Leadership Announcements from the Academic Department

Tamara Abke is a proud 1995 graduate of Splendora High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University in 1999 and began her career in education as a Kindergarten Reading Intervention teacher at Leon ISD. She later taught fourth grade and Pre-K before returning home to Splendora in 2008.

Throughout her career, Tamara has served in a variety of instructional and leadership roles, including Reading RTI teacher, sixth-grade math teacher, professional school counselor, assistant principal, and most recently, Coordinator for Counseling and Wellness. She also earned a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University.

As Director of Counseling and Wellness, Tamara is passionate about supporting the social, emotional, and academic success of every student while fostering strong partnerships with educators, families, and the community. She is committed to creating an environment where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Tamara and her husband, Shaun, have three children: Gracie, Allie, and Aaron. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Nathan Bally serves as Splendora ISD's Instructional Programs Administrator and is excited to return to the Teaching and Learning Department. He earned his bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian University and a Master of Educational Leadership from Lamar University.

Since joining Splendora ISD in 2017, Nathan has served in a variety of leadership roles, including assistant principal at both the elementary and junior high levels, Digital Learning Coordinator, and Alternative Programs Coordinator. His diverse experiences have provided him with a strong foundation for supporting instructional excellence across the district.

Nathan is passionate about developing innovative programs that enhance teaching and learning while ensuring students and educators have the resources they need to succeed.

Kimberly Burke serves as Splendora ISD's Elementary Reading Language Arts Coordinator and is entering her 17th year in education. She earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Sam Houston State University and a master's degree in Teacher Leadership from Lamar University.

Throughout her career, Kimberly has served as a classroom teacher and instructional coach across five school districts. Most recently, she supported teachers and student achievement at Peach Creek Elementary and Timber Lakes Elementary as an instructional coach.

Kimberly is passionate about literacy and empowering educators with the tools and support they need to help every student succeed.

Kimberly and her family proudly call Splendora home. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, antique shopping, and collecting cookbooks.

Octavia Gilshenan serves as Splendora ISD's Secondary Science Coordinator and is an experienced educator and instructional leader with a strong background in secondary science education and curriculum development.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Science from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has also completed her Principal Certification, further strengthening her leadership experience at the district level.

Throughout her career, Octavia has served as a Science Department Chair, curriculum developer, PLC facilitator, and instructional leader. She has supported teachers through coaching, collaboration, and professional learning focused on effective instruction and student engagement.

Octavia is passionate about creating rigorous, engaging learning experiences that support student curiosity and achievement. She is committed to empowering educators and helping students develop the skills needed for success in science and beyond.

Jillian Trimm serves as Splendora ISD's Elementary Math Coordinator and brings more than 10 years of experience in elementary education. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, interventionist, instructional coach, and instructional specialist.

Jillian is passionate about strengthening mathematics instruction and supporting both student achievement and teacher growth. She values collaboration with educators, campus leaders, and families and is excited to help ensure all students have access to high-quality math instruction.

Outside of work, Jillian enjoys spending time with her husband and their three daughters.

Shelley Wells serves as Splendora ISD's Secondary English Language Arts Coordinator and is entering her 13th year in public education. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, campus reading coach, and most recently, Elementary Reading Language Arts Coordinator.

Shelley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from WGU University and a Master of Science in Reading from Arkansas State University.

She is passionate about literacy and believes every student can succeed when provided with high expectations, meaningful support, and engaging learning opportunities. She is committed to equipping teachers with the tools and resources needed to help students become confident, lifelong readers.

Shelley and her husband, Brent, live in Porter and have two adult children, Tyler and Shayne.