At The Texas Girls School, teachers are at the heart of the student experience. They guide learning every day—designing meaningful lessons, building strong relationships, and supporting each student’s growth. Our teachers bring deep content knowledge, a commitment to girls’ education, and the belief that when students are known and challenged, they thrive.
The Texas Girls School
10321 Boulder Lane Austin, Texas 78726
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Tara Barron
Founding Humanities Teacher
Tara Barron was born and raised in the Bay Area of Northern California. She and her family moved to Cedar Park, Texas in the summer of 2020 and it has been a wonderful place to raise her two daughters. She earned her B.A. in History with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies from UC Davis, followed by a Master’s in Education and a Social Science Credential from the UC Davis School of Education. She also holds a Texas Social Studies Teaching Certificate and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Educational Administration at Texas A&M International University.
In Costa Rica she earned her TEFL certification and was a founding teacher at a public charter school in California. Most recently, she has served as a teacher and curriculum developer in an Austin-area private school specializing in Gifted and Twice Exceptional education. During her time there she designed and taught innovative courses in Social Studies and research skills, as well as electives including podcasting, speech and debate, and art.
As a founding teacher of the Texas Girls School, Tara is dedicated to building a humanities curriculum grounded in project-based learning, student voice, and real-world skills. She believes deeply in the power of collaboration and community-building to inspire meaningful academic growth and confidence in young learners.
Kelly Bonsall
Founding Innovation & Design Coordinator
Kelly Bonsall is a visual artist, experienced educator, and creativity guide with over twenty-five years of experience in the arts. She has taught in a wide range of settings—from public schools and museums to private studios and community workshops—sharing her love of art and helping others tap into their creative potential.
As a lifelong learner, Kelly encourages the same curiosity and self-exploration in those she teaches, guides, and mentors. She believes in the power of art to foster self-discovery, confidence, and connection, and she is dedicated to creating a safe and inspiring space for girls to explore their voices through visual expression.
At The Texas Girls School, Kelly envisions building a vibrant visual arts program that honors each student’s unique creativity while introducing them to a diverse range of materials, techniques, and artistic traditions. Her goal is to cultivate a dynamic studio culture where students feel empowered to take creative risks, think like artists, and see themselves as change-makers in the world.
Amanda McGarrah
Founding College Success Teacher
With five years of teaching experience, Amanda is a dedicated educator with a strong passion for creating meaningful learning environments that nurture both academic and emotional growth. Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from California State University, San Bernardino, and believes that social-emotional learning is a vital key to student success.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Amanda volunteers at Magdalene House for Women, where she supports healing and empowerment for survivors. As a single mother to a wonderful 16-year-old daughter, Amanda leads with compassion, resilience, and purpose. Outside of teaching, Amanda enjoys staying active—especially paddleboarding—and believes that kindness is the foundation of everything she does.
Milagros Valentin
Grade Level Math
Milagros is a dedicated math teacher who believes in nurturing both the minds and hearts of students. With over five years of experience in Montessori education, she brings a hands-on, individualized approach that encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and confidence in mathematics. Milagros has been a math and science tutor for over 10 years for elementary- highschool.
Outside the classroom, Milagros has a background in clinical mental health counseling, which enhances her ability to support students’ emotional well-being and create a safe, inclusive learning environment. She has a bachelors in Industrial Organizational Psychology and in the final class of her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
When not teaching, Milagros enjoys spending time with her spouse and two-year-old son and exploring creative ways to make learning meaningful for children of all ages. She is passionate about connecting math to real-life experiences and helping every student develop a lifelong appreciation for learning.