Administrators
Melvin C. Echard Sr. - Interim Principal
Mr. Melvin C. Echard Sr. is serving as the Interim Principal of Canyon High School for the remainder of the school year. Mr. Echard brings with him more than 23 years of experience in school administration, having served as both a principal and assistant principal in Northeast ISD and Judson ISD.
Most recently, he served as the Senior Executive Director of Campus Leadership for San Antonio ISD, where he supported and guided school leaders across the district.
A proud parent of a Comal ISD graduate, Mr. Echard is deeply committed to students, families, and staff, and he is eager to join the Canyon High School community. He will work closely with the associate and assistant principals, teachers, and staff to ensure continuity, stability, and a positive learning experience for all Canyon students throughout the spring semester.
Shane Land - Associate Principal
I am a dedicated educational leader with a passion for servant leadership, academic excellence, and opportunities for personal growth. During my 11 years of work in educational administration, I have served as an instructional specialist in technology, an assistant principal, and I am currently serving as the Associate Principal here at Canyon High School. I hold an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University in College Station, a Masters of Education in Special Education from Texas State University in San Marcos, and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio. I was a teacher and coach for 10 years prior to entering educational administration where I taught special education, math, and United States History.
Teresa Mitchell - Assistant Principal (A-Dun)

Hello Cougar Family! I am currently in my 23rd year of education and I am coming to Comal ISD with a grateful heart to return to the district that influenced and laid the foundation for my educational journey. I have taught 19 years in grades 1st-12th for several public schools SAISD, NEISD, RFISD, LISD and Trinity Charter Schools and have served as a Master Teacher. I have 11 years of administrative experience serving as an Instructional Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, Programs Coordinator and Assistant Principal. I am certified as a Generalist 1st-8th, Reading Specialist, Special Ed ECE-12, English as a second language ECE-12th and Principal. I also have extensive training in Trauma Informed Care in Classrooms, Crisis prevention strategies, Positive Behavior Interventions, and Restorative Care. We have just recently moved to New Braunfels from the coastal area. I had the great privilege of being a part of a team that set up the first school for students rescued from human trafficking, abuse and neglect in the coastal area. I then had the pleasure of serving as an AP at Rockport Fulton High School/DAEP Administrator and an Assistant Principal in London ISD at London Middle School. I was raised between San Antonio, Canyon Lake and Montgomery Alabama by the greatest generation. I graduated from Churchill High School, got my undergraduate degree in Education as a Reading Specialist/Interdisciplinary Studies from Southwest Texas State University, and my master's in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. I have been married 20 years to my best friend, and we have 4 children and 1 granddaughter. I am beyond excited to be a part of Cougar Nation and to serve our beloved Canyon High School.
Kellie Schatte - Assistant Principal (Duo-Iff)
I am excited to serve at Canyon High School as an Assistant Principal and 504 Coordinator for 9th and 10th grade. I grew up in Bellville, Texas, and graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 2011. In 2014, I transitioned into education and have enjoyed every moment since. I have had the privilege of teaching math across multiple grade levels, ranging from 5th through 11th grade, and began my journey in Comal ISD at Canyon Lake High School in 2018. In 2021, I proudly joined the Cougar Nation as the Campus Instructional Coach for Math and Science. I earned my Master’s in Education from Lamar University in 2024 and stepped into administration in 2025. I am honored and grateful to continue serving this incredible campus and community, and I truly enjoy supporting teachers, students, and parents.
My husband, Garrett, is an Ag Science teacher at Canyon Lake High School. Together, we have a second grader, Kallaway, who attends Mountain Valley Elementary School. She is very much a “Daddy’s girl,” and you can often find her in the shop learning about welding and supervising projects. Our family also includes three large dogs—Lia, a Boxer mix; Doc, a German Shepherd; and Kai, a Great Dane. I cherish every moment spent with my family and am incredibly grateful for the love and support the Cougar Nation family has shown us over the years.
Kara Jenkins - Assistant Principal (Ig-Moss)

I was born and raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas. I started dancing at the age of 6 and spent countless hours setting my bedroom up like a classroom/studio. Education has always been in my heart, and dance has always been my outlet for expression. I served as the captain of my high school dance team and was in the International Baccalaureate Program at L. D. Bell High School then went on to be a Texas State University Strutter. At the conclusion of the 2013-2014 school year, after student teaching at Canyon Lake High School, I became the 2nd dance director at Canyon Lake High School where I served for the next 8 years. While directing, I decided to begin working on my master's degree in Educational Leadership through Lamar University. In 2022, I made the transition into administration and served as an Assistant Principal at Canyon Middle School for 2 years. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue serving students, staff, and the community on a grander scale. I believe in building valuable relationships, supporting staff and students, all while remembering that the school is a contributing factor to the heart and spirit of the community. I’m happily married to my best friend, Brandon Jenkins, who is also an educator/coach, and we recently welcomed our boy/girl twin babies- Jett and Olivia, and also have 3 precious dogs- Ryder, Oliver, and Shiner. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve as an Assistant Principal at Canyon High School and am very much looking forward to the upcoming year!
Veronica Montilla-Williams - Assistant Principal (Mot-Sca)

I’ve been in education for 16 years, and what I love most is getting to know my students as individuals and helping them thrive. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and hold two master’s degrees, one in Global Security Studies and Cybersecurity from the University of Texas at Pan American (UTPA) and one in Educational Leadership from Schreiner University. I began my teaching career in middle school and have been fortunate to work with all grade levels, PreK to 12. Since 2014, I have served in different roles as an administrator, including district data analyst, district curriculum coach, assistant principal, and school principal. I am happily married and have a 3-year-old son named Randy, along with three furry family members, Trixie, Logan, and Buttercup. I love spending time with my family at the beach, biking, or exploring parks and hiking trails. Family is incredibly important to me, and I treat my students the same way. Kindness is my motto, and I am thrilled to serve as Assistant Principal at Canyon High School.
Emily Coffey - Assistant Principal (Sch-Z)
Campus Behavior Coordinator

I am honored and excited to join the Administrative Team as an Assistant Principal and the Campus Behavior Coordinator. I was raised in Akron, Ohio, graduating from Green High School in 2009 and The University of Akron in 2013. My bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, with a concentration in Adolescent to Young Adult Integrated Language Arts, allowed me to teach English Language Arts for 11 years across all curriculum levels in grades 9-12. Because I am an active-duty military spouse, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore new opportunities to teach and lead in diverse communities across Ohio, Kansas, Washington, New Jersey, and Texas. Along the way, I earned my ESL Certification from Pacific Lutheran University and my master's degree in School Leadership through Wilmington University, both of which have further equipped me to support and empower students and educators alike. My husband, Jason, is a Senior Master Sergeant in the Air Force and serves as a Boom Operator. Together, we have a five-year-old son named Crew who keeps us on our toes with his energy and spunk! Our family also includes our two beloved pitbull mix rescues, Hunter and Remi. We are thrilled to plant roots in New Braunfels and be a part of the Canyon Family. I look forward to serving and collaborating with Canyon's dedicated faculty, staff, parents, and community members to cultivate a safe, supportive, and successful learning environment where every Cougar can thrive.