Staff Directory

Dr. Katie Navickas brings deep roots in Central Texas and over two decades of educational leadership to her new role as Assistant Principal at Highland Park High School. She began her career teaching middle and high school reading and writing. During her 20 years in Hutto ISD, she worked as a teacher, instructional specialist, and assistant principal. She continued her leadership journey in Austin ISD, serving as Assistant Principal for three years before joining HPHS.

Dr. Navickas earned her BA and Master's degree from Texas State University and, in August 2025, completed her Doctorate in K–12 Educational Leadership. She is honored and excited to begin her work at Highland Park High School, where she is committed to supporting a safe, inclusive, and academically vibrant environment for all students.

She deeply resonates with the Highland Park High School mission to “provide an environment which will enable students to develop… visionary individuals who strive toward excellence with a sense of global and technological awareness and who will go forth to serve the community and world as responsible citizens,” and the school’s guiding motto: “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.” 

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Navickas is the proud aunt of eight nieces and nephews. She cherishes her role as “Auntie,” approaching it with as much care, dedication, and enthusiasm as she brings to her work in education.

Mr. Ortiz graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.  While at the University of Texas at Austin he also participated in the UTeach Program, a nationally recognized teacher preparation program, and earned a minor in Education.  He earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas. 

Mr. Ortiz has been in education since 2007.  He has taught in Richardson ISD, Frisco ISD, and McKinney ISD in the roles of Chemistry, Pre-AP Chemistry, and AP Chemistry.  He began his career in educational administration in 2013 as an Assistant Principal in McKinney ISD.  Prior to joining the Highland Park High School family, he spent four years as the Middle School and High School Principal of Colegio Jorge Washington in Cartagena, one of the premier American International Private Schools in Colombia.

“I am happy to have the opportunity to join and serve the Highland Park community.  Throughout my time in education, I have found it rewarding to work together with parents and teachers in order to help young people grow and achieve their potential.  I consider it an honor to be able to add my contribution to the legacy of Highland Park High School.”

Mr. Ortiz is joined in the community by his wife, Aime, and his four children. 

Dr. Redman, a member of the Highland Park High School staff since 2012, has previously served as a science teacher and as an administrator in both Frisco ISD and Richardson ISD.

Originally from South Louisiana, where most of her family still resides, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1999, as well as a master's degree in Education Administration in 2004, superintendent certification in 2009, and doctorate in Educational Administration in 2018, all from Texas A & M - Commerce.

Dr. Redman says, "I am honored to serve the staff, students and families within this community and I hope to be able to support the excellent instruction that takes place here."

She lives in Richardson with her husband, Matt, also in public education, and her three stepsons.

Shumate comes to Highland Park High School from Arkansas, where she was the assistant principal/dean of students at Belle Point Center: A New Tech Academy since 2015. A native Texan, born in Dallas, Shumate began her educational career in Midland ISD where she served in the roles of collegiate coach for the district, assistant principal and English department chair and teacher at Midland Freshman High School. 

Shumate has an associate of arts in liberal arts from Midland College and a bachelor of arts in English literature as well as a master's in educational leadership from the University of Texas-Permian Basin. She is excited to join the majority of her family here in the Metroplex.