Faculty

Kelsie Foster

Teacher

Christi McDaniel

Teacher

My name is Christi McDaniel. I grew up in Burleson, and graduated from Tarleton State University. This will be my twenty second year at Alice Carlson!  I look forward to working with you! Welcome to Alice Carlson!

Laura Forney

Teacher

My name is Laura Forney and I have been teaching since 2001. My husband, John, teaches at Paschal HS. We have four daughters, Charlotte, Reagan, Claire and Audrey. I am originally from Baton Rouge and I moved to Fort Worth to attend TCU. I love teaching. I believe that every child can reach their goals if they believe in themselves. 

 Our Classroom Site

Sara Guzman-Piña

Teacher

Cara Varnell

Teacher

All of my children have attended Carlson, and I knew I wanted to belong to this community as a teacher. This is my eleventh year to teach at Alice Carlson, and I have taught in Fort Worth ISD for 16 years. Children amaze me with their insight and creativity every day. My passion is creating a learning environment for students where they grow in confidence, both personally and academically. I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia where most of my family still lives. However, I consider myself a native of Fort Worth after living here for 25 years. It is a great city to live in.

Our Classroom Site

Debbie Biediger

Math / Science Teacher

My name is Debbie Biediger. I grew up in west Texas and completed a Bachelor of Science degree at Texas Tech University.  I began my teaching career at the junior high school I attended. I moved to Fort Worth in 1999 and have been at Alice Carlson since 2013.  Each year brings a new joy in helping your children learn and grow in our amazing learning community.  Thank you for your support!

Jade Mullins

Hello! My name is Jade Mullins, and I am so excited to be teaching 4th grade at Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center. I grew up in central Illinois, attending a laboratory school in Bloomington-Normal. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Middle School Science Education at Texas Christian University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in the spring of 2025.

Before joining Alice Carlson full time, I worked as a substitute teacher for several years, which gave me the chance to learn from many classrooms and teaching styles. I have wanted to be a teacher since the age of seven, and I am so grateful to now be living that dream at a school that values lifelong learning, grit, and curiosity. I especially love working with students on science and hands-on investigations that allow us to explore and better understand the world around us.

Donnette Durham

Language Arts / Social Studies Teacher

This is my twenty-first year teaching at Carlson and with the Fort Worth ISD. Before teaching here I taught in White Settlement and Denton. I have a B.A. in Modern Dance and English Composition and an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies – Drama, Dance and Music, both from the University of North Texas in Denton. I have lived in many places, (I was the daughter of an outstanding band director who was moving up - 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A.) but I was born in a small town near the Mississippi River in Southern Arkansas, and may randomly shout out “Wooo Pig Sooie!”

I am certified to teach both regular and special education. I am also a Crosstimbers Master Naturalist. In a previous life (before teaching), I was a choreographer, dancer, waitress, administrative assistant, member of the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, band geek, mother and wife. (I am still a mother and wife.)

My husband, Walt, and I moved to Fort Worth in 1997. I have two children – Lewis, age 26 (a graduate of Texas Tech University) and Della, age 21 (a senior Photography major at the University of North Texas). We have a dog named Dobby and five chickens and two cats on the weekends. My favorite pastimes are outdoor exploration, reading, napping and traveling with family. I love love love to read, and I read a lot! I love love love teaching 5th grade! 5th graders are not yet middle schoolers in

If you are a student, parent, or random acquaintance and need book recommendations, just ask. BUT...beware that if you ask me for a book suggestion, you may need a pad and pen to make a list.

Anna Cook

Teacher

My name is Anna Cook. I grew up in Fort Worth and attended FWISD schools Kindergarten through 12th grade. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I attended Texas A&M University and received a Bachelor’s in Science in Elementary Education. I’ve had the privilege to serve as a regular substitute at Alice Carlson the last two years before joining this year full time! Last year I also had the opportunity to serve at a hybrid homeschool, Mosaic Academy, as a 3rd-5th grade teacher. I’m excited for what this year holds and the chance to experience all that Alice Carlson has to offer. 

Our Classroom Website

Correy Sharkey

Art

Some of the exciting things coming soon to the art room,  are the new tables, storage cabinets, sink, and counter tops, thanks to our amazing PTA. We've also started to upload this year's student art on Artsonia, so check it out!

Please access the website to view your child's Grade Level Activities.   And, check out the Support the Art Room tab in order to see how you can contribute to the learning.

Michael Daleo

Physical Education

My name is Veronica Guttierrez and I am the Special Education Inclusion Teacher.  I started my teaching career within Keller ISD and joined the Alice Carlson family in 2017.  During my teaching career, I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of students ranging in ages and grade levels.  I graduated from Texas Women's University with a focus in EC-6 Generalist, Special Education and ESL.

I love being at Alice Carlson!  I looking forward to working with your student and helping he or she determine their greatness! 

Anisa Nhan

LSSP

Lena Burnett

Dyslexia Interventionist

Email: lena.burnett@fwisd.org

Zaynab Muhammed

Inclusion Teacher Assistant