Welcoming New Lower School Faculty for the 2026–27 School Year
August 11, 2026
As another exciting school year begins, the Lower School is preparing to welcome students back with a team of dedicated educators ready to inspire, encourage, and care for our youngest Eagles each day.
"This year is no exception," says Greene Family Head of Lower School Tracey Shirey. "We're thrilled to welcome new faculty members whose fresh perspectives, energy, and expertise will strengthen our Lower School community while building on the exceptional work of our outstanding faculty."
Each year, new faculty members bring fresh perspectives, valuable experience, and a shared commitment to nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in our youngest Eagles. This year is no exception. From experienced classroom teachers to a beloved long-term substitute officially joining our faculty, each educator adds unique talents that will enrich the Lower School experience.
Several transitions also make way for these new additions. Former Primer Instructional Assistant Annie Walker has joined the Admission team, where her experiences as both an ESD alumna and educator will continue to benefit our community. Longtime music teacher Melissa Taylor has transitioned to Middle School, where she will focus on teaching choir, while other faculty members have begun exciting new chapters beyond the Lower School.
We invite you to get to know the newest members of our Lower School faculty and join us in welcoming them to the Nest.
Ms. Taylor Benson will be working with Ms. Campbell in the Primer classroom. Former Primer Instructional Assistant, Annie Walker, is moving over to the Admission team, where she’ll provide amazing insight as an alum and teacher. Meanwhile, Taylor is moving “back home” after her time in the Houston area. Taylor is no stranger to independent schools. A native of Fort Worth and graduate of Trinity Valley, she understands the value of an independent school education and can’t wait to contribute to our Primer program. In her spare time, Taylor enjoys needlepointing, golf, and spending time with her family. Speaking of family, Taylor just added to hers with a recent adoption of Wallace, a puppy from the Humane Society.
Mrs. Kelsea Hadrick is officially taking on the role of early childhood science teacher after spending the second semester in this role as the long-term substitute. She is very excited to become an official member of the Content Area Specialist Teachers (CAST) team. Kelsea is a dynamic teacher that loves exploring, creating, questioning and cultivating experience for young learners. At any given time, you can find her in the garden, cooking with all grades in Lower School and/or building ice castles to see how long they will take to melt! Children enter her classroom and say, “What do we GET to do today?” When not spending time with her three kiddos and husband (Coach Hadrick), Kelsea enjoys reading and a good cup of coffee. Ms. Daisy French is over the moon to be joining our first-grade team. A calm, warm personality with creative energy, Daisy loves teaching all ages in the Lower School years and can’t wait to return to her independent school roots (proud graduate of Longview’s Trinity School of Texas). Daisy embraces innovative teaching methods to best meet the diverse needs of her students. When she’s not busy cheering on her Razorbacks, Daisy enjoys interior design and spending time with her pup, Hunter.
Ms. Brooks Estrada is thrilled to be joining our second-grade team. Ms. Estrada is joining us after 10 amazing years at Cottonwood Creek in Coppell, where she was the first-grade team leader and served on numerous campus committees, from Gifted and Talented to the Professional Development team. Dedicated to knowing her students and capitalizing on those relationships, Ms. Estrada is passionate about teaching students how to think critically and innovatively, regardless of subject matter. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Estrada enjoys traveling, board games, and hanging with her dachshund, Penny.
Ms. Mallory Adams is joining our ESD Elementary CAST crew as our new music teacher. Ms. Taylor is moving to our Middle School, where she’ll focus on teaching choir. Ms. Adams is thrilled to join ESD and comes with extensive experience in both elementary schools and church music programs. When Ms. Adams taught her lesson for us this summer, student feedback said it all: She makes music fun. We got to move around a lot and learn new things. I really liked how she got to know us and how she smiled a lot. Ms. Adams holds a master’s degree from The University of Mississippi and an undergraduate degree from The University of Oklahoma. Mallory is a seasoned traveler with favorite visits including Croatia and New Zealand.
