The BHE Resource Team provides thoughtful, targeted academic support to students who benefit from additional assistance in core subject areas. Grounded in a commitment to inclusion and equity, our highly skilled Resource teachers partner closely with classroom teachers—most often through a push-in model—to deliver individualized and small-group instruction within the general education setting. By embedding support directly into classrooms, we reduce barriers to learning, honor diverse strengths and needs, and ensure all students have meaningful access to rigorous, grade-level curriculum while remaining fully engaged with their peers and school community.
Damian Esponda
Resource Teacher
damian.esponda@austinisd.org| 512-414-2013
Mr. Esponda has been a valued member of the Barton Hills Elementary community since 2015, serving in a variety of roles including substitute, student teacher, and staff member with Earth Kids. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas and has served as a resource teacher at BHE since 2019, supporting students and collaborating closely with teachers to help all learners succeed.
A proud native Austinite, Mr. Esponda enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends, and exploring the city he calls home. He is also a big fan of breakfast tacos and is always happy to talk about the best spots in Austin.
Kinley Janik
Resource Teacher
kinley.janik@austinisd.org| 512-414-2013
Ms. Janik is a third-generation public school teacher and is currently in her sixth year of teaching. She earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of North Texas and spent three years teaching special education in the DFW area before finding her way to Austin. Now in her third year at Barton Hills Elementary, Ms. Janik feels truly at home among the students, staff, and families. She has a deep, heartfelt passion for supporting individuals with learning differences and finds special joy in advocating for students with autism and other learning challenges. The close-knit community and strong parent involvement at BHE are what make the school feel like family to her.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Janik lives in North Austin with her partner and their beloved rescue pets—two dogs, Sadie and Dixie, and a cat named Birdy. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and baking, thrifting, attending concerts, and exploring new restaurants with friends and family.
Mary Onak
Resource Teacher
mary.onak@austinisd.org | 512-414-2013
Ms. Onak brings 15 years of teaching experience to her role, including 14 years at Barton Hills Elementary. A graduate of the University of Texas, she has deep roots in the BHE community and especially values its small, close-knit environment—made even more meaningful by the fact that her own children attended the school. Known for her thoughtful, compassionate approach to teaching, Ms. Onak’s calm and caring nature allows her to connect with students in meaningful ways, making her a wonderful fit for the role of resource teacher.
Ms. Onak has lived in Austin since 1978 and shares a blended family with her husband, including four adult children—three sons and one daughter. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, writing, drawing, hiking, reading history, watching sports, and solving math puzzles. She is also an avid Houston Astros fan.
Michael Maestri
Resource Teacher Assistant
michael.maestri@austinisd.org| 512-414-2013
Mr. Maestri has been a dedicated member of the Barton Hills Elementary staff for seven years. A graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Political Science, he is originally from Alabama and is grateful to the BHE community for welcoming him so warmly. As part of the Special Education Resource Department, Mr. Maestri finds great joy in working with both students and colleagues each day. Known for his positive energy and approachable style, he is a teacher who students genuinely enjoy learning from and connecting with.
Outside of school, Mr. Maestri enjoys running around Lady Bird Lake, traveling, and treating himself to JuiceLand smoothies. He is a devoted fan of University of Alabama athletics and never misses a chance to cheer on the Crimson Tide—Roll Tide! While he does not have children of his own, he considers the students of BHE to be his family and looks forward to a bright future at the school. Go Eagles!