Carin Adermann, TSNAP President 2026

 

Summer is here! Like many of you, I work year round, but the cadence feels different once school is out.

If you’re looking for summer book recommendations and haven’t already read it, I encourage you to consider The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity by George Couros, the keynote speaker for Moak Casey’s 2026 Texas Assessment Conference.

Couros says, “Innovation is a way of thinking that creates something new and better” and there has never been a more important time to think creatively and collaboratively about what is possible for Texas students. Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent TSNAP Connect discussions and shared thoughtful feedback regarding the Student Success Tool. TSNAP leaders will continue working to ensure your voice is heard as we advocate for students, educators, and meaningful assessment practices across Texas.

Together, we can continue shaping the future of assessment in Texas—renew your TSNAP membership today and be part of the conversation.

Better Together,
Carin Adermann
2026 TSNAP President

KATIE GOMEZ, HUMBLE ISD, Region 4

Katie Gomez serves as Lead Coordinator of Student Assessment and District Testing Coordinator for Humble ISD, bringing 19 years of experience in education and more than a decade coordinating state assessments. She takes pride in working for a district that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared leadership.

Throughout her career, Katie has served in a variety of assessment roles, experiences that have shaped her confidence and perspective as a leader. She enjoys implementing assessment requirements in a way that supports campuses while maintaining fidelity and clarity. To manage competing demands, Katie leans on her team—DTAs, CTCs, and colleagues across the district—emphasizing that assessment work is never done in isolation.

Katie values TSNAP as a powerful networking and support system, especially for learning from others who face similar challenges. Outside of work, Katie enjoys soaking in every moment of family time with her husband and 3 young daughters whenever she can. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, I am a TSNAP member because… “since becoming a TSNAP member, I don’t see how serving in an assessment role could be done without it. The resources, relationships, and shared expertise make all the difference.”

 

Carin Adermann, TSNAP President 2026

 

Dedicated assessment professionals across Texas have been leading with care and precision in recent weeks. Thank you for the tremendous support you give campus leaders and students!

This time of year, my district is also finalizing testing and training plans for the upcoming school year, and it’s settling in that school year 2026-2027 will be our final year of STAAR.

My recommendation as we prepare for the transition to an instructionally supportive assessment tool is that we, as assessment professionals, team very closely with our Curriculum and Instruction / Academic partners in our schools, districts and at the state level. The Student Success Tool will only be viewed as instructionally relevant if instructional leaders are helping lead in its implementation and, most importantly, its usefulness.

Thank you for your visionary leadership as we help escort in a new era of assessments.

Better Together,
Carin Adermann
2026 TSNAP President

KAYLEE MCKITTRICK, VICTORIA ISD, Region 3

Kaylee McKittrick serves as an Assessment Coordinator in Region 3 and is a dedicated educator with five years of experience, all of which have included coordinating state assessment programs. She is known for her collaborative spirit and commitment to supporting campuses through the complex and ever-changing assessment landscape.

Kaylee especially enjoys working closely with campus staff, building strong relationships, and helping others feel confident in their roles. She encourages veteran and new coordinators to ask questions early and often, reminding them that no one is expected to know everything right away. Organization tools, clear timelines, and prioritization help her balance competing demands, particularly during peak testing seasons.

Kaylee credits TSNAP as a key source of guidance and mentorship in her professional growth. Her most memorable TSNAP experience was being surrounded by supportive colleagues who openly shared strategies and encouragement. As she puts it, “I am a TSNAP member because my previous DTC, CTC, and mentors showed me the value of this community. TSNAP connects you to people who truly understand the work and are always willing to help.”

 

ANGEL CASTRO-DIAZ, RESPONSIVE EDUCATION SOLUTIONS, Region 11

Angel Castro-Diaz serves as Director of Assessment for Responsive Education Solutions and brings more than 25 years of experience in education, including 10 years coordinating state assessment and accountability programs. His work supports a mission-driven organization committed to providing innovative educational opportunities for students across Texas.

