Special Education
Special Education Support
Galena City School District’s Special Education team is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our students. We engage with many local organizations and external partners to create a network of support and resources for students and families. Our focus is on developing and maintaining high-quality Individualized Education Programs, promoting inclusive educational opportunities, and fostering strong collaboration and communication. This ensures that each student’s unique needs are met, making them feel valued and understood.
Our unwavering commitment is to cultivate strong relationships with families, staff, students, and the broader community of stakeholders. We offer a pathway to ultimately achieve excellence in personal outcomes for each student, ensuring their continued success in the school community and beyond. Additionally, we are dedicated to ensuring all students have access to fair, equitable, and high-quality education and services. This commitment is upheld through family engagement, structured learning opportunities, and resources for parents and guardians, providing a sense of reassurance and confidence in our capabilities.
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, 907-313-6755
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
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