Exceptional Student Services
Yuma School District One Exceptional Student Services provides services for students between the ages of 3 and 14 with special needs. All students with disabilities categorically eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), regardless of severity, may receive services. These include students with impairments in speech and language, hearing, health, and vision; developmental delays; emotional and learning disabilities; intellectual disabilities; autism; traumatic brain injury; multiple disabilities; and other health impairments. For more information, contact the Exceptional Student Services office at (928) 502.7800.
Services Provided
We offer services across the continuum from full inclusion in the general education classroom, to off-campus alternative setting, to homebound services. A team of individuals familiar with the student's needs determines the least restrictive environment (LRE) for eligible students. Recognizing the goal to provide an integrated, inclusive learning community, we make best efforts to place students in their home school. If placement in the home school does not meet the needs of the student, we will provide transportation to the service school.
Specialists
Approximately 50 special education teachers and paraