Explore Our Curriculum

School Level

Department

Wellness

Wellness and Life Skills

Wellness and Life Skills is designed to provide students with basic information and skills needed to function effectively within a changing, complex society. Emphasis is given to the development of competencies related to physical and social health, sex education, career, consumer economics, technology, and life skills that are not academic in nature. In Wellness, we do focus on aspects of our Purpose and use the class to help cultivate identity formation, foster empathy, and embrace diversity. Upon completion of this course, the student should have developed life skills that promote a positive influence on quality of life.

David Heroy

MS/HS Science Guide & Outdoor Leadership

d.heroy@headwaters.org
Bio
As a kid, I spent nine summers at Nature Camp in Baltimore while attending Gilman School. Since 2008, I have been teaching Environmental Science and Outdoor Leadership at Headwaters. I wanted to be a professor for many years, and published research on climate change and did field work in Antarctica and Bangladesh. My research was presented at Cambridge, UK and was written-up in the journals Science and Discover, among others. But I found my true calling in teaching and being with the youth. I have a BA from Colgate, a MS from William and Mary, and a PhD from Rice. After college, I attended NOLS, Outward Bound, and I've led backpacking trips in California under my own LLC. Finally, I was Assistant Guide for 1st-3rd graders here in Austin at Parkside Montessori, led a cabin at Global Youth Peace Summit, and taught at Lee College in Baytown, TX. Perhaps my most proud achievement, I founded Blackwood Nature Camp in Hempstead, Texas, which received a national award and is still going today. But best of all, in 2003 I met a beautiful architect at a swing dance class. We got married, have two girls named Cleo and Marion, and our dog's name is Hero.
Jaclyn Mann

MS/HS Learning Specialist

j.mann@headwaters.org
Bio
I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA, and I have fond memories of helping my mom grading papers at our dining room table—she was a middle school ELA teacher. So, whether it was nature or nurture, I made my way to teaching. My New Orleans roots also provide a deep love for home cooking, music, big family events, and spicy food (if you’re not crying, it’s not hot enough!).

In 2002, I made my way to Austin, TX via a swimming scholarship to The University of Texas to compete for the Women’s Swimming and Diving team. While there, I earned my degree in Social Work, and it was in the first few years post-college graduation that I realized that teaching and coaching would be my life’s work.

I’ve spent 15 years working in education with students ranging from two years old through high school, and much of that has been right here at Headwaters School. After over a decade in the classroom, I took some time away and worked in private practice as a tutor and Executive Functioning Coach. When I left the classroom just before the pandemic (what timing!) to scratch my entrepreneurial itch, my heart didn’t leave teaching. Working to support student success is what drives me, and while I was able to do that work in private practice, I missed the community and camaraderie that working in a school environment offers.

I have always been drawn to teaching for the neurodivergent learner. Early on, I realized that when I used strategies that best served students with challenges like ADHD and dyslexia, I was better serving every student in my classroom. Now, I get to make it my daily work to support students and Guides in this area.

I am excited to be part of such an incredible team of educators, and I will continue to work to make our school a better place for Neurodivergent humans to learn and grow.
Earnie Solomon

MS/HS Athletics Coordinator

e.solomon@headwaters.org
Bio
Earnie Solomon is a seasoned Athletic Director and coach with over 20 years of experience developing student-athletes on and off the field. Now in his fourth year as the Athletic Director at Headwaters School, he continues to build a dynamic, student-centered athletic program that emphasizes growth, teamwork, and character.

Throughout his career, Earnie has coached multiple sports across Texas, including football and lacrosse at St. Andrew’s, football and golf at St. Pius X in Houston, and football at Sul Ross State University. He also served as the Athletic Director at Rawson Saunders, where he fostered a positive and inclusive sports culture.

A former collegiate athlete himself, Earnie played football at Sul Ross State and rugby at Sam Houston State, where he earned his degree. Outside of work, he enjoys surfing and snowboarding—always chasing the next wave or fresh powder.

Earnie brings energy, leadership, and a deep commitment to student development to every team he leads.

Springs Campus

List of 1 items.

18 months to Pre-K

6305 Menchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78745
Phone: 512-443-8843
Fax: 512-805-0005

Creek Campus

List of 1 items.

Elementary School

9607 Brodie Ln., Austin, TX 78748
Phone: 512-804-2708
Fax: 512-628-4810

River Campus

List of 1 items.

Middle & High School

801 Rio Grande St., Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-480-8142
Fax: 512-480-0278

As a 501(c)3 non-profit school, Headwaters School does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local law in its admissions, financial aid, hiring, or board membership processes.

A Better Way To Learn

List of 1 items.

Explore Admissions & Access

Ready for Every Opportunity

List of 1 items.

About Headwaters

Propelled by Curiosity

List of 1 items.

Academic Excellence

Exploration & Discovery

List of 1 items.

Student Life

Grounded in Empathy

List of 1 items.

Nurturing Community

Fuel Excellence

List of 1 items.

Support Headwaters

Stay Connected

Explore Our Curriculum

Wellness

Wellness and Life Skills

Springs Campus

List of 1 items.

18 months to Pre-K

Creek Campus

List of 1 items.

Elementary School

River Campus

List of 1 items.

Middle & High School