Paul M. Kienlen is happy to serve as the Principal of Longs Creek Elementary School. He has worked in the field of education for more than 25 years. Prior to coming to “the Ranch”, he was Principal at the Pre-K Academy at West Avenue. He has also served as an Assistant Center Director with Pre-K 4 SA and an Assistant Principal at two NEISD campuses. His experience as a classroom teacher began in El Paso, Texas in 1997. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. His Master’s Degree in Educational Management and Development was granted at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. He completed the doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at UTSA in 2021. Dr. Kienlen grew up in Minnesota, but has lived in Texas for more than half of his life. He is married with four children. He is fluently bilingual in Spanish and English.  

Paul M. Kienlen, Ph.D.

Principal – Longs Creek Elementary School

Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,

My name is Deyanira Apolinar, and I am honored to serve as the assistant principal of this amazing school community. I have proudly dedicated my career to education since 2003, with all 22 years of service committed to the students of NEISD.

I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles—including elementary teacher, instructional coach at the elementary and middle school levels, and, for the past five years, assistant principal.

Beyond my role as an educator, I am also a proud mom of two wonderful girls, ages 9 and 16. My family and I enjoy spending time outdoors—we love fishing, paddleboarding, hiking, traveling, and soaking up the sunshine at the beach.

I’m thrilled for the upcoming school year and look forward to a fun and successful year of learning and growing together. Let’s make it a great one!

Warmly,
Deyanira Apolinar
Assistant Principal