Meet Your Social Workers

Hello! I am Tina Fleet, Lead Social Worker for AISD Student and Family Support Services. It is a privilege to serve students, families and school personnel as we navigate the academic environment together.

I obtained my education from Abilene Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in Human and Professional Administration (2011) and a master’s degree in Social Work (2017). I worked 16 years in higher education serving students from diverse backgrounds, including students who are first-generation, economically disadvantaged and have learning or physical differences.

My passion is to help students achieve their personal best in all areas of life. I believe students can reach their greatest potential when we work together to identify individual strategies and resources to address barriers that impact social and academic outcomes.

As the Lead Social Worker, I serve students at Ward Elementary school. In conjunction with our social workers, we serve students at the middle and high schools based on the elementary feeder schools so that one social worker is coordinating services for siblings in the same family unit. I look forward to knowing you and your student.

Hi! I’m Alice DeLaGarza and I am excited to serve the students and families as a Social Worker for Abilene ISD. I graduated from McMurry University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology in 2009. I earned my master’s degree in Social Work from Abilene Christian University in 2014.

My passion is helping children heal after experiencing trauma. Before joining AISD, I was the Program Director for the STAR Program at New Horizons where we served children and families by providing counseling and skills training. I hope to continue to make a difference in the lives of children and their families by meeting them where they are and helping them to grow and overcome the obstacles they are facing.

I serve Taylor and Ortiz Elementary schools. As a program, we serve students at the middle and high schools based on the elementary feeder schools so that one social worker is coordinating services for siblings in the same family unit.

During my down time and to practice self-care, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and gardening. My husband and I enjoy traveling and camping with our children and friends.

My name is Diana Hall and I am excited to serve as a School Social Worker for AISD. I graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (2017) and the University of Texas at Arlington with a master’s degree in Social Work (2018). Before going to school, I served 20 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant from Dyess AFB in 2013.

My passion is curtailing the school-to-prison pipeline and promoting restorative education. I was fortunate enough to intern at the Jefferson Center Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, promoting restorative practices.

It is an honor to be part of a team that helps students realize their potential. This includes supporting parents, school staff, and community agencies who champion for the success of our students.

I serve Stafford, Purcell, and Bonham Elementary schools. As a program, we serve students at the middle and high schools based on the elementary feeder schools so that one social worker is coordinating services for siblings in the same family unit. I look forward to serving you and your family.

Hello! I am Sonja Bessent and I am excited to serve students and families as a School Social Worker for AISD. I have a bachelor’s degree in social work from Hardin-Simmons University and Masters in Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington.

I have lived in Abilene for 21 years and have four children who attend elementary, middle school and high school in AISD! I am a big fan and supporter of Abilene schools and am honored to have the opportunity to serve in AISD!

I have worked with children for many years and love getting to be a part of watching a child learn, grow and succeed! I believe that every child has hope, possibility and deserves a chance to experience the best education possible. I also love to work with families and help provide them with the tools they need to support and help their children succeed!

I serve Austin and Bowie Elementary schools. As a program, we serve students at the middle and high schools based on the elementary feeder schools so that one social worker is coordinating services for siblings in the same family unit.

I am looking forward to a great year with AISD!

Hello! My name is Bryn Stonehouse and I am excited to be serving students and families at Craig and Clack Middle Schools as a School Social Worker! I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from Abilene Christian University. After completing my education, I had the privilege of serving victims of violent crime in Abilene at Regional Victim Crisis Center for three years. However, with an entire family in the education system, it was only a matter of time before I ended up in the school setting. 

I am passionate about child and adolescent mental health, trauma-informed care, and fostering an inclusive environment for all students and families. Abilene ISD’s school social workers seek to partner with students and families to help improve social, emotional, and life adjustment in the school setting through advocacy and case management. 

 When I am not working, you may find me out running, playing with my dogs, grabbing coffee with friends, or dreaming of my next travel destination. 

I look forward to serving you and your family! 

Hi! My name is Demory Bonilla and I am excited to serve as a School Social Worker for AISD! I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Hardin-Simmons University in 2018 and a master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2019. I have spent 5 years doing child welfare and non-profit work.

I am passionate about creating environments for students that are inclusive and promote a sense of belonging. I believe that each student deserves to feel like school is a safe place to learn and grow.

I serve Madison Middle School and Martinez Elementary School. As a program, we serve students at the middle and high schools based on the elementary feeder schools so that one social worker is coordinating services for siblings in the same family unit.

When I am not working, you will find me watching T.V., spending time with family and friends, playing with my dog and cat, or planning my next travel adventure.

I look forward to knowing your family and your student!