Westlake HS EANESpiration Winners, 2025
Educational Impact
Those who display leadership and commitment to the district by making a positive, noticeable and significant impact.
Vanessa Bañuelos, Special Education Teacher
As the co-chairperson of the special education department, Vanessa plays a vital leadership role in shaping the direction of the program and success of students. In her role as a PATH teacher, Vanessa’s strengths-based approach empowers students to recognize their abilities and develop essential executive functioning skills that will benefit them long after high school. Her organizational skills allow her to facilitate effective and meaningful ARD meetings, while her extensive knowledge of special education serves as a valuable resource for colleagues. She demonstrates an exceptional ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and grace, always keeping solutions and student success at the forefront. Vanessa’s leadership extends to mentoring and leading new teacher training, ensuring incoming staff are well-prepared to support students effectively. As a member of the SPED Sunshine Committee, she also fosters a sense of connectivity and collaboration among the special education team. Beyond her formal roles, she works tirelessly behind the scenes, offering help, guidance, and encouragement to both students and staff. With her approachable nature, positive attitude, and strong communication skills, she treats everyone with respect and is always willing to problem-solve and find solutions. Her dedication, kindness, and unwavering support make a daily impact on students and staff.
Jon Callaway, Behavior Support Teacher
Mr. Calloway is a valued leader within the special education department and an advocate for students with disabilities. What sets Jon apart is his honest and authentic approach to connecting with students, allowing him to build trusting and quality relationships — even with students who have historically struggled to form connections with others. He is a positive role model for students and consistently demonstrates the importance of respect, resilience, and personal responsibility. Jon balances empathy with holding students accountable and empowering them to develop autonomy and strong decision-making skills. As the team leader for the WHS Behavior Support program, he is supportive, solution focused, and always willing to assist with the most challenging situations. As the district administrator for the Special Education Extended School Year (ESY) program, Jon has played an important role in ensuring that students with disabilities are able to maintain critical skills over the summer months, setting them up for continued success. His collaborative approach is evident through his partnerships with general education teachers, special education teachers, parents, administrators, and support staff, fostering a truly inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Lamiaa Hajjaoui, Life Skills Teaching Assistant
Ms. Hajjaoui’s commitment to her team and students is at the caliber of one who has worked in this field for a lifetime. She displays kindness and respect at all times, putting her students before herself and always dedicating time to ensure their needs are met. In any situation, Lamiaa is one of the first to jump into action, without hesitation. On a daily basis, she goes above and beyond her paraprofessional duties. Lamiaa is an amazing individual, and it has been a privilege to work with her. She is more than deserving of this award.
Taylor Heatherly, ELA Teacher
Ms. Heatherly works so hard to ensure she is responding to student needs in the moment. If that requires her pulling long hours to grade, she does that; if it requires her staying at school late or giving up her lunch break, she does that; if a student needs a reality check, she does that in a deeply constructive way. She's also a brilliant educator, which is enhanced by her hard work. Taylor loves crafting activities that speak to real-world concerns and current events, and she thrives in a classroom where students are moving and talking to each other. Her ability to monitor and adjust as well as facilitate and consider speaks to her powers of perception and her character. This exceptionality is infectious, and it pushes her team and department to think about core of issues we encounter and dream of a better version of our classrooms: one in which our energies match the moments we encounter, one in which every student is learning and engaged, one in which students feel supported to succeed and safe to fail. Taylor's way of being a teacher is the gold standard.
Josue Martinez, Orchestra Director
There are few educators who dedicate as much time to their students as Josue Martinez. He is a one-man department who is making magic happen for the young musicians in his program. Josue brings so much of who he is to his work: his seemingly everlasting energy, his uplifting positive outlook, and his passion for making excellent music as a group inspires his students to bring the best versions of themselves to the room. Josue is always up for a new concept, a new project, or a new way to showcase ALL of the great work that Westlake students are doing on campus and he spends hours of his own time getting his students to experience music - from trips to the symphony, to the opera, and any number of other off-campus opportunities. It's clear from seeing his orchestra students outside of his classroom that they have been given such a gift under his direction. They actively seek out additional music projects, they compose their own original works, and they are engaged patrons of the local music community. He’s an amazing educator!
David Paschall, Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Paschall, or Mr. P as he is affectionately known, has made a lasting impact at Westlake High School through his commitment to starting and overseeing TLC for the past 31 years. David helped begin the program in 1994 and has been with TLC since as a social studies teacher, leader, and mentor to both students and staff. David's dedication to this program has impacted hundreds of students over the past three decades, and he continues to show up and do the work of teaching our incredible, and sometimes challenging, students with patience and passion each day. I am always impressed by Mr. P’s innovative ideas and thoughtful lesson planning. After having taught for so many years, and even retiring once before, he doesn’t coast, but rather continues to find ways to relate to and challenge his students. They all adore him and respect hearing his thoughtful perspective and life-giving lessons. David Paschall’s impact and legacy in this program will never be forgotten as his contributions are ingrained in the proverbial walls of TLC forevermore.
