Meet Our Administration and Office Staff

Principal- Stefani Blackman

Hello, Amazing Abbett Families! 

I am honored to serve my third year as principal of Abbett Elementary and to be part of this incredible school community. With 17 years of experience in education, I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 5th grades, served as a reading specialist and instructional coach, and worked as both an assistant principal and a Student Services administrator. Teaching is part of my family legacy—both of my sisters have taught, and my mom was a professor at UNT.

At Abbett, our mission is to create a superior elementary education experience for diverse students and families, because foundational learning paves the way for a bright future. I take great pride in leading our campus in ways that bring this mission to life. I believe deeply that all students can learn, and that when we mentor—not just teach—students, we grow critical thinkers and problem solvers who are prepared for the future. Every decision I make as a leader is rooted in our vision of activating academic excellence, one student at a time.

Our core values of love of learning, perseverance, kindness, teamwork, self-regulation, and gratitude shape the culture of Abbett. My goal is for every student, family, and staff member to feel welcomed, challenged, and supported. School should be a place where learning is both rigorous and fun, and I am committed to making Abbett that kind of place every day.

Outside of school, my life is joyfully full with my husband, our four children, two dogs, and one cat. When I’m not at the dance studio with my kids, I love reading, cooking to 90’s music, shopping, and traveling with my family.

I am excited to continue growing strong roots in our Abbett community. Together, let’s make this a year filled with growth, joy, and the love of learning!

Assistant Principal - Jill Hatfield 

Mrs. Hatfield is a proud product of Garland ISD, attending Handley Elementary, Heather Glen Elementary, O’Banion Middle School, and graduating from Lakeview Centennial High School.

She then graduated from Abilene Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis on reading. She received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. She started her teaching career 27 years ago in Garland ISD at Toler Elementary. In her career, she has taught at Cooper Elementary, Steadham Elementary, and Shorehaven Elementary, where she taught 1st through 5th grades.

She ventured off to teach at a private school for several years, but found her way back home to Garland ISD, where she has been an interventionist serving students in Kindergarten - 5th grade at Armstrong Elementary. All of her past experiences in education and GISD have prepared her to serve as the assistant principal of Abbett Elementary.

Mrs. Hatfield spends time at home with her husband, Mike, and two children, Maddie and Tyler. Maddie is a graduate of The University of Texas, where she ran cross country and track. Tyler just graduated from Sachse High School and is going to serve in ministry at a church in eastern North Carolina while going to seminary. As a family, they enjoy spending time together, whether it be walking, fishing, watching tv, or just hanging out with each other.  

Counselor - Bindu Kandyil

Hello All-Star Families! I am absolutely thrilled to become a part of this wonderful community as a school counselor. Growing up near Abbett and attending Garland ISD schools, it truly feels like a dream come true to return home to this district to serve.

With 16 years of experience in education, I am deeply passionate about student growth and achievement. As a counselor, my heart is dedicated to helping students build social-emotional strength and empowering them to grow through all their life experiences. I feel incredibly blessed to be joining the amazing students, staff, and parents at Abbett Elementary, and I look forward to meeting all of you!

Office Staff

• Data Clerk-  Kayla Newberry 
• Office Aide- Lorraine Duran 
• Principal's Secretary - Natalie Galitz 

Meet The School Nurse -  Elise Houshieh 

Hi ALL-STARS! Joining the Abbett team as the campus nurse has been such a blessing! I believe in wholistic, evidence-based care and am here to support students and their families by offering resources and assisting in the acute and chronic management of student health needs while at school. I have a bachelor’s in nutrition from Texas A&M (Gig’em!) and attended Texas Woman’s University for my nursing degree. My previous experience as an EMT and working as a nurse in both inpatient and outpatient cardiac care, has made me a pro at fixing “boo-boos.” My door is always open for our students to help keep them healthy and ready to learn!