Directors
Valerie Muniz
Valerie Muniz
WAIS Director
valerie.muniz@springbranchisd.com
Director Muniz served 25 years in public education prior to accepting the position at WAIS, including 10 years in Spring Branch ISD. Before the WAIS appointment, she served as a principal at Bunker Hill Elementary School Principal for the past decade.
Earlier in her career, Director Muniz worked as an assistant principal at a junior high and elementary school in San Marcos Consolidated ISD. She has also been a counselor and teacher at the elementary and middle school levels in Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD.
Her education qualifications are many. She earned a bachelor of arts in education and a master of education in counseling from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. She has also earned a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Houston.
“Westchester Academy for International Studies is a very special place with a unique culture, a great history, and a regional and national reputation for excellence,” she said. “I embrace opportunities to do things differently while honoring traditions and values held by the community. I commit to bringing this spirit and dedication to the staff and students at WAIS.”
Karina Avila
Karina Avila
Assistant Director for Grades 6-8
karina.avila@springbranchisd.com
About Me
Hi WAIS family! My name is Karina Avila and I am the Middle School Assistant Director at WAIS. I was born and raised in Venezuela but Houston became my home for my family and I in 2001. I am a Houstonian by heart. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, in 2012 I received a Master of Science in Bilingual Education with an emphasis in Dual Language from The University of Texas at Brownsville. I have been an educator for twelve years and have served the learning community at Pine Shadows Elementary as Assistant Principal for the last four years. I am very excited to be joining the WAIS family and we are ready to continue the Learner’s Journey with you and our school district this year. Our goal for each child is academic, social and emotional growth. With your support and involvement, we can help every student and teacher be successful.
I am honored to serve as the Assistant Director of the Middle School at WAIS. It is truly a privilege to be part of a community where parents, teachers and students care for each other and strive to build a positive relationships that support academic and social growth.
Alexia Greiner
Alexia Greiner
Assistant Director for Grades 9-12
alexia.greiner@springbranchisd.com
About Me
I grew up in Liverpool, New York, which is a suburb of Syracuse. I have been in education in some capacity for 28 years. I graduated Cum Laude from the State University of New York College at Cortland with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Minor in Music. I also received a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction from that same college.
I began my teaching career at Bear Road Elementary in the North Syracuse Central School District happily teaching students first in 4th, then 2nd, and finally 5th grade. After many years in elementary school, I felt it was time for a new challenge, and transferred to Roxboro Road Middle School where I first taught Social Studies and Math to 5th graders, and then Language Arts and Math to 6th graders until my family moved to Houston.
In July of 2001 my husband and I moved to Houston, and began our new life in this wonderful city. My Spring Branch career began at Northbrook Middle School where I taught 6th grade Math. Then I became the Math School Improvement Specialist at Pine Shadows Elementary. While working at PSE, I received my Principal’s Certificate from the University of St. Thomas in Educational Administration.
Before joining the Westchester Academy family in the fall of 2013, I was an Assistant Principal at Bunker Hill Elementary, a Principal at Pine Shadows Elementary, and a Data Specialist in the Accountability and Research Department, all in SBISD.
Personally, I have been married to my husband Michael for 24 years. We have two very spoiled cats who rule the roost,Scotty, and Felix. In my free time I enjoy making jewelry, reading, knitting, hunting, and all types of crafts. I am very fortunate to call Houston my home and work at Westchester Academy.