Welcoming Our Newest Educators

Ms. Madeline Garza

2’s Teacher

I graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Education and certifications in EC–6 and ESL. This will be my first year teaching at DKH Academy after previously working here as a 2’s Assistant and a 4’s Assistant.

I am so excited to be back at DKH Academy! I am getting married this November to my fiancé, Tyler, whom I have known since fourth grade. In our free time, we love watching baseball games, spending time with our families, and traveling together.

I strive to create a classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to be themselves. I support each child’s learning by being patient, building positive relationships, and meeting them where they are. My goal is to help every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally while making learning fun and engaging.

I chose DKH Academy because of its welcoming community and strong reputation for fostering both student and teacher growth. I’m excited to learn from the experienced educators who have been part of DKH for many years. As a recent college graduate, I feel this is the perfect place to continue growing as an educator while making a positive impact on my students.

Some of my favorite classroom experiences include creating hands-on learning activities, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and reading The Giving Tree and Where the Wild Things Are.

Fun fact: I love pickles!

Mrs. Shelby Cordle

3’s Teacher

I received both my bachelor’s degree and Master of Arts in Teaching from Texas Woman’s University. I have had a wide range of experiences as an educator working with students of all ages. The largest and most recent portion of my professional life was spent as a middle school English teacher in Lewisville ISD.

After being a parent, PTO member, and volunteer at DKH for the past two years, I am so excited to be part of the DKH family in a teaching role! My husband and I have one daughter, and we love to read and play games together.

I believe a child learns best when they feel truly seen, regardless of their age. As a DKH teacher, I plan to create an environment where my students feel safe, wanted, and appreciated for who they are.

What appeals to me most about DKH is its play-based learning approach. At this age, I believe one of the most important things I can foster in my students is a love of learning.

I love finding creative ways to make learning fun and meaningful for students of all ages. When I taught middle school, I gave my eighth-grade students play dough as part of their gift before winter break, and it was always fun to see how much they lit up.

I would also love to bring a fun mystery into my classroom this year. My daughter loves searching for clues and piecing together an answer, and I think 4-year-olds would enjoy the same kind of playful problem-solving.

My experience as a tutor also taught me the importance of personalizing learning. When one of my 5-year-old students struggled to focus, I found a way to motivate him through his love of superheroes. Experiences like these have helped me approach each child and each topic with creativity.

Fun fact: I’ve completed more than 100 escape rooms!

Meet Ms. Saima Jafri

4’s Teacher

I hold a Master of Education from Baylor University and a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Biology. I have more than 12 years of experience in education, working with students from Pre-K through third grade. This includes seven years of experience implementing the Reggio Emilia approach.

My educational background, combined with my science foundation, helps me create engaging, inquiry-based, and child-centered learning experiences that encourage curiosity and exploration. I also hold TEFL and ESL certifications and continue to volunteer by teaching English online to children around the world.

I’m excited to join the DKH Academy family! I am a mother and a passionate educator who loves creating meaningful connections with children and families. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, and spending time with my pets.

I believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and understood. I create a nurturing classroom environment where children explore, ask questions, build confidence, and learn through play and meaningful experiences. I focus on building strong relationships with each child while supporting their social, emotional, and developmental growth.

I was attracted to DKH Academy because of its commitment to creating a caring community where children receive academic, social, and emotional support. I appreciate its focus on nurturing the whole child and providing meaningful learning experiences in a warm and inclusive environment. I am glad to be part of a team that values connection, creativity, and a love of learning.

Some of my favorite classroom experiences include loose-parts exploration, open-ended play, nature-based learning, outdoor experiences, sensory activities, creative art projects, storytelling, dramatic play, and hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Fun fact: I began my career in healthcare as a nurse before following my passion for education.

Meet Ms. Sarah Crain

3’s Teacher

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Texas Woman’s University and am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching. I have worked in childcare centers for six years.

I recently graduated from college, and I’m so excited to start this new chapter as a teacher at DKH Academy. I look forward to meeting my students, making lots of memories, and having an amazing year together. When I’m not in the classroom, you will often find me curled up with a good book, planning my next adventure, or attending a Dallas Wings game.

I believe children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and valued. I strive to model the kindness, patience, and respect I hope to see in them. Through intentional interactions, encouragement, and individualized support, I help children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. My goal is to create an inclusive classroom where every child feels seen, celebrated, and empowered to grow.

