Experience the Difference

Faculty & Staff Directory

  • Photo of Kerianne Parker
    Ms. Kay Parker
    Assistant Director of Communications
    2024
    (832) 204-5900
    The Art Institute of Houston - Bachelor's
    Bio
     
    Kay Parker has been with EWS since 2024. Prior to joining the school, she worked as a freelance filmmaker. In her current role in the Communications Office, Kay focuses primarily on digital projects. She is passionate about storytelling and creative expression, bringing a fresh and dynamic approach to her work. In her free time, Kay enjoys listening to audiobooks and spending quality time with her family.
  • Photo of Brianna Patterson
    Ms. Brianna Patterson
    Science Department Chair and Upper School Science Teacher
    2021
    (832) 204-5900
    University of Houston-Clear Lake - B.S.
    San Jacinto College - A.A.
    Bio
     
    Brianna has been with EWS since 2021. Prior to joining EWS, she taught AP biology, pre-AP biology, environmental science, and IPC for 11 years in a public school in the Houston area. Before becoming a teacher, Brianna was a zookeeper at the Houston Zoo. She helped hand raise baby giraffes and a baby anteater. She also tended to and trained multiple hoofed animals such as okapi, giraffe, bongo, rhinos, and tapirs. Brianna currently teaches chemistry and biology. She is passionate about her students making connections with science and how it applies to the real world. In her free time Brianna enjoys the outdoors with camping, hiking, and kayaking. She also enjoys traveling around the world, reading, knitting, and spending quality time with her friends and family. 
  • Photo of Thomas Peterson
    Mr. Thomas Peterson
    EWS Security
    2018
    (832) 204-5888
    Nettleton Junior College - A.S.
    Bio
     
    Thomas joined EWS in 2018. Before arriving at EWS, he served as a medic for the U.S. Army. As the principal EWS security officer, Thomas helps with carpooling, ensures safety on campus, works closely with law enforcement, and coordinates traffic plans for school events and sports games. He enjoys hunting, playing golf, and hanging out with his two children in his free time.
  • Photo of Ortal Pinkas
    Ms. Ortal Pinkas
    2025
    The Hebrew University - Masters
    Bio
     
    Ortal Pinkas joined Emery Weiner School in 2025 as a Hebrew teacher for sixth grade students. Before relocating to Houston, she taught Hebrew for ten years at Kinneret Day School, a private Jewish school in New York, where she also served as a lead teacher. In that role, she was responsible for curriculum development, classroom instruction across multiple grade levels, and mentoring new faculty. She completed a master’s degree in Jewish Education, which informed her approach to language instruction and integrated Jewish texts, culture, and traditions into daily lessons.

    Throughout her career, Ortal implemented a variety of instructional strategies to support student engagement and language acquisition. At Emery, Ortal continues to develop Hebrew curriculum aligned with the school’s educational goals while supporting the academic and cultural growth of her students.
  • Photo of Linda Powell
    Ms. Linda Powell
    Upper School Assistant
    2018
    (832) 204-5900
    Wharton Technical College - A.A.
    Bio
     
    Linda Powell joined EWS in 2018. Prior to joining EWS, Linda worked as the Executive Assistant to the Branch Manager and as a Personal Banker for several years. Later she joined FBISD where she worked as an Administrative Assistant to the office team. Linda has her certification as a Medical Administrative Assistant. She loves visiting her family in California, taking fitness classes at Lifetime Fitness, and most importantly enjoys spending time with her husband Mark and son Nick. Family time is very special to her. She enjoys being a Houston sports fan supporting our home town teams and loves attending The Houston Rodeo.
  • Photo of Cathy Power
    Ms. Cathy Power
    Middle School Assistant
    2009
    (832) 204-5900
    University of Houston - B.S.
    Bio
     
    Cathy has been with EWS since 2009. Prior to joining the team at EWS, Cathy was a teacher. She previously worked in early childhood education as a Montessori certified teacher, teacher trainer, and also as a Developmental Rehabilitation Specialist Associate. Cathy is also a muti-instrumentalist and singer. In addition to playing in “Meh”, EWS’s staff and student ukulele band, Cathy often performs outside of the school with several Houston bands and occasionally for theater.

The Emery/Weiner School

A private, pluralistic Jewish, college-preparatory middle and high school serving grades 6-12. 
Click here for more information.