Dr. Joyce Pickering

• Shelton Executive Director Emerita
• Executive Director, Shelton School (1990–2010)
• Leader in launching Shelton Outreach & Training in 1991
• Former Outreach & Training leader; consultant to Shelton since June 2025
• Speech-language pathologist, Certified Academic Language Therapist and Qualified Instructor
• Montessori educator and LD specialist
• Recipient of the MMPI Lifetime Achievement Award in Montessori Medical Pedagogy (2025)
• Co-Author of Montessori Strategies for Children with Learning Differences: The MACAR Model

Dr. Joyce Pickering’s impact on Shelton is foundational — helping shape the school into the world-renowned leader it is today while expanding its reach far beyond campus.

When Dr. Pickering began in 1990 as executive director, Shelton served approximately 170 students. Through her leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to students who learn differently, the school experienced transformational growth — expanding programs, launching a high school and ultimately growing into the largest school in the world for students with learning differences.

Central to her legacy is the creation of Shelton’s Outreach program in 1991. Recognizing that Shelton could never physically serve every student in need, Dr. Pickering set out to share Shelton’s expertise with the broader community and beyond. “We realized this is a very unique school and it has so much to share with others,” she said in Shelton’s 50th Anniversary Legacy Video interview series.

Through initiatives like the Shelton Scholars Program — which provides language therapy and academic support to students who may not otherwise have access — thousands of students across North Texas have received life-changing instruction. Outreach & Training has also extended nationally and internationally, training educators and partnering with school systems to better serve students with learning differences.

At the heart of her work has always been a deep belief in Shelton’s mission and its students. “These students are intelligent, highly creative, very capable individuals — they just need to be taught in the ways they learn best,” she said. “This school changes lives.”

George Teague 

• Former Shelton Head Varsity Football Coach, Shelton School (2012–2016)
• Former Athletic Director, Shelton School
• NFL veteran: Green Bay Packers (1993–1995), Miami Dolphins (1997), Dallas Cowboys (1996, 1998–2001)
• Current Head Football Coach, John Paul II High School

As part of Shelton’s 50th Anniversary Legacy Video interview series, former Shelton Football Coach George Teague reflected on the impact of his time at the school — bringing elite athletic experience, visionary leadership and a deep commitment to mentorship that helped transform the student-athlete experience.

A standout at the University of Alabama, Coach Teague gained national recognition for his iconic play in the 1993 Sugar Bowl, showcasing the determination and awareness that would define both his playing and coaching careers. He went on to spend nine years in the NFL.

At Shelton, Coach Teague discovered that coaching extended far beyond the field. Early in his tenure, he learned the importance of adapting his approach to meet the unique needs of students with learning differences — an experience that reshaped his philosophy. “That experience made me a better man and a better football coach,” Coach Teague said.

Guided by Shelton leaders, including Suzanne Stell, Coach Teague embraced a more individualized, strengths-based coaching style. His focus was not just on winning games, but on building confidence, instilling life skills and helping students envision futures they may not have thought possible.

Among his most meaningful memories were seeing Shelton athletes go on to play college football and hearing from former players years later — now graduates and professionals — who continue to value the lessons they learned. Coach Teague also introduced creative, hands-on experiences like “Mom’s 101,” where mothers suited up in football gear to better understand their children’s experience.

He credits Shelton’s innovative spirit and commitment to growth as key to its success and believes its future holds even greater impact. “Happy 50th anniversary, Shelton. It’s going to be another 50 great years.”

David and Sara Martineau
Parents of David, a student in Shelton’s first class in 1976; grandparents of Jack Plankinton, a senior in the Class of 2026, David Martineau joined Shelton’s Board of Trustees in 1978, Board Chair, 1981–1983, Longest-serving member of Shelton’s Board of Trustees

Sara and David Martineau have been part of Shelton’s story since the very beginning. Their son, David, was a member of Shelton’s first class in 1976, when the school served students only through sixth grade.

After hearing that Dr. June Shelton was opening a school for children with learning differences, the Martineaus met with her and enrolled their son. That first year, Shelton opened in shared space at the Church of Religious Science on Willow Lane. Although 22 students were expected, 48 arrived on the first day of school.

