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. 

Chad Ouellette, Assistant Principal

Last Name: L-Z 7th, and all 8th 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, Interim Assistant Principal

Last Name: A-K 7th, and all 6th grade

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.