Board of Trustees

I believe Parish provides the right balance of rigorous academic preparation and nurturing environment along with a plethora of extra-curricular opportunities.Brad Phillips, Alumni parent and former board of trustee

Michael Villa Jr., Chair

Mike is the parent of three students (Lower School, Middle School and Upper School) and has been on the Board of Trustees for five years.

He holds a B.A. from Louisiana State University, a J.D. and a Bachelor of Law from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center and a LL.M. from New York University School of Law.

Officers

Michael Villa Jr., Chair

"I have been dropping my children off at Parish each morning for six years. Both of my children are genuinely eager and happy every morning when they arrive at school. The kids see the positive attitudes of the administration and faculty the moment they step out of the vehicle in the carpool line and this sets the stage for a nurturing learning experience throughout the day and school year."

Relationship to Parish: Parent of Lower, Middle School Students
Board Committee: Risk
Professional Background: Attorney
Education: Louisiana State University; NYU School of Law

Marty Debus, Vice-Chair & Treasurer

"From the moment that we stepped onto the campus for the first time 11 years ago, we knew that Parish was a very special place. Our family is very grateful to be a part of such a warm, nurturing and supportive community of faculty, staff and parents."

Relationship to School: Parent of Upper School Student
Board Committees: Advancement, Budget and Finance
Professional Background: CPA, Vice President & Controller
Education: University of North Texas

Saira Habash, Secretary

"Parish continues to impress us with the advanced and personalized education. Equally important is the emphasis on good character and sense of community. To see our son's eagerness to go to school every day brings us relief that he is learning and developing in a nurturing environment."

Relationship to Parish: Parent of Lower School Student
Board Committee: Trusteeship, Budget & Finance
Professional Background: Digital Media & Advertising
Education: University of Texas at Arlington

Members

Brian Bogard

Lynette Christensen

Samantha Dwinell, Trusteeship Committee Chair

David Fisk

"It has been truly remarkable to watch the evolution of Parish from the PreK-6th grade school that I attended on the Hillcrest campus to the PreK-12th grade school with two campuses, impressive STEM and athletics programs, and the new state-of-the-art Noble Family Performing Arts Center."

Relationship to School: Parish Day School Alumnus ('92)
Board Committees: Executive
Professional Background: Attorney
Education: University of Texas at Austin; St. Mary's University School of Law

Bart Freeman PDS '80

Sarah Grohmann

"The community that surrounds students at Parish is unparalleled. Here, we have found academically challenging classrooms, co-curriculars that spark new interests and most importantly, a place for our girls to grow into educated, service-minded young women."

Relationship to Parish: Parent of Middle and Upper School Students
Board Committee: Trusteeship
Professional Background: Corporate Communications, Marketing, Non-profit Administration
Education: Southern Methodist University

Tim Gross, Advancement Chair

Saira Habash

Carrie Hoffman, Risk Committee Chair

Gunjan Jain

"Parish Episcopal School has been a special part of my family's journey, and I'm continually inspired by its commitment to nurturing each student's potential. The school's focus on curiosity, resilience, and community creates an environment where every child can thrive, grounded in strong values and academic excellence."

Relationship to School: Parent of Alumnae (Ananya '24) and Upper School Student
Board Committee: Advancement
Professional Background: Investment Management, Finance and Non-Profit Leadership
Education: University of Delhi

Binh-Minh "Jade" Le

"Parish intentionally sparks the perfect blend of creativity, innovation, independence and self-realization in its learners, yet underscoring the importance of teamwork and service to the community, while preparing them to confidently lead in today's complex, diverse and rapidly evolving world. Simply stated, they are given the tools to succeed in their life journey."

Relationship to Parish: Parent of Middle and Upper School Students
Professional Background: Infectious Diseases Physician, Telemedicine
Education: University of Texas Austin, UT Houston Health Science Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Washington University in St. Louis

Biegel Macaraeg

Michelle Norman

"Parish provides rigor and focus for our children to learn the important academics and to become strong global citizens, but the school also provides exceptional opportunities for them to find passion in areas they didn't even know existed. To me, that is the true definition of educating the whole child."

Relationship to Parish: Parent of former Upper School Student
Board Committee: Trusteeship
Professional Background: Human Resources
Education: Texas A&M University

Winfred Parnell

"Parish is committed to nurturing students of strong character, while also providing them with diverse opportunities to excel in academics, athletics and the arts. Having been a student here myself, I am confident in the School's ability to offer it's students a well-rounded and fulfilling education."

Relationship to Parish: Alumnus of Parish Day School and Parent of Lower School Students
Board Committee: Trusteeship
Professional Background: Education and Research
Education: Emory University; AUA College of Medicine

Quincy Powell '07

Neal Shah

Brian Sherman, Facilities Committee Chair

"In my decade of experience as a Parish parent, the school has always taken every opportunity to improve itself - from the administration, leadership and faculty to its educational programs, community and campus."

Relationship to Parish: Parent of Upper School Student and Alum (Dylan '25)
Board Committee: Facilities
Professional Background: Attorney
Education: Texas A&M University, South Texas College of Law

Gary Walsh, Endowment Board Chair

"At Parish, students are well prepared for future academic success, while learning the importance of character, teamwork and resilience. For this, we are grateful."

Relationship to Parish: Parent of Alumni (Jack '15, Elizabeth '20)
Board Committee: Endowment
Professional Background: Principal and Portfolio Manager at an Investment Management firm
Education: Southern Methodist University; Texas Christian University

From the moment that we stepped onto the campus for the first time 9 years ago, we knew that Parish was a very special place. Our family is very grateful to be a part of such a warm, nurturing and supportive community of faculty, staff and parents.Marty Debus, upper School parent and board of trustee

In This Section

Board of Trustees

Michael Villa Jr., Chair

Officers

Michael Villa Jr., Chair

Marty Debus, Vice-Chair & Treasurer

Saira Habash, Secretary

Members

Brian Bogard

Lynette Christensen

Samantha Dwinell, Trusteeship Committee Chair

David Fisk

Bart Freeman PDS '80

Sarah Grohmann

Tim Gross, Advancement Chair

Saira Habash

Carrie Hoffman, Risk Committee Chair

Gunjan Jain

Binh-Minh "Jade" Le

Biegel Macaraeg

Michelle Norman

Winfred Parnell

Quincy Powell '07

Neal Shah

Brian Sherman, Facilities Committee Chair

Gary Walsh, Endowment Board Chair

Elizabeth Williams

Pamela Wills-Ward

Hollye Fisk, Emeritus †

Nancy Ann Hunt, Emerita

Jay Madrid, Emeritus

Allen Meyer, Emeritus

Ex-Officio

Dr. Matthew J. Rush, Allen Meyer Family Head of School

Rev. Casey Shobe, Rector, The Church of the Transfiguration

Mat Thekkil, Senior Warden, The Church of the Transfiguration

Parish Episcopal School

Hillcrest Campus

Midway Campus