After Shelton, their son went on to graduate from the Episcopal School of Dallas, earn a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering from the University of Mississippi and later a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Mr. Martineau soon became deeply involved in Shelton’s growth, joining the Board of Trustees in 1978 and serving as Board Chair from 1981 to 1983. He remains Shelton’s longest-serving trustee and continues to support the school’s mission.

Over the decades, he says Shelton has far exceeded his expectations — growing from a small Sunday school space to the unified campus on Preston Road today. The Martineaus’ commitment has always been rooted in gratitude for what Shelton did for their son and for the countless students whose lives the school continues to change.

Today, the family’s Shelton connection continues. Their grandson, Jack Plankinton, is a senior in the Class of 2026, the same year Shelton celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Holt Haynsworth
Shelton yearbook photographer, Attended Shelton (1988–1990), fourth through sixth grades, Created senior photo mosaic near the Upper School — a Charger composed entirely of Shelton graduate portraits

Holt Haynsworth first came to Shelton in the late 1980s on the Lovers Lane campus. He admits he was hesitant at first — even staging a brief protest before enrolling — but what he found instead was life-changing. “It turned out to be one of the best experiences I ever had,” Holt said. “It was the first time I felt seen.”

At Shelton, Holt found his people — a community of creative students who learned differently but thrived when given the right environment. He still gathers with classmates decades later, many of whom now hire him to photograph weddings and events.

One of his favorite Shelton memories is competing in Odyssey of the Mind, traveling across the country for creative problem-solving competitions. Shelton advanced all the way to the world competition — a remarkable achievement for such a small school at the time.

Today, Holt has come full circle. As Owner of Haynsworth Photography, he now serves as Shelton’s yearbook photographer, capturing milestone moments — from the Class of 2026 photo to graduation and the Senior Hero Ceremony.

“I see a lot of myself in these kids,” he said. “You always know the Shelton students — they’re the most creative. They’re building something, rehearsing something, dreaming something. They’re never just standing still.”

Holt credits Shelton with giving him confidence and teaching him how to advocate for himself.

“I learned that I just needed to learn a little differently — but I could learn. I just needed to study differently — but I could study. Shelton gave me confidence. It put me in a place where asking for help wasn’t weakness. It was strength.”

Julia Rosenblatt
(Shelton Class of 2017)
Director of Public Relations, TIAA, Master of Science, Public Relations, Boston University, Bachelor’s in Communication, University of North Texas

A true Shelton “lifer,” Julia Rosenblatt began her Shelton journey at just three and a half years old and spent 14 years growing, learning and thriving within the Shelton community. From Early Childhood through graduation, Shelton was not just her school — it was her second home.

Julia fondly remembers the charm of the Hillcrest campus, the iconic staircases that doubled as daily workouts and the freedom Shelton gave students to learn in ways that worked best for them — even if sometimes unconventional. Deeply involved in Shelton’s Theatre program, Julia credits her longtime mentor, Shelton Director of Fine Arts Anné Hughes, with helping shape both her confidence and sense of self.

Today, Julia says the lessons she learned at Shelton extend far beyond academics. The organizational skills, communication strategies and self-advocacy she developed continue to guide her professionally and personally.

“Shelton teaches you to lead with integrity and to understand that what others might see as a flaw is actually your greatest strength. They didn’t just educate me — they prepared me to succeed in the world as a whole person. I truly wouldn’t be who I am without Shelton.”

Coach Chuck Locke
Retired Shelton Coach, Athletic Director, Alumni Director
Years at Shelton: 28

For 28 years, Coach Chuck Locke was a steady presence at Shelton, supporting students in athletics and beyond. He began at Shelton’s Lovers Lane Campus in 1996, when athletic facilities were far more modest — including a small grass practice area and off-campus practice locations.

When Coach Locke walked onto Shelton’s new football field  for the first time, he said he felt deep pride in the journey: “The main thing was pride of where we've come from."

But for Coach Locke, Shelton’s greatest impact has always been about student growth and confidence. “The biggest thing I’ve noticed in 28 years was watching kids come in and then having them leave here with confidence.”

