Melissa ISD is excited to announce these leadership updates for the 2026-2027 school year. Learn more about these leaders below:
Amy Fortney, Melissa High School Dean of Students
This will be Amy Fortney’s second year in Melissa ISD and her 11th year in education. Before joining Melissa ISD, she served in a variety of special education and campus leadership roles, including teaching Life Skills, Functional Academics, Resource Social Studies, working in various Behavior Support classrooms, and serving as a Special Education Department Head in Plano ISD. Amy is excited to serve as Dean of Students as she is passionate about serving students supported through special education, building positive relationships with students and families, supporting staff in meeting the needs of all students, and helping create a safe, supportive, and student-centered campus culture. She is committed to collaborating with teachers, parents, and the community to ensure all students are supported both academically and socially.
MHS Associate Principal Emily Chapman shared, “We are thrilled to welcome Amy Fortney to our leadership team. Amy brings a calm and steady presence, extensive experience across a variety of roles within special education, and a deep passion for serving students and families. Her commitment to inclusion and advocacy reflects the heart of the Cardinal Way — ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and valued.”
Lhauren Spann, Highland Elementary Dean of Students
Mrs. Lhauren Spann brings 14 years of educational experience and three years in Melissa ISD to her new role as Dean of Students at Highland Elementary. During her time in Melissa ISD, Mrs. Spann has served as a 5th grade team leader for the past three years and recently graduated from the Cardinal Leadership Academy in May 2026. She began her career in Special Education and has taught Reading, Writing, Science and Social Studies throughout her career in McKinney ISD before joining Melissa ISD. Mrs. Spann is excited to serve the students, staff, and families of Highland Elementary as Dean of Students and looks forward to building meaningful relationships, supporting teachers, and creating an environment where every student feels safe, loved, and challenged to grow while continuing to strengthen The Cardinal Way across the campus and community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lhauren Spann to Highland Elementary as our new Dean of Students,” said Highland Elementary Principal Brandon McFarland. “Mrs. Spann brings incredible energy, a passion for student success, and a strong commitment to building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. Her leadership, positivity, and dedication to creating a supportive and engaging campus culture will make her an outstanding addition to the #WeAreHighland team and community.”
Harlee Reed, North Creek Elementary Dean of Students
This is Harlee Reed’s second year in Melissa ISD and fifth year as a teacher. Before joining MISD, she taught grades K–2 in Oklahoma and held various early childhood roles for six years prior. Harlee is excited to serve North Creek Elementary as Dean of Students, where her passion for building relationships, supporting teachers, and cultivating a culture where every individual can reach their full potential will continue to guide her work, along with a commitment to celebrating every success along the way. She looks forward to continuing the momentum at NCE by fostering deep-rooted relationships, encouraging growth, and staying grounded in the campus core values alongside the dedicated staff. She also embraces the belief that education is a powerful tool to create lasting change and is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving her community in this new position.
"From the moment Mrs. Reed walks into a room, you can feel her contagious energy - it's genuine, uplifting, and impossible to miss,” North Creek Principal Erika Parker shared. “She has a beautiful way of radiating positivity that not only brightens the day, but truly inspires hope in everyone around her. We feel incredibly fortunate to welcome her as our Dean of Students, and we are so excited to see the heart, joy, and leadership she will bring to our #NCEstrong community."
Katie Venezuela, Sumeer Elementary Dean of Students
This is Katie Venezuela’s 8th year in Melissa ISD and her 19th year in education. Before her most recent role as the Melissa Sixth Grade Center ELAR Team Lead, she has served in a variety of instructional and leadership roles in elementary education, including classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, and Effective Educator Coach across Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Katie is excited to return to her elementary roots to serve as the Dean of Students at Sumeer Elementary, where she looks forward to building strong relationships with students and staff, supporting a positive campus culture, and helping students grow both inside and outside the classroom.
“We are thrilled to welcome Katie Venezuela as our Dean of Students for the 2026-2027 school year,” Sumeer Principal Nathan Lambert shared. “Her passion for students, strong instructional leadership, and dedication to building positive relationships will make an incredible impact on our campus community. With extensive experience as a teacher leader, GT specialist, instructional coach, and campus leadership team member, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven commitment to supporting both students and staff at high levels.”
Cera Risoli, Willow Wood Elementary Dean of Students
This is Cera Risoli’s fourth year in Melissa ISD and her seventh year in education. Before becoming the Dean of Students, her most recent position was serving as a 5th grade science and social studies teacher at Willow Wood Elementary. Prior to joining Melissa ISD, Cera has taught 4th grade math and coached middle school athletics in the charter school system in North Richland Hills, as well as 7th grade science and coached middle school athletics in Lovejoy ISD. She is excited to serve as the Dean of Students at Willow Wood Elementary because she is passionate about building strong relationships with students and teachers, encouraging growth, and helping create a campus where everyone feels supported, valued, and successful.
“Adding Cera as our new Dean of Students is a perfect fit for the leadership team,” Willow Wood Principal Julie Armstrong shared. “She brings a strong work ethic, a genuine ability to connect with all students, and an engaging sense of humor that adds to her exceptional instructional knowledge. Our campus looks forward to collaborating with her in this new capacity and continuing the positive impact she has on our school community.”