Candidates for Member At-Large
Christy Watley
Elodia Witterstaetter
Candidate for Vice President
Jaci Underwood
Candidate for NAESP Representative
Lorena Carrasco
TEPSA Election – Lorena Carrasco
Candidate for TEPSA Member At-Large
Lorena Carrasco
Pasadena ISD
Region 4
Present Position
Principal, L.F. Smith Elementary, Pasadena ISD, Region 4, ECSE, Pre-K to 4th Grade
Formal Education
- University of St. Thomas Houston, TX Instructional Leadership Development and Bilingual Education Master of General Education 2008
- University of Houston – Downtown Bachelor of Business Administration Majoring in Business Management Graduated December 2000
- Leadership Training – TAMU 2019
Educational Leadership
- Principal L.F. Smith Elementary Pasadena ISD, Pasadena, TX 7/2020- Present
- Principal Royalwood Elementary Sheldon ISD, Houston, TX 7/2017- 2020
- Assistant Principal Parks Elementary, Pasadena ISD, Pasadena, TX 2013-2017
- Literacy Coach Golden Acres Elementary, Pasadena ISD, Pasadena, TX 2005-2013
TEPSA Leadership/Involvement/Awards
- TEPSA Chair for Standing Committee Membership, PR and Marketing
- 2024 TEPSAN of the Year Region 4
- 2024 Summer Conference Presenter
- 2022-Present TEPSA Region 4 Board Member
School Honors/Accomplishments
- Sheldon ISD Principal of the Year 2019
- America’s Healthiest Schools Award 2024
- TEPSA School Student Leadership Award 2024
- 2024 School Wellness Award by the Rotary Club- Silver Medal
- 2022 HEB Excellence in Education Semi-Finalist
Community Involvement
- Pasadena Police School Supplies Drive
- Houston Food Bank – Brighter Bites
- Pasadena City Food Drive
Other Professional Networks
- TEPSA Chair for Standing Committee Membership, PR and Marketing
- Pasadena ISD DEC
- Pasadena ISD and Good Reason Houston Steering Committee
- Impact Pasadena Leadership Cohort
- NAESP – member
- Pasadena ISD Innovation AI Committee
- Mentor new Principals
Personal Information
I am a mom to two beautiful young adults and two fur babies: Myka, Massimo, Blue and Pote. I believe in a higher power and have a strong faith. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling and trying out new restaurants.
Platform Statement
Fostering Collaborative Excellence in Education
As a candidate for State Office Member At-Large for TEPSA, I commit to support the work that we do and cultivate an environment of collaboration and growth among elementary leaders, administrators, state representatives and TEPSA.
Promoting Professional Development: I aim to advocate for comprehensive professional development programs that empower educators with the advanced teaching methodologies, technology integration and AI, and social-emotional learning strategies for teachers and leaders that will help improve student outcomes. Increase the importance of well being and self care for educators and leaders through professional development.
Strengthening Community Engagement: Connections with parents, community leaders, and policymakers is crucial. I intend to foster strong partnerships that create a more holistic and supportive educational experience for our students. Collaborate with community members and representatives to improve the view on public education and showcase all the great things we do.
Advocating for Resources: I’ll work with TEPSA to advocate for adequate resources, equitable funding, and representation for public education and grow our advocacy reach.
Together, let us build a future where collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity define public education in Texas, ensuring every child receives the highest quality education they deserve. Our students, staff and educational leaders are worth it!
I participate in the Walk for Sight District-Wide event to raise funds for vision checks and eye glasses for students.
Growing future leaders with TEPSA Grow!
Volunteering and building bikes for second graders.
Being a visible leader with my mobile office.
Traveling with my family and making memories.
