Four Mansfield ISD campuses will be welcoming new principals for the start of the 2021-22 school year.

Kyna Eastlick has been named the new principal of Mary Orr Intermediate School after the former principal, Duane Thurston, retired. She was previously the principal of Willie Brown Academy of Young Scholars.

Eastlick is in her 25th year of service to Texas public schools. Half of those years were dedicated to Mansfield ISD. She started in the district as an assistant principal at Della Icenhower Intermediate School and was named the principal of Willie Brown in 2011.

“I absolutely love our community, and I am honored to be able to move up with the kids who have attended Willie Brown and continue to serve as their principal,” she said. “I am excited for this new opportunity and look forward to meeting all of the school’s families and staff members.”

Eastlick earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Sam Houston State University and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Dr. Nastassia Neal is the new principal of Willie Brown Academy of Young Scholars. She is entering her 12th year of education and was most recently the associate principal for academics at a high school in a neighboring district.

Dr. Neal said she originally chose education because she wanted to coach basketball but later chose leadership because she wanted a chance to make a greater impact on student lives.

“My goal as a new principal is to continue the WBA legacy of maximizing each student's potential academically, socially and emotionally,” she added. “Although the leadership at WBA has changed, the task of partnering with families to provide the most incredible learning environment for our students is still the number one goal.”

The Fort Worth native received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Texas Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University and a doctorate degree in education from Texas Wesleyan University.

Dr. Ryan McCoy will be the new leader of Janet Brockett Elementary School. Dr. McCoy is a native of Fort Worth who served in education for the past 23 years. Eleven of those years were in administrative roles.

Dr. McCoy is returning to MISD after serving as an assistant principal at Asa E. Low, Jr. Intermediate School in 2008. He has since served in various roles in surrounding school districts and organizations. His most recent position was as an instructional associate for a higher education service provider.

“As principal, my goal is to provide leadership that promotes a caring and engaging educational program that ensures the educational and social-emotional growth of each individual student,” said Dr. McCoy. “I am excited to be a part of the Brockett family.”

The new principal is replacing Dr. Tamara Liddell, who accepted a central administrative role at another school district. Dr. McCoy obtained a bachelor’s degree in geography from The University of North Texas. He earned his master’s and doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Dr. Michelle Cummings has been named the new principal of Donna Shepard Leadership Academy. She is entering her 14th year in education and her eighth year in administration.

She most recently was an elementary school principal at a neighboring district. Dr. Cummings started her career as a kindergarten teacher. She said she moved into administration because she wanted to reach more students and assist them in reaching their dreams.

“I believe in dreaming big!” she explained. “I am honored to be the new principal of Donna Shepard and I can’t wait to meet and talk with everyone. I look forward to building a positive relationship of trust and communication.”

Dr. Cummings will be taking the place of Matthew Brown, who is now the principal of Summit High School. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from The University of Central Florida. She holds a doctorate in instructional leadership with a minor in urban education from Nova Southeastern University.