Denise Abellano
School Leader
Being a Camino Colt means our scholars L.I.V.E (Leaders of Inclusivity, Vision and Empowerment). Colt’s lead with empathy and honor the perspective and truth of others while feeling empowered to bring their authentic selves to school each day. At Camino, scholars have the opportunity to build strong relationships with their peers and teachers while continuously being held to a high bar of excellence. Colts are inclusive. Colts lead with a clear vision of academic excellence. Colts empower others and themselves to create equitable and safe schools. Colts L.I.V.E.
Denise Abellano is the proud School Leader of KIPP Camino Academy. Before arriving at KIPP Camino, she served as a Principal with IDEA Public schools in Austin for 2 years. During her two year tenure at IDEA Kyle she worked to cultivate a school environment where excellence, grit and global citizenship were the pillars that led the work for students and staff every day. Before becoming a Principal, Ms. Abellano was an Assistant Principal at IDEA Montopolis where she led the middle school and high school science team to achieve outstanding results on their state and AP exams. Before entering leadership she taught Chemistry (AP and Pre-AP) and Physics (AP and Pre-AP) at IDEA Public schools and in La Joya ISD in the Rio Grande Valley. Ms. Abellano served as a 2013 Teach for America Corps member in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.
Ms. Abellano holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX and an M.Ed. in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Outside of school, Ms. Abellano enjoys traveling, the outdoors, trying new places to eat and spending time with family and friends.