Anne Bristol, with more than 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator, has been named head of school of Monarch Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland, a school for students with special needs next to the unique theme park in San Antonio.
“Anne brings a wide range of experience to her new position,” said Gordon Hartman, founder of The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation and driving force behind initiatives benefitting the special-needs community such as the theme park and school. “She spent 10 years as head of school at Providence Catholic School in San Antonio before coming to Morgan’s Wonderland as director of development and marketing. She has a proven track record of success in academics, student life, fundraising, marketing and student recruitment.”
Bristol said Monarch Academy prepares students with special needs ranging in age from 11 to 24 to become productive adults.
“We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to be prepared for life,” she said, “so we empower each student to achieve his or her own personal best. We focus our attention on getting each student ready for independence and employment through reading and math instruction as well as social and life skills and vocational readiness.”
Founded in 2011, Monarch Academy emphasizes a safe teaching environment, holistic focus on the individual, low student-teacher ratio and structured physical education program, she added. Further information is available at www.MonarchAcademy.net.
Born in Dallas, Bristol attended Ursuline Academy in Dallas and earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. She did additional post graduate work at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. She taught in the Dallas County Community College District as well as at St. Luke’s School in Irving and Ursuline Academy in Dallas before coming to Providence Catholic School in San Antonio and Morgan’s Wonderland.
Bristol has earned numerous honors including the 2008 Archdiocese of San Antonio’s Outstanding Leader in Catholic Education Award, the 2004 Yellow Rose of Texas Education Award, the 1997 Diocese of Dallas’ Secondary Teacher of the Year Award and the 1996 Ursuline Academy Teacher of the Year Award.
Bristol and her husband, Lew Campbell, live in Universal City. Their blended family consists of five adult children and 11 grandchildren. In her leisure time, Bristol enjoys reading, working in her garden and attending theater events.
Monarch Academy, located next to Morgan’s Wonderland at 5235 David Edwards Drive in Northeast San Antonio just off IH 35, is one of many initiatives of The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation to help those with special needs. Morgan’s Wonderland, which is completely wheelchair-accessible, features more than 25 elements and attractions including rides, playgrounds and gardens.
The STAR (South Texas Area Regional) Soccer Complex and the San Antonio Scorpions FC pro soccer team also were created through the vision and leadership of The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation. Net profits from STAR Soccer and the Scorpions help Morgan’s Wonderland meet its operating expenses as well as expand programs and services for the special-needs community.