Today, one of his greatest joys is running into former Shelton students and seeing the adults they’ve become. “To me that’s the best thing about it — watching them develop and grow, move on down the road and become good people.”

Anne Thomas
Former Shelton Director of Public Relations & Marketing and Director of Public Relations & Human Resources

For 24 of Shelton’s 50 years, Anne Thomas helped shape the heart and voice of the school. Recruited by Joyce Pickering during Shelton’s early expansion into an upper school, Anne joined with a mission to share the school’s story and support its people — a role she fondly describes as “being in the people business.”

Anne arrived at Shelton when the Upper School was just beginning. One of her earliest joys was watching new campuses open, fill with students and reflect the school’s growing mission. Hearing that Shelton's Class of 2025 had 101 seniors fills her with pride, because she remembers when the division didn’t even exist.

Some of Anne’s favorite memories center on community moments — from the entire school building a Habitat for Humanity home, to the formation of the choir and band, to the pride of seeing Shelton named one of Dallas’s Top 100 Places to Work. Another cherished tradition was creating the annual auction video. She recalls standing in a room of more than 1,000 guests as the crowd fell silent the moment Shelton students appeared on screen — a powerful reminder, year after year, of Shelton’s mission and impact.

Anne also remembers the joyful days when faculty and parents teamed up to stage “The Shelton Show,” complete with choreography and rehearsals in the cafeteria. And her love for the fine arts continues today — she still sings alongside Shelton Choir Director Blair King in the Arts District Chorale and frequently reconnects with former Shelton students, often seeing them serve the community.
“I’m super excited to celebrate Shelton’s 50th anniversary. I’ll always be a ‘we’ person when it comes to Shelton. Fifty years of learning without limits.”

Amber Williams
Shelton's Association Language Therapist

Amber Williams has been part of the Shelton family for 26 years. After serving as an Upper Elementary advisor for 23 years, she now enjoys her role as a breakout Association language therapist for third- and fourth-grade students.

She shared a photo from the 2000–2001 school year, noting that Lena Hilbert, now Assistant Head of Lower School, was one of her students. Also pictured is Meghan, the sister of Shannon Bell, now a first- and second-grade advisor in Lower School — a true Shelton full-circle moment!

Vivienne Neubach
Mother of alumna Libby Neubach, former Shelton Parents’ Club president and gala chair

“Our daughter Libby came to Shelton in third grade when the school was still on the Lovers Lane campus. After her three-day visit, she came home beaming and said, ‘This is the school for me.’ It truly was.

"Libby had auditory processing challenges, and Shelton changed everything for her. She learned to read with the help of a certified academic language therapist — an experience that inspired her future. Today, she’s 45 and a CALT herself, helping children the same way she was helped. She tells parents, ‘I went through this. I know exactly what your child needs, and I know where they can go.’

"As a parent, I became deeply involved — serving as president of the Parents’ Club, chairing a gala and sitting on the board. Those early years were exciting and challenging. Shelton was smaller then, and we were working hard to help it grow — even securing the old used car lot that became fields for baseball, soccer and track. It gave our kids the feeling of being in a “real” school with all the experiences that come with it.

"When I look at Shelton today — this incredible campus, the arts facilities, the sports fields — it’s beyond what we could have imagined. Every child with a learning difference deserves a place like this.

"Being part of the Parents’ Association is one of the best ways to say thank you to Shelton. This school gives so much to our children — the least we can do is give back.”

Betty Starnes
Former Faculty or Staff
Founder and Executive Director of the Hillcrest School -Midland, TX

"The Shelton School changed my life and consequently over 800 students in west Texas. In the late 80s, I was a fifth and sixth grade teacher along with my dear friend Suzanne Stell. We giggled, planned exciting activities for the students, and through Suzanne's tutelage began to envision bringing the Shelton experience to Midland. I wanted the students of west Texas to have an educational experience like the one that the precious students of the Dallas area were fortunate enough to encounter. Along with Dr. Sherrye Camp, Beverly Dooley, Alice Scarborough, and Bob Hopkins’ support and encouragement, a new school was born. Over the last 33 years, Hillcrest School has endeavored to bring the same loving and encouraging methodology to the Permian Basin. We happily boast that our students are the best of the best and are changing lives themselves. My love and gratitude for the Shelton School will never wane nor waiver. Congratulations on 50 fabulous years of making a difference."

