HOMEGROWN HEROES: ALLEN ISD GRADUATES BECOME TEACHERS AND STAFF

WRITTEN BY STEVEN OFFIELD, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

At the annual New Teacher Breakfast this summer, Allen ISD welcomed a special group of educators who share a unique bond with the district—they are all Allen ISD alumni. Having once walked the halls as students, these individuals have returned to inspire the next generation as teachers and staff.

After the breakfast, the all-new teachers took a bus tour of the district, visiting places such as Eagle Stadium, the STEAM Center, and Allen High School.

Danelle Isakson, now a 6th-grade teacher at Olson Elementary, reflected on her decision to return to Allen ISD.

“I decided to work in Allen because of the commitment to educational excellence that is shared among students, teachers, and administrators,” Isakson explained.

Inspired by teachers like Lynda Moore, Kim McLaughlin, and Rhonda Boston during her time as a student, Isakson now aims to “inspire a new generation of students to develop a lifetime love of learning.”

Hannah Armentrout, currently a school nurse at Preston Elementary, shared her excitement about returning to the district.

“I loved my years going to school in Allen ISD. Many teachers made a huge impact on me, and now I get to work alongside some of them,” she said. Armentrout credits her time in the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program at Allen High School with sparking her nursing career, and now she hopes to create a supportive clinic environment where students feel safe and listened to.

Colleen Villarreal, a Special Education teacher at Ford Middle School, explained her decision to return as a way to give back to the community that supported her growth.

“As an Allen ISD alumnus, I wanted to give back to the community that supported my growth and education,” she said. Villarreal was inspired to become a teacher by her 6th-grade teacher at Reed Elementary, Mrs. Nancy McGhee, who fostered her love for education.

Joy Wall, a Kindergarten teacher at Vaughan Elementary, also expressed her pride in returning to Allen ISD.

“Allen ISD has a rich history of family spirit, and I’m thrilled to be serving the community that helped shape me,” Wall said.

Inspired by teachers like Mrs. Amy Terrell and Ms. Carrie Howell, Wall is committed to “empowering our youngest Eagles to always dream big and have a love for learning.”

These educators bring not only their professional expertise, but also a deep connection to the district that shaped them. Their shared commitment to Allen ISD’s tradition of excellence ensures that today’s students will continue to benefit from the same dedication and support that shaped these teachers’ own lives.

Danelle Isakson, Olson Elementary School

Danelle Isakson, a 6th-grade teacher at Olson Elementary and Allen ISD alum, has deep ties to the district. She attended Story Elementary, Curtis Middle School, and graduated from Allen High in 2000, the first senior class at the new building. Isakson was inspired by her former teachers, including Lynda Moore, Kim McLaughlin, and Rhonda Boston, and chose to return to Allen ISD because of the district’s commitment to educational excellence and diverse programs. Today, she notes the expanded opportunities for students to explore their passions and gain real-world experience. As a teacher, she hopes to inspire a new generation of students with the same love of learning her teachers instilled in her, aiming to make a lasting impact in the district she once called home as a student.

Hannah Armentrout, Preston Elementary School

Hannah Armentrout, school nurse at Preston Elementary, attended Marion Elementary, Curtis Middle School, and graduated from Allen High School in 2017. She has returned to serve the district that shaped her journey. Her love for math, inspired by Mrs. Ostrander and Mr. Boatfield, helped her excel in nursing school, particularly in medication dosage conversions. Armentrout’s time in the CNA program at Allen High, guided by Mrs. Lane and Mrs. Lakvold, gave her hands-on healthcare experience, ultimately leading her to pursue nursing. Her participation in PALs, with mentorship from Coach Walker and Ms. Clements, nurtured her passion for helping others. Armentrout has witnessed changes in the district, particularly the introduction of the STEAM Center, which she views as a significant addition. Now, as a nurse, she aims to create a clinic environment where students feel safe, listened to, and supported, just as she was by her teachers during her time as a student.

Colleen Villarreal, Ford Middle School

Colleen Villarreal, a Special Education teacher at Ford Middle School, is a 2001 graduate of Allen High School who started her journey in Allen ISD at Reed Elementary and Curtis Middle School. Returning to the district as an educator, she aims to give back to the community that shaped her. Villarreal credits her 6th-grade teacher, Mrs. Nancy McGhee, for inspiring her with a passion for teaching and student success. Since her time as a student, she has observed significant department for going the extra mile to support students, helping shape her as an educator. Wall has seen Allen ISD’s continued growth, with the addition of programs and facilities like the STEAM Center, emphasizing the district’s focus on future-ready skills. As a teacher, Wall is committed to empowering her students and fostering a love for learning, continuing Allen’s legacy of educational excellence. changes, such as new facilities and the integration of advanced technology, which she believes have greatly enhanced learning. Now as an educator, Villarreal focuses on bringing innovative teaching methods to her classroom while fostering a supportive learning environment. Her connection to the district extends to her family, with her husband and children also part of Allen ISD, continuing a family tradition of involvement and dedication to the community.

Joy Wall, Vaughan Elementary School

Joy Wall, a kindergarten teacher at Vaughan Elementary, graduated from Allen High School in 2017 and returned to the district because of the “rich history of family spirit” she experienced as a student. Wall was particularly influenced by her 10thgrade AP World History teacher, Mrs. Amy Terrell, whose passion for teaching was evident. She also credits Ms. Carrie Howell and Mrs. Leigh Ann Unkenholz from the Theatre