Drew Nichols
Principal
512-414-8600
Greetings Garza Community! My name is Drew Nichols and I am the proud principal of Gonzalo Garza Independence High School. I grew up in Austin and I am a product of Austin ISD like so many of the wonderful leaders in our district. I was born in Wichita, Kansas but got to Texas as quickly as I could! From summer golf camps at Hancock to swimming at Barton Springs and boating on Lake Travis, I have always loved living in Austin. Butler Pitch and Putt is probably my favorite place in the city and is usually followed by a trip to Black's BBQ down the street. After completing High School as an AISD graduate, I attended Trinity University where I played football and studied economics. After an injury ended my playing career, I transferred to Texas State University (eat 'em up cats!) and finished my undergraduate degree studying History and Special Education as I had found my calling to public education. I later returned to school at the University of North Texas to complete my master's degree in educational leadership. Last year I became a Dad for the first time which has completely changed my life in unbelievable ways.
I began my career in education coaching a variety of sports and teaching special education right here in Austin. After 18 years in public education, I have found a home at Garza with the wonderful staff and students that make up our unique community. Garza is truly a special place to be! While I have had many stops throughout my time in Austin ISD, my passion is working individually with students who have experienced adversity in their lives and helping them overcome and prevail. The Spirit of Garza is reaching out for help with one hand, and then in turn, reaching out with the other to offer assistance through the lessons learned. It is truly special to watch our Garza students live the embodiment of this motto and the reason why Garza is home for so many of us.
I genuinely look forward to getting to know each and every student who attends Garza. From the interview process to graduation, the student experience at Garza is the most important to our staff and we work to ensure students are given as many opportunities as necessary to achieve success. Whether you are a current Garza Community member or a potential future member, I look forward to getting to know you and taking this journey together. Please be encouraged to reach out to us at Garza if you need anything and have a wonderful school year!
Katy Eyberg
Assistant Principal
katherine.eyberg@austinisd.org
512-414-8600 ext. 72422
| Hi! I grew up in El Paso, Texas, and first moved to Austin to go to college at the University of Texas, where I earned my teaching certificate and Bachelor of Arts in English. I taught at the middle and high school levels for eight years, including two years in Thailand, before moving into administration. I'm a proud alumna of the Texas Principal Leadership Academy at the University of Texas, where I earned my Master of Education. I'm deeply honored and grateful to serve the students, teachers, and community of Garza Independence High School. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, cycling, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with my cat, Bob Dylan. |