Maribel Razo serves as Interim Assistant Principal and brings 14 years of experience in elementary education. Guided by a strong desire to serve others, Maribel was led to Brillante Academy, where she is deeply committed to helping both students and teachers thrive in a supportive, mission-driven environment. Her background as an elementary dual-language teacher has provided her with a strong…
Katie Hernandez Akers serves as the Director of Talent for Brillante Academy. Her passion for education was sparked by her grandmother, a kindergarten teacher in Cuba, and grew through her own experience as a Teach For America corps member and special education teacher. She later worked at Goldman Sachs, where she developed data and analytical skills before returning to education.…
Valerie Guerrero is the Project Manager of Estrellita, a full-day Pre-K3 program operated in partnership with Brillante Academy. With nearly a decade of experience in early childhood and elementary education, Valerie brings deep expertise in child development, instructional quality, and service-based leadership. She ensures that Estrellita meets high standards in both academics and care, while cultivating a warm, structured, and…
Cynthia Valencia is the Interim Principal, where she leads with deep faith, purpose, and a lifelong commitment to education. She brings extensive classroom and leadership experience to her role, having served as a 5th-grade math teacher and earning a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Cynthia is passionate about providing all children access to a high-quality, values-based education that nurtures…
Mr. Brenner serves as the founding superintendent for Brillante Academy. Aaron has spent 25 years teaching in and leading schools for children and families in the most at-risk contexts in Texas. Most recently, Aaron was the Gary and Barbara Pasquinelli Director of the Notre Dame ACE Academies, a national network of preK-8 Catholic schools. Aaron began his career teaching second…