Angel’s passion for education is rooted in his own experiences as a student and teacher, which shaped his commitment to ensuring access, equity, and strong systems of support for all learners. Among his proudest professional accomplishments is receiving the 2025 Region 11 TSNAP Recognition Award, along with contributing to the growth and success of T-STEM initiatives—achievements that reflect both leadership and impact.

To manage the demands of assessment work, Angel emphasizes planning ahead and building realistic timelines, relying on strong organization and trusted resources. He values TSNAP as a practical and collaborative professional network and regularly engages with members through the TSNAP feed and shared resources. According to Angel, “I am a TSNAP member because this is a great organization and a great resource for anyone working in assessment and accountability. The support, shared knowledge, and sense of community make a real difference in this work.”

 

Carin Adermann, TSNAP President 2026

 

We are now in the TELPAS/TELPAS Alt assessment window and our Online Community is buzzing! I'm thankful for the connections and communication during this season.

As we prepare for the 2027–2028 transition to the new instructionally supportive assessment system outlined in House Bill 8, the TSNAP Online Community and TSNAP Connect provide spaces for us to begin conversations now so we can lead this work with clarity and confidence.

The TSNAP Board is excited to introduce our newest member benefit of SMS messaging. Opt in to stay informed and connected throughout the year!

Better Together,
Carin Adermann
2026 TSNAP President

PRISCILLA COOK, ANSON ISD, Region 14

Priscilla Cook serves as Region 14 Director and brings 30 years of experience in education, including five years in state assessment and accountability. She serves Anson ISD as an Elementary Counselor, Campus Testing Coordinator, and District Testing Coordinator where she values the strong sense of family and support within her district.

A lifelong educator at heart, Priscilla is passionate about ensuring that every student and staff member feels valued and seen. She was honored as Region 14 Elementary Counselor of the Year in 2019 and 2026, a recognition that reflects her commitment to service and leadership.

Priscilla relies on organization, collaboration, and TSNAP resources to navigate the demands of assessment work. She especially values opportunities like the New DTC Academy and Best Practices Forum for professional growth and connection and encourages every TSNAP member to attend. Fun fact: Priscilla climbed Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet — an incredible adventure and a true test of endurance she’ll never forget!

According to Priscilla, “I am a TSNAP member because it connects me with an incredible network of professionals who understand the challenges and rewards of assessment and accountability work. TSNAP offers invaluable resources, guidance, and support that help me do my job more effectively. Most importantly, it’s a community where I can learn from others, share ideas, and know that I’m never alone in this work — we are all in it together, supporting one another every step of the way.”

 

LISA GUZMAN, NORTHSIDE ISD, Region 20

Lisa Guzman is a District Testing Coordinator for Northside ISD (Region 20) and brings more than 31 years of experience in education to her role including 8 years as a Campus Testing Coordinator and 6 years as a District Testing Coordinator. Lisa was honored with the TSNAP 2025 Region 20 Recognition Award for her leadership, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit.

Inspired to become an educator at a young age, Lisa enjoys helping campuses problem-solve and feel supported with warm, friendly customer service. Known for her collaborative, service-oriented approach to supporting campuses, Lisa is especially proud of the strong relationships her team builds with campus staff and of their commitment to helping schools navigate the complexities of state assessments.

Lisa’s advice to new testing coordinators is to know there is help out there in many forms: TSNAP, your ESC, and making lots of friends from technology, special education, Section 504, bilingual, and through TSNAP.

Lisa values staying connected through TSNAP, which she sees as a vital resource for learning and collaboration across the state. A memorable TSNAP moment for her was hearing and  meeting Gerry Brooks at the 2024 Texas Assessment Conference. Fun fact:  When Lisa’s not serving campuses, she’s a soccer referee!

According to Lisa, “I am a TSNAP member because TSNAP is a great place to get support, learn new practices, and engage in learning.”

 

Dr. Jennifer Tracy, TSNAP President 2025

 

On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like to thank our members for participating in TSNAP events, for sharing and using the fantastic resources on our website, and for engaging with us on social media. The support our members provide to each other is unmatched, and our networking opportunities have served as a model for other professional organizations.

