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Meet the Team

Meet Your Human Resources Team

Our Human Resources team supports current employees and prospective employees throughout their experience with Liberty Hill ISD. Find the team member who can best assist you below.

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Rebecca Owen

Rebecca Owen

Executive Director of Human Resources

Areas of Support

  • Human Resources Leadership and Strategy
  • HR Policy and Compliance
  • District Leadership Support

Rebecca has more than 20 years of experience in public education, including 10 years as a classroom teacher and experience in campus and district administration. She joined Liberty Hill ISD in May 2023. Her background in both the classroom and administration has shaped her approach to Human Resources, where she values relationships, responsive support, and creating a positive experience for employees.

Rebecca has been married to her high school sweetheart for more than 30 years, and they have two daughters. Their family welcomed a grandson in 2025 and is excited to welcome a granddaughter in fall 2026. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and Jaxon, their dog, and she and her husband are looking forward to adding a few animals and a garden to their land.

Tanya Lambert

Tanya Lambert

Director of Staffing

Areas of Support

  • Campus and Department Staffing
  • Compensation

The 2026–2027 school year marks Tanya's 25th year serving Texas public schools. She has spent the majority of her career in her hometown of Royse City, Texas, and now proudly serves Liberty Hill ISD. Throughout her career, Tanya has served as a teacher, interventionist, school counselor, principal, and now Director of Staffing, where she is passionate about recruiting outstanding educators and supporting the employees who make Liberty Hill ISD an exceptional place to learn and work.

Tanya and her husband, Michael, enjoy this season of life as parents of four adult children. Two of their daughters attend Texas A&M University, another daughter attends the University of Arkansas, and their son and daughter-in-law recently made their way back home to Texas. Whether cheering on the Aggies and Razorbacks, gathering everyone together, or spending time with their two dogs, Knox and Jolene, family is at the center of Tanya's life.

Outside of work, Tanya enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and serving on mission trips. She has a special place in her heart for Haiti and hopes to return there in the future.

Brandi Pennington

Brandi Pennington

Director of Employee Performance

Areas of Support

  • Principal and Director Support for Employee Relations
  • Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)
  • Employee Evaluations

Brandi is beginning her 20th year in education and brings extensive experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and elementary principal in Liberty Hill ISD to her role in Human Resources. Passionate about supporting employees and fostering positive workplace relationships, she is excited to use her diverse educational background to serve staff across the district.

Brandi has been married to her husband, Jameson, for 21 years. Together they have an amazing son and two playful dogs, Rex and Cork. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing by the pool, playing games, and traveling.

Lisa Garner

Lisa Garner

Benefits/Leave Coordinator

Areas of Support

  • Leave, including Family and Medical Leave, Catastrophic Sick Leave, and Extended Sick Leave
  • Benefits
  • ADA Accommodations
  • TRS Information
  • Workers' Compensation

Lisa has more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources and has proudly served Liberty Hill ISD for a collective 10 years. Her favorite part of her role is connecting with employees and helping them navigate their benefits, leave, and retirement plans.

Lisa has been married to her husband, Jack, for more than 25 years, and together they are the proud parents of two sons, Colin and Caden. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and relaxing in the backyard with her family and their two dogs, Karli and Sydney.

Claire Pinali

Claire Pinali

Coordinator of Educator Development

Areas of Support

  • Early-Career Teacher Support
  • Mentor Program
  • Educator Development
  • Reading Academies
  • Math Academies

Claire has been a part of public education for over 14 years. Serving over a decade as a classroom teacher and reading/dyslexia specialist, Claire understands the powerful impact of strong educators in her community and sees the support of public educators as her life's work.

Claire is excited to embark on a new journey in Liberty Hill, working to support the amazing early-career teachers in LHISD and helping them reach their fullest potential as educators. When she is not at work, Claire enjoys spending time with her incredible family, growing her yoga skills, and reading as much as possible.

Heather Hebdon

Heather Hebdon

Staffing Coordinator

Areas of Support

  • Staffing Specialist Oversight
  • Staffing Processes and Support

Heather has been a valued part of Liberty Hill ISD for more than 17 years. Over the years, she has worn many hats throughout the district and truly enjoys supporting others wherever needed. She has served Liberty Hill ISD as a paraprofessional, receptionist, administrative assistant, and now Staffing Coordinator. Heather especially enjoys building connections with Liberty Hill ISD staff.

Heather is also a proud parent of two Panthers. Outside of work, you can often find her cheering on her children at the baseball and softball fields.

Kendall Kaderka

Kendall Kaderka

HR Specialist

Areas of Support

  • Campus Staffing Support: Legacy Ranch High School, Santa Rita Middle School, Legacy Ranch Middle School, Rancho Sienna Elementary, and Tierra Rosa Elementary
  • Department Staffing Support: Transportation, Police Department, and Panther Extended Care
  • Substitute Teachers: Last Names I–Q
  • Service Records

Kendall is a familiar face in Liberty Hill ISD and began her career with the district as a Resource/Inclusion Paraprofessional before moving into Human Resources.

She has a deep connection to the district as a Liberty Hill ISD graduate herself. Kendall earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Tarleton State University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, walking outdoors, and game nights with friends and family.

Zoed Rodriguez

Zoed Rodriguez

HR Specialist

Areas of Support

  • Campus Staffing Support: Liberty Hill Elementary, Bill Burden Elementary, Santa Rita Elementary, Bar W Elementary, and Lariat Trails Elementary
  • Department Support: Central Office, Maintenance, and Custodial Services
  • Substitute Office Support: Last Names R–Z

Zoed proudly serves as a Human Resources Specialist for Liberty Hill ISD and brings 16 years of experience in public education across all grade levels.

She is passionate about supporting faculty and staff, building positive relationships, and helping create a welcoming work environment throughout Liberty Hill ISD. Outside of work, Zoed enjoys reading and spending quality time with family and friends.

Sophie Walsh

Sophie Walsh

HR Specialist

Areas of Support

  • Campus Staffing Support: Liberty Hill High School, Liberty Hill Middle School, and Louine Noble Early Learning Center
  • Department Support: Student Support Services, Child Nutrition Services, and Technology
  • Substitute Office Support: Last Names A–H
  • Contracted Services and Volunteers

Sophie serves Liberty Hill ISD as an HR Specialist. Before joining Human Resources, she spent five years as an elementary teacher. She earned her bachelor's degree in Education from Auburn University and later completed her master's degree at Colorado State University.

Growing up in a family of educators, Sophie is passionate about supporting and advocating for teachers and students. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, watching sports, and spending time outdoors.

Karen Smordoni

Karen Smordoni

District Receptionist

Karen is originally from the Dominican Republic and lived in New York for more than 20 years before relocating to Texas. She holds a master's degree from Andrews University and enjoys playing tennis and pickleball in her spare time.

Karen enjoys meeting new people and learning from their diverse experiences. She is passionate about service and caring for others and looks forward to serving Liberty Hill ISD staff, families, and visitors with care and kindness.