kblank@kleinisd.net

Welcome to the Pre-K class at Benignus Elementary! I am so excited to teach your child
the beginning foundations for a successful education. My hometown is Louisville, Kentucky, where I graduated from University of Louisville with a BS in Medical Technology and was employed in a children’s hospital for 15 years. After moving to Texas I decided that I wanted to teach children with special needs. I received my teaching certificate through Region IV from St. Thomas University. I am married and have one grown son. I have taught children who are 3, 4, or 5 years old for 10 years in Klein ISD
and have worked at Eiland, Lemm, and Roth Elementary schools. I am looking forward to a great year at Benignus Elementary! Thank you so much for trusting me to nurture your child.

jhurtado@kleinisd.net

My name is Jenny Hurtado and I am the PK Bilingual teacher here at Benignus Elementary. I graduated in May 1997 from University of Houston-Downtown with a BA in Social Sciences and Psychology.
I have taught for 5 years; four of those years here at Klein ISD.
It really is exciting to come to school everyday and learn with my students; I enjoy them and my success is to see them become knowledgeable, critical thinkers and problem solvers not only in class, but in every aspect of their life.
It is my pleasure to be part to this great district and more to belong to the Benignus family.
I am the proud parent of three children Marlon, Elizabeth and Andres Jr., which together with my husband Andres, support me in everything I do.
I love traveling and getting to know places around the world.

aangerstein@kleinisd.net

Hello! My name is Mandi Angerstein and I am so proud to be a Benignus Leopard. I’ve lived in Klein most of my life. I received an Elementary Education degree with a specialization in Early Childhood from Sam Houston State University. I am married to a wonderful husband, named Randy. We’ve been married for 6 years, and welcomed our first child named Aubrey Anne this past January. I also have a vocal miniature dachshund named Belle. They both keep me busy at home. I’m really looking forward to the new school year and being a part of the creative team at Benignus Elementary.

lbennett1@kleinisd.net

Hi! My name is Laura Bennett. I graduated from Texas A&M in May 2006 and this is my third year teaching. I grew up in Belton, TX. My parents still live there where my dad is a sales manager and my mother works as a CPA. I also have one brother who attends Abilene Christian University.
My husband Scott and I celebrated our two year anniversary in July. We love going to Astros games together and playing with our adorable Chihuahua Ellie.

bcassan1@kleinisd.net

Hi, my name is Barbara Cassan and I am so thrilled to be a Benignus Leopard. I have been teaching Bilingual Pre-K and Kindergarten for 17 years and have loved every moment. I was born and raised in Galveston and graduated from Sam Houston State. I have a beautiful daughter- Sofia Soleil who is 2 years old and keeps me very busy.
Last year was awesome and I know this year will be even better- GO LEPOARDS!!!!

dlee1@kleinisd.net

Hi! My name is Deidra Lee and I will be teaching Kindergarten at Benignus again this year. I am originally from Dallas and I moved to Houston after college. I am a proud graduate of Texas A&M where I received my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I started my teaching career in Humble ISD teaching first grade and I have spent the last two years in Klein teaching Kindergarten. I absolutely love it! My husband and I live in the Klein community along with our precious baby girl, Ava. We are also expecting another little girl in October! I am so excited to get a new group of little leopards! It will be a fantastic year:)

rlinden1@kleinisd.net

Welcome to the kindergarten! I am Renee Linden. I graduated from Klein High School in 1984, so I know firsthand what a wonderful school district Klein is. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA in 1988. I worked in the business world for many years before having my two sons: one who will attend Benignus this year as a fifth grader and one who will begin at Krimmel Intermediate as a sixth grader. As my children started attending school, I became very involved in their education, first volunteering in their classrooms, then substitute teaching for years. Being with children who are having fun and learning is thrilling! I am excited to be part of the Benignus family that will teach your children. What a phenomenal year we will have!

krseale@kleinisd.net

Hello, My name is Kristie Seale. I have been teaching kindergarten for six years. This will be my 5th year in Klein ISD. I am originally from Gonzales, Texas. I graduated from Sam Houston State University in December of 2002 with my Early Childhood degree. I am excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher for the 2008- 2009 school year. We will have an exciting year growing and learning in kindergarten.

msharp@kleinisd.net

Hello and welcome to Kindergarten! I moved to Texas as a sophomore and graduated from Klein Oak High School. I received my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science in 1993 from Texas A&M University. In 1997, I went back to school to get my teaching certificate. This will be my eleventh year teaching. I just love teaching and working in my neighborhood school. I am sure this will be another awesome year at Benignus!

asnyder1@kleinisd.net

Hello! My name is Azra Snyder. I graduated from SFA in 1999 with a BS in Environmental Science. Upon graduation I realized I was in the wrong field and decided to follow my heart and pursue a career in teaching. Nine years later, and I still love it.
I live in Windrose with my wonderful husband Michael and our two little girls Maegan, who will be in the first grade and Mikaela, who is 2 and very busy. I am very excited about starting a new year at Benignus; I can’t wait to meet all the new little leopards.

jiwilliams@kleinisd.net

Hi! My name is Jill Williams. I'm very excited about this year!! This is my 8th year with Klein and I feel this is going to be the best one yet!!

I'm from Nacogdoches, Texas. I 'm a country girl! HA. I lived there all my life. I attended High School and Stephen F Austin. I received my degree in Early Childhood with specializations in Science and Music.

This is my 18th year to teach. Every year, I still get butterflies when the new year begins. I know in my heart this is going to be a great year. I enjoy getting my new group each year. Please feel free to come by or call me anytime you feel the need. I look forward to this year!