Electives & Specials Teachers

Mr. Enrique Andino

My name is Enrique Andino, and I have the privilege of being the Music/Modern Band teacher at STAG in PG. I have taught general music and modern band in DISD since 2012 and have also taught private guitar lessons for many years. I am originally from Puerto Rico but have been living in the state of Texas since 2008. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from The University of Texas at Arlington. Music has always been a very important part of my life and I have always enjoyed sharing my love of music with others. I started playing the keyboard around age 10 and guitar in middle school and have never stopped making music since then. Learning music taught me from a young age how to collaborate with others and how to express my ideas and feelings positively. I am honored to have the chance to work with such a great group of students and look forward to continuing the growth we have seen since we started the modern band program in 2019. During my time off from school I enjoy traveling, spending time with my wife and son, and trying out food from different countries. 

Mr. Omar Cortez

CTE (Career & Technical Education), Robotics, and Drones

I was born and raised in El Paso, TX. I got my bachelors degree in Education in 2016 from the University of Texas at El Paso. I have taught 2nd grade for 2 years and technology for 2 years. I then received a Masters of Science in Informative Technology at the University of North Texas. This year will be my sixth year teaching at TAG in PG. My favorite part of working in Dallas ISD is the opportunity to coach in VEX robotics and drones.

Mr. Michael Douthit

Librarian/Media Specialist

I am very proud to be a member of the School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove staff. As your librarian, I hope to instill a passion for reading and a love for books in every student. I have been an educator with DISD for 29 years, (10 as a 5^th grade teacher and the last 19 as a librarian/media specialist). I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas) in 1989 and my master’s degree in Library Science from Texas A&M University (Commerce, Texas) in 2011. I am married (wife, Esther) and have two children (Matt, 29 and Kate, 25). We have 3 dogs, 1 cat, and a tarantula named Rosie. My hobbies include cheering for the Mavericks, Cowboys, Stars, and Rangers and creating and maintaining freshwater planted aquariums. 

Ms. Joanna Figueroa

Art Teacher

My name is Joanna Figueroa, and I have the amazing opportunity to be your Art Teacher.

I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants who have instilled in me the drive to work hard in order to achieve my goals and dreams. I was born and raised in Oak Cliff and am a DISD alumnus. The teachers I encountered as a former student in DISD inspired me, motivated me and put me on the path to success; their passion was what inspired me to become an educator.

I graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a minor in Art History. I am passionate about art and the power it has to show students the world around them and introduce them to cultures beyond their own. It is my goal to spark creativity and innovation in my students and get them excited about art!

In my free time I love to paint, study Korean, listen to live music, explore museums and play with my dog Ollie.

Ms. Madeline Watkins

Theatre Teacher

My name is Madeline Watkins, and I have the amazing opportunity to teach Theatre at TAG in PG! I was born and raised in Garland, Texas, and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education.

I have been singing and acting since the age of four, and I love sharing my passion for the performing arts with others. Theatre has always been a meaningful part of my life and has been a place where I could be creative, find community, and grow as a leader. I believe every student should have the chance to experience the arts and discover both the world and themselves through theatre. There is truly a place for everyone in theatre, and my hope is to inspire students to become collaborative storytellers who carry those skills with them long after their time at TAG in PG.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, musical theatre, going to concerts, playing with my dog Daisy, and (of course) drinking Dr. Pepper!

Ms. Elena Cardoza

Career Exploration/Physical Education

Hello! My name is Elena Cardoza, and I am so excited to be teaching 6th Grade P.E. and Career Exploration this year! I grew up right here in Dallas, Texas, and later earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities with an emphasis in Art Therapy from St. Gregory’s University in Oklahoma. I also completed my Master’s in Education from Texas Tech University.

My journey in education began as a teaching assistant for two years, and the encouragement I received to pursue a career in teaching has never let me down. This year marks my 9th year as a teacher, and I continue to love helping students grow both in the classroom and beyond.

My interests include spending time with my family, baseball, walking, watching movies, and playing with my son and his cousins.

Mr. Thomas Stokes

Physical Education

Say hello to your newest Texan, straight from the heart of New York City! TJ has been in education since 2001; teaching pre-K, elementary, middle and high school over that span. He has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Emory University in Atlanta. He taught there for two years after he graduated, then he returned to New York to earn his Master’s degree in childhood education from CUNY Hunter College School of Education. He has experience as an athletic director, as a phys. ed. teacher and as a coach in a number of sports; including soccer, basketball, cross country, flag football, and track. He loves teaching exercise and movement and is looking forward to spreading his NYC love throughout the TAG in PG community!