My name is Jenni Campbell-Watt, and I am very excited to be the ECSE teacher at Shafer.  I have been in education since 2015, and I’ve found my passion in special education.  My background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Library Management. I am from Australia but I’ve been in the USA for 13 years and as of 2019, am a proud US citizen!  I live in Katy with my husband and son, who is a high school senior. My daughter is in college at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am looking forward to a year of fun, learning, and growing with my students!

My name is Jamie Korenek. This is my sixth year here at Shafer and my twelfth year in education. I look forward to continuing to work with students of all grade levels in Special Education. I have received my Bachelors in Education from Texas A&M University and my Masters in Guidance Counseling from Angelo State. I live here in Katy with my husband, two kids, and another coming this November. In my spare time I love to spend time with family and friends, read, relax at home and retail therapy. I can’t wait for another amazing school year!

My name is Shipra Prakash, and I cannot wait to begin my 9th year of teaching and my 3rd year at Shafer Elementary. I graduated from University of Houston Victoria with a Masters in Business! I left the corporate world just after a few years and while substituting for Katy ISD, I fell in love with teaching, got my teaching certificate and started teaching 8 years ago. I have two children, a son in SLJH and a daughter in TAMS. In my spare time I love reading books or watching TV, especially science fiction and thrillers!

In my classroom, I strive to foster a love for education while creating an environment where students feel safe, loved, and successful. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year with you and your amazing children!

My name is Sophia Vargas, and I am so excited to begin my 11th year total and 4th year teaching Special Education at Shafer Elementary! I graduated from the University of Houston-Victoria with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I believe that the most important part of teaching is connection and creating positive relationships, so my students know that they have someone that supports and believes in them. When I am not teaching, my own kids keep me busy…I enjoy spending all of my extra time with them.  I am excited for a new school year, and I’m looking forward to watching all of my students learn and grow!

My name is Lauren Hayden and I will be teaching Special Education here at Shafer Elementary! This is my second-year teaching and I couldn’t be more excited!! I graduated with my BS in Elementary Education along with a Special Education supplemental from Baylor University…Sic’ em bears! I am a lifelong Katy resident and am happy to be back home to continue my professional career. In my free time I love to hang out with my puppy, family and friends watching tv or having fun in the sun. Whenever I get a chance, I love to go on adventures in my Jeep! I’m really looking forward to a great school year!

Hi there! My name is Katie Babin, and I am excited to begin my 8th year teaching Special Education in Katy ISD. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University (WRECK ‘EM) and I am currently finishing my Master’s degree at the University of Houston- Victoria. I am local to the Katy area and have been married to my husband, Patrick, for 4 years. I previously worked at FPSE, but briefly left to be a stay-at-home mom with my son Joey, who just turned two this summer! I am so excited to be back! Outside of school, I love to catch up on the latest Netflix series, take Joey to any and all kid events, and prepare year-round for Christmas! I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year ahead!

My name is Lindsay Hennings, and this will be my 13th year in education and 10th year here at Shafer. I graduated from Louisiana State University. GEAUX TIGERS!!! Children are my passion. I love watching their little minds at work. I believe all children are capable of amazing things and I want to be part of their journey.  I have been married to my husband Andrew for 16 years and we have 4 amazing kiddos who keep me busy when I am not at school. I am looking forward to my first year as a special education in class support teacher. I can’t wait for a fabulous year with my students!  

I am Ms. Caroline Oyefeso. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Southern University, a Master's of Education degree from Southern University, and a Postgraduate Special Education certificate from Kean University. I have nine years experience as a teacher. I worked as a special education teacher in both New Jersey and Texas prior to my appointment at Katy ISD this school year. I love assisting students in reaching their full potential. I'm excited to start this school year at Shafer Elementary as a Special Education  (Inclusion) Teacher. I enjoy traveling, playing Scrabble, and spending time with family and friends.

I am Alex Holdford (he/him) and I am so excited our program remains at Shafer.  I have been working in Special Education for 11 years and 9 years in self contained programs.  I went to college at Texas State University where I met my wife, Randallyn. We have 2 kids, Caleb (2) and Emmy (8 weeks).  In the free time I have, I enjoy playing TTRPG's with friends, podcasts, and volunteering.  I am so excited to return to this community and can't wait for another school year. 

My name is Deanna Whempner and this is my eighth year teaching YCAP in Katy ISD and thirteenth year in SPED!  I grew up in the Houston area and attended Texas A&M University where I majored in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in special education. I love working with students with autism!

My name is Kellie Johnson and welcome to the 2023-2024 school year at Shafer Elementary. This is my fifth year at Shafer and my 31st year as a special education teacher.  I have been married to my husband Scott for 17 years and we have two children.  My oldest son will be a junior at Jordan High School and my youngest will be a 6th grader at Seven Lakes Junior High.  I strive to have a nurturing and caring environment for my students as well as their parents.  All students can and will be successful in their own way. I am looking forward to a spectacular year!

My name is Deena Torres and this is my 15th year as a Speech Language Pathologist. I graduated from Texas Tech University and love my Red Raiders. I have been married for 11 years and have 2 beautiful children, Hadley and Liam. I love watching my students gain confidence throughout the year and using their new skills in the classroom!

My name is Meggan Karsan and I am the part time Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) at Shafer Elementary. I graduated with my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech Language Pathology from Stephen F. Austin State University. This will be my 11th year as an SLP and my 7th year at Katy ISD. I have been married for 6 years and have two busy and beautiful children. Some of my favorite things are speech therapy, spending time with my family and friends, reading, and antique shopping. Let’s have a great year in speech therapy!