Among our accomplishments for 2025:

• Celebrated 25 years of TSNAP.
• Created Aspiring Leader Committee to inspire members to lead at the TSNAP level.
• Decreased annual meeting cost from $50 to $35.
• Updated policies and procedures to clarify social media roles and expectations.
• Welcomed 2 new TSNAP sponsors.
• Continued to foster TSNAP partnerships with TEA, Cambium, Pearson, and sponsors.
  

It has been an honor to serve as the 2025 TSNAP president, and I encourage all members to get involved and aspire to be experts in the assessment field at your local and TSNAP levels.   If you would like to serve, please reach out to your TSNAP regional director to offer support for regional events. Members are always welcome to use "Contact Us" on our website to connect with our officers. 

Dr. Jennifer Tracy, Katy ISD
2025 TSNAP President

KRISTINA GARDNER, HUGHES SPRINGS ISD, Region 8

Kristina Gardner has been in education for 16 years and is in her fourth year as Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs at Hughes Springs ISD in Region 8.

Kristina is proud of her district’s willingness to embrace change while always keeping students at the center. As a small rural school community, Hughes Springs ISD relies on teamwork, and Kristina values the way everyone comes together to support students.

One of her proudest moments was receiving the 2024 TSNAP Regional Recognition Award, an honor that affirmed her contributions and impact in assessment leadership.

Kristina enjoys her role because it allows her to see both student growth and teacher success. To manage stress, she adapts her strategies to fit the situation, and she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. One of her favorite ways to recharge is through off-grid tent camping trips.

Her networking advice is simple: join TSNAP. She finds it to be the one place where educators can consistently help each other and share ideas.

The next time you see Kristina, ask her about her favorite camping spot.

I am a TSNAP member because, “It is the one place we can all help each other.”

 

Jamye Swinford, Crane ISD, Region 15

Jamye Swinford has been in education for 40 years and serves as Director of Accountability and Assessment at Crane ISD in Region 15. She has coordinated state assessment in her district for about five years.

Jamye describes Crane ISD as a small district where everyone knows each other, and that sense of close community carries over into the schools. She is especially proud of her work on the board for the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), where she contributed to advancing educational technology across the state.

In her current role, Jamye enjoys the record keeping and data work that assessment requires, finding satisfaction in keeping systems organized and accurate.

To manage stress, Jamye encourages colleagues to find a hobby or activity that brings joy, something outside of work that helps recharge.

She appreciates TSNAP because there is always someone willing to step in and help. The professional connections she has made give her confidence and support when challenges arise.

When she’s not working, Jamye enjoys being active in her community and spending time with friends and family.

The next time you see Jamye, ask her about her time on the TCEA board and how that experience shaped her leadership.

I am a TSNAP member because, “There is always someone to help me out if I get stuck or need advice.”

 

Leigh Ann Hawthorne, Memphis ISD, Region 16

Leigh Ann Hawthorne has been in education for 34 years and is in her fifth year as Director of Curriculum and Instruction and District Testing Coordinator at Memphis ISD in Region 16.

Leigh Ann’s path to education began at an early age. She fondly recalls lining up her dolls and stuffed animals to give them spelling tests, then carefully grading each “paper.” Later, in high school, she volunteered in a classroom with a family friend who modeled the type of teacher she wanted to be — one who encouraged, rewarded, and loved her students.

At Memphis ISD, Leigh Ann describes the culture as more than a school district — it is a tightly-knit family. Former students return to teach, colleagues are both lifelong and new friends, and successes are celebrated together. This sense of camaraderie is one of the things she values most.

Her proudest achievement is that she fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming the kind of teacher she admired as a child. She now serves not only as an educator, but as a mentor and leader who helps guide the district forward.

Leigh Ann advises colleagues to find an organizational system that works for them and to use TSNAP resources so they don’t have to reinvent the wheel. To manage stress, she reminds others to take care of themselves: take a walk outside, eat lunch away from your desk, and never go into testing season without a big bowl of chocolate!

