Explore Our Curriculum

School Level

Department

IB

Stephen Beatty

MS & HS Film Guide

s.beatty@headwaters.org
Bio
I was born in Germany to Army officer parents and moved every couple of years while growing up, eventually landing in Lampasas, TX, where I got my first job as a video store clerk. I went on to major in film at TCU.

I’ve taught Broadcasting/Video Production/Film since 2011 for Fort Worth ISD, Lake Travis ISD, and now at Headwaters.

Headwaters is an absolute dream come true for me as an educator. The holistic approach to education is not something you find every day. Positive relationships and trust are the cornerstones to the successful student/educator dynamic. I am beyond proud to be part of the Headwaters faculty!
Tia Butler

HS English Guide

Whitman College, BA
University of Texas at Austin, PhD

t.butler@headwaters.org
Bio
I was born and raised just north of Seattle in Arlington, Washington, where I spent my childhood riding horses and competing in show jumping with my beloved horse, Andy. I earned my BA in Spanish Language and Literature from Whitman College, where a year abroad in Madrid sparked a lifelong love of travel and global literature.

I hold a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Texas at Austin, where my research focused on Afro-Caribbean and diasporic literature, popular culture, and the representation of Haiti in U.S. media. My dissertation, "Haiti in Hollywood," explored portrayals of Haitian identity in literature and film. In 2015, I received a Foreign Language Education Scholarship to study Haitian Creole in Haiti.

At UT, I taught for five years in both the Rhetoric and Writing and Spanish and Portuguese departments, including a course I designed called The Rhetoric of Witchcraft, which used affect theory to examine the demonization of marginalized groups.

Now based in North Austin with my partner, James, and our two dogs and cat, I teach with the belief that literature is one of our greatest tools for empathy and global awareness. I strive to help students find their voice, deepen their understanding of the world, and engage with the rich diversity of global texts.
Kelly Dickens

HS Math Guide

University of Texas at Austin

k.dickens@headwaters.org
Bio
I came to Austin as a young man to pursue music and fronted a garage band called The Melcooleys. As rock stardom was never my destiny, I enrolled at UT Austin in Fall 1985. I helped finance my education by establishing a tutoring business, assisting many students with math and physics.

After earning a Bachelor's degree and teacher certification in mathematics, I taught for Eanes ISD for a year. I transitioned into actuarial mathematics, a field I worked in for 15 years while my wife Linda and I started our family. As our first son was completing 5th grade, our search for a suitable middle school led us to Headwaters. This experience inspired my return to teaching, and I've been here since 2006. Our two sons graduated from Headwaters in 2012 and 2015.

In my time here, I've taught a wide range of subjects, including Algebra I and II, Geometry, Precalculus, Math Applications, AP Calculus, Physics, AP Macroeconomics, Health, Personal Finance, and the IB Diploma Program math courses.

I enjoy viewing and reading about old movies (especially film noir). I read non-fiction books on a wide range of topics - not all math! I like to cook, make up songs, and go for long drives with Linda.

I believe the most important aspect of education is creating an environment where students can discover and develop who they are meant to be. As our students navigate the challenges of school and growing up, I want them to know they are seen, they are heard, and they are absolutely all right. The personal connections we build are fundamental to our work. I am continually grateful that this school upholds that value, even if its impact isn't easily quantifiable.
Grady Eglin

HS Physics & Math

g.eglin@headwaters.org
Bio
Hi! I'm Grady, a Physics and Math guide here at Headwaters. I am a graduate of UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with a professional background researching cancer medication and medical devices. I'm passionate about most physical sciences whether thats physics, biology, chemistry, or anything else that helps us understand how the world works. Outside of that I also soccer coach here at Headwaters, following my passion for the sport that I've had since I was really young. I also dabble in performing arts having performed in several plays and a few short films.
Lidia Galarza

MS/HS Spanish Guide

The George Washington University
Ohio University
Universidad San Martin de Porres - Lima/ Perú

l.galarza@headwaters.org
Bio
It has been a very rewarding and fulfilling experience to serve as a HS Spanish Guide at Headwaters School over the past five years. During this time, I have developed a deep appreciation for my students, who continually bring intellectual curiosity, thoughtfulness, and a wide range of talents into the classroom.

I was born and raised in Lima, Peru, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Universidad San Martín de Porres. After moving to the United States, I pursued further studies and earned a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Ohio University and a Master’s Degree in Economics from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

While working in the fields of economics and international affairs, I had the privilege of collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for different cultures, perspectives, and languages. Most importantly, it taught me the value of humility and open-mindedness.

I am continually fascinated by the incredible aptitude of young minds. Over the past several years, I have taught in private, public, and international schools across elementary, middle, and high school levels. I am an IBDP trained teacher and hold state certifications in Foreign Languages and Bilingual Education. It is a joy to share my native language and culture, and to help students discover their own love for languages and global awareness.

At Headwaters, I have the unique opportunity to combine my passions and academic background by engaging students not only in Spanish language and culture, but also in rich discussions about economics and international issues, especially in my IB Spanish classes. This integration of language, culture, and global issues makes my work deeply meaningful.

I cherish spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and traveling, both near and far.
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.
Jen Masterson

HS English Guide

BA University of Texas at Austin
MFA New England College
MSW University of Texas at Arlington

j.masterson@headwaters.org
Bio
Though notoriously bad at remembering even the most basic jokes, I am the very first person in the room to laugh at them (again and again). I can even be accidentally hysterical too. Red is my favorite color, and Nordic detective shows are my go-to when there are no new Survivor episodes to watch with my family.

