My name is Lisa Madrigal and this will be my 11th year of teaching Physical Education at Shafer Elementary. I graduated from Texas A&M University (whoop!) in 1998 with a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.  My husband, Troy, and I have been married for almost 25 years. I began my teaching career in first grade for 3 years. I then decided to be a stay at home mom to raise my three daughters. I returned to teaching at Shafer when my youngest started Kindergarten. I absolutely love teaching P.E. because I not only get to teach every single student at Shafer, but also get to play with them and have fun all day. My goals daily are creating a safe environment, establishing relationships and encouraging students to live a healthy lifestyle while having fun. In my free time, I love to exercise, shop, travel, hunt and hang out with my family and friends. I also enjoy watching my students play sports. This is going to be a very special year because I get to work with my daughter, Madeline, who will be teaching kindergarten. Looking forward to a fabulous year! 

My name is Matt Tyler, and I am extremely excited to begin my second year as a physical education teacher at Shafer Elementary. I graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Science. I enjoy spending time with my wife and one year old daughter, being outdoors, exercising, and watching football. We have a dog, Beau, and a cat, Stella. I love anything and everything Marvel. I am a Houston Texans fan and a huge Texas A&M football fan. I played football and basketball growing up and enjoy being active. I look forward to a great school year at Shafer!

My name is Clynton Powell, and I cannot wait to begin my 4th year in education. This will be my second year as a PE coach at Shafer Elementary and second year in Katy. I moved from New Braunfels where I spent the past two years at a Middle School in Comal ISD. My wife Scarlett and I enjoy everything outdoors and traveling to new places. We have one dog named Zion who is full of energy and always on the move! I can’t wait for this upcoming school year, and I am super excited to join the team at Shafer Elementary.

My name is Julie Barentine, and I cannot wait to begin my 12th year of teaching Art at Shafer Elementary. This is my 23rd year of teaching. 

I stayed home with my own children for 13 years. I have also taught Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade, but enjoy teaching Art most of all.

I graduated from James E. Taylor High School in KatyISD as well as Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.

In my Art class, I want my students to feel safe to create and enjoy the process of Art. Learning the creative process is a journey where the student can create art, experiment with supplies, make mistakes, and have fun. 

I have three grown children and have been married for 35 years to my high school sweetheart. 

I am a Texas Master Naturalist and love bird watching. I also enjoy kayaking, but during  bird migration season, that’s where I’ll be with my binoculars. 

I look forward to another wonderful year at Shafer and can’t wait to see everyone.

My name is Vanessa Krahmer and I am excited to start my second year as an art teacher at Shafer. This will be my 9th year working in KatyISD; 7 of those years were as a special education para within various programs in the district. I’m a native Texan and earned my undergrad from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio.  In my classroom, I love to watch students grow their creativity and confidence through the art process. I live in Katy with my husband,  two boys (13,16), and our doddle Poppy.  In my free time I love spending time with my family traveling, shopping, and creating new hats. I’m looking forward to an awesome first year at Shafer Elementary!

My name is Nick Perez and I am so excited to begin my 8th year of teaching here at Shafer! I graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce with my Bachelor's degree in Music Education, where I spent time in the concert bands, marching band, and pep band playing tuba and trombone. In my classroom, we will spend lots of time exploring, analyzing, and creating music in all sorts of ways! When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, making music, or playing a few video games. I can’t wait to start my first year here at Shafer!

My name is Nikki Singer, and I am excited to begin my 9th year of teaching music, and my 6th year at Shafer Elementary! I graduated from Texas State University (Eat ‘em Up!) with a Bachelor's degree in Music. In my classroom, I strive to foster a love for music while creating an environment where students feel safe, loved, and successful. In my free time, I enjoy running, biking, and spending time with my family and 2 silly cats! I am looking forward to a wonderful school year with you and your sweet child!

My name is Traci Trykoski, and I cannot wait to start my 12th year as the librarian at Shafer Elementary!  I graduated from Texas A&M University (WHOOP!) in 2002 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I taught 4th grade for 3 years in Katy ISD, and while I was there I began my Masters in Library Science degree through Sam Houston State University!  I graduated with my Masters in 2007.  I moved to a private school for my first librarian position, but I made my way back out to Katy in 2008 and have been here ever since!  I opened Shafer Elementary in 2012 as the librarian, and I LOVE our school and my job!  I strive to make our library a fun and welcoming place for our students and teachers!  My favorite part of my job is seeing the smile on a student’s face when we find just the right book for them!  Watching our Knights find their love for reading is such a blessing!  In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, read, craft, and travel!  I have been married to my wonderful husband for 16 years, and we have two amazing kids!  I am looking forward to an awesome year with our Shafer Silver Knights!

My name is Esmeralda Torres, and I am the library aide in the Shafer Library!