HEB ISD School & Family Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 8

Spotlight on Ellen Jones,
Board President
Who was your role model that you looked
up to as a kid?
My parents were my closest and most profound
role models. Their strong marriage and years
of service to others have inspired me in my
adult life. Along the journey of life, others have
stepped forward to continue to develop this
sense of service in my life.
What is your favorite city that you have ever
visited and why?

What schools did you attend?
Elementary School: Pat Neff Elementary
Houston, TX
Middle School: Sharpstown Jr. High
Houston, TX
High School : St. Agnes Academy
Houston, TX
College: University of Texas at Austin BA/
Chemistry, Math
Texas Tech University Masters/ Business Admin
Can you share one quote or saying that you
love, that keeps you going in life?

I have been blessed to have visited many
cities around the world, and each offers such
a unique view on life. But I have to say that
I love Austin, Texas the most. It is a city filled
with such diversity in its geography, its people,
its jobs and its cultural scene. It was also the
city where I found my passion in education and
was privileged to have served as a teacher.
What’s something that amazes you?
Astronomy has always been a passion of mine,
and there is nothing like sitting on the ground
in the evening and gazing at the vastness of
space. I find it challenging and inspiring all at
the same time. I feel God’s presence in these
moments.
Give us a brief bio of your career.

“Meditate well on this. Seek God above all
things. It is right for you to seek God before and
above everything else, because the majesty of
God wishes you to receive what you ask for.
This will also make you more ready to serve
God and will enable you to love him more
perfectly” - Saint Paschal Baylon
What would be a perfect afternoon for you?
Relaxing with my granddaughter and watching
her explore the world.
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After college, I began my career as a junior high
math and science teacher in Austin. I moved
on to a five-year career in real estate banking
in Dallas after receiving my MBA. Once we
began our family, I looked for opportunities to
work with teens, first as a youth minister at my
church in Bedford for about six years, then as
a substitute teacher for HEB ISD for five years.
After our youngest daughter graduated from
Trinity High School, I went back to teaching
high school math in Irving for five years. Most of