3rd Grade

Get ready for the best year ever! I'm Melissa Gonzales and I absolutely love being a teacher! This is my 14th year of teaching and my 9th teaching third grade! I graduated from St. Mary's University in 2013 and was awarded First Year Educator of the Year in 2014. My husband Zeke and I have 3 children: Stella (9), Zeke IV (6), and Helena (4). I come from a family of educators and truly believe that I have the best job in the world because I get to spend my days with the coolest little people! We're going to learn so much this year—and have a whole lot of fun along the way! 

Hi friends! My name is Diandra Ruiz, and I am so excited to welcome you to 3rd grade. This school year marks my 9th year of teaching. I graduated from UTSA and I am a proud product of NISD! When I’m not in the classroom, you can usually find me enjoying my favorite iced coffee, cheering on my favorite sports teams with family, or in the kitchen baking delicious custom cookies. I can't wait to make this year one your child will always remember. Together, we’ll work hard, celebrate our successes, learn from our mistakes, and make amazing memories along the way!

Hello Stampede! I’m excited to be part of the third grade team for the 10th year. I have a passion for creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow both academically and personally. My goal is to help every child build confidence, develop a love of learning, and discover their unique strengths.

When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children, decorating and designing spaces, exploring new coffee shops, and making memories through travel and family adventures. Let’s have a successful year!! 

-Mrs. Kiolbassa 

This is my 14th year teaching in Northside ISD and my 5th year here at Kallison. I taught 5th grade for 9 years, and this is my 5th year in 3rd grade! Third grade is where I began my teaching career, and I am so excited to be back with this amazing age group! I was born and raised right here in San Antonio and am a proud product of Northside ISD myself, attending Leon Springs Elementary, Stinson Middle School, and graduating from O'Connor High School. I graduated from Texas A&M University, College Station in 2013. I am a new mom to a daughter named Logan, who was born in June! I love hiking, reading, watching college football, listening to live music, and dressing up our Class Goose- Gerald! Teaching is my passion, and I love creating engaging, exciting, and memorable experiences for my students!

Hello! My name is Sara Perrenoud and I’m SO excited to welcome you to 3rd Grade! I am entering my 7th year of teaching and there is no place I’d rather be than here at Kallison. I’ve been married to my husband Evan for 19 years and we have two wonderful children, Parker (13) and Piper (11). They both keep us very busy with baseball and competitive dance almost everyday of the week. When we aren’t traveling to and from sports, I enjoy trying out new restaurants and spending quality time with family and friends.

Hello! My name is Susana Alvarez, and I am delighted to be a part of our school community and the 3rd grade team.  I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 20 years, and we have two sons: Diego, who is starting his first year of college, and Daniel, who is starting high school this year. This will be my 17th year teaching, and I've spent my entire career dedicated to teaching 3rd and 4th graders.  I am passionate about helping students transition into more independent learners and critical thinkers. I look forward to a fantastic year of learning and growth!

Hello families, my name is Jillian Thorn! I am so proud to begin my 13th year as an educator and to be part of the third grade team at Kallison Elementary! I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Masters of Arts in Early Childhood Education both from the University of Florida. Go Gators! My academic journey has been guided by a commitment to providing high quality education that sparks curiosity and encourages a love for learning. In our fourth grade classroom, we believe in the joy of discovery through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, collaboration, and open communication. My teaching philosophy revolves around fostering a growth mindset, where every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. I aim to create a classroom environment that is not just a space for education, but a community where each student feels valued and empowered. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family and friends, travel, and exercise.