has been teaching at Epiphany for 7 years. This is her third year at DECATS and she’s excited for it to begin. She loves a good coffee shop, reading books, trying new foods, and spending time with her 3 girls and 2 dogs.
Kim Dobbs, 2025
Mrs. Dobbs was born in Vietnam, grew up in Seattle and Houston has been home since 2011. Mrs. Dobbs has been in the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese for 13 years. The last four years she is a teaching assistant at Epiphany Catholic School in the First Grade class. When her busy schedule allows, she spends as much time as possible riding her Ducati motorcycle, exploring culinary art and travel. She’s a self-confessed “foodie” and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants. Mrs. Dobbs is excited to return for her 2nd summer of DECATS!
Colette Everhard, 2026
Mrs. Everhard has been teaching for more than twenty years. She has been at Epiphany of the Lord for four years, and she is excited to be back at Decats for a second year. Originally from Euless, Texas, she has loved living in Katy for 18 years. She enjoys reading books, trying new foods, and new coffee shops, and going on walks with her 3 dogs.
Sanchia Myrie-Familia, 2023
Mrs. Myrie-Familia has worked in education for 11 years in multiple grade levels and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Art has always been her passion and she cannot wait to explore what creativity lies within each of us! This is her 3rd year with DECATS and she looks forward to meeting all her aspiring artists.
Magen Glaude, 2023
Ms. Glaude brings more than 15 years of educational experience to DECATS, including several years as a 3rd- and 4th‑grade classroom teacher. She now serves as a Science and Instructional Technology Specialist, where she combines her passion for scientific discovery with her love of innovative teaching. A lifelong science enthusiast, Ms. Glaude is dedicated to empowering scholars to explore, question, and understand the world around them. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, trying new foods, and spending time with her family and friends. This is her third year with DECATS, and she is excited to continue supporting scholars and contributing to the program’s vibrant learning community.
Kerri Hoffman, 2025
My name is Kerri Hoffman. I have a bachelors degree in History and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I have been at Epiphany Catholic School as a kindergarten teacher for the past 8 years. My personal interest in understanding why and how things work directs my instruction. This is my second year as a DECATS Mentor. I am excited to cultivate and nurture the same drive in our Scholars.
TC Karpinski, 2024
Meet TC Karpinski. Mr. Karpinski has worked in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for the past 22 years. He has taught PE from PreK3 – 8th grade as well as coached football, soccer, basketball, baseball and track. He is a proud alumni of St. Thomas High School. He was blessed to play professional soccer for 8 years and is a professional soccer trainer for one of the biggest nationally known soccer clubs in the country. He also personally trains up to 120 soccer players weekly. He currently serves as the Lower School Athletic Director at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School as well as teaching PreK – 8th grade PE. He is looking forward to working with all the students this summer during DECATS.
Megan Jones, 2026
Ms. Jones is excited to be joining the DECATS team for the first time this year. She has worked in special education for 23 years. She has served as a life skills teacher, a homebound teacher, and currently a teacher of students with visual impairments. She also volunteers as a stage manager at a community theater and enjoys supporting productions in a variety of capacities. In addition, she helps run the Learn-To-Skate program at her local ice skating rink. In her free time, she loves expressing her creativity through DIY crafts and designing balloon arches for special events. She also enjoys spending time caring for her four dogs, who keep life busy and full of energy.
Isabel Lohr, 2026
Ms. Lohr is a returning DECATS teacher and can’t wait to lead Disaster Lab and The Newsroom this summer! She has been teaching since 2018 and is currently working as a Special Education teacher at Memorial Middle School after several years in English Language Arts. She loves building creative, hands on classes where students get to think big and take on real challenges. When she’s not teaching, she’s a proud dog mom to two dogs who are both bigger than her. She’s also counting down the days until her wedding in November. She is so excited to be back at DECATS for another unforgettable summer!
Pam McCollom, 2021
Meet Pam, a native of Kansas whose passion for math, nature, art, and holiday festivities infuses every aspect of her mentoring at DECATS. She channels her love for education through engaging games, exploration, and artistic endeavors. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her students, ensuring that each child is encouraged to embrace curiosity and creativity.
