2024-2025 Administration Team
(Front Row- L to R) Manuel Garcia, Carman Wissel, Gabriella Rodriguez, and Susan Thames
(Back Row- L to R) Ruben Sarinana, Tyson Williams, Michael Herbin, and Melinda Van Horn
Mr. Michael Herbin, Principal
Michael Herbin is the proud principal of Akins Early College High School. This is Mr. Herbin's 3rd year at Akins and 19th year in Austin ISD. He previously served as the principal of Bedichek Middle School for six years where his staff moved the campus from an overall TEA rating of a D to an overall TEA rating of a B (88) along with revalidation as an AVID National Demonstration School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Grinnell College and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Texas State University. He began his educational career as an Americorps volunteer in Denver, Colorado before moving to Austin. He has also served in AISD as a science teacher, coach, and department chair, and Administrative Supervisor in the Middle Schools office.
Mr. Herbin grew up in both Kansas and Montana, attended undergraduate college in Iowa, and has worked in Colorado and Texas. He and his wife Jennifer have two sons, Reid and Bryce. He loves to hike, fish, travel, and spend time with his family. Mr. Herbin's contact information is michael.herbin@austinisd.org; (512) 841-9900 ext. 59748
Dr. Manuel Garcia, Associate Principal (Early College High School Academy)
Manuel Garcia is the Academy Director/Associate Principal for Akins High School. Dr. Garcia attended St. Edward’s University and in 1995, he graduated with a degree in education (History & Political Science). In 2004, he received his Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and in March 2024, he successfully defended his dissertation research, "Teacher Retention at Title I High Schools: A Phenomenological Study of Teachers' Lived Experiences During & Post Pandemic" at St. Edward's University. Dr. Garcia began his teaching career in the Austin Independent School District in 1996 as a Spanish teacher. He has been a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. This is his 14th year at Akins High School. Dr. Garcia is passionate in helping students succeed, especially in the new Early College Programs (Real Estate & Tomorrow's Teachers) programs. Outside of Akins, Dr. Garcia likes to spend valuable time with his two beautiful children, an 18-year-old and a 16-year old. Hobbies include traveling and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Garcia’s contact information is manuel.garcia@austinisd.org; (512) 841-9900 ext. 28035.
Ms. Gabriella Rodriguez, Assistant Principal (Arts & Humanities Academy)
Gabriella Rodriguez, born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, moved to Texas to attend The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She recently returned to UT Austin to obtain her master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy as a graduate of the Texas Principal Leadership Program. Gabriella began her career as a 4th grade Math and Science teacher before moving to Paredes Middle School in Austin ISD. There, she served in various roles including math and science teacher, 6th Grade Team Lead, Teacher Mentor, Instructional Coach, Student Council Advisor, and founded the school's first Ballet Folklórico group. She then advanced into district-level leadership roles as a Secondary STEM Curriculum and Instructional Coach, School Improvement Coordinator, and the Administrative Supervisor of Secondary School Leadership. Now, Gabriella is the proud Assistant Principal of the Arts and Humanities (AHA) Academy here at Akins Early College High School, excited to return to her community as a part of the Eagles family! Ms. Rodriguez’s contact information: gabriella.rodriguez@austinisd.org (512) 841-9900 ext. 54302
Mr. Ruben Sarinana, Assistant Principal (Green Tech Academy)
Ruben Sarinana is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in communications. He recently obtained my master's in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. For the 2023-2024 school year, he became the Green Tech Assistant Principal. Previous to joining the administration team, he served as a Special Education Department Chair, Special Education teacher, and teacher mentor to first-year teachers. His past experience has been working with students covering modified curriculums such as U.S. History, Texas History, Economics, World History, Government, and Special Education Courses focused on social behavior skills. Mr. Sarinana can be contacted at ruben.sarinana@austinisd.org or at (512) 841-9900 ext. 51717.
Gavino Barrera, Assistant Principal (New Tech Academy)
Gavino Barrera is the Assistant Principal to New Tech Academy. He has 29 years of experience (22 years in Austin ISD) in education that includes teaching English at the secondary level. He also has been both an AP and principal in the secondary level as well. He is passionate about his work and community in AISD. When he is not working, he loves to spend time with his family and friends and cheering on his Dallas Cowboys! Le encanta la comunidad de Austin y quiere apoyar a todos los estudiantes de Akins. He can be reached at gavino.barrera@austinisd.org or you can reach him at (512) 841-9900 ext. 28078
Ms. Melinda Van Horn, Assistant Principal (ABLLE Academy)
Melinda Van Horn is the Assistant Principal for the ABLLE Academy. She began her teaching career at Akins in 2008 as a social studies teacher and has served as a school counselor and School Improvement Facilitator prior to becoming an administrator. Born in Yokosuka (NAS), Japan to military parents, Melinda grew up in Pensacola, Florida and later moved to Round Rock, Texas, where she graduated from Round Rock High School. Ms. Van Horn graduated with a BA in History from George Washington University and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas State University. Ms. Van Horn lives in Kyle with her husband Matt, two-year-old son Mason, and fourteen-year young puppy Millie. She loves everything Akins and bleeds blue and gold!
Melinda.Vanhorn@austinisd.org; (512) 841-9900 ext. 71187
Mr. Tyson Williams, Academic Dean/Assistant Principal (Social Services Academy)
Tyson Williams is the Academic Dean/Assistant Principal of the Social Services Academy. Previously, he has served as teacher and Academy Coordinator at Akins, an English teacher in New Mexico, and an Assistant Principal at Lockhart High School. This is his 16th year in education. Mr. Williams received his BA in English from The University of Texas-Austin and his Master of Education from Concordia University-Texas. In his free time Mr. Williams enjoys outdoor activities with his wife, son, and two dogs. He also loves to play music, read, and coach his son’s little league baseball team. Mr. Williams’ contact information: tyson.williams@austinisd.org (512) 841-9900 ext. 73237.
Ms. Carman DeLeon Wissel (STEM Academy)
Carman DeLeon-Wissel is the Assistant Principal for STEM Academy. This is her 8th year at Akins High School as an Administrator and her fifteenth year in education. Ms. DeLeon-Wissel is an AISD graduate and attended Texas State University where she received her BA in International Studies. She received her Master of Education degree from Concordia University, Austin. In her spare time Mrs. DeLeon-Wissel enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys traveling, attending music events, trying new restaurants, and reading. Ms. DeLeon-Wissel’s contact information: carman.deleon-wissel@austinisd.org ; (512) 841-9900 ext. 71243.