Administration

Christopher Guastella, Principal

My name is Chris Guastella and I am very humbled and honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Ferris High School. I am excited to be part of the Ferris community. I look forward to listening to your ideas and vision for our school, learning from you about our community, and leading with you as we enter the 2023-2024 school year.

Like so many of you, I am a parent as well. My wife Jen and I will be married sixteen years in October. We have two wonderful kids, my son Rocco who is 12, and daughter Riley, who is 11. We are a big sports family and love Florida State University. My family truly blessed my life and joining the Ferris High School family makes my life much richer.

I come to you with over fifteen years of experience. I have been at High school principal, Junior High principal, math teacher, and coach. I also proudly served 5 years in the Air Force. I am thrilled to bring my skills as an education leader to Ferris High School and to work with you as a partner to ensure our students are successful and have a sense of belonging. We will focus on and meet the social and emotional needs of all our students to establish equitable learning opportunities.

Please contact me with any questions, concerns, and positive input that will provide our students with an outstanding learning environment. Go Yellow Jackets!

Matthew Sanchez, Assistant Principal (9th & 10th)

Hello Yellow Jacket families. My name is Matthew Sanchez, and I am excited to be part of the Ferris High School Admin team this upcoming school year. I come to you with 20 years of experience working with students with 9 of those years dedicated to being an educator. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Incarnate Word University in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in reading and special education. I have also graduated with my Master’s Degree from Lamar University in Educational Administration. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of teaching Special Education Math to a diverse range of students in the middle school classroom.

My wife (Yadi) and I have been married for nineteen years and we have three beautiful girls, Kayla (9), Kelsey (5), and Kaitlyn (3). Our family enjoys spending time with one another talking, watching movies, or playing games and attending church services on Sundays. We look forward to being part of the Ferris community.

My goal as an educator has been to positively impact the next generation of students by creating a safe learning environment, building strong relationships with students and their parents, and setting clear expectations in the classroom. I look forward to the success we will have in the 2023-2024 school year.

Kimberley O'Donnell, Assistant Principal (11th & 12th)

Hey, y’all! My name is Kimberley O’Donnell and I am incredibly excited to continue to serve the Ferris High School Community as one of their Assistant Principals. A little about me, I am a FHS Graduate (Class of 01’), I obtained my Master’s in Educational Leadership through SFA, and earned my Doctorate in Education through Baylor University. I have two daughters who both attend Ferris ISD and in my free time, I enjoy traveling and almost anything that involves music.

Over the past ten years, I have had the privilege of supporting a diverse group of students and teachers as both a classroom teacher and an instructional coach. I truly value building meaningful relationships with all stakeholders and am dedicated to improving the level of student learning on campus as well as leveraging the immense strengths of our teachers. By sharing effective and engaging practices in a collaborative environment, we can provide the best possible learning experience for all students to flourish.

Please know that while serving in my leadership role, I will let love, kindness, and compassion be my guide in providing a safe and positive learning environment that is inclusive and equitable for all students. I look forward to supporting students and teachers at Ferris High School throughout this year, and for many years to come!

Go Jackets!

Kyle Cottrell, Dean of Discipline/Attendance

Mr. Cottrell is beginning his 25th year in education, his 11th year here in Ferris.

He began his career as a High School Spanish teacher and coaching Golf, Cross Country, Track and Men's Soccer. During his time as a coach he was awarded Coach of The Year twice, and ended his career with over 100 wins.

Mr. Cottrell enjoys positively impacting student lives as well as creating an environment of success for educators.

He holds a master's degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University and a bachelor's degree in Spanish from the University of Texas at Arlington.

He and his wife, Julie, have been married 22 years. They have 2 children and 1 granddaughter. The Cottrell family enjoys hiking, farming and ranching, hunting and fishing, and enjoying family meals together.