Melissa Mejia, 2022
Ms. Mejia grew up in New York but moved to the Houston area after graduating college to start her teaching career as a special education teacher! She taught kids of all ages in Spring Branch ISD and Katy ISD. After 26 years in public schools, she took a leap of faith and became the Learning Specialist at St. Cecilia Catholic School. She believes that all kids need opportunities to shine and foster their own interests, gifts and talents and she is excited to be a Mentor with DECATS for the fifth year!
Amber Mendoza (Nurse), 2026
Chris Och, 2026
My name is Christina Och but I go by Chris. I’ve been teaching in Katy for 18 years. This is my first year with DECATS. I’m excited to be taking students on a trip around the world in “Where is the World?” I’m blessed to be in this DECATS family.
Alex Ortiz, 2026
Quyen Rebollido, 2016
Mrs. Rebollido Mrs. Rebollido is the STEM teacher at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic School. Sugar Land has been her home since 1992 and raised her four children Ty, Lia, Khue and Kara. Her favorite pastime is cycling with her husband, eating out with the family, and playing with their dog, Juno. Her family have been parishioners at St. Laurence Catholic Church since 1992. This will be her 9th year teaching DECATS and she is excited to be back!
Theresa Rebollido, 2011
Mrs. Rebollido is very excited to be returning to the DECATS team for her 15th year! She lives in Sugar Land with her husband Fred and two sons, Lucas and Anthony. For the past 15 years, Mrs. Rebollido has taught 3rd grade at St Laurence Catholic School. After being in education for the past 26 years, she finds that science is her true passion. Finding ways to explore the different aspects of the world around us is the BEST part about what we teach. DECATS allows us to not only learn about things but also find out “what if..” She can wait to meet this year’s group of scholars!
Vince Santos, 2019
Mr. Santos serves on the DECATS service committee. He is passionate about working with young people and giving back to the community. He is on the Confirmation Team, in the Choir, and the Meals Ministry for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. He also serves as a Spiritual Director and Retreat Master for multiple churches in the Archdiocese. This is his 6th year with DECATS.
Kayla Schaefer, 2025
Ms. Schaefer has a degree from UTSA and is currently a 2nd grade elementary teacher in Katy ISD. She has also taught 1st and 3rd grade, and worked as a tutor for students with different learning abilities. Growing up, she was always a part of a dance or cheer program. She is so excited to incorporate her teaching experience with love for dancing and cheerleading this summer as a mentor. She looks forward to working with DECATS scholars this summer!
Stephen Simmons, 2024
Stephen Simmons brings a diverse range of experiences, having worked in the airline industry in sales, marketing, revenue market analysis, and target market programs. He also built a business specializing in hospital and medical center signage, including wayfinding systems. After retiring, which he found unfulfilling, Stephen transitioned to substitute teaching, a role he’s held for the past 14 years. During this time, he has taught all grade levels, including Special Education classes, and now frequently covers long-term assignments at various private schools.
His passion for teaching has grown, particularly in helping young students discover the world of education. He believes his diverse background enables him to approach teaching in unique ways, tailoring his methods to each student’s needs. Stephen is committed to helping every student reach their fullest potential, knowing that even helping one succeed is an accomplishment. He is honored to work with DECATS scholars this summer.
Ari Stockton, 2026
Mrs. Stockton is thrilled to join the DECATS team! With four years of experience teaching middle school social studies, she currently teaches 6th and 7th grade at St. Cecilia Catholic School. A resident of Houston since 2023, Mrs. Stockton loves bringing history to life for her students and can’t wait to teach Walk Like an Egyptian and WWII: Build the War this summer. Outside of the classroom, she and her husband are eagerly preparing for their first baby, arriving this July!
Lana Zimmermann, 2024
Ms. Zimmermann was born and raised in Houston. She has 3 adult boys, twins that are 30 and a 25 year old. Ms. Zimmermann has been in the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese for 14 years. Eight of those years, she taught Art at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Rose of Lima and Inner City Catholic Schools. She is now a teaching assistant at Epiphany Catholic School in the Pre-K 4 classes and absolutely loves those little students. Ms. Zimmerman also loves lifting weights and thrift shopping. She is excited to share her art talents with scholars that love being creative.