Shellie Ross
Executive Director
Shellie joined the staff of Wesley-Rankin Community Center in 2010. Prior to serving as Executive Director, Shellie held the positions of Director of Children’s Education and Senior Director of Education. She holds a Bachelor of English from The University of Mississippi and a Master of Divinity from Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology. While at Perkins, Shellie received the B'nai B'rith Award in Social Ethics. Shellie has experience in youth ministry and has taught with the Missional Wisdom Foundation. In addition, she is a member of the Leadership ISD Class of 2017 and a current participant in Texas Methodist Foundation’s Courageous Leadership Imperative.
Tina Mendez
Office Manager
Tina Mendez joined the staff of Wesley-Rankin in 2017. Tina has experience in office management, business operations and has served as a bilingual educator in DISD schools. She holds several certificates, one of which is a Community Health Worker certification. Tina has a heart for learning and educating others.
George Tello
Facilities Manager
George joined the Wesley-Rankin team in 2016. George wears many hats at the Center, from driving the seniors to installing ceiling tiles. He finds great joy in building relationships with those who gather here. If you ever need a smile, a conversation about the Dallas Cowboys or to be immersed in kindness, George is your contact.
Natalie Breen
Director of Educational Innovation
Natalie is a dedicated nonprofit professional and has worked with the West Dallas community since 2013 when she joined the WRCC staff as an AmeriCorps member. She is extremely passionate about bridging gaps in education and mental health access, as well as continuous improvement processes. Natalie holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of San Diego and is currently completing her Master’s of Social Work (MSW) through Columbia University, completing her clinical internship via mental health therapy with Wesley-Rankin students. Natalie is a Certified Academic Language Practictioner (CALP) who works directly with students who have diagnosed/suspected dyslexia and other learning differences through the Wesley-Rankin Scholars program. As a Certified Instructor of Academic Language Practitioners (ICALP), she also serves as an instructor of dyslexia therapists in training and contributes to professional development opportunities for educators. Personally, Natalie enjoys live music, photography, and spending time with her two dogs.
Jackie Arellano
Director of Children’s and Youth Education
Jackie was born in Dallas and was raised in Royse City, Texas. Growing up she attended afterschool and summer programs which heavily influenced her to work and serve students while in high school and in college. She went on and received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University. Since graduating in 2013, she has worked for independent school districts in the aspects of teaching, mentoring and afterschool coordinating. She is excited to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the West Dallas community and the staff at Wesley-Rankin.
Rachel Kramer
Youth Education Manager
Rachel has been serving in West Dallas through volunteer efforts and other non-profit roles since 2011. She loves this community and the many friends here who have shaped and changed her life for the better. A Wisconsin native, she graduated from Wheaton College (IL) with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Spanish. After more than a decade of youth ministry experience, she is excited to join the team at Wesley-Rankin and the local community leaders to help create opportunities for thriving.
Julia Henry
Literacy Program Manager
Julia was born and raised in Dallas and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Southwestern University. At Wesley-Rankin, Julia loves being able to combine her passions for science and literacy through the Scholars program! Julia is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) and is in the process of earning certification as an Instructor of Certified Academic Language Practitioners (ICALP). She is passionate about building relationships, working with, and learning from diverse communities. She is thrilled to be serving the West Dallas community alongside Wesley-Rankin.
Ale Lopez
Literacy Program Coordinator
Ale grew up in West Dallas and Wesley-Rankin's programming. Wesley-Rankin has proved to have a big impact on her life, as she has been part of this particular community through Head Start, summer programs, Wesley-Rankin Teen Board, served through AmeriCorps, and joined WRCC staff in 2020. Ale has also been dedicated to serving West Dallas through volunteer work with kids at Our Lady of San Juan de Los Lagos - Santa Teresita Catholic Church, Trinity River Mission, and Wesley-Rankin which has driven her to help youth across West Dallas through the power of education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Hispanic Studies from Earlham College (IN). Ale had the chance to study abroad in Granada, Spain, and brings what she learned: her passion for the intersectionality of language, culture, identity, and community to Wesley-Rankin.
Ixchel Perez
Program and Data Coordinator
Born in Mexico, Ixchel is a Dreamer and strong advocate for immigrants’ rights. Ixchel has strengths in bilingual administration and hospitality and has a passion for education. The community of Wesley-Rankin reminds Ixchel of her own neighborhood and upbringing and to serve on our campus, offers her a sense of giving back. Whether Ixchel is translating or leading students in a reading lesson, she finds Wesley-Rankin as a place of home and loves being a part of the team.
Elizabeth Alfaro
Adult Education Manager
Elizabeth joined the staff of Wesley-Rankin in January 2018. Having knowledge of the nutrition needs for senior adults and the creative skills to meet those needs, Elizabeth’s first role on our staff team was leading the Casa Feliz program. After serving five years as the Senior Education Manager, she accepted a new position as the Adult Education Manager, leading parent and adult courses at the Center. Elizabeth has a vibrant spirit, creating spaces that are fun, creative and welcoming! She is a former member of the Leadership Council at Wesley-Rankin.
Maria Rincon
Senior Nutrition Coordinator
Maria was born in Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. at 16 years of age. Since then, she has been a longtime resident of West Dallas. She is a former student of W. H. Adamson High School and now enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. In 2014, Maria was a member of the Wesley-Rankin Leadership Council, learning specifically about school advocacy, and her children have attended Wesley-Rankin since 2005, participating in Head Start, Afterschool and summer camp programs. In addition, she volunteered with the senior program and served as a substitute van driver before joining the staff. According to Maria, “Wesley-Rankin has been of tremendous impact not only for my family but for my personal development as well.”
Ede Soto
Senior Education Coordinator
Ede was born in the border town of Reynosa, MX and comes to Wesley-Rankin with banking and education experience, spending time in a high school designed for working adults. Ede also served as an X-ray technician, performing mammograms at her husband’s oncology medical practice. Her most recent career experience is in the nutrition department at Booker T. Washington High School. Ede loves art, especially creating crafts and designs! Her caring personality and ability to bring joy to others is the perfect combination to lead Wesley-Rankin’s Casa Feliz program.
Becky Stegmann
Volunteer and Advancement Coordinator
Becky served as an Afterschool volunteer after moving to Dallas in February 2020. Her experiences as a volunteer in the pandemic cultivated a passion for fostering community and relationships between Wesley-Rankin’s volunteers and the West Dallas community. Becky has a double major in Spanish and Philosophy and Religion from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology.
Photography by Linda Winski.