Casey Suchko, AP History & AP French Teacher
Ms. Suchko exemplifies dedication and innovation in education, consistently going beyond expectations to ensure student success in her AP World History and AP French classes. She demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her students by actively seeking new and more effective ways to provide timely, meaningful feedback.This has taken many forms, including verbal feedback, written comments, and student driven self assessment. Through persistent inquiry and the willingness to try new things, Ms. Suchko has implemented methods that not only help students grasp complex material but also build confidence in their abilities. Her efforts have had a direct impact on student achievement, fostering a deeper understanding of content and preparation for AP Exams. This level of dedication serves as an inspiration to both colleagues and students!
Brock Walker, History Teacher & Coach
Coach Walker has been an outstanding leader ever since he first joined Westlake. From the very beginning, his impact was evident—not just among athletes, but across the entire student body. Students appreciate his kindness, his unwavering support and the way he takes the time to connect with every student he encounters.
Coach Walker goes above and beyond to help students succeed. No matter the reason they are struggling—whether academically, personally, or emotionally—he is always there to lend a helping hand. His dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. He fosters a culture of respect, accountability, and encouragement, both on and off the field. His influence extends far beyond the game, shaping young minds and building strong character. Westlake is incredibly fortunate to have Coach Walker. His commitment to his students and players alike makes a lasting impact, and we are all better for having him as part of our community.
Innovation
Those who implement a creative or innovative program, teaching method, cost-savings, etc.
Ashley De Jong, Parent Volunteer
As the Head Team Parent for the boys soccer team the past two years, Ashley's innovative ideas have greatly enhanced the WHS Soccer experience for the fans, parents and most importantly the players. Under her leadership, there have been many "firsts" for the soccer program including: Mom and Dad Penalty Kick Shootouts, Teacher Appreciation Night, food giveaways for students, raffle ticket giveaways, young player "walk outs" with the Varsity team, a soccer merchandise website, and a top notch soccer banquet for both players and parents. In addition to all of these events, she was instrumental in implementing the first soccer drumline who perform at home matches, adding atmosphere and excitement to the game. Ashley organized a fundraising campaign with Trianon coffee, and obtained significant sponsorships from local businesses. The fundraising benefited the players with charter buses, WHS swag, SALT cleat bags, and personalized water bottles. Ashley, thank you for all you have done for the program and our boys. You are a true innovator!
Heroes
Those who perform an outstanding achievement that brings prestige to Eanes ISD, or do something that goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Divine Canines, Community Partner
Mr. Woodfin and his team of volunteers bring their very DIVINE canines once a month during our Wellness Wednesdays at Westlake High School. The dogs and their human volunteers bring so much joy, levity, stress reduction, and just the best furry connection for everyone. High School is filled with stressors and being a teenager can be exhausting. Working in education is pretty stressful too. But when the Divine Canines are here, you can see smiles, hear laughter, and can tell the moods of students and teachers are boosted and stress is decreased. Max is always great to work with, he is responsive, flexible and so very organized and the Divine Canines are always going above and beyond, never turning down a pet, a quick hug, a joyful exchange with a student or staff. We are so grateful for our partnership with Divine Canines and appreciate all their humans and canines do for Westlake High School.
Catherine Jordan, Parent Volunteer
Ms. Jordan does an enormous amount of work for the choir program. She has kept the program afloat throughout director transitions, helping with administrative tasks: compiling forms, tracking fee payments, updating the website, organizing the music library... the list is endless. She also leads uniform distribution prep, organizes supplies and volunteers, preps costumes/props/makeup, and other pertinent tasks. She devotes more than 40 hours a week to the program, even more during musical season. After the departure of our head director, Catherine was instrumental in helping the program not only progress but thrive. She is unbelievably selfless, and incredibly committed to the success of Westlake choir!
Elizabeth Phillips, Health Science Teacher
Ms. Phillips is an outstanding teacher, mentor and advisor. During her first year at Westlake High School she helped develop the student club GARSEF (Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair). During her time with GARSEF she had 10 students advance to Area and two to the State Competition. Elizabeth has reshaped WHS's CERT program. Her teaching methods are outstanding. She has revamped the Medical Terminology class with multiple hands-on labs and projects. She is available to her students and pours her heart and soul into everything she does. She is the epitome of what a Westlake High School teacher should be and we are lucky to have her!