Administration
Phone: (972) 494-8359
Fax: (972) 494-8717
Principal
I am the newly appointed principal at Northlake Elementary. A Rowlett High School alumnus, I started my teaching career as a sophomore English teacher at RHS. As doors to leadership roles opened, I became an English teacher and head track and field coach at Mabank High school and eventually assistant principal at Central Athens Elementary. It was here that I led the campus as restorative discipline coordinator to become the first campus in the state of Texas to receive a badge of distinction and recognition for restorative discipline practices from the Texas Education Agency.
I found my way back to Garland ISD as assistant principal at Weaver Elementary, under the direction and support of Principal Jenny Thomason, where I served for 2 years, prior to my new appointment at Northlake Elementary.
I am one of six state trainers in restorative discipline practices for the Texas Education Agency, and was recently admitted as a doctoral student at Texas Tech University, studying for a PhD in Educational Policy.
I am married to Sarah Shirley, also a teacher in Garland ISD, for 13 wonderful years. In the time we have away from campus, Jake enjoys training for ultra-marathons with his two Australian shepherds, Roger and Paavo.
Assistant Principal
What a privilege it is to be at Northlake Elementary!
I have come to Northlake with over 20 years in education. I attended Stephen F Austin State University and received my Bachelor of Business Administration degree and then my Masters in Educational Leadership. My first years of teaching were in East Texas then in North Texas where I taught both Business Education and Technology Applications. I became an Assistant Principal in Plano ISD at a middle school and am now super excited to be working with PK-5th grade students!
My philosophy on education is that we as educators can always find a way to meet students at their level of understanding, take what they have, and then grow that knowledge. The staff at Northlake holds students accountable to their learning by equipping students with the necessary foundational tools that will foster their learning for years to come.
I am married to my college sweetheart, Norman, and we have two sons together; Taylor and Nyles. Norman and I love sports, to travel, go to concerts and comedy shows, and every now and then binge watch our favorite shows and movies!
Northlake Eagles Soar!
Office staff
Maribel Velasco - Secretary
Leticia Torres - Data Clerk
Janna Foster - Nurse