Last year, I interned at DKH Academy while earning my bachelor’s degree and immediately knew it was a special place. Throughout my studies, I spent time in several early childhood centers, and DKH consistently stood out for its warm, supportive, and engaging environment. I am so grateful to be part of a community of educators who support the children and families, as well as one another.

I love reading The Dot and celebrating International Dot Day on September 15 through creative, hands-on art activities that inspire imagination and self-expression. I am also a big fan of messy sensory play, including shaving cream, finger painting, oobleck, and other child-safe materials. When we are outside, I love being playful and silly with my class. It is one of my favorite ways to build meaningful connections while making joyful memories together.

Fun fact: After graduating from high school, I took a gap year to travel and visited almost 40 states!

Meet Mrs. Keely Summers

Ready Readers Assistant

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Texas Woman’s University, where I received recognition for my GPA and research contributions involving emotional regulation in the classroom. I have worked with children for almost a decade. Most recently, I served as the program director of a gymnastics-based enrichment program for children before pursuing my teaching certification.

I am so excited to join the DKH Academy family! In my free time, I love lifting weights, cooking healthy meals, and spending time with my husband, Sam, and our three fur babies. When I am not working on my teaching certification, I also enjoy playing Nintendo games, antiquing, and trying local coffee shops.

I have a strong interest in helping children feel confident in regulating their emotions, so I share techniques to support them. I am also an avid believer in the Calm Down Corner. I love helping children feel loved, confident in their abilities, and physically and emotionally safe in their environment.

I love DKH’s play-based approach because play is the language of the child. Through play, children learn, learn about themselves, and become more creative.

I enjoy having a Calm Down Corner in the classroom and using the ABC Breathing book to support emotional regulation. I also love incorporating movement into learning, so you will often find me using songs and gestures during activities and routines.

Fun fact: You might not suspect it, but I love metal music and attending live metal shows. I sing children’s rhymes all day, then get in my car and listen to loud drums and distorted guitars to regulate myself!

Meet Mrs. Dale Hart

3’s Assistant

I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where I attended the University of New Mexico. I retired from Lewisville ISD after 35 years of teaching art to elementary students. Throughout my career, I also taught summer school, art camps, and summer programs. For the past two years, I have enjoyed volunteering at DKH Academy.

I am thrilled to officially join DKH Academy after volunteering here for the past two years. My husband and I have two grown children, three grandchildren, and an Australian Shepherd puppy named Rolo. I am a member of the Highland Village Rotary Club and the Denton Bolero Bowling League. I enjoy cooking, sewing, quilting, making crafts, bowling, and participating in community service.

I love helping children learn about the world around them and develop their creativity through art and play. Making learning fun for little ones and encouraging them to try new things brings me so much joy.

I chose to work at DKH Academy because the school has such positive energy and a child-first atmosphere. Students are encouraged to learn through play and exploration in developmentally appropriate ways. Teachers and staff also receive wonderful support from the administration and parents.

I enjoy reading Eric Carle books to children. Helping students with hands-on art projects and creative play, where each child’s creativity shines through, is such a fulfilling experience.

Fun fact: I am a very competitive bowler!

Meet Mrs. Crystal Klein

2’s Assistant

I received my Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and have experience working with children in therapeutic, volunteer, and educational settings. Most recently, I had the privilege of working as a substitute teacher at DKH Academy, and I’m excited to continue supporting our students and families.

My husband and I have two children who attend DKH Academy, and we are thrilled to begin our fifth year as part of this community. After enjoying my time as a substitute teacher here, I am so excited to step into this new role as an assistant. Outside the classroom, our family enjoys playing board games, making crafts, reading, and having fun together.

My approach focuses on creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel confident exploring, playing, and expressing themselves. I believe in meeting each child where they are and using patient encouragement and individualized support to help them build social and emotional skills. By fostering curiosity through hands-on learning and positive reinforcement, I strive to ensure every child feels valued, safe, and excited to learn.

I was first drawn to DKH Academy because of its warm, supportive environment and play-based approach to early childhood education. Watching my own children thrive here over the last five years and developing bonds with other families and teachers connected me deeply to the school’s mission and spirit. During my time in the classrooms as a substitute teacher, I saw firsthand how dedicated the teachers and staff are to fostering emotional growth and creativity. I knew I wanted to become a permanent part of the school.

I love reading engaging and interactive books that get children laughing and participating. Some of my family’s favorite books are by Sandra Boynton, Mo Willems, Anna Dewdney, Eric Carle, and Dr. Seuss.

Fun fact: I had the incredible privilege of meeting Fred Rogers and attending the live recording of one of his final episodes.