Lakenheath ES: Administrator Bios

During his 24 years in education, Mr. Ballesteros-Burkett has worked with children as a teacher’s aide, classroom teacher, elective’s specialist, and administrator. He was the Assistant Principal of Casey Elementary School until its closing in 2016. He was also the Assistant Principal at Daegu American School with additional duties as the Administrator of Charles Turner Joy Elementary School which closed in 2017. He was Principal of Stearley Heights Elementary School in Okinawa. He has taught elementary and middle school students in the United States, Japan, Germany, and South Korea.

An Ohio native, but an Arizona transplant, Mr. Ballesteros-Burkett earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University in English and Political Science with a secondary education license, a post-baccalaureate from the University of Akron in elementary education, and a Master’s degree from The Ohio State University in Policy and Leadership.

Mr. Ballesteros-Burkett and his spouse, who also works for DoDEA, have two children. Both of their sons, Jonas and Felix, attend DoDEA schools in the Lakenheath complex. In their free time, the Ballesteros-Burkett family enjoys traveling, movies, walking their pugs, biking, and spending time on the beach.

Mr. Ballesteros-Burkett is honored to work with the military community and to collaborate with the children, faculty, and parents in the important mission of educating, engaging, and empowering student to succeed.  Mr. Ballesteros-Burkett is excited to be a part of Lakenheath Elementary School, home of Rocky the Eagle.

Mrs. Quinata earned both a BA in Special Education and MEd in Administration and Supervision from the University of Guam. She began her career in Guam teaching language arts in the special education resource program, and later as the basic life skills teacher for students with profound disabilities. Mrs. Quinata joined the DoDEA family in 2016 when she began teaching at Sasebo Elementary School; there she supported military-connected children as a teacher for the Preschool Services for Children with Disabilities (PSCD) and Learning Impaired Mild to Moderate needs programs. 

Throughout her career she has been dedicated to promoting student personal and academic growth, and has taken part in district and school initiatives to implement Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). She was a National Junior Honor Society advisor, coach and coordinator for her school’s Special Olympics team, and has enjoyed sponsoring extracurricular enrichment activities for students, including Journalism Club and Book Club. In 2020 Mrs. Quinata was recognized as a Global Learning Fellow through the National Educators Association for her commitment to teaching globally competent students and promoting sustainability within communities. 

Mrs. Quinata values time spent with her children and her husband, Keon, who has served with the US Navy. As a parent to three military-connected children, she understands both the difficulties and rewards that come with military-connected life. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to support the faculty, staff, parents, and all community stakeholders at Lakenheath Elementary School, as we strive to Educate, Engage, and Empower military-connected students to succeed in a dynamic world.
 

Colleen E. English is one of two Assistant Principals at Lakenheath Elementary School at RAF Lakenheath.  Mrs. English’s degrees include a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership.

Mrs. English has been a teacher since 2003 and joined DoDEA in 2004 as a fourth-grade teacher at Bitburg Elementary School in Bitburg, Germany.  She then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and worked in inner-city schools for Clark County School District, teaching both third and fourth-grade classes.  Upon returning to Germany, she worked in multiple roles throughout Bitburg and Spangdahlem Elementary Schools including teaching Primary Center, Combination classes, and inclusive classrooms.  She has served as the Parent Teacher Student Association President and the Continuous School Improvement Chairperson in multiple school settings.  Mrs. English is the 2018 Europe West Teacher of the Year and works with Teacher Leaders and the Center for Instructional Leadership to create opportunities for improved teaching and learning for students through innovative ideas and action plans.  Mrs. English is excited to be part of the Lakenheath Eagles family!   

Mrs. English understands that educating military-connected children is a privilege and an honor; working closely with families to support student learning is an essential part of her philosophy of successful education.  Mrs. English is consistently in awe of the work of the United States Armed Forces and is grateful for the opportunity to create a positive, supportive, and engaging learning opportunity for all students!