Amber Williams
Shelton's Association Language Therapist

Amber Williams has been part of the Shelton family for 26 years. After serving as an Upper Elementary advisor for 23 years, she now enjoys her role as a breakout Association language therapist for third- and fourth-grade students.

She shared a photo from the 2000–2001 school year, noting that Lena Hilbert, now Assistant Head of Lower School, was one of her students. Also pictured is Meghan, the sister of Shannon Bell, now a first- and second-grade advisor in Lower School — a true Shelton full-circle moment!

Mary Ayres
Mother of William Ayres (started Shelton in kindergarten, currently in fifth grade)

“When William began kindergarten, learning didn’t come easily. After repeating the year and facing some tough experiences with classmates, he still struggled to recognize or write his letters.

We eventually had William evaluated by Dr. Matthew Housson, who saw his potential right away. He personally reached out to Shelton to see if there might be room for William — and thankfully, there was.

William started at Shelton the very next week, and the change was immediate. His confidence began to grow almost instantly, and within two weeks, he knew all of his letters and was proudly writing both uppercase and lowercase letters in cursive.

Now, he walks into school each day with a smile, eager to learn and be part of a community that believes in him. Shelton has brought out the very best in William — not just in academics, but in heart and spirit. We are endlessly grateful for this school and can’t wait to see the incredible young man he continues to become.”

Sara Golieb
Attended Shelton from
2nd-5th Grade
Shelton Reading Enrichment Teacher and Language Therapist

"Ms. Smith (second grade) and Ms. Prince (third grade) were the first to make me feel smart and capable. They also made school fun and a safe place from judgment. Mrs. Kneese (fourth through sixth grade) and Mrs. Ratcliff (fifth grade) were the first to push me past what I thought I was capable of, and even when I pushed back, they wouldn’t let me give up.

"After teaching for over eight years, Christine Davis was the first to ask me my 'professional opinion' about a student. Even after years of teaching, I didn’t see myself as a professional until that moment."

Bill Collins
University Faculty Member Teaching Primarily in European Business Schools

"We had a lot of fun. The school was very small at the time. I believe my eighth-grade graduating class of 1981 was only three people. Because the school was so small, it very much had the culture of a start-up organization. It was “all hands on deck” at all times, and this included the students.

"For example, the older students (sixth, seventh and eighth grade) helped with activities for the younger students. We often played the roles of assistant coaches, referees and study buddies. While in other schools grade levels were kept separate, at June Shelton in that small office space and with so few students, each classroom was a mix of ages and abilities. I remember clearly that because my math skills were at a high school level, I was given a lot of self-study work and spent much of my time in the math classroom helping younger students with their basic math lessons. This was my first taste of being a teacher, and I still remember it to this day. Equally impactful was the feeling, at such a young age, of being able to contribute my strengths to something important. I needed help and guidance in reading, but I was able to help others with math, sports and more."

Evan Antich
Class of 2019
Pursuing Master's Degree in Berlin

"My favorite memories of Shelton over the years are many and quite wonderful. I remember winning Division II of the Texas State Quiz Bowl Championships in 2018 with my friends from the team. It was such an unexpected victory, but we had practiced hard and had a quite incredible gathering of minds and fast fingers.

Another memory that stays with me today happened in grade school. During those years, my disability was much more pronounced. I remember that we had to run a mile several times throughout each semester. That challenge daunted me, but I charged ahead and ran, or really managed the equivalent of a light jog. I was often the slowest person in the class and the last to finish. I remember being cheered many times by my classmates and friends. They were seated in rows in front of a basketball hoop in the gym at the old campus. I was tired and sweating, and then I heard, "Let's go, Evan, let's go!" That gave me the determination to carry forward, even as I thought I couldn't make it around one more corner of the gym. That moment summed up the Shelton ethos for me: we were, and are, all in this together, and we can help each other overcome challenges and solve problems."

