Meet Your Coaches!
Ryan Nassif (he/him/his) is the director of Speech & Debate for Clear Lake High School in Houston, TX. He is in his eleventh year at Clear Lake and his thirteenth year as a speech and debate coach. Originally from Deer Park, TX, he is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in History, minoring in Secondary Education; he also holds a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction as well as his principalship certification. Because he doesn't enjoy having free time, he is currently working on completing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Houston - Clear Lake.
In high school, he competed in Cross-Examination Debate, Congressional Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, Poetry, and Prose; he preferred CX and Congress, however, competing at the state level in both. As a result of a teaching fellowship during college at Holocaust Museum Houston, he has a keen interest in genocide education and prevention. Prior to accepting the position at CLHS, Mr. Nassif worked in the telecommunications industry in retail sales and service.
In the few spare moments he has that aren't devoted to school or debate, Mr. Nassif is an admitted "nerd" that enjoys reading, playing video games, musical theatre, and building Lego.
In high school, he competed in Cross-Examination Debate, Congressional Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, Poetry, and Prose; he preferred CX and Congress, however, competing at the state level in both. As a result of a teaching fellowship during college at Holocaust Museum Houston, he has a keen interest in genocide education and prevention. Prior to accepting the position at CLHS, Mr. Nassif worked in the telecommunications industry in retail sales and service.
In the few spare moments he has that aren't devoted to school or debate, Mr. Nassif is an admitted "nerd" that enjoys reading, playing video games, musical theatre, and building Lego.
Taryn Gonzalez (she/her/hers) is new to Clear Lake High School, but this is not her first rodeo. She is entering her eighth year of teaching English, starting her career in Arlington, TX, then spending a few years in the Northern Virginia area before moving back to Texas as soon as possible. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in University Studies, minoring in English Literature.
In high school, she competed in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Prose, and Duet Acting for McKinney North High School. She spent many, many years as a judge in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. She took over as Speech and Debate coach in Virginia and had multiple students compete at Nationals for the National Catholic Forensic League.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, watching Dallas Stars hockey, all things spooky, and reading as many books as possible.
In high school, she competed in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Prose, and Duet Acting for McKinney North High School. She spent many, many years as a judge in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. She took over as Speech and Debate coach in Virginia and had multiple students compete at Nationals for the National Catholic Forensic League.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, watching Dallas Stars hockey, all things spooky, and reading as many books as possible.