Davidson Elementary
Specials/Library
One of my favorite things to do is sing with kids! I have been involved and performing in choirs, bands, and symphonies since the 5th grade, and I never stopped! My favorite instruments are flute, recorder, piano, and singing voice, though I have never met an instrument I didn't like! I have been teaching elementary music for 20 years. Before I was a music teacher, I spent 10 years working as a Music Therapist serving in the mental health field. To this day, I am dedicated to supporting positive mental health for all. I have been married to my husband, Daniel, for 30 years. We have 3 grown children, Ben, Brett, and Sarah, and an amazing 5 year old grandson, Aaron. I must include my canine babies, as they are an important part of my family: Huey (19 years old), and Remy (3 years old). I am looking forward to an amazing musical year!
My name is Valerie Church. I've been a parent and volunteer at KDE since its opening. I was a substitute teacher for KISD before moving to the front office as a clerk for KDE, and now the librarian clerk. I grew up in Montreal, Canada. I attended the University of Quebec in Montreal and graduated in early childhood education. We moved to Katy in 2007 and enjoy being in this beautiful, hot Texas ever since. I have been married to my amazing husband for 30 years and have 3 children. My daughter will be a 7th grader this year, my 2 sons are in college. I always enjoy the kids' spontaneity and seeing them learn and grow. In my free time I love spending time with family, friends and my 2 dogs. I enjoy working out, traveling, listening to music, cooking, and trying different recipes. I'm looking forward to a wonderful school year with all the KDE families.
Hello! My name is Rachel Fortenberry, and I’m thrilled to be starting my 14th year in education. I spent my first two years teaching 5th grade ELA at Fielder Elementary before transitioning to Art when Davidson Elementary opened in 2014—and I’ve been sharing my love for creativity with students ever since! I hold a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and am certified to teach EC–6 General Education and EC–12 Art Education. Teaching art fills me with so much joy, especially those magical "aha moments" when students realize their creative potential. Like Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist,” and I truly believe in nurturing that spirit in each of my students. My goal is to help them discover how they can make beautiful things that enrich their lives and bring joy to others. Outside the classroom, I love spending time with my husband and our two amazing boys. We enjoy creating together, and I also love painting, working out, reading, gardening, and cooking. I’m so excited for another incredible year of creating with my amazing little artists!
Howdy there! My name is Marci and I'm one of the PE Coaches. I have been teaching in Katy ISD for 19 years and this is my 12th year at Davidson. My husband, Toby and I have been married for 19 years and have a son, Thomas, who is a Sophomore at Tompkins High School. We have two fur babies, Charlie and Goose. I love being a DRAGON!
I am the PE aide here at Davidson & this will be my 6th year here at this school. I love all of our dragons and cannot wait to see you all this school year!!
My name is Crystal Matovich and I am the school librarian. This will be my 24th year in education and my 17th year as a school librarian. I have many fun programs and activities planned for our students in the library this year. My husband Jonathan and I have three boys-Alex, Evan and Oliver. Alex will be attending his first year of college this year at Mississippi State University. I have one spoiled cat named June Bug Pickle Matovich. I love to travel, read books, ride bikes and watch my boys play football and sing in their school choirs! I can't wait to welcome our students back to the KDE Library and help them find their just right books!
Hello, my name is Vanina Orendorff and I am one of the two art teachers at KDE. This will be my 21st year teaching elementary art. Art is my passion. I have a BFA, Bachelors of Fine Arts, from the University of Houston. Go Coogs! I am certified to teach ec-12th Art. I am originally from Mexico and studied most of my life in the US. I love foreign cultures and continuously explore them through art. My teaching career includes a private school, charter school, Cimarron Elementary, Griffin Elementary, and now KDE. I am one of the original teachers who opened Davidson Elementary. It is a true joy to celebrate it's tenth anniversary this school year. I am a practicing artist and muralist.You can see some of my murals in both Griffin Elementary and Davidson Elementary. I am married and have two children. I am looking forward to a great school year full of art adventures with my students!!!
Hi! My name is Kim Whitman, and I am eager to start my 25th year of teaching! I helped open Davidson Elementary and have served as one of the PE teachers as well as the Team Leader for Specials since we opened the doors to our first group of Dragons back in 2014! I was blessed to grow up in Katy ISD schools (K-12) as well as work in Katy ISD throughout my entire teaching career! I teach physical education, so I have the BEST job in the school! Each child I teach brings their own strengths, challenges, and interests, so my role is to teach with enthusiasm, empathy, and a commitment to their growth and well-being. My husband, Trevor, is also an elementary physical education teacher here in Katy ISD, and we have 2 beautiful children. Aubrey is a Sophomore at Tompkins and Parker is a 7th grader at Tays. We also have a spoiled Chiweenie dog named Darby. I look forward to a fun and successful year!