Lisa Kresl
5 Years at Shelton
Shelton Director of Communications & Marketing
Mother of Will Kresl (Shelton Class of 2017), Stress Engineer at Spirit AeroSystems

"My favorite memory of Shelton is the profound relief I felt when our son, Will, started in fourth grade to get help with his dyslexia. His first teacher, Mrs. DeTullio, welcomed us warmly — and I still enjoy working with her today.

Some of my fondest Shelton moments were spent cheering on Will and his teammates in Varsity Charger football. A lifelong soccer player, Will was recruited as the field goal kicker in Middle School by Coach George Teague. At first, I told Coach Teague I wasn’t thrilled about the tackling. Soon after, I attended the Shelton Mom’s Football 101 program, where we learned the rules of the game and even tried on our sons’ football uniforms. Before I knew it, Will was also playing defensive back. 

I had so much fun on the sidelines — especially the time the boys played at AT&T Stadium. In 2013, the Shelton Charger football team had the opportunity to play there, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Players arrived by bus, enjoyed a buffet meal and discovered custom nameplates on their lockers inside the Cowboys’ official locker room. Will even played trumpet in the half-time show!

What a day to be a Charger!"

Cheryl Prince
36 Years at Shelton
Lower School Teacher

"The best thing about working at Shelton and what has kept me here so long is the culture of support and sharing."

Hannah Harmon
Class of 2020
Pursuing Master's Degree at Texas Tech University

"My favorite class was Film. I loved documenting sports and creating sports documentaries. My favorite teachers were Mr. Duesing and Coach Barry. They both saw my potential and pushed me to be the best I could be."

Kyndall Hodgson
Class of 2020
Legal Marketing Assistant for Global Law Firm Fragomen

"My favorite Shelton memory is the 2020 Disney trip with the Shelton Varsity Cheer team. We had a fantastic time performing at Disney Springs and creating unforgettable memories with friends. The experience of performing in such a magical place and bonding with my teammates made it an incredibly special and memorable event."

Andrew Redd
Class of 2017
Buyer/Account Manager

"I have so many memories of Shelton, but if I had to choose one, I’d say it was the friendships I made at school. The majority of what I consider to be my “best friends” are people I met at Shelton, and I still talk to them on a daily basis — almost 10 years later. It was always the people who made Shelton so special, from the teachers and staff to the students."

Dr. June Shelton
Shelton Founder and Former Executive Director 

The Shelton School was founded by Dr. June Shelton in Dallas, Texas, on April 2, 1976, with the mission to serve the educational needs of students with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia and oral language disorders. The school opened in August 1976, beginning in a church building in Dallas.

We served preschool through 6th grades, starting with 48 students and an enthusiastic parent base and board of trustees. Dr.  Shelton served as Shelton's Executive Director from 1976–1986.

This photo is of Dr. Shelton standing in front of the June Shelton Primary Center in the Shelton Lower School on the Shelton Midway Campus in September 1996. 

Anne Thomas
Former Shelton Director of Public Relations & Marketing and Director of Public Relations & Human Resources

During 2011-2013, Shelton earned repeated recognition as a Dallas Morning News Top 100 Places to Work, an honor determined by employee feedback and awarded to organizations across the metroplex by company size.

In November 2011, Suzanne Stell and Anne Thomas represented Shelton employees at The Dallas Morning News Top 100 Places to Work awards luncheon. Of the 1,149 companies invited to participate that year, 215 were surveyed — including Shelton. As The Dallas Morning News Business Editor noted, “We don’t choose the winners; the employees do.” Shelton ranked No. 21 among 35 midsize companies, a distinction driven entirely by employee feedback.

Shelton continued that momentum in 2012, earning Top 100 Places to Work honors for a second consecutive year. Out of 276 companies surveyed, Shelton ranked No. 16 among small companies (150–499 employees) and received special recognition as Best at Making Work Meaningful.

For the third year in a row, Shelton was again named a Top 100 Places to Work in 2013, ranking No. 24 among midsize companies in the metroplex.

Anne often summed it up best when speaking with prospective employees: “The best thing about working at Shelton is working at Shelton.”