When she’s not working, Leigh Ann enjoys connecting with others and checking in regularly with the TSNAP community feed, which she finds especially valuable during testing windows.

I am a TSNAP member because, “I am not alone when I network through TSNAP. I rely on TSNAP for resources and to connect me with other assessment and accountability professionals.”

 

Butch Hudson, Region 13 ESC, Region 13

Butch Hudson has been in education for 25 years with 17 years in the assessment field.  His perspective is wide with experience at the campus, district, regional and state levels.  

Like many educators, Butch’s path to education was not a straight line. “After my freshman year of college I took a break and needed a job. I found one cooking lunch and watching the afterschool kids at a daycare. Went back to college the next year, changed my major to Early Childhood Education, and never looked back.” Today, Butch serves as the State Testing Specialist at ESC Region 13 serving districts and charters across 13 counties of central Texas.

While the work is challenging, Butch enjoys educating and helping others. Taking something complicated and breaking it into small, understandable pieces is rewarding. In 2024, Butch received the TSNAP Recognition Award for his outstanding work. He found this award to be validating and an appreciated recognition for his work to support Region 13.

When he’s not working, Butch enjoys spending time with family, including his dogs. For stress relief, he recommends following animal rescue sites like The Asher House and The Pipsqueakery on Facebook. Getting away from the office to connect with others and attend conferences is another way to manage stressful work. Butch models this by attending TSNAP events and delivering training at ESC 13’s satellite locations in Marble Falls, LaGrange and San Marcos in addition to the main campus in Austin.

The next time you see Butch, ask him about the summer he lived in Iran & his vacation to Disney World!

I am a TSNAP member because, “I enjoy helping others and want the students to have the smoothest testing experience possible..”

 

Dr. Jennifer Tracy, TSNAP President 2025

As the 2025 testing season is concluding, use this to pause and reflect on the journey you have taken with your district and students. Every testing season brings new challenges, unexpected turns, which leads to opportunities for growth. Thank you for serving as problem solvers, collaborators, and leaders to better serve Texas students.

TSNAP is here for you. As we move into summer, we’re excited to offer several upcoming events designed to support and uplift our district testing leaders. Whether you’re looking to learn, connect, or simply recharge, we’re committed to standing with you every step of the way.

• August 20 – TSNAP TASI and Meeting
• September 15 and 16 – New DTC Academy (DTCA) – more information on the Events Page.
• November 3-5, 2025 – Texas Assessment Conference – “Leading for Impact”
• TSNAP Membership – time to renew!

And here’s an exciting opportunity—the 2025 TAC is now accepting proposals until July 11, 2025! This is a wonderful chance for TSNAP members to showcase their talents, tricks, and tips by presenting them to the broader testing community. Your experience and insight could be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Thank you for continuing to lead by example.

 

TAC Proposal

 

Enjoy the journey and I wish you a summer for time to reflect, rejuvenate, rest, and renew.

Mica Tucker is a 16-year educator and currently serves as the District Assessment Coordinator for Northwest ISD. Northwest ISD serves over 30,000 students. The district is named for its location in the northwestern area of the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex.

Mica, leveraging her 3 years as a district testing coordinator, finds satisfaction in tackling complex data process problems to optimize testing workflows, and she's proud of the time-saving tools she's created for campus staff.

Mica’s most memorable TSNAP experience is when she and the CTC from her district’s largest high school shared some tools and processes during a TSNAP Connect meeting last fall. She said they were incredibly honored to have the chance to present and felt so valued and supported by the TSNAP community. It meant a lot to know that their work was appreciated and could help others in similar roles.

Her advice to anyone new to the role of coordinating assessments is, “Listen and learn and ask all the questions. We are so lucky to have an abundance of experienced professionals in this community. Let them help you! Know there will be mistakes but it really will be alright. Always err on the side of the student.”

I am a TSNAP member because... “Leslie Russell is an amazing human and wonderful ambassador for the organization.”