We are excited to introduce you to the new principals for the 2024-2025 school year!
Elementary schools
LaTreia Woodard, North Forest Elementary
Dr. LaTreia Woodard, a native of Houston, TX, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education) from Stephen F. Austin State University, master's in educational administration from Concordia University, Texas and her Doctor of Educational Administration from Texas Southern University.
Dr. Woodard began her career over 20 years ago as a reading interventionist in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. She has taught a variety of grade levels that include kindergarten, first, second, sixth, seventh and third-fourth grade reading intervention. She has also served in a variety of leadership roles that include elementary team leader, data specialist, instructional specialist, department chair, dean of instruction, Interventions Assistance Team (IAT) manager and principal.
Dr. Woodard joined Houston ISD in 2013 where she served in different leadership roles before becoming a successful principal at Foerster Elementary, leading the school from an “F” rating to a “C” in the 2018-2019 school year. During that year, Dr. Woodard was named Achieve 180 New Principal of the Year. After her success at Foerster, she was promoted to Gregory-Lincoln PK-8 where she also led that school from a “D” to a “B” in one school year.
Dr. Woodard believes in leading with peace and joy and is committed to serving the students, staff and families of YES Prep North Forest Elementary with her experience, dedication and passion for education.
During her free time, she loves spending time with her family and shopping.
Jorge Rodriguez, Southeast Elementary
Jorge Rodriguez is a Mexico native who relocated to Houston in 2003. He began his career in education as a second-grade teacher with the Houston ISD. Over the course of eight years, Rodriguez taught second, third, fourth and fifth grades. In 2012, he transitioned into instructional leadership roles as teacher specialist and instructional coach.
Rodriguez earned his master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in 2016. As an assistant principal, he applied his expertise and passion for education to support and guide both students and staff by designing and implementing school-wide systems that supported the success of all students.
In 2019, Rodriguez took on the role of principal at Lewis Elementary and over the past five years, he dedicated himself to building a school community where students can learn, grow and excel within a safe, inclusive, equitable and responsive learning environment.
Rodriguez is eager to begin serving the students and staff at Southeast Elementary with the same dedication and enthusiasm that has defined his career.
Secondary schools
Zicuria Ussery, Northline Secondary
Zicuria Ussery is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and a proud alumna of Spelman College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2015. Her love for learning sparked an interest in education at a young age. Ussery’s dream of being an educator became a career goal after completing a summer teaching internship in 2014 with Uncommon Schools. During this internship, she realized that education is a key driver for social advancement and to close opportunity gaps.
From 2015-2017, Ussery served as an eighth-grade teacher and grade level chair at YES Prep Hoffman Middle. In 2017, she joined the YES Prep Southside Secondary Giants where she has served as a teacher, grade level chair, dean of instruction and director of academics.
Ussery holds a Master of Arts in Public School Building Leadership from Columbia University’s Summer Principals Academy.
When she is not working to close opportunity gaps for students, she enjoys travelling, dining and strength training.
Erin Sadler, Southwest Secondary
Erin Sadler is a Louisiana native that relocated to Houston in 2009 after earning a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana Tech University. She joined the education movement as an English I teacher at Sharpstown High School in 2011 where she served as department chair, literacy specialist, and supported Houston ISD’s PowerUP initiative.
In 2015, Sadler began her journey with YES Prep as an instructional coach for Teaching Excellence and then transitioned to a founding instructional leader at YES Prep Eisenhower High.
At Eisenhower, she worked alongside the other instructional leaders to launch YES Prep’s first 1:1 program – a technology initiative where each student is issued a laptop to support instructional technology - and supported academic initiatives that helped Eisenhower achieve A ratings.
After completing the Summer Principals Academy program through Teachers College, Columbia University, Sadler joined YES Prep Southside Secondary as the director of academics. She launched one-to-one programming for high school students and cultivated an environment of academic excellence.
In 2021, she joined YES Prep Northbrook Middle as a resident principal and became the principal.
Sadler is excited to join MAV Nation as principal and build on the amazing work of the former principal. Southwest is a vibrant and unique community, and she can’t wait to be a part of it!
Gregory Little, White Oak Secondary
Gregory Little first joined YES Prep in 2011 as a middle school social studies teacher, as a founding team member at YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary. Before becoming principal at YES Prep Northbrook High, Little had the opportunity to serve as a resident principal at YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary and YES Prep North Central Secondary.
In his 10 years in education, Little has served as a teacher, grade level chair, coach, athletic director, dean of students and director of student support. Little is also a Teach For America alumnus.
View the full list of our school principals.