Lena Hilbert
Shelton Alumna and Assistant Head of Lower School

• Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Applied Psychology, Boston College
• Master of Education in Early Literacy, Southern Methodist University

“I came to Shelton in third grade after struggling to read and being diagnosed with dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder. I joined a few weeks into the school year and, by the end of that year, I was finally starting to read — it was life-changing. That’s also when I realized I wanted to be a teacher. My Shelton teachers made such a difference in my life, and I knew one day I wanted to come back and pay it forward.

"It’s incredible to see how much Shelton has grown — from a small Midway campus to the beautiful Preston Road campus we have today with a Black Box Theater, soundproof band room and full track. But the heart of Shelton is still the same. Our Lower School feels like a small community within a big one. Students are greeted by name every morning, there’s music at carpool on Fridays, and we make sure our kids get to enjoy being kids — learning, laughing and giving warm hugs.

"Shelton truly is a magical place — a school that changes lives, including mine. So many parents say they wish there had been a Shelton for them when they were children, and it’s amazing to know this place will continue helping families for generations to come.”

Stephanie Weatherford
Administrative Assistant, Shelton Speech Center, 
Shelton Aftercare Coordinator

Betty Glasheen "Mama G"
Head of Lower School 1990–2008, Alumni/Parent Relations Coordinator until 2019

"Betty Glasheen 'Mama G' and I were in the school play. When we were on the Midway campus, the staff would participate in the International Month Play. I was Tour Guide Barbie and she was Mr. Potato Head. It was so much fun!"

Betty Glasheen "Mama G"
Head of Lower School 1990–2008, Alumni/Parent Relations Coordinator until 2019

• Joined Shelton School in January 1979.
• At the time of her retirement in May 2019, she had served Shelton for 40 years and worked with every one of Shelton’s executive directors.
• Known affectionately as “Mama G,” she led the Lower School from 1990 to 2008 and later served as Alumni and Parent Relations Coordinator until 2019.

“When I came to Shelton at age 50, I thought I was just coming to substitute for a teacher on leave. That day changed my life. I met people who became lifelong friends, and I found my purpose. What started as tutoring led to 40 of the most wonderful years anyone could ever have. I never felt like I worked a day in my life. Shelton is a place — it doesn’t matter the building — where miracles happen every day. Those children were loved, and the parents trusted us completely. If you’re lucky enough to be involved with Shelton in any way, then you’re lucky enough.” 

Theresa Bruno
Former Director of Development, with Shelton from 2005-2023

"As Shelton’s Director of Development, I had the privilege of working with so many talented and dedicated administrators, teachers, staff, students, families and Board members on fundraising programs and community events. One of my favorite memories was attending the yearly Grandparents/Special Friends Day celebration. Such a joy attending these events and watching the Shelton community come together to honor the proud parents, grandparents and students. Congratulations to Joyce Pickering and Suzanne Stell for their vision and leadership. Shelton is now the worldwide leader in educating bright students who learn differently.”

Eve Miller
Class of 2024
Commercial Real Estate

"Shelton has given me my two best friends. We met in 5th grade and have been close ever since! We even got to travel around Europe together after we graduated from college. A funny memory we have was our freshman year.. waiting for our moms to pick us up from school... and we were dancing and doing cheer stunts in the hallways having the time of our life with not a worry in the world. Just being silly high schoolers. Thank you Shelton for not only giving me my best friends, but the lifelong lessons I have learned and used throughout my life and career. Go Chargers!!"

Tori Walters
Class of 2013
Staff Writer

"Since I attended Shelton from 1999-2013, all of my childhood memories exist within the context of classmates, teachers, and coaches at Shelton. It is easily my second childhood home, and I cherished every day I spent within its walls.

I could list a favorite memory from every year I was at Shelton—but they'd probably take too long. The memories I cherish most include friends that I have kept in my life long after graduation.

The teachers at Shelton that impacted my life most were Mrs. King (5th), the amazing Mr. Fletcher (6th), my 7-8th grade English teacher Mrs. Graves, my Spanish teacher and senior year homeroom advisor Sra. Cabañas (Claxton), the lovely Mrs. Rivers who taught sophomore year English and mentored me in writing through graduation, the sweet Mrs. Johnston who taught me math multiple years in high school, and the man, myth, and legend himself—Mr. Crabtree who taught history and ethics.”

