Upon receiving a bachelor of science in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2005, Lindsey Sanders began her career with Irving Independent School district at Schulze Elementary. Sanders taught a variety of grade levels and eventually moved into the Instructional Specialist position. In the summer of 2009, she traveled to Mumbai, India to train teachers working in slum schools about reading and English acquisition. Her experiences there pushed her expectations for students in Irving even further.  Sanders became passionate about the impact she could make on a larger group of students and began the journey for a Masters Degree in Educational Administration.

Angelica (Fernandez) Fountain, Assistant Principal

Angelica (Fernandez) Fountain is a Dallas native who grew up in Pleasant Grove and knowing from a young age that teaching was her calling. She is the oldest of four children and the first in her family to attend/graduate from college. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Dallas and her Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. Fountain is in her third year of her Doctoral studies at the University of North Texas. To say that learning is her passion is an understatement!

She began her teaching career in Irving as a student teacher at Elliot Elementary. She was then hired and began her career at Farine Elementary serving as a pilot teacher and district representative for the two-way Dual Language program. After leaving Farine, Fountain served as an Administrative Intern at Keyes, Academic Specialist at Johnston, Assistant Principal at Britain Elementary, and is currently a member of the John Haley administrative team. 

Fountain is grateful for the opportunity to serve and impact students on a daily basis. Her greatest inspiration is her sister, Ana-Alecia Ayala, who inspired the world with her viral video "Juju on that Chemo". She hopes to inspire students from similar backgrounds and help them realize that no dream is too big and anything is possible!

In her spare time, Fountain works for Dallas Summer Musicals, spends time with her family, and travels to New Orleans as often as possible. 

Mark A. Gorena, Assistant Principal

After attending the University of Texas at Austin and the Austin Graduate of Theology, Mark Gorena received his bachelor of arts degree in 1987. Gorena spent 20 years working with students and families outside of the academic arena.  In 2010, he began his career in education as a 5th-grade bilingual teacher at Britain Elementary.  From there, he taught 4^th grade at W.T. Hanes and then became an interventionist at Farine Elementary for two years.  Gorena received his Master of Educational Administration in 2014 from Lamar University.   

Teaching in Irving Independent School District has confirmed Gorena's belief that being a leader in public education is truly his calling. Helping teachers and students experience success has been extremely rewarding. Knowing that he is making an impact on student and teacher growth as well as helping students begin to realize their hopes and dreams for a better future is what drives him to be an educational leader.

As a member of the Irving community for the past 15 years and having had his own children educated in the Irving school district, Gorena knows firsthand the difference this district is making in the lives of our children and families. He believe in the philosophy and direction of the administration knowing that the welfare of the child is at the basis of every decision made.

Irving ISD is known for its high educational standards, its innovative approach to integrating technology and its belief that children come first. Being a part of this diverse district which strives to prepare and equip children to be successful in the global community is a privilege. 

Gorena looks forward to continuing to serve our community as an educational leader at John Haley Elementary.