Principal Carmen Morris
Dear Parents and Students,
I’m an Alabama native and proud mother of a RISD graduate. My teaching journey begin at Lake Highlands Jr. High as a Social Studies Teacher / Coach and later, an Assistant Principal. In 2007, I became the AVID District Director guiding several campuses to become premier AVID Demonstration Sites. In 2014, I transitioned to Berkner High School as an Assistant Principal with a dream of becoming the principal of the former Christa McAuliffe Learning Center (CMLC). My dream came true in 2015 becoming the Principal of CMLC, now RISD District Alternative Education Program.
My dream continues as I now serve as the Principal of TMSSA. I truly believe that all students can achieve success given the tools, resources, and skills to grow. I look forward to working with students, parents, and the RISD community as we navigate this journey together.
Carmen Morris, Principal
Associate Principal Sharonda Tims
I’m a Mississippi native and proud mother of two handsome teenage boys. My teaching career began in Jackson, Mississippi, where I spent five years teaching before relocating to Richardson, Texas, in 2007. There, I continued my passion for American Literature at Berkner High School.
In 2010, I transitioned into school administration, taking on the role of assistant principal at Richardson High School. After three years, I moved to Lake Highlands High School, where I spent five enriching years as an assistant principal and senior principal. I returned to BHS in 2017, and I was honored to serve as their Associate Principal from 2019 until June 2024.
This school year marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as I join the TMSSA family, marking my 23rd year in education. Having faced struggles during my own high school journey, I am deeply committed to showing our students that they can overcome adversity and succeed. With clear goals, meaningful skills, guidance, and persistence, I believe they can navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world. My mission is to help students understand that they have the power to be the ones who RISE UP and achieve their fullest potential.
Assistant Principal Thomas Navin
Dear Parents and Students,
I’m a Texas native and proud father of three. One is a RISD graduate and the others all attend RISD schools. My teaching career begin DISD in 2008 as a Science Teacher and Athletics Coach. In 2011, I started my journey with RISD at Parkhill Jr. High as a Science Teacher/Coach. Then, I moved to Forest Meadow Middle School as an Instructional Coach, Athletics Coach and Assistant Principal. After a few years, I moved to Richardson West Jr. High as an Instructional Coach, which lead me to where I am today. In 2018, I had the pleasure to come to the Christa McAuliffe Learning Center (CMLC) as an Assistant Principal and have never looked back. Even though our name has changed to the DAEP Center at TMSSA, my passion for students and staff, as they continue to grow, has never been stronger. I am thankful and grateful to be a part of this amazing Academy and district.
T.J. Navin