Najah Callander, FACE Executive Director, currently serves as Executive Director of Family and Community Engagement at Houston ISD. In this role, she is focused on growing and fostering relationships with community partners and organizations on behalf of the District. Najah leads the work on the district’s family and community engagement, community partnerships and Parent Link teams. 

With more than 15 years of experience in community engagement and the non-profit sector, Najah uses her expertise in grant-making, program evaluation, program strategy/design, volunteer management, youth development and partnerships to make significant impact to students and families and support academic success. 

A wife and a mom, Najah is also an active volunteer who cares about equity, education, and issues impacting youth and women. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, Junior League of Houston and several other organizations that seek to improve the community.  Najah holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Florida A&M University and is a graduate of The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law.

Ally Abdulmajid, M.Ed., FACE Director is a native Houstonian and a product of Houston ISD schools, having graduated from Lee High School. Ms. Abdulmajid is an alumnus of the University of Houston where she received a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies EC-6 and holds a graduate degree in Counseling from the University of St. Thomas. She has 11 years of experience in the field of education. Ms. Abdulmajid’s professional experience includes working with parents and families within HISD’s Family and Community Engagement department as well as at the University of Houston, where she supported college students’ success by developing and implementing strategic activities and workshops. Ally also served as a psycho-social coach for Na’ba Organization, where she helped train caseworkers in crisis and trauma counseling. Her experience as an educator and counselor has allowed her to work in culturally diverse settings and with individuals of all ages, primarily young children and adults.

Tyenise Blackmon, FACE Coordinator 2 has been serving students, families, and the community for over a decade.  Through collaborative efforts amongst school district level leadership, campuses, and community she creates new initiatives, further develops programs, and builds relationships to ensure students have the adequate support and resources to maximize their potential.  Tyenise started her career in schools facilitating parent/caregiver workshops and coordinating wrap around services for families.  Through this work she began fostering relationships with non-profits,  small businesses, faith-based entities,  and major corporations.  This led to advancing her career to district level leadership in family and community engagement at the 7^th largest district in Texas.  Tyenise also has vast knowledge and experience in the non-profit sector where she provided best practices on how to effectively meet the needs of diverse students bridging the gap between school districts and the neighborhoods they serve. 

Tyenise is a public speaker/presenter at the state, regional and national level, served as a family engagement consultant at University of Texas, and been a part of numerous advisory boards, committees, and councils providing expertise on how to build relationships with youth and community stakeholders.  She’s received numerous awards and accolades for her innovation and ability to create long-term mutually beneficial partnerships.  She is also a member of The George Foundation’s 2023 Excellence for Non-Profit Leadership Program. 

If not spending time with her family,  she is relaxing at the beach, listening to music, watching UFC, or working out.   Tyenise holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in College Station.

Earlandra Junell Ringo, FACE Coordinator 2, was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Calling Houston home since 2009, she has worked in Fort Bend ISD, Alief ISD, and now HISD. Earlandra graduated with a double major in English and General Studies at McNeese State University. With over 15 years of experience in the education field, Earlandra worked as a behavioral interventionist, where she worked with challenging students; her goal was to let students know, despite their circumstances, they had the ability to be the best. She worked as a classroom teacher, where it was her passion to educate her students to have a love and respect for knowledge for education. She worked for Communities In Schools as a student support manager, where she not only mentored and managed employees but she also led impactful groups for students and built strong partnerships with families and the community.

She is currently a 2nd year member of the HISD Legislative Advisory Committee. She has worked and volunteered at the YMCA, The Boys & Girls Club, The National Wildlife Federation, Various Media Outlets and has worked in the political arena as well. She loves to cook, travel the world, explore different cultures, and spend time with family. Her dedication has been working with children from all walks of life. She believes family engagement is essential for a student’s overall growth and academic success, and it takes a village(community) of people from all walks of life to help our students to be well rounded, versatile human beings who have the ability to know they have everything it takes to take their lives to the next level.

Campuses Served: Benbrook ES, Black MS, Braeburn ES, Burrus ES, Clifton MS, Durham ES, Garden Oaks ES, High School Ahead Academy MS, Highland Heights ES, Kennedy ES, Oak Forest ES, Osborne ES, Scarborough HS, Sinclair ES, Smith ES, SOAR Center, and Stevens ES,

Hi, My name is David Bell. I'm a proud father of two children. I have lived in Houston for 20+ years and am glad that I made the move to Texas. My father served 22 years in the Army, so I have been blessed to travel and explore different parts of the world. I have worked in Social Services and Education most of my career. I love being able to help others and hope to be able to leave a lasting impression on my work. 

