Meet the Staff
Allie Long, Dean of Students
Allie Long brings 21 years in education as Dean of Students to Serenity High School. She began her teaching career in 2002 in Elk Grove, California where she served 12 years as an elementary school teacher, a middle school Activities Director/Student Leadership Teacher, and a high school English Teacher. Allie spent the next 7 years as a teacher and administrator for adult schools in correctional education in California before becoming the Dean of Students at Serenity High School.
Allie is passionate about serving students, parents, and the recovery community. She not only believes that every student can thrive, but that they can become successful contributing leaders in the community. Allie believes in equipping students with the skills and tools they need to face the many challenges life brings. She has an incredible team of educators and support staff, an active advisory board, and a strong school district that drives and supports Serenity’s vision and goals.
Allie has two boys, Davis and Jayce. She loves being a mom and spending time with her kids. Her boys literally make her world revolve and with everything she does they are always in the forefront of her mind. Allie has two old lady dogs and always says her house is one short of the Golden Girls! “I am beyond excited to be a part of the excellence that Serenity High School and MISD provide to help make students our next great leaders! I enjoy working collaboratively with the community and school members to continue the path to high achievement while maintaining a safe learning environment focused on recovery. I’m honored to have this opportunity and love contributing my talents to such a special school.”
Chris James, English, Physical Education, Social Studies and Special Education Teacher
Chris James has been an educator for 29 years. Chris has spent the past 21 years in various schools in McKinney ISD. Chris has been the Webb Elementary Special Education Lead Teacher, SPED Inclusion/Case Manager at Dowell MS, and a SPED Case Manager/Resource/Inclusion English Teacher at McKinney North HS. Chris began his teaching career in Garland ISD and also taught four years in Plano ISD before moving to McKinney in 2001.
Chris is also the Head Girls Golf Coach at McKinney North High School. Chris has been the only girls golf coach at McKinney North for the past 20 years. Chris grew up in San Marcos, Texas and graduated from San Marcos High School. He attended Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and then obtained a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas. Chris is married to Amy and has two sons, Jake and Riley. Chris is excited to begin a new chapter in his educational career at Serenity High for the 2022-23 school year.
Richard Brown, Math Teacher, Science
Richard Brown has been with McKinney ISD for the past 12 years. This is his first year teaching at Serenity High. Mr. Brown’s specialty is math, but he has a love for all subjects. Mr. Brown was an Army brat growing up. He was born in Germany and lived in several different states as his father travelled from assignment to assignment. This is one reason he loves to travel and visit new places. He has been to four continents and many, many countries.
Mr. Brown graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Master’s of Business Administration. After a career in business, Mr. Brown switched careers and became a certified teacher to continue a life-long love of learning and fulfill his passion to teach. Mr. Brown has a loving wife and daughter along with two dogs, Baby and Matilda.