Special Education

GCSD Special Education Department

Mission:

The Galena City School District’s Special Education team is committed to providing every student with equitable, high-quality education that meets their unique needs. By fostering strong collaboration with students, families, staff, and community partners, we create inclusive learning environments where each student feels valued, supported, and understood. Through individualized education, structured support, and a network of resources, we empower students to achieve personal excellence, succeed in school, and prepare them for independent living, post-secondary education or training, and employment.

Vision:

We envision a school community where every student, regardless of ability, thrives in an inclusive, supportive, and compassionate environment. By building lasting partnerships with families and community stakeholders, we aim to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities, fostering lifelong success and personal growth. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a culture of collaboration where all students are empowered to reach their full potential and confidently contribute to the world around them.

Helpful Links for SPED Families

Jessie Towarak
Special Education Director
jessie.towarak@galenanenet.com
907-622-0307 ext 107
907-531-4244 (Teams line)

Galena City School District / IDEA Homeschool
11901 Business Blvd, Suite 205
Eagle River, AK 99577

Special Education Team

Jessie Towarak

Director of Special Education
Eagle River, 907-531-4244

Kelly McBride

Asst. Director of Special Education
Palmer, 907-290-2816

Shirley Kempski

Administrative Assistant
Fairbanks, 907-374-2200

Alexa (Regoord) Barhaug

Administrative Assistant
Fairbanks, 907-374-2200

Aleena Beal

Administrative Assistant
Fairbanks, 907-374-2200

Lillyann DeWilde

Special Education Teacher
Galena, 907-318-6608

Krisabelle Pelayo

Special Education Teacher
Galena, 907-318-6608

Suzie Parcon-Bonafacio

Special Education Teacher
Galena, 907-318-6608

Crystal Warner

Special Education Teacher
Fairbanks, 907-374-2200

Stefanie Donahue

Special Education Teacher
Fairbanks, 907-374-2200

Marian Werth

Special Education Teacher
Soldotna, 907-260-7555

Katherine Van Saun

Speech Language Therapist
Kenai & SE Regions, 907-260-7555

Erica Jones

Special Education Teacher
Anchorage, 907-562-4332

Stephanie Hall

Special Education Teacher
Anchorage, 907-562-4332

Kaela Pritchett

Special Education Teacher
Eagle River, 907-622-0307

Cynthia Morris

Special Education Teacher
Juneau, 907-789-6106

Jan Cummins

Special Education Teacher
Juneau, 907-789-6106

Leanne Grover

Special Education Teacher
Mat-Su, 907-357-4850

Laura Porter

Special Education Teacher
Mat-Su, 907-357-4850

May Sadicon

Special Education Support/Co-Teacher
Galena, 907-318-6608

Dinah Tiwanac

Special Education Support/Co-Teacher
Galena, 907-318-6608

Claudette Eliseo

Special Education Support/Co-Teacher
Galena, 907-318-6608

Itinerant-Related Services Staff

Dr. Mark Moren

School Psychologist
Statewide

Doreen Schumacher

School Psychologist
Statewide

Dr. Terese Kashi

School Psychologist
Statewide

Dr. Audra Yewchin

Occupational Therapist
Anchorage / Mat-Su / Eagle River

Danielle Schwartz

Speech and Language Pathololgist
Statewide

Kathryn Filer

Speech and Language Pathologist
Statewide

Alaska Interpreting Alliance

ASL Interpreters
Statewide

Sarah Tatgenhorst

Speech Language Therapist
Statewide

Maggie Hotch

Occupational Therapist
Southeast

Annie Tyrell

Speech and Language Pathologist
Statewide

Annie Iovanella

Speech and Language Pathologist
Statewide

Stefani McBratney

Speech and Language Pathologist
Statewide

Gayle Marban

Occupational Therapist
Anchorage / Mat-Su / Eagle River

Erin Handeland

Occupational Therapist
Statewide

Four Ravens/Maggie Hotch

Contracted Occupational Therapy
Southeast

Darlene Batchelder

Speech & Language Pathologist
Fairbanks

Katie McNamara

Speech Language Therapist
Statewide

Kristin Bacon

Physical Therapist
Statewide

Sarah Murphy

Speech Language Pathologist
Statewide