Meili West
Class of 2014
Senior Human Relations Operations Specialist

"Because of Shelton, I have so many nostalgic childhood memories — from the friendships I formed to the teachers who supported me throughout elementary and middle school. Although we’ve all gone our separate ways, those relationships still hold a special place in my heart.

Some of my favorite memories include: winning the “Citizen of the Advisory” award in fifth grade; making the Leadership Hall of Fame by receiving the leadership award twice in high school; being voted “Most Likely to Star in Their Own Reality TV Talk Show” by my high school class; making a three-pointer during my senior year on the girls' basketball team; and attending quarterly awards ceremonies, which encouraged students and added to our college résumés."

Aidan Eefting
Class of 2016
Pursuing Law Career

"My favorite memories are winning the Adele Wolf Award and receiving district honors in soccer and golf."

Tony Billings
Class of 2014
A Founding Team Member and Owner of OmniCounts

"There are so many to choose from. My friends from the Shelton Class of 2014 and I had such a great class and so much fun. A lot of us are still in touch and see each other as much as we can. We have been in each other’s weddings, we play games online and we hang out together as much as we can. Another favorite memory is getting my first A as a student. At my previous school, I was lucky to receive a C. Receiving an A for a grade was a turning point for me, and that really comes from the incredible Shelton staff and the way they get the best out of their students."

Amber Williams
Shelton's Association Language Therapist

Amber Williams fondly remembers Shelton’s early years of Upper Elementary, sharing that the 1999–2000 school year marked a milestone: “It was either 4th or 5th grade — the very first year of Upper Elementary. I believe I was the first person Letah Samuelson hired for the new division.”

Amber also recalls the 2001–2002 school year, when Shannon Bell’s (now Lower School 1st/2nd advisor) brother Brian was among her students.

From helping launch a new division to teaching future Shelton educators and their families, Amber’s memories reflect her lasting impact and deep ties within the Shelton community.

John Perry-Miller
Class of 2018
Health Policy Communicator

"My favorite Shelton memories are working with Anné Hughes and the theatre department. My favorite role was playing Grandpa in 'You Can't Take It with You.' "

Rebecca Wolf
HR Learning & Development

Rebecca Wolf shared a photo with her friend Kristin (Olden) Mompho from a Shelton school dance back when the campus was still on Lovers Lane.

“I have very fond memories of my time at Shelton, and I remain deeply grateful for the skills and confidence I gained there.

"When I entered Shelton in sixth grade, I was behind in math. Sandy O’Connor sat beside me until I caught up, and by ninth grade she was photocopying problems from other books so I could keep advancing. I was also one of the first cheerleaders at Shelton. We wore a sailor-style uniform with puffy sleeves. Our first performance was to Janet Jackson’s ‘Nasty,’ which didn’t quite match the uniform style in retrospect, but it was still a lot of fun.

"I later took the SAT and missed only two questions, went on to earn two master’s degrees, and even received a U.S. patent.

"Shelton gave me the tools and confidence to see my potential not as someone who was ‘different,’ but as someone who sees the world differently. That perspective has fueled my creativity and success throughout my career and life.”

Liz Barnett
23 Years at Shelton
Lower School Administrative Assistant

"One of my favorite memories of working at Shelton was a back-to-school skit in Middle School with Karen Shaw. I'm not sure if anyone thought we were funny, but we did have fun!"

Henry Gordon
1st - 8th Grade (2010)
Strategy Leader at Advertising Agency PMG

"I have amazing memories of Shelton, from moving into the new campus in Richardson (which is now the old campus), to the friends I made and the great times we had. I loved playing basketball, cross-country and track, which taught me the power of being part of a team. I’ll also never forget the amazing teachers who invested their time and energy into helping me become the best version of myself. I’ll always be grateful for the support and belief they showed me — it made a lasting impact."

Bill Collins
Eighth-Grade Class of 1981
University Faculty Member who Teaches in Business Schools Across Europe

"We had a lot of fun. The school was very small at the time. I believe that my eighth grade graduating class of 1981 was only three people. Because the school was so small, it still had the culture of a start-up organization—‘all hands on deck’ at all times. And this included the students.

We, the older students (sixth, seventh, and eighth graders), helped with activities for the younger students. We often played the roles of assistant coaches, referees, study buddies, etc. While in other schools the grade levels were kept separate, at June Shelton, in that small office space and with so few students, each classroom was a mix of ages and abilities.

I clearly remember that, because my math skills were at a high school level, I was given a lot of self-study work and spent much of my time in the math classroom helping the younger students with their basic math lessons. That was my first taste of being a teacher, and I still remember it to this day.

But equally impactful was the feeling—at such a young age—of being able to contribute my strengths to something important. I needed help and guidance in reading, but I was able to help and guide others in math, sports, and more."

Travis Lee Ratcliff 
Class of 2009
Film Producer

"I remember coming to Shelton after profoundly struggling with the public education system. By the time I reached the fifth grade in public schools, I was nearly ready to give up. Shelton was a place of profound healing for me from the very start. To learn that I was not defective, that I had learning differences and not disabilities, was a gift that changed my perspective on myself from the very beginning. Finding a calling in the arts at Shelton was then a space where I was able to rebuild my confidence and formulate a vision for my life that leaned on my strengths and hidden talents. The life I have now is entirely because of the skills, healing and relationships I received and developed while at Shelton. "

Christy Fowler
18 Years at Shelton
Upper School Events Coordinator, Upper School Teacher & Social Media Coordinator

"Opening day for the baseball field in 2020 was pretty spectacular. As a coach at our old campus, we had to move practices and be ready to go somewhere else to practice and play. Opening day represented what the future could look like for Shelton athletics. Having our own fields and track has been wonderful for our school."

Alan Burt
4 Years at Shelton
Director of Athletics

"In my job, new memories are created almost every day. I feel joy when I see students have success, or when they overcome a challenge or conquer a new goal. And, of course, I love the smiles I see when any of these happen. My heart fills with pride when I see the new heights they achieve even when they didn't think they could."

Laura Shadden
Class of 2009
Substitute teacher for
Prosper and Frisco ISD

“When I was a junior in high school, I was in Theatre. Back then, our performances included dinner and a show for the audience. I had the biggest role I ever played in my entire theatre life (I did theatre from kindergarten through 12th grade). During the performance, one of my classmates slipped on some popcorn — the audience was allowed to throw it at us — and we ended up improvising most of the play! It was the most fun I ever had.”

Susan Sutton
19 Years at Shelton
Lower School Counselor

"A few years ago, LuAnn Dolly, Cliff and Letah Samuelson and I took a group of Middle School students to France to visit the D-Day beaches at Normandy, among other sites. That day, we met several World War II veterans who were excited to share their stories. I was so pleased that the students listened intently to each one and talked about them for the remainder of the trip. The experience changed their lives and mine, too."

Ellie Crosland
Class of 2016
Inclusion Liaison for Nonprofit

"Some of my favorite memories at Shelton were being on the volleyball and tennis teams. To this day, my best friends are all from middle and high school at Shelton."

Colin Feehery
Class of 2019
Swim Coach

"The biggest thing I loved about Shelton was the class sizes. Teachers could always care about the individual person and have the time to help when asked. It was also fun to be able to get to know all of my graduating class and a lot of people from the classes above and below me. I enjoyed SMU for a lot of the same reasons. I could get to know a lot of people within my major and take a lot of the same classes with the same people. Teachers and advisors were also able to spend more time with the individual students and offer help as needed."

Lindsay Kaplan
Class of 2020
Assistant Company Manager on Broadway

"My favorite memories at Shelton were participating in the theatrical productions in high school. Shelton School's Director of Fine Arts Anné Hughes played a big role in getting me to where I am today, and I am forever grateful. Theatre in high school gave me the opportunity to be an actor, singer, dancer and even a crew member. The fine arts community at Shelton also provided a great group of people to lean on during that time. I also have wonderful memories of spending time with Mr. and Mrs. Knox  throughout my high school journey and look back on my time at Shelton with fondness."

Will Eckles 
2002-2013
Minority Owner and Financial Controller for GoGogiri

"My favorite memories from Shelton were our yearly retreats to Sky Ranch and Mo-Ranch and Mrs. Hatch's Middle-School English class."