Please join us in welcoming new administrators to Hempstead ISD!
Emily Vermeulen, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
LaQuaesha Williams, Coordinator of Secondary Education
Jody Jones, Assistant Principal of Hempstead Middle School
Ray Watson, Assistant Principal of Hempstead Elementary School (4th-5th Grade)
Below is a short bio for each of these new administrators.
Emily Vermeulen, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Emily Vermeulen brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education that will benefit the students and staff in Hempstead ISD. Her career in education began as a math teacher for middle and high school students, where she discovered her passion for teaching and her drive to make a meaningful impact in students' lives. She then went on to serve as an Instructional Design Facilitator in Garland ISD, where she played a crucial role in supporting campuses in their school improvement efforts. Recognizing her leadership potential, Vermeulen took on the role of assistant principal at O'Banion Middle School, where she utilized her teaching experience to connect with students and foster positive change within the school community. Her dedication to education and her ability to inspire others has been evident throughout her career.
Her passion for education continued to flourish when she became a registrar in Mesquite ISD. In this capacity, she worked closely with advanced academics, teaching and learning, and oversaw the master schedule to ensure that all students had equal access to post-high school opportunities. Her commitment to empowering students and ensuring that they are college and career ready will provide Hempstead ISD students with the tools they need to reach their full potential.
LaQuaesha Williams, Coordinator of Secondary Education
LaQuaesha Williams has 18 years of experience in education. LaQuaesha began her career in 2005 as a middle school teacher. Throughout her educational career she has served as a teacher for 6-8 Science, 8th Reading/Language Arts, 8th Math, iSteam, a Male Leadership Academy teacher, and a Department Chair. For 13 years she also served as an athletic coach. She has coached high school volleyball, and middle school volleyball, basketball, cross country, and track. Most recently, she served as an Instructional Specialist in Mesquite ISD.
Williams received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, a minor in Biology from the University of North Texas - Denton and a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas - Dallas. She is classified as a classroom teacher 4-8 generalist, physical education (EC-12) and holds a principal certificate (EC-12).
Jody Jones, Assistant Principal
Jody Jones has 21 years of experience in education. Jones began her career in 2002 as a 3rd-grade teacher in Quinlan ISD. Over the years, Jones has served in various capacities including Instructional Coach and, Dean of Instruction. In her most recent role, she served as an Assistant Principal at a K-6th Grade campus.
Jones received her certification in 2002 and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University.
Ray Watson, Assistant Principal
Ray Watson has 11 years of experience in education. He began his career as a 5th and 6th-grade social studies teacher in Albany, New York. Most recently he has served as the 8th grade lead social studies teacher in Cy-Fair ISD.
Watson received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History, a master’s degree in Secondary Education, and his principal’s certification from Lamar University.