Merriman Anderson Architects (MAA) is proud to introduce Theresa Zavala as the firm’s Interiors Hospitality Lead. With 25 years of experience in global hospitality and high-end residential design, Zavala brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to MAA’s growing interiors division. 

In this role, Zavala will lead MAA’s hospitality interior design team, overseeing the design and execution of world-class interior spaces in the hospitality sector. She will be responsible for ensuring projects meet the highest design standards, align with client goals, and stay within budget. 

“Theresa’s experience and creative vision make her an invaluable leader to our interiors team,” says Milton Anderson, President, MAA. “Her guidance will further enhance our ability to deliver exceptional and thoughtfully-designed spaces for our clients.” 

Over her career, Zavala has worked on high-end hospitality projects, blending luxury and functionality to create immersive guest experiences. Her extensive international travel and significant on-site experience bring a strategic and inspired approach to design.

“I am thrilled to join the talented team at MAA and contribute to the firm’s exceptional portfolio of projects,” says Theresa Zavala, Interiors Hospitality Lead, MAA. “I look forward to collaborating with and leading the hospitality interior design team to create memorable experiences in unique spaces.” 

MAA is an architecture and interior design firm based in Downtown Dallas with offices also in Fort Worth, Austin, and Charlotte. MAA has a significant hospitality interior design portfolio of projects, including AC Hotel Fort Worth Downtown, Cambria Hotel Houston, Dallas Petroleum Club, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa, Marriott Hotel Redmond, The National, The Statler Hilton, and The Woodlands Resort. 

The Shelton School Parents' Association (SPA) raised money at the 2025 Stampede benefit auction on April 4 at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Attendees enjoyed the evening with "Saved by the Stampede" as the theme, inspired by TV sitcoms. The event featured a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live and big board auctions and musical entertainment by Emerald City.

Funds raised from the auction support improvements in academics, curriculum programs, arts, athletics, technology, professional development for teachers, the wellness program, security enhancements and tuition assistance. Proceeds also support the Shelton Endowment Fund and the Shelton Scholarship Fund.

Among the auction highlights were the Ultimate Cowboys experience — including travel for two on the Cowboys' team-chartered plane and tickets to an away game — a poker party with former Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, a U.S. Open trip, luxury getaways to Telluride, Nevis and 30A, naming rights to a Shelton mural and more.

2025 Stampede Auction co-chairs were Lindsey Sherry and Carolyn Strickfaden. Kimberly Kahn and Leigh Erin Lundy are co-presidents of the 2024-2025 Shelton Parents' Association, which sponsored the event. Shelly Lloyd is Shelton's Director of Volunteer Relations and Events. 

Executive Director Suzanne Stell thanked the parents, including Mandy Evans, volunteers, sponsors and staff who helped make the Stampede a success. "Tonight, all money goes back to our school and to our students because of the sponsorships and underwriters. Not every school event or party can say that — but we can, because of their support. So thank you again for all of your support, and thank you to our sponsorships and underwriters."

The Corrigan-Goddard Foundation was the presenting sponsor, the Paulos Foundation sponsored the dinner and Goody Goody, owned by Shelton parents Renee and Scott Jansen, donated alcohol and beverages for the event for the last four years. Garnett and Michael Holmes were the entertainment sponsors.  Lara and Stephen Shankle sponsored Stampede Week, and Marybeth and Kevin Conlon sponsored the decor. Shelton parent Kate White was the photographer.

Shelton parent and board member Stephanie Dean introduced Suzanne Stell, and Shelton parent and Board member Chase Evans spoke, saying, "With the funds we raise, we're looking forward to enhancing our fine arts program, continuing to pay our teachers competitive wages, strengthening campus security and investing in technology where it makes sense. All of these efforts ensure that Shelton students can learn in an environment created specifically for them — and that is huge."

Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success — whether by attending, bidding, contributing funds or donating homes, experiences, gift cards and so many other generous items that support Shelton!

The Shelton School announces the completion of an extraordinary life-sized art installation —a striking, illuminated “S” — that captures the essence of Shelton’s mission and values. Displayed prominently in the dining hall, the piece serves as a daily reminder of Shelton’s dedication to educating students with learning differences and its commitment to Academics, Athletics, Fine Arts and STEM.  

A Collaborative Artistic Vision

The project was a true collaborative effort. Kellie Sirna, Shelton parent and founder of Studio 11 Design, led the design execution, helping bring the vision to life as a thoughtful reflection of Shelton’s vibrant and supportive community. Middle School art teacher Kathleen Goree and Shelton parent Aphrodite Paulos designed the initial layout, while Christy O’Neal, an in-house artist at Lou Verne by Studio 11 Design, brought the vision to life with her artistic expertise. The Aphrodite and Sam Paulos Foundation played a key role in making the project possible with a generous contribution.

“This installation is deeply personal to me. Shelton isn’t just where our children learn; it’s a community we pour our hearts into,” said Sirna. “We are not just supporters. We are mothers who are grateful for the opportunity to play a part in its ongoing legacy. Looking ahead to Shelton’s 50th anniversary in 2026, this piece serves as a foundation for future traditions, and I’m especially proud that our sons will be part of that celebration, continuing the legacy we’ve helped shape.” 

