St. Francis School Faculty & Staff

LaRessa Stell

Sixth Grade

After graduation from the "good convent boarding school," I was ready to frolic and play. keeping some distance between me and home -- "free at last." Needless to say, I did all of that and managed to do it with passing grades. My mother didn't think too highly of my grade-point average, however. She pulled me out and off to work I went in a dull, boring office doing the same thing every day -- five days a week -- fifty weeks a year. At the end of that first year, my precious mother gave me another chance at higher education. I jumped joyously at the chance.

I attended LSU (Louisiana State University), doing all the fun things and social activities, while being careful to watch the grade-point average. It took me another year to decide on a career. One day I visited -- and later volunteered at -- the LSU Laboratory School. That did it for me! Every day was different, the students were wonderful, and I had the opportunity to work with small groups in many of the educational disciplines. I was hooked!

After graduation, several girlfriends and I set off to the big city of Houston, Texas. During my time in Houston, I taught third grade at Galena Park, married, and had two children. Next, I taught for Memorial Hall School, a private school in Spring Branch, where my children also attended. Memorial Hall was very much like St. Francis -- and what I wanted for my children.

My husband was transferred to Austin and I taught for Strickland School. I was also Principal there for some years.

In 1998, I was ready for a change. I wanted to be back in the classroom and "out of the office." Fortunately for me, I had known Barbara Porter for many years. I interviewed with Barbara and asked for a position. That was the best question I ever asked! In the fall of 1998, I began teaching a fifth grade class at St. Francis. I was given a position that turned out to be "just the place" for me. The next year I moved to Middle School -- which is even more of a perfect fit. I think Middle Schoolers are a "hoot" -- so much fun.

St. Francis has afforded me many opportunities to expand my teaching through in-service training and attending seminars and conferences -- both in-State and out-of-State. I have worked with many caring colleagues, parents, students, and administrators.  St. Francis is a school filled with people who have pride in their performance and a sincere commitment to the St. Francis community.

So -- once again, a school "did it" for me. I was hooked!