School Leadership

Donna Weirich proudly joined Gateway College Prep in 2022 from Lampasas ISD.  She has more than 20 years of educational experience, including 15 years as an administrator serving in a principal or an assistant principal role at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Mrs. Weirich has a passion for witnessing the growth, development, and achievement of students from their early foundational years through graduation and beyond.

She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Academic Studies from Sam Houston State University, followed by a Master’s of Education from Wayland Baptist University.

 When she’s not working, Mrs. Weirich loves to spend time with her husband, Dwayne, and their daughters. As a family, they enjoy outdoor activities, traveling, playing sports or other games, and watching movies. Donna loves volleyball and is also an avid runner; over the years, she’s completed a full and countless half marathons, triathlons, and many other competitive races.

Prior to joining Gateway, Colby Blackwell served as assistant principal at La Vega ISD, where he managed student discipline and was the TELPAS coordinator. Colby previously served as principal with Malone ISD, and he has held assistant principal roles in Hillsboro and Copperas Cove.

Mr. Blackwell earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Abilene Christian University.  He and his wife, Millie, have a son, Gabriel and a daughter, Hallie.  When he is not helping show calves with his children, Colby enjoys golf and fishing. 

Millie jointed Gateway in the Spring of 2024 as Dean of Special Programs and oversaw special education, emergent bilingual education and student discipline. She become Head of Middle School in March 2025.  Prior to joining Gateway, she has serviced as a Life Skills Teacher with Abbott ISD. For the past decade, she has served various teaching and leadership roles throughout Central Texas schools.

Millie earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and Master’s degree in Special Education from Tarleton State University.  She also holds a principal certification through the University of North Texas.  Millie and her husband, Colby, have a son, Gabriel and a daughter, Hallie.  When she is not caring for animals on the family farm, Millie enjoys shopping and the outdoors.

Prior to joining Gateway, she served as coordinator of special programs with Lockhart ISD. She began her education career in the classroom with first, fourth and fifth grades. Mrs. Henrichs also has 11 years of principal experience. She believes the ultimate goal of school leadership is to create a growth mindset with students and staff to improve outcomes for all.
 

Mrs. Henrichs earned her Bachelors of Science from Southwest Texas State University, graduating summa cum laude, and a Master of Education Administration from Texas State. Mrs. Henrichs has four adult daughters and six beautiful grandchildren. When not spending time with her family, she enjoys raising longhorn cattle and salt-water fishing.