The Meaning Behind the Artwork

In 2022, a dedicated group of teachers, administrators, and parents set out to create something truly special — an art installation that reflects Shelton’s vibrant community. Inspired by a University of Oregon sports installation, the project evolved into a collaborative assemblage art piece featuring a large, illuminated “S” in Shelton Charger blue and white.

Standing 27 feet wide and 10 feet tall, the installation highlights the four key pillars of Shelton’s educational approach:

• Academics – Igniting intellectual curiosity through a multisensory approach to learning.
• Athletics – Instilling resilience and teamwork in students.
• Fine Arts – Nurturing creativity, empathy, and confidence.
• STEM – Equipping students with critical thinking skills for the ever-evolving world.

The artwork is composed of custom-made and found objects carefully selected to symbolize these core aspects of Shelton's identity. Embedded within the piece are Montessori materials and STEM elements, representing Shelton’s unique educational approach. The overarching message is that Fine Arts, Athletics and Academics work together to create a well-rounded, dynamic learning environment that makes Shelton a special place.

Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell says that the artwork embodies Shelton's commitment to making a difference in the lives of students who learn differently. “Every day, it reminds students that their unique ways of learning are strengths to be celebrated and that confidence, perseverance and a love for learning open endless possibilities.”

By Debbie Knox, M.Ed.

Director of College and Career Advising, The Shelton School

For students with learning differences, college presents both new opportunities and challenges. A key to success is securing necessary accommodations. Unlike high school, where accommodations are provided under IEPs and 504 Plans, colleges operate under different laws, requiring students to take an active role in requesting accommodations.

Here’s what students and families need to know about accessing accommodations in college:

1. Understand the Difference: K-12 vs. College

• In high school, accommodations are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
• In college, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 still apply, but students must self-advocate and submit documentation to request accommodations.

2. Obtain Proper Documentation

• Colleges typically require recent documentation, often within the past three years. This can include:
  • A psychoeducational evaluation (The Shelton Evaluation Center provides evaluations: 972-774-1772, ext 2243.)
  • A letter of diagnosis outlining the learning difference and recommended accommodations
  • A high school 504 Plan or IEP (helpful, but not sufficient on its own)

3. Research the College’s Disability Services Office

• Visit the Disability Services Office (DSO) when touring colleges.
• Check the college website for DSO contact information, forms, guidelines and deadlines.
• Apply to Disability Services and request accommodations before classes begin.

4. Be Aware of Common Accommodations

• Extended time on tests
• Note-taking assistance or permission to record lectures
• Alternative testing environments (e.g., a quiet room)
• Access to audiobooks or text-to-speech technology
• Priority registration
• Reduced course load

5. Encourage Self-Advocacy

• Unlike high school, parents cannot advocate for students in college.
• Students must take the lead in managing their accommodations:
  • Meet with professors to introduce themselves.
  • Explain their learning difference and needs in a confident manner.
  • Utilize campus resources such as tutoring centers or academic coaching.

Accessing accommodations in college requires preparation, organization and self-advocacy. Students who take these steps set themselves up for success. Start early, stay informed and embrace your learning differences as strengths.

Debbie Knox is the Director of College and Career Advising at the Shelton School, where she is dedicated to helping students navigate the college admissions process and plan for their future. With a background in education, counseling and student support, she provides personalized guidance to ensure each student finds the right academic fit. Debbie holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Education from Southwest Texas State University.

Women We Admire, one of the fastest-growing networks of professional women in North America, has named Frisco resident Alisa Ulrey No. 20 on its list of "Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers of 2025." Ulrey is chief operations officer of U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM), a local management services organization with 260+ surgeon partners across 29 states. As COO of USOSM, Ulrey is responsible for operations, business strategies, performance and growth for USOSM and all of its surgeon partners.

"Alisa is an exceptional COO and a natural leader, who has been instrumental in helping to establish USOSM as a valuable partner for oral and maxillofacial surgeons,” said USOSM President and CEO Richard Hall. “We’re thrilled to hear she’s been named to this year’s list of Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers. She is most deserving."

Women We Admire is a membership organization comprised of some of the most accomplished women executives and leaders in North America. Nominations are gathered from all over the U.S. and Canada for the awards program, which recognizes exceptional women in chief operating officer roles for their leadership and operational management skills.

The Women We Admire website notes that the 2025 honorees are "shaping the direction and success of their organizations … they each play a central role in driving strategic alignment, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration across departments."

Ulrey is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience helping companies grow, including two of the nation’s largest Fortune 500 companies – CVS Health and Target – where she spent several years in various leadership roles. Prior to joining USOSM, Ulrey was president and COO of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). Ulrey is a graduate of Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business management.

Ulrey is extremely active as a business mentor, both in the health care industry and beyond. She also volunteers with Women in DSO, a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of women leaders in the dental industry and is a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. Outside of work, she is active with Collin County animal shelters. She is a frequent foster dog mom, specializing in caring for dogs that are harder to adopt.

"The Women We Admire community provides important mentorship, learning and networking opportunities, and I’m grateful for their recognition and support," said Ulrey. "The Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers of 2025 list includes many exceptional women who are leaders in their fields, and I’m honored to be a part of that."

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, USOSM is a management services organization that exclusively serves oral and maxillofacial surgeons. USOSM provides operational, financial and administrative support services to fuel clinical excellence, innovation and wealth-creation.