Campuses Served:Atherton ES, BCM Biotech Academy at Rusk, Bruce ES, Dogan ES, Eliot ES, Fleming MS, Furr HS, Roland P. Harris ES, Nathaniel Q. Henderson ES, Holland MS, Isaacs ES,Leland YMCPA, Martinez R. ES, McReynolds MS, Oates ES, Pleasantville ES, Port Houston ES, Pugh ES, Robinson ES, Scroggins ES, and Wheatley HS, 

Hello, I’m Sandra Conner, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the FACE Department as the Program Manager. With 23 years of experience working in Education and family involvement, I am passionate about building meaningful relationships with families, schools and the community.

In my role, I connect family engagement to school and student learning goals. I help families realize why family engagement is important to student success. I want quality instruction plus family engagement to equal increased student learning,

Before joining FACE, I worked as a Campus Liaison for an Alternative school as well as being an Attendance Clerk, where I assisted counselors, Assistant Principals and Principal with families getting involved in the community and their students’ academics.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, dancing, shopping, reading a good book, and spending time with my grandsons. I am always looking for new ways to connect with our community.

My favorite quote is “When you know better, do better”. A fun fact about me is that I love Godzilla movies.

• Email: Sandra.conner@houstonisd.org
• Phone: 832-859-6437

Campuses Served: Anderson ES, Ashford ES, Askew ES, Bell ES, Bush ES, Daily ES, Foerster ES, Gross ES, Parker ES, Red ES, Revere MS, Shadowbriar ES, Tinsley ES, Walnut Bend ES, Welch MS, West Briar MS, Westbury HS, and Westside HS

Crystal Davis is a Houston native. She was born and raised in the Southwest region of Houston, Texas.  She graduated from Prairie View A&M University, where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Community Studies. She has a strong background in Family and Community Engagement, previously working for 8 years in a Head Start program where her passion and love for Family and Community has grown and developed. She has a diverse background; as a Head Start Teacher, working with families as a Family Development Worker assessing family needs and offering support and intervention, and as an Intervention Support; supporting children and families with Special Needs/Behavioral Support. Her mission is to continue to support families and communities by building intentional relationships with our schools and parents. When she is not working with the community, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, Traveling, and listening to different types of music.

Campuses Served: Alcott ES, Baylor College MS, Blackshear ES, Brookline ES, Codwell ES, Cornelius ES, Cullen MS, DeAnda ES, Energy Inst HS, Foster ES, Frost ES, Garden Villas ES, Golfcrest ES, Gregg ES, Hartman MS,Hartsfield ES,Kelso ES, Lockhart ES, Mading ES, Mitchell ES, Mount Carmel Acad HS, Peck ES, Seguin ES,Sterling HS, Thomas MS, Thompson ES, Whidby ES, Yates HS

Hailing from the lively streets of Houston, Texas, Gaybree radiates the same warmth and energy as her hometown! After earning a Bachelor of Communications degree from the esteemed University of Houston, she embarked on a journey dedicated to enriching lives through education.

With a passion for fostering inclusivity and understanding, Gaybree has devoted five years to the field of education. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering meaningful relationships with both students and their families. She brings a unique perspective to her work, ensuring that each campus' needs are understood and addressed effectively. Her dedication to bridging cultural divides and promoting positive school-family relationships has earned her admiration and respect within the educational community.

Driven by a commitment to excellence and equity, Gaybree strives to make a profound impact on the lives of those she serves.

Campus Served: Bellaire HS, Benavidez ES, Briar Grove ES, Briar Meadow, Condit ES, Cunningham ES, Emerson ES, Energized ECC, Energized ES, Energized MS, Herod ES, Horn ES, JJAEP, Kolter ES, Liberty HS, Longfellow  ES, Lovett ES, M. White ES, Mandarin Immersion Magnet, Meyerland MS, Middle College HS – Gulfton, Mistral ECC, Pilgrim Academy, Pin Oak MS, Piney Point ES, Rodriquez ES, Rogers T H, School of St. George, Shearn ES, Tanglewood MS, Wisdom HS

Greetings, I’m Kimberly Houston, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the FACE Department as the Program Manager 1. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in social work, and I am passionate about holistic influences that determine the well-being of society.

In my role, I plan, execute, and manage projects/programs within the Family and community engagement department. I coordinate with cross-functional teams, oversee project/program timelines and budgets, and ensure successful FACE project/program delivery in alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Before joining FACE, I worked as a Qualified Mental Health Professional to increase positive behavioral patterns in children and young adults ranging from ages 3 to 17. I also worked to empower young girls by providing techniques that enhance resilience, self-confidence, and healthy coping skills. Outside of work, I enjoy the zoo, hiking, playing UNO, and UFC fights. I am always looking for new ways to increase healthy thought patterns.

