De Zavala Elementary School
Enrichment
SPED
Ms. Merrill
My name is Amanda Merrill. I graduated from Texas Wesleyan University.
I have lived in Fort Worth since I was a child.
Some of my favorite activities are acting in plays and musicals, reading, walking my dog, and spending time with friends and family.
SPED PARTNER
Mr. Haddad
Hello, I'm Mr. Haddad and I work with Ms. Merrill in SpEd.
I have a Bachelor's in Economics and Business from Texas Tech University.
Instructional Coach
Ms. Balandran
My name is Brenda J. Balandrán. I graduated from the University of North Texas with my bachelor's degree in bilingual education in 2006, then pursued my Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Tarleton State University in 2019.
I have lived in Fort Worth for 28 years.
Some of my favorite activities are exercising, bible study, trying different restaurants & new adventures with family & friends.
LSSP
Ms. Haley
My name is Megan Haley. I have been the School Psychologist assigned to De Zavala Elementary for the past two school years and this is my 14th year in Fort Worth ISD. I went to Abilene Christian University for my undergraduate degree and Texas Woman's University for my graduate degree in school psychology.
I serve multiple FWISD campuses, lead the district Autism support team, and am the Director of Internship Training for the Psychological Services department.
Educational Diagnostician
Mrs. Deyanira Villazana
Hello, De Zavala family and friends! I am the diagnostician assigned to De Zavala Elementary. This is my first year at De Zavala and I am very excited and happy to be here. I look forward to working with you!
I am, as they say, “a product of FWISD”. I attended elementary, middle, and high school here in Fort Worth ISD. I received my bachelor’s degree from Texas Wesleyan University and my master’s degree from Tarleton State University. This is my 28th year in education and my 12th year as an educational diagnostician. Before becoming a diagnostician, I taught first, fourth, and fifth grade at George C. Clarke Elementary. For three years, I was a Reading Coach working with teachers to assist them with the Reading curriculum and interventions.
I am married and have two (adult) children. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, attending Rangers games, going to the movies, reading, and exercising.