Faculty and Staff
At the heart of our academic program is our greatest resource: our talented and compassionate faculty and staff who facilitate critical thinking and problem solving skills, which inspire students to love learning.
When recent IWA graduates return to campus, they frequently note that their academic preparedness surpassed their college classmates, and they enthusiastically attribute this to the qualified, dedicated and passionate faculty and staff.
Ms. Vivian Bains
Assistant Director of Admissions
B.A., University of Houston Honors College
Admissions
Sr. Lauren Beck, C.V.I.
President
B.A., University of St. Thomas
M.R.E., University of St. Thomas
M.R.E., University of St. Thomas
Administration
Mrs. Sue Blackmon
Art Department Chair, Yearbook Advisor
B.A., Sam Houston State University
Fine Arts
Mrs. Staffany Bowman
Wellness Counselor
B.S., University of Houston
M.S., Grand Canyon University
M.S., Grand Canyon University
Counseling
Ms. Christina Cao
Director of Admissions
B.A., St. Catherine University St. Paul
M. Ed., University of St. Thomas
M. Ed., University of St. Thomas
Admissions
Mr. Stephen Comer
Science Department Chair, AP Biology, Honors Biology, Anatomy & Physiology Teacher
B.S., Baylor University
M.Ed., Lamar University
M.Ed., Lamar University
Science
Dr. Tim Daponte
Physics Teacher
B.A., University of Bridgeport
MPH, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
MPA, Temple University
Ph.D., University of Houston
MPH, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
MPA, Temple University
Ph.D., University of Houston
Science
Mr. Hoyt Devries
Economics & Government Teacher
B.A., West Texas A&M University
M.A., West Texas A&M University
M.A., West Texas A&M University
History
Mrs. Karen Douglass
Math Department Chair, Teacher
B.S., Indiana State University
M.A., Michigan State University
M.A., Michigan State University
Math
Mrs. Claire Fletcher
Director of Marketing and Communications
B.S., University of Texas-Austin
Marketing
Ms. Gina Ford '86
Interventionist
B.A., Florida A&M University
MBA, Florida A&M University
M.Ed., The University of Texas at Arlington
MBA, Florida A&M University
M.Ed., The University of Texas at Arlington
Administration
Ms. Maria Fraguio
Theology Department Chair, Theology I & II Teacher
B.S. National Graduate School of Quality Management
M.A. University of St. Thomas at St. Mary’s Seminary
M.A. University of St. Thomas at St. Mary’s Seminary
Theology
Mrs. Heather Frantz
French Teacher
B.A., Louisiana State University
M.A., Louisiana State University
M.A., Louisiana State University
World Languages
Mrs. Ann Marie Girardot
Honors Engineering & Robotics Teacher, IWA FTC Team #25955 Mentor
B.A., St. Mary's University, San Antonio
Math, Education Technology
Mr. Bryan Gonzalez
Assistant Athletic Director, Finance Assistant
B.S., University of Houston
M.Ed., Concordia University
M.Ed., Concordia University
Finance, Athletics

Mrs. Kathryn Griep
Director of Advancement
B.S.W., Marywood University
M.S., University of Tennessee
M.S., University of Tennessee
Advancement
We are a Top Workplace!
IWA has been recognized as a 2024 Top Workplaces by The Houston Chronicle. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC. The school was previously recognized in 2018.
“Becoming a Top Workplace isn’t something organizations can buy,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “It’s an achievement that organizations have worked for and a distinction that gives them a competitive advantage. It’s a big deal.”
President of IWA Sister Lauren Beck, C.V.I. added, "It is my belief that people make deliberate choices when seeking out the best workplaces to use their gifts and skills. It is great to see that our employees recognize us as a welcoming, caring and employee supportive environment. It is also an honor to be recognized throughout the city."