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
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