In 1982, I earned 2nd place in Mendenhall Elementary’s spelling bee (lost on the word galactic) and snagged a blue ribbon in a field day foot race the next year. However, the prizes I am most proud of from that time in my life are a perfect attendance certificate (no unexcused days missed in six years) and the almost life-size John Travolta coloring book I received on my 10th birthday.

Now, I channel that same quirky devotion into my work at Headwaters, where I teach HS English and Theory of Knowledge, advise Extended Essays, and support students as a co-sponsor of the Merit Council, sponsor of the student literary magazine Bibelot, and sponsor of CLIDE, our campus improvement club.

I hold degrees in English (UT Austin), Creative Writing (MFA, New England College), and Social Work (MSW, UT Arlington), and spent several years working as a therapist and mental health advocate before feeling an irresistible call to return to the classroom.

Headwaters had me at student-led. I knew from the start that I wanted to be part of a community that strives to live authentically, think expansively, and create bravely. I’m so grateful to be among people who care deeply, question curiously, and show up wholeheartedly.

Please find me and say hello—tell me what you’re reading, share a passion project, or teach me a trick (party or otherwise). I’m always ready to listen and eager to connect.
Alison McMillin

a.mcmillin@headwaters.org
Bio
I started elementary school in Austin, but after the 3rd grade, my formative years were split between small-town Louisiana and big-city Paris, France. I have been a student of the arts for as far back as I can remember, recognizing that visual arts can express complexities beyond what I can share with language. I earned the French Baccalauréat in Arts and Letters as a high school graduate, a Bachelors of Fine Arts from UT Austin and I studied ceramics, calligraphy and indigo dyeing while teaching English as a Second Language in Japan for 5 years. I have found that I love teaching just as much as creating, going back to school while working with teens in transition from foster care for a Masters in Education, with a focus on secondary arts, from Texas State. For the past 7 years, I have taught Art, Graphic Design, AP Art History and IBDP Visual Arts at the middle and high school levels. I prefer the IB way, because it is centered around individual student interests and helps forge connections to others, and I cannot wait to meet each and every one of you! My formal training includes film photography, printing, metalsmithing, fiber arts, ceramics....I have discovered that having learned a bit of everything enables me to have plenty of know-how to help all kinds of projects see the light of day. As an artist I have shown locally, and in New Orleans, New York, Tokyo and Osaka, although the past 7 years I have been more focused on being my son Orion's early childhood side-kick. Additionally, I have worked as an intern and an assistant to a green design and architectural non-profit, a ceramist and a jeweler, and working in the design and art production-line world with masters of their craft has helped me develop a fascination with beautiful forms that are also useful, well-made and give a sense of rhythm to their creator during fabrication. Photography and Digital Art/ Design have no need to stay on the page or screen, we can and we will also make worlds come alive in 3-dimensions, maybe even 4. When I am not thinking about the arts, you can find me exploring nature with friends and family or reading novels.
John Mulvany

MS/HS Art Guide

College of Art, Design and Print, Dublin, Ireland
Sherman College of Art and Design, Cork, Ireland

j.mulvany@headwaters.org
Bio
I am an artist and art educator originally from Ireland who has been living and working in Austin for the last 20 years. I have been teaching art for 25 years and this is my 11th year at Headwaters where I teach studio art in the IB program, the high school and middle school.

Teaching art in collaboration with young people at Headwaters School has been my most rewarding and inspiring experience in education.I graduated from the College of Art, Design and Print in Dublin, Ireland with a Fine Art degree, and I also have a degree in art and design education from the Crawford College of Art in Cork, Ireland. As an artist my work has been shown in Ireland, the UK, Germany, and the U.S. I was featured in the 2009 Texas Biennial and was nominated for best artist in the 2009 Austin Visual Arts Association awards. I was a founding member and editor of Cantanker, an art magazine and non-profit art organization and am a regular participant on the East Austin Studio Tour.

I live in east Austin with my wife, Monique, and our two sons, Henry and Cormac, who are students at the Creek Campus.
Hilda Reilly

HS Spanish Guide

h.reilly@headwaters.org
Bio
I’ve been a guide at Headwaters since 2017, and it’s truly a joy to share my passion for the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures with students every day. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing students grow in confidence and skill as they learn to communicate in a new language.

I have over 35 years of international education experience and Spanish instruction in the U.S., Mexico, Ecuador, and Spain—as a teacher, program coordinator, department chair, conference presenter, and trainee in professional development programs.

I hold a Master of Arts in Hispanic Linguistics from The Ohio State University, a Master of Arts in Spanish Literature from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Mexico, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey.

Whether we’re exploring grammar, literature, or real-world communication, my goal is always to create a welcoming and engaging environment where students feel encouraged to take risks and enjoy the journey of language learning. I’m currently exploring the concept of gamification in the foreign language classroom as a way to make learning more interactive and motivating.
Stephanie Roach

Director of Student Affairs

s.roach@headwaters.org
Bio
After earning my BS in Sport Management from Georgia Southern University, I decided to pursue a masters degree in education on the advice of my dad. Unbeknownst to me, I would quickly fall in love with teaching and shaping young minds. Since then, I have earned two master's degrees: an MA in Teaching Middle Grades Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University and another MA in Teaching Mathematics Education from Western Governors University.

Over the last two decades, I've had the privilege of teaching math and engineering to middle and high school students, while also coaching various sports across Georgia, Florida, and Texas. Outside of work, my wife and I love exploring new countries, savoring delicious food, and embracing new challenges together.

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

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Elementary School

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

River Campus

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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.