Principal

Email Sarah Reed
(210) 619-4350

Hoot-hoot Hooray!

Sarah Reed is familiar with some of the anxieties students can face when attending school. Born in Italy to a military family and having been a pupil in schools too numerous to count,  Reed, principal at Rose Garden Elementary School, understands the power of how a simple gesture can make a student feel welcome.

“I greet them with a warm smile,” Reed says. “I genuinely care about them and I value their thoughts and feedback.”

To that end, Reed works to ensure a safe and caring environment for students and staff alike, which creates the atmosphere necessary for learning. She states it is all about,  “...cultivating a culture of having a growth mindset, where everyone is pushing towards their personal and collective goals.” 

Reed’s educational career began in 2009 as a fourth-grade teacher. It didn’t take long, however, to spot her promise and promote her to assistant principal, a position she served faithfully until being named principal at Rose Garden in the fall of 2020. Her work on the campus is only beginning, motivated by, “ensuring that all students receive the education they deserve.”

She cites the inspiration she drew from Melissa Dean, her third grade teacher (and currently instructional coach at Paschal Elementary School) for one of the guideposts in her educational journey. “Melissa helped me believe in myself and taught me the ropes of how to embed quality literacy instruction in all that I did in the classroom.” 

Reed has a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership, both from Texas State University.

Married and the mother of a daughter and son, ages ten and seven respectively, Reed also credits her immediate family and her parents for helping shape her value system as an educator. “My family taught me to value people, keep your word, and have integrity in all you do.”

Assistant Principal

Email Elise Allen

Phone: (210) 619-4360

Meet Elise Allen, a dedicated educator and mother of two boys, whose passion for teaching and leadership has defined her career in education. With a diverse background spanning various roles within the educational field, Elise brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her current role as an Assistant Principal.

Elise's journey in education began as an assistant band director, where she discovered her love for nurturing young talents and fostering a sense of community through music. From there, she transitioned to become an elementary music teacher, igniting a passion for early childhood education and inspiring a love for learning in her students.

Throughout her career, Elise has served in a variety of roles, including teaching 3rd and 4th-grade classrooms, where she embraced the opportunity to shape young minds and instill a lifelong curiosity for knowledge. Her dedication to academic excellence and student success led her to roles as an instructional coordinator and diagnostician, where she provided invaluable support to both students and educators alike.

Now in her 14th year as an Assistant Principal, Elise continues to make a positive impact on her school community, leading with compassion, integrity, and a relentless commitment to student achievement. Her leadership is characterized by a deep understanding of the needs of both students and staff, and a dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every individual can thrive.

Outside of her professional life, Elise is an avid traveler who finds joy and inspiration in exploring new cultures and experiences. She also prioritizes her health and well-being, enjoying regular exercise and watching baseball games to unwind. Above all, Elise cherishes spending quality time with her family and beloved dog Axel, who bring endless joy and laughter to her life.

Elise Allen's journey as an educator and mother is defined by her unwavering dedication to the success and well-being of those around her. Through her leadership, passion for teaching, and commitment to lifelong learning, she continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators alike, inspiring them to reach for their dreams and achieve their full potential.

Assistant Principal

Email Stephanie Dunback

Phone: (210) 619-4364

Stephanie Dunback is privileged to serve the distinguished community at Rose Garden Elementary. With over a decade of experience in education, she has taught Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 5th grades and has served as a behavioral special education teacher in Kansas for five years. Stephanie holds a Master's degree in Special Education and a building-level leadership certificate, demonstrating her dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

In March 2023, Stephanie joined Specht Elementary in Comal ISD, a transition that brought her family to Texas. She is now delighted to be a member of the esteemed OWL team at Rose Garden Elementary. Stephanie is grateful to embark on the Owl journey with you and looks forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of the Rose Garden community.