Jody Blessitt - Art - Hello! I am your child's Art teacher at Westwood Elementary. I have been teaching the Art program here for the past 11 years full time and have substituted for this district for many years. I teach Kindergarden through third grade art. I received my degree in Fine Arts from Sam Houston State University in 1972. I have a double major in Art and an all levels certification with a specialty in watercolor painting. I also have an Elementary Education certification from Lamar University, received in 1974. I taught 2nd grade, 4th and 5th grades 6th grade several times, Junior High Art and High School Art as well as adult classes before coming to Westwood Elementary. I taught watercolor painting at the Beaumont Art League in 1973 and fabric painting at the Houston Junior Forum in Houston, Texas. I enjoy watching your children develop their skills and creativity here at Westwood Elementary.I hope I have the opportunity to get to know you in the years to come.

Carol Countie - Technologist - My name is Mrs. Countie. I have been the Technology Coordinator for Westwood Elementary for the last nine years. Prior to this, I was a teacher at Cline Primary for fourteen years. I have an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University (GigEm) and a Master's Degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. I have always had a love of learning and teaching. There is nothing more rewarding than looking at the face of a child who is eager and willing to learn. As a computer teacher, I get to see that look everyday. I am looking forward to a great year!

Cynthia Rieger - Librarian

Laura Rachita - Music - Hello! I am so excited to be returning to this AMAZING school! My Name is Laura Rachita. I graduated from Baldwin-Wallce College and Conservatory of Music in Berea, Ohio in 1992 with a degree in Music Education. I have a voice major and a piano minor. I also hold a Master's degree from UHCL in Counseling.I taught in Pasadena I.S.D. for 8 years as an Elementary Music teacher, Junior High Choir director, and a Counselor, grades 6-8. For 5 years, I also taught flute for FISD. I play flute, piccolo, piano and recorder. I have worked with the children's choir program at my church since 1995. I have an awesome husband two beautiful children. I can't wait to work with your wonderful children!

Recha Stephens - P.E. - I have taught physical education classes at Westwood for twenty seven years since earning my degree from the University of Houston. Because I love children, staying active, and being outdoors, I thought that teaching p.e. would be the perfect way to follow my passions. I get the most enjoyment out of life's simple pleasures such as walking on the beach, hiking in the woods, and seeing a child smile when he or she succeeds. My mission for my class is to guide and lead my students to reach their fullest potential academically, physically, socially, and emotionally in order to prepare them for their future. I strive to provide a positive and enjoyable environment to ensure that students reach satisfaction and achievement, both of which will help to enhance their self image. I work hard to instill the importance of life-long physical activity to maintain good health throughout their lifetime.

Suzi Williams - G/T - I have lived in Friendswood since the 6th grade when my family came with the growth of the space program in the middle 60's. I am a Friendswood High School graduate and began teaching at Friendswood Junior High in 1978. I also taught English at the high school before going to Bales as the GT teacher. This year is my 10th year at Bales. This is the beginning of my 4th year at Westwood as the GT teacher. One of the most fun aspects of my job is teaching former students's children. I live in Friendswood with my mixed-breed dog, Lily Boo.