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Email: ellyn.shepherd@fwisd.org

Ellyn Shepherd

Hi! My name is Ellyn Shepherd, and I am the English Pre-K teacher at Rufino Mendoza! This will be my 11th year teaching Pre-k in FWISD and this is my 3rd year at Mendoza. YAY! 

When I am not teaching I enjoy traveling, hiking with my dogs and the people I love, and enjoying visiting awesome places around Fort Worth (Botanic Gardens, Casa Manana Theater, and of course places to eat GOOD food)! 

My Teacher Assistant and I have been hard at work in the classroom, preparing for your little LOVED one. We are excited to be a part of their great efforts and moments of success as they begin their life as an official Rufino Mendoza Longhorn. With the help of their school and home families, they will grow to love learning and being at school! 

Kelly Clower 

Hi! My name is Kelly Clower, and I am a Pre-K teacher at Rufino Mendoza Elementary! This is my 25th year in education, and I am so excited to begin this new chapter in Pre-K and be part of the Mendoza Longhorn family!

When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading with my book club, volunteering at church with the high school youth group and Stephen Ministry, and spending time with my husband and two daughters. I also love opportunities to connect with others and share my voice in meaningful ways.

I have had the privilege of teaching multiple grade levels and supporting students as a dyslexia interventionist, and I am especially passionate about helping struggling readers grow and succeed. I believe in planning with the end in mind and creating learning experiences that meet the needs of all students—whether they need extension, practice, or extra support.

Our classroom has been thoughtfully prepared for a year full of love, learning, and growth. I am committed to ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and excited to come to school each day. I look forward to partnering with you to help your child build a strong foundation and develop a lifelong love for learning as a proud Rufino Mendoza Longhorn!

Email: amy.arriaga@fwisd.org

Judith Carrodegaus

Hi! My name is Judith Carrodeguas, and I go by Ms. C! I am a Pre-K Bilingual teacher at Rufino Mendoza Elementary. This is my 9th year in education, and I am excited to continue serving our students and families as part of the Longhorn community!

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my two boys and relaxing by watching my favorite TV shows. Family time is very important to me, and I love bringing that same sense of care and connection into my classroom.

I am passionate about helping students learn how to read and build strong foundational skills from an early age. I believe in creating a classroom with strong routines, active student engagement, and meaningful checks for understanding. I work hard to ensure every lesson is intentional, rigorous, and responsive to student needs.

Our classroom is a safe, supportive space where students are encouraged to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and grow every day. I am committed to making sure all students leave Pre-K with strong early literacy and numeracy skills, while also feeling confident and loved.

I look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s success and help them develop a love for learning as a proud Rufino Mendoza Longhorn!