Administration

Melanie Beninga, Principal

Mrs. Beninga is the principal of Bee Cave Middle School. She has been with Lake Travis ISD since 2002 and has served in a variety of instructional roles. She has experience teaching multiple grade levels at both the elementary and secondary levels. In addition, she has served as a campus 504 and testing coordinator, a district behavior specialist, an elementary school counselor, assistant principal, and most recently, as the principal of West Cypress Hills Elementary.

Ms. Beninga earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Texas A&M University, a Masters of Counseling and Guidance degree from Texas State University, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.

She, her husband, and two children live in the Lakeway area. 

Cody Redfern, Assistant Principal 

Last Name: A-K 6th and all 8th grade

It is an honor to be an administrator in Lake Travis ISD, and especially here at Bee Cave Middle School as everyday is a great day to be a Raider! I have a passion for education, supporting each and every student, teacher, staff member, and the community, along with building positive relationships. I look forward to ensuring professional growth, and educational success for all. 

I graduated from Texas Tech University with my undergraduate degree in Multidisciplinary Studies and then from Lubbock Christian University for my MEd in Educational Leadership. I worked in Lubbock-Cooper ISD as a 7th and 8th grade science teacher and coached volleyball, basketball, track, and cross country, along with coaching 9th grade and JV volleyball. My two daughters and I moved to Austin where I taught for 3 years in Leander ISD as a 7th grade science teacher, department head, PLC Lead, and coached volleyball and soccer.

Chad Ouellette, Assistant Principal

Last Name: L-Z 6th, and all 7th grade

Joining the team at Bee Cave Middle School as an assistant principal this school year is an opportunity I will meet with great enthusiasm and dedication. It has been an honor to work in the Lake Travis School District over the past school year and it has prepared me in many ways to continue student academic and social achievements as a Raider!

I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University to begin teaching elementary in California. Attending Azusa Pacific University resulted in achieving a Master of Arts in Education Administration. I went on to serve as a middle school Assistant Principal, Principal of a K-12 special education center and adult transition program, and I came to Austin, Texas to work as the assistant director of special programs. Joining the team at West Cypress Hills Elementary as a Teacher On Special Assignment last school year has led to joining Bee Cave Middle School.

Family is a very important part of my life. We are a family of continuous learners always ready to try a new adventure and share with each other at the dinner table our newly gained knowledge. My wife is an educator as well and we enjoy regular discussions revolving around the always changing world of education. We are proud to be a Lake Travis ISD family with our sons in attendance in the district as well.

Brandace Sandoval, Teacher on Special Assignment

I am really excited to join the Bee Cave family as the Teacher on Special Assignment. I am looking forward to a year of learning and growing with the amazing group of educators at Bee Cave Middle School. 

I graduated from Cornell College with a BA in Political Science and Psychology. I later went on to receive a Masters of Public Administration from Walden University and Educational Leadership certificate from Lamar University. This will be my 15th year in education. I've taught upper elementary math and science, middle school science, served as At Risk Coordinator at a high school, and most recently was an Assistant Principal at Goodnight Middle School in San Marcos ISD. 

My husband, Adam, is also a teacher and is the head wrestling coach at Lake Travis High School. We have two daughters, Layla, 10, and Myla, 6, who are very excited to be attending Bee Cave Elementary this school year. We are so excited to all be together in Lake Travis ISD.