Special Programs
Cynthia Anderson
Executive Director,
Special Programs
Julia Walton
Secretary to the Executive Director
Jennifer Upshaw
Director, Special Programs
Jessica Sanchez
PEIMS/SERS Clerk
Jade Bittel
Intern - Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Renee Brillantes
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Stacey Brittain
Mental Health Trainer of Trainers
Jaime Cunningham
Youth Service Specialist
Anderle Desronvil
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Candice Ekpin
Physical Therapist
Daniela Garza
Speech Language Pathologist Asst.
Natali Garza
Speech Language Pathologist
Lisa Gilbert
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Sherman Gooden
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Tessa Harvick
Mental Health Counselor
Nancy Haynes
ARD Clerk
Sonia Hernandez
Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
Patience Hobbs
Speech-Language Pathologist
Melony Hoyt
District Autism Specialist
Christine Hubbard
Educational Diagnostician
Sonia Jimenez
ARD Clerk
Kizzy Jones
District Behavioral Specialist
Wendy Kmiecik
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Charlotte Leagan
ARD Clerk
Jennifer Lopez
District Transition Specialist
Martin Marin
Youth Service Specialist
Shari McElroy
ARD Facilitator
Roxanna Montalvo
Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist
Elva Moreno
Bilingual Educational Diagnostician
Brittany Mulkey
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Meghan Murphy
Occupational Therapist
Amy Murray
Educational Diagnostician
James Odom
Coord., Restorative Practices
Nancy Ojeda
General Ed. - Homebound
Andrea Paxton
ARD Facilitator
Jonathan Pena
Communities in School
Sarah Praytor
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Sherrita Rachal
Youth Services Specialist
Kay Ramirez
ARD Facilitator - La Porte H.S.
Cara Ramos
Occupational Therapist
Carrie Rife
Coordinator, Nurses
Leslie Rodriguez
Communities in School
Cynthia Rogers
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Ericka Ross
ARD Facilitator
Leslie Ryan
ARD Clerk
Dana Singleton
Physical Therapist
Angela Styron
Occupational Therapist
Mario Villarreal
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Desiree Walker
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Cheryl Waller
Educational Diagnostician
Janet Zaborowski
Crisis Counselor
Aiding Students With Learning Difficulties or Who Need Special Education, Section 504 Services
For those students who are having difficulty in the regular classroom, all school districts and open enrollment charter schools must consider tutorial, compensatory, and other academic or behavior support services that are available to all students, including a process based on Response to Intervention (RtI). The implementation of RtI has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of districts and charter schools to meet the needs of all struggling students.
If your child is experiencing learning difficulties, you may contact your child's teacher, the campus counselor, the campus administrators, or the Special Programs department to learn about the school’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including making a referral for a special education evaluation or for a Section 504 evaluation to determine if the student needs specific aids, accommodations, or services. A parent may request an evaluation for special education or Section 504 services at any time.
Procedural SafeguardsParent Guide to the ARD La Porte ISD Special Education Administrative Procedures
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Child Find Screenings
- Continuum of Special Education Services
- Dyslexia
- Food Allergy Management
- Futures Planning
- Grading Guidance for Students with Disabilities
- Homebound Services
- School-Based Occupational/Physical Therapy
- Transition Planning
- Supplemental Special Education Services
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Child Find Screenings
Continuum of Special Education Services
Dyslexia
Food Allergy Management
Futures Planning
Grading Guidance for Students with Disabilities
Homebound Services
School-Based Occupational/Physical Therapy
Transition Planning
Supplemental Special Education Services
SPEDTex: The Texas Special Education Information Center
This center provides resources to stakeholders across the state of Texas. Their purpose is to optimize information and respond with technical assistance in a succinct and useful format that is user friendly, culturally responsive, and accessible to all individuals. SPEDTex provides supportive state-wide leadership that promotes collaboration, meaningful communication and participation in the development and delivery of services to children with disabilities. Website: www.spedtex.org. Email: inquire@spedtex.org. Phone: 1-855-SPED-TEX (1-855-773-3839).