Directory

Before working at EWS, Caryn was a social studies educator with Houston ISD for 10 years and most recently taught United States History 1492-1867 and one section of World History AP at Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. During that time, Caryn presented three times at the Austin Independent School District Personalized Learning Symposium and was involved with writing the social studies curriculum. Caryn matriculated at Beth Yeshuran Day School and The Emery/Weiner School before graduating from Bellaire High School. Caryn has been teaching for almost 17 years. While working with Houston Independent School District, she obtained her master's degree in Educational Leadership from St. Thomas University. In addition, she holds several Texas certifications in the Humanities. When Caryn isn't learning with her students, she enjoys running in Hermann Park, cooking, reading, drawing, and listening to records. Caryn is super excited to introduce her husband, eight-month-old, and 16-year-old stepdaughter to all of her favorite places in Houston!

Ashley Matthews has been at EWS since 2023. She is a seasoned development professional with eighteen years of experience in private school advancement in Houston. Ashley has a strong background in special events, fundraising, alumni, and volunteer management. Throughout her career, Ashley has successfully led donor engagement initiatives, organized impactful events, and built strong relationships with parents and community stakeholders to support school missions.

Ashley's passion for education and philanthropy drives her commitment to fostering meaningful connections and enhancing fundraising efforts. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with family, jigsaw puzzles, all things Disney and working in her garden.

Tom is a Pennsylvania native who has been with EWS since 2008. He began honing his skills working on the maintenance crew at a local paper mill for 17 years, and then working as the crew supervisor of his own paving business. Tom and his wife decided to move to Texas in 2006 to be closer to their family. He spends most of his time cheering on his grandchildren, the STEELERS, and the Astros! He prides himself on his work ethic and will go the extra mile to make Emery a safe and pleasant place… Stay CALM and call TOM!

Domonique Mckenzie grew up in Houston, Texas, in the Alief community. He attended a small community college in Alabama, initially pursuing a degree in audio production, media production, or broadcasting with aspirations of working in radio. 

Domonique has been with Emery since 2024 and values the school's welcoming environment. In his free time, he enjoys biking, basketball, fishing, and gaming. He also loves spending time with his siblings, nieces, and nephews, as well as watching anime—especially Naruto. He is a fan of seafood, Mexican, and Cajun cuisine and enjoys trying new restaurants.

Jessie has taught tenth and eleventh grade English since 2014. In 2021, she was awarded the Texas Exemplary teacher distinction. Jessie graduated from UCLA in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. Jessie has worked as a wildlife biology field assistant throughout southern California, an environmental educator at the Ballona Wetlands, and a naturalist at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. She currently teaches English II, Creative Writing, and Journalism at EWS. Jessie enjoys swimming, gardening, and spending time with her husband and two pugs.

Michael joined EWS in 2008. Currently he teaches eleventh and twelfth grade electives which include: Jewish Magic and Mysticism, Jewish Ethics, Modern Jewish Philosophy, Genesis, and Comparative Religion. This year he is also teaching a tenth grade honors class. Michael is a Boston area native who received his undergraduate degree with honors in religious studies from the University of Pennsylvania and his graduate degrees with distinction from the joint program between Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary. He taught Judaism and Comparative Religion at the University of Alberta and served as Hillel Director at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After leaving Hillel, he became Dean of Jewish Studies at the Milwaukee Jewish Day School; receiving the Milwaukee Association of Jewish Education’s Teacher of the Year award in 1993. While living in Milwaukee he also served part time as Rabbi of Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha, and during the summers was the Judaism specialist at BBYO’s Chapter Leadership Training Conference in Mukwonago WI. Before coming to Houston, Michael taught 8 years at Gann Academy in Waltham MA where he taught Tanakh and Topics in Jewish Thought as well as serving as a class dean. He also taught at Hebrew College’s Prozdor supplemental high school program and founded its Masoret classes for exceptional students. Michael has taught all areas of Judaism and Comparative Religion. He is the Translator of an ancient Jewish magic text—Sepher Ha-Razim-The Book of the Mysteries, published by the Society of Biblical Literature. In his spare time he is a student of Science Fiction and Fantasy who is trying to figure out how to remain a Red Sox and Packers fan while living in Houston.