The Texas Girls School is led by a team of educators, innovators, and community leaders who share a clear goal: to build a tuition-free public school designed intentionally for how girls learn and lead. From shaping the academic model to guiding the school’s growth, our leadership brings deep experience, thoughtful vision, and a strong commitment to creating an exceptional educational experience for girls.
The Texas Girls School
10321 Boulder Lane Austin, Texas 78726
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Dana Stuart Browning
Founder & Superintendent
Inspired by her youngest daughter’s experience, Dana Stuart Browning and her team of teachers founded The Texas Girls School to empower young women, especially in STEM fields. Despite excelling in math, her daughter felt uncomfortable pursuing STEM in high school, which ignited Dana’s passion to create a school that fosters confidence and encouragement for girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This personal experience drives her commitment to shaping an educational environment where girls feel empowered to embrace their strengths and thrive in STEM.
A woman stands in front of a classroom of students, holding a microphone, giving a presentation about core values at Texas Girls School, with a large digital screen behind her displaying information and graphics about core values.
In addition to being a mother of two girls and two boys (three currently in college and one in an Austin ISD School), she is a lifelong Texan and career educator. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and received her master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University. Over the past two decades, she has worked extensively in education, gaining experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum writer, International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator, College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Grader and Instructor, and Certified Texas Principal.
Dana’s career highlights include being selected as a Texas Charter Schools Fellow in the TEA Charter School Incubator Project, serving as a Leader in Residence at the Meridian IB World School, leading as a Learning Specialist at the University of Texas at Austin, and founding an award-winning Model UN team at Lake Travis High School.
Having raised her children and built much of her career in Lake Travis ISD, Dana also found time to serve on a board of directors and founded a 501(c)(3) organization focused on improving education and clean water access in Tanzania, East Africa. She enjoys writing (she and her son published Adventures in Big Bend National Park during the pandemic), practicing yoga, and traveling. Dana has visited over 40 countries, many of them as part of student-travel tours, with a focus on education—highlighting Europe, Asia (India, Vietnam, and Cambodia), and Africa. Both of her daughters have been proud Central Texas Girl Scouts.
Dana is committed to elevating Texas teaching professionals, promoting the future roles of Texas girls in the global economy, and encouraging all women to pursue their dreams and reach their highest potential.
ADAUGO OGIKE-LOVE
Instruction & Teaching
Adaugo began her education career in 1991 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a Pre-K teacher and preschool director. Over the years, she’s taught at every level—from elementary to high school—and has held a range of leadership roles, including Dean of Culture and Assistant Principal in both Milwaukee and Chicago.
After relocating to Austin in 2015, Adaugo served as a school leader at KIPP Austin Vista Middle and later as a founding Assistant Principal at KIPP Paseo Primary. She also contributed at the regional level, focusing on academic acceleration and leadership.
Adaugo holds a BS in Educational Policy and Urban Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master’s in Education from Carroll University. She is passionate about coaching and mentoring educators, fostering strong school cultures, and spending time with her family and her Boston Terrier, Bella.
ALISSA EISSNER
Registrar/Campus Coordinator
Alissa Eissner is an experienced educator and passionate advocate for young women’s empowerment. With a background in middle school education, she has taught in schools across Phoenix, Arizona, and Austin, Texas, helping students grow both academically and personally.
In her previous roles, Alissa focused on creating opportunities for young women to thrive—both in and beyond the classroom—by fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. She is committed to guiding students and families through the enrollment process and ensuring a smooth transition into the school community.
Alissa is excited to bring her dedication and expertise to The Texas Girls School as Campus Coordinator, supporting its mission to empower young women and cultivate a strong, connected community.
Abby McNeal
STEM Director
Abby McNeal joins us as Science and Accelerated Math teacher in addition to directing our STEM Departments. She has served in various roles in education, including Algebra 1 Teacher, IB DP and MYP Teacher, Adjunct Math Professor, IB DP Examiner, PLC Facilitator, Teacher Mentor, Math Department Chair, STEM Instructional Coach, K-12 STEM Education Specialist, and Head of Advanced Placement. She graduated with her Bachelors in Mathematics for Teaching from Texas A&M University with minors in STEM Education and Coaching, and her Masters in Mathematics for Teaching from Harvard University, including a graduate certificate in Math Leadership. One of her passions is solving how to best serve students with learning differences in STEM Education, especially through online platforms with mastery-based learning. When she isn’t teaching, she loves to spend time with family, read, see Broadway musicals, and travel to National Parks.
Veronica Arispe
Special Education/ARD Facilitator
Veronica Arispe brings over 22 years of experience in education within Austin-area ISDs. She began her career teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Early Childhood Special Education for 10 years before moving into leadership roles as a district Special Education Behavior Specialist and Coordinator. For the past three years, Veronica has been with Assessment, Intervention, Management (A.I.M), serving first as a Special Education Coordinator and now as Director of Management Operations. She now joins The Texas Girls School as the ARD Facilitator, supporting collaborative and student-centered decision-making.