Favorite Quote: "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."–Aristotle

Contact Information:

· Email: kimberly.houston@houstonisd.org

· Phone: (713) 556-4819

Fun Fact: I was in a singing group with my sisters called, “A.K.T.3”.

Campuses Served: Austin HS, Briscoe ES, Burnet ES, Cage ES, Carrillo ES, Chrysalis MS, East EC HS, Eastwood Acad HS, Edison MS, Franklin ES, Gallegos ES, Henderson JP ES, HSLJ, Ketelsen ES, Lantrip ES, Laurenzo ECC, Looscan ES, Marshall MS, Martinez C ES, Middle College HS – Fraga, Navarro MS, Northside HS, Roosevelt ES, Ross ES, Tijerina ES

Jacqueline Jacobo, FACE Program Manager, is a proud product of Houston ISD. She graduated with an associate degree through the Futures Program at Scarborough High school. Formerly in the Enrollment department as a Representative, Jacqueline enjoyed supporting families and meeting their unique needs. Her goal is to continue supporting families by empowering them to be active members in their community.

Having two children, one who is attending an HISD elementary school, Jacqueline understands the importance of cultivating and fostering a strong community. Aside from work, and attending her daughter’s school events, Jacqueline enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and attending concerts, festivals and farmer’s markets.

Campuses Served: Arabic Immersion, Baker Montessori, Browning ES, Carnegie HS, Challenge EC HS, Crockett ES, DeBakey HS, Field ES, Gregory-Lincoln PK-8, HAIS HS, Hamilton MS, Harvard ES, Heights HS, Helms ES, Hogg MS, Lamar HS, Lanier MS, Love ES, MacGregor ES, Memorial ES, Pershing MS, Poe ES, Rice School PK-8, River Oaks ES, Roberts ES, Travis ES, Twain ES, West University ES, Wharton K-8, Young Women's CPA

Hello HISD families, I’m Olivia Lemon, and I'm ecstatic to be a part of the FACE Department as a Program Manager. With a true passion for family engagement, I enjoy working with all families and schools. This is my fourth year in the FACE department and in my role, I help build the engagement capacity of every staff member and parent/caregiver I collaborate with. My objective is for every family to feel welcome, involved, and valued. Building authentic relationships is what's most important to me. I am proud to say I work with campuses in the North Division. 

My favorite highlight within this work is seeing the improved engagement of my campuses from the beginning of the school year to the end of the school year.  My favorite quote is "A bad attitude is like a flat tire; you can't go anywhere until you change it".

Contact Information:

• Email: Olivia.lemon@houstonisd.org
• Phone: 7135561853

Campuses Served: Berry ES, Burbank ES, Burbank MS, Cook ES, Coop ES, De Chaumes ES, Durkee ES, Elmore ES, Farias ECC, Fonville MS, Fonwood ECC, Garcia ES, Hilliard ES, Houston MSTC HS, Janowski ES, Kashmere Gardens ES, Kashmere HS, Key MS, Lyons ES, Marshall ES, McGowen ES, Moreno ES, North Forest HS, North Houston EC HS, Northline ES, Paige ES, Scarborough ES, Shadydale ES, North Houston EC HS

Joyful day! I’m Keyshawn McMiller, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the FACE Department as the Program Manager serving the West Division.I am passionate about DEI, Restorative Justice, and empowering historically marginalized communities.

In my role, I develop programs to engage families in their children's education, coordinate community events, and support family-school partnerships. Before joining FACE, I worked in diverse sectors including mental health, education, nonprofits, and corporate domains, where I had significant impacts as a changemaker through DEI and Restorative Justice training.

Outside of work, I enjoy indulging in my love for cheesecakes, reading, and continuously learning new things. I am always looking for new ways to connect with our community and contribute to their journey of growth, learning, and enjoyment of life.

Favorite Quote:"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)

Campuses Served: Bonham ES, Ed White ES, Elrod ES, Energized for STEM Acad. MS, Energized for STEM Acad. HS, Fondren MS, Halpin ECC, Horn ES, Las Americas MS, Long Academy, McNamara ES, Milne ES, Neff ECC, Neff ES, Sharpstown HS, Sharpstown Int'l School, Sugar Grove MS, and Valley West ES 

Virginia Gonzales, FACE Sr. Administrative Assistant is a Houstonian HISD aluminite that graduated from Jefferson Davis High School (Northside High School). She has worked with HISD for 5 years beginning as a clerk at a school and moving up to working as an admin at the district level with the Family and Community Engagement Department. When she is not at work Virginia likes reading, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.