Tim Jacobson
(512) 268-8512 ext. 44302
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Originally from the rugged landscapes of Alaska, Tim Jacobson brings over 32 years of dedicated service to public education. Throughout his career, he has served in schools across Alaska, Oregon, and Texas, taking on a variety of roles as a Social Studies, English, and Career & Technical Education (CTE) teacher, coach, and administrator. His work has always been guided by a deep commitment to student success and community engagement.

Tim earned his undergraduate degree from George Fox College in Newberg, Oregon, and later completed his Master’s in Educational Administration at The University of Montana in Missoula. His leadership journey has taken him to all three high schools in Hays CISD, providing him with a well-rounded and insightful perspective on the students, staff, and culture that define the district.

Currently serving the Johnson High School community, Tim is passionate about fostering a supportive, inclusive, and high-achieving educational environment. He is committed to ensuring that every student is seen, supported, and prepared for life beyond the classroom.

Outside of education, Tim finds joy in his faith, his family, and the outdoors—particularly hunting and fishing. He also enjoys spending time in the garage, where he pursues his passion for working on cars, boats, and motorcycles.

Gabriel Reyes
(512) 268-8512 ext. 44364
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Gabe Reyes brings over 20 years of experience in education. Throughout his career, he has started as an elementary school teacher.  Later he became an assistant principal and associate principal at McCallum High School in Austin ISD, where he dedicated 15 years. While at McCallum HS, he also was the Director for their Fine Arts Academy. Prior to joining Hays CISD, Mr. Reyes served as the Director of Enrollment Services for Austin ISD.

Mr. Reyes is excited to join the Johnson High School administrative team. He brings a passion for working with students and teachers, fostering a strong academic culture, and helping students prepare for life after high school.

Outside of school, Mr. Reyes enjoys spending time with his family, birdwatching, and woodworking. He is also an avid fan of the Texas Longhorns and the Boston Red Sox. His wife and younger daughter are also teachers (and actually teach at the same school). He has a another daughter that is a clinical social worker and a son that is still in college.  

Assistant Principal
(512) 268-8512 ext. 44368
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Mrs. Christine Velasquez is proud to serve the Moe and Gene Johnson community for the 2025–2026 school year. This is her second year as Assistant Principal at Johnson High School and her 29th year in education.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Velasquez has served students in both Austin ISD and Hays CISD, including William B. Travis High School, Charles Akins High School, Hays High School, and Lehman High School. She has a strong background in teaching social studies and has been deeply committed to supporting Newcomer Emergent Bilingual students and programs.

Mrs. Velasquez is a native Austinite and proud graduate of Austin ISD schools. Mrs. Velasquez has lived in the Buda area for over 12 years and brings a deep understanding of the community she serves. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children—one of whom graduated from JHS in 2024, and another who will begin as a freshman this year.

Mrs. Velasquez is passionate about continuing to build a supportive and inclusive culture for both staff and students. She looks forward to partnering with parents to create a collaborative environment that supports every student’s success.

Jamie Thill
(512) 268-8512 ext. 44365
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Jamie Thill has devoted over a decade to serving students and educators. A proud graduate of Hays High School, Ms. Thill is excited to return to the community where her educational journey began. Ms. Thill is currently serving as an Assistant Principal at Johnson High School. She brings years of leadership experience from her previous role as Assistant Principal at Gorzycki Middle School in Austin, TX. In addition, Ms. Thill spent several years as Head Dance and Drill Team Director at both Stony Point High School and Cedar Creek High School, where she developed innovative curricula, built competitive dance teams, and led six teams to championship titles.

Throughout her career, Ms. Thill has been committed to creating environments that empower students and staff to achieve their full potential. She is passionate about professional development, student-centered instruction, and driving continuous improvement. She looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of the Johnson High School Jaguar community.

When she’s not at work, Ms. Thill enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cheering on the Texas Longhorns and traveling.

Michael Haase
(512) 268-8512 ext. 44363
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With 26 years in education and 17 years in administration, I am honored to serve as the Lead Assistant Principal at Johnson High School. My journey in education has been shaped by a passion for student success, leadership development, and fostering a positive school culture.

Before stepping into administration, I taught World Geography, World History and 8th Grade US History. I also coached football and basketball at both the high school and middle school levels, where I developed a deep appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and mentorship—values I continue to uphold in my leadership role.

Born and raised in Dallas, I am a proud and devoted fan of Dallas sports. I attended Texas State University (SWT at the time) and did my student teaching at Hays High School.  In my free time, I enjoy traveling, attending games, and hiking through the beautiful Texas Hill Country. I am thrilled to be a part of the Jaguar family and look forward to working with our students, staff, and community to make Johnson High School the best it can be.

Go Jags!

Carisa Bearden
(512) 268-8512 ext. 44436
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I’m proud to serve as an assistant principal at Johnson High School. As both an educator and a parent, this school and community mean a lot to me. I’ve got two amazing kids—an 8-year-old and a 2-year-old. Being part of this community, both professionally and personally, makes the work I do here even more meaningful.

I served as an Assistant Principal at Del Valle High School, where I focused on supporting academic growth and helping students reach their full potential. After that, I was an assistant principal at Lehman High School in Kyle, where I worked closely with both students and staff to strengthen academic programs and enhance student support services.

I earned my degree from Texas State University, where I built a strong foundation in educational leadership and instructional strategies. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to creating inclusive learning environments and keeping student engagement at the heart of everything I do.

Now at Johnson High School, I’m excited to keep that momentum going. I’m passionate about working alongside our amazing staff, students, and families to build a positive, supportive, and dynamic school culture where everyone can thrive.

Kathy Avila
(512) 268-8512 ext. 44333
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Kathy Avila brings over 20 years of experience in education, with the majority of her career spent serving the students and families of Hays CISD. She has held diverse roles across elementary, middle, and high school settings, beginning her journey as a classroom teacher before transitioning into administration. Her experience also includes serving as an inclusion instructional coach, supporting students and teachers in creating inclusive and effective learning environments.

Mrs. Avila holds a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University and a master's degree from Concordia University. She is a proud parent—her daughter graduated from Hays High School in 2021 and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in May 2025. Her husband is also an educator and coach, and together they share a passion for supporting young people both in and out of the classroom.

Outside of work, Mrs. Avila enjoys spending quality time with her family, cheering on the Texas Longhorns, and playing with her three dogs. She is proud to be a part of Jag Nation and is dedicated to helping students pave their paths to success.