School Leadership
- Donna Weirich, Head of School
- Colby Blackwell, Head of High
- Kawana McCloud, Head of Middle
- Beth Henrichs, Head of Elementary
- Nolbert Reyna, Dean of Admissions & College Readiness
- Millie Blackwell, Dean of Special Programs
Donna Weirich, Head of School
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.
Colby Blackwell, Head of High
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.
Kawana McCloud, Head of Middle
Prior to joining Gateway, she served as middle school administrator with eStem, a charter school system in Arkansas. Her career path includes classroom management at all levels of primary and secondary schooling, including coordinating RTI, 504, testing and family engagement. Ms. McCloud is a lifelong learner who has accepted her commitment in education as a calling on her life. She takes great pride in supporting fellow educators and contributing to reshaping the perception of the educational system in that it is the foundation of preparing students for life, work, and citizenship.
Ms. McCloud earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Education in Early Childhood Education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She went on to obtain her Integrated Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement and Educational Leadership (School Administrator, K-12) certification at Harding University, Searcy, AR. Ms. McCloud has two boys, Donavan and Gabe. When not spending time with her family, she enjoys decorating, traveling and karaoke.
Beth Henrichs, Head of Elementary
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.
Nolbert Reyna, Dean of Admissions & College Readiness
Nolbert Reyna joins Gateway College Prep full time this year as Dean of Admissions & College Readiness. Last year, Nolbert joined Orenda Education as the Director of Academic Programs, but he took on additional duties, providing much needed help on the Gateway campus. Prior to joining Orenda, he served as an assistant principal at Pflugerville ISD for seven years. He holds Texas certifications as a principal, counselor and Spanish teacher.
Completing a bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University, Nolbert went on to earn three master’s degrees, two from Texas A&M University – Commerce and one from Amberton University. Nolbert and his partner, Richard, have two French bulldogs, Tache and Gnocchi and a cat, Kheleesi. In his free time, Nolbert enjoys being a part of the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble and playing competitive volleyball.
Millie Blackwell, Dean of Special Programs
In the newly created position, Millie jointed Gateway in the Spring of 2024 and oversees special education, emergent bilingual education and student discipline. Most recently, 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.