Meet Your Coaches!

Ryan Nassif (he/him/his) is the co-director of Speech & Debate for Clear Lake High School in Houston, TX. He is in his twelfth year at Clear Lake and his fourteenth year as a speech and debate coach. Originally from Deer Park, TX, he has a Bachelor of Arts in History (minor in Secondary Education) from the University of Texas - Austin, a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (focusing on Instructional Coaching) from the University of Texas - Tyler, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (with a specialization in curriculum and instruction); he also holds his principalship certification.
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, Dr. 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, Dr. 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, Dr. 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, Dr. Nassif is an admitted "nerd" that enjoys reading, playing video games, musical theatre, and building Lego.

Taryn Gonzalez (she/her/hers) is the co-director of Speech & Debate for Clear Lake High School in Houston, TX. She is entering her ninth 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.