Mother-Daughter Duo Finds a Home in Forney ISD

Forney ISD is all about family, and for new Human Resources Director Bel Williams and Brown Middle School Special Education Diagnostician Shelia Thomas, that feeling has taken on a whole new meaning this school year.

Although the mother-daughter duo did not plan to begin working in Forney ISD at the same time, their paths brought them both to the district this year.

Shelia previously worked in Forney ISD and often shared how much she enjoyed the district and its welcoming culture, which played a big role in Bel's decision to join the Forney Family. Bel also learned more about the district while completing her doctoral program, when she heard Dr. Michelle Somerhalder speak at a TCU event.

"When I was considering a transition to another school district, I knew I wanted to join a place where I could grow, make an impact, and feel a part of a family," Bel said.

At the same time, Shelia was looking to return to Forney ISD after gaining additional experience in Special Education with Dallas ISD. Returning also allowed her to be closer to home and help care for her mother.

"Forney ISD always felt like a family, and I was reminded of that when I returned to the district this school year," Shelia said.

Education has always been a family affair. Bel and her sisters all pursued careers in education, ranging from higher education and nursing to administration and teaching. Their shared passion has brought the family even closer and makes for some entertaining dinner conversations.

That admiration carries into their professional lives, too. Bel admires her mother's positive spirit and ability to encourage others, while Shelia is proud of her daughter's strong work ethic, kindness and determination.

As they begin this new chapter, Bel is looking forward to building relationships and supporting Forney ISD staff, while Shelia is excited to continue growing as a diagnostician and serving students, staff and families at Brown Middle School.

One of the best parts of sharing a district is simply getting to see each other more often, whether it's crossing paths at a district meeting or Bel receiving a surprise homemade lunch delivery from Mom.

"I'm proud of my mother because she has always been a source of inspiration and a reminder of what girls and women everywhere can accomplish," Bel said.

Shelia shares that same pride in her daughter, saying, "She has never given up on accomplishing her dreams, and she loves others with her whole heart."

For Bel and Shelia, joining Forney ISD together may not have been planned, but it has given them the opportunity to do what they love while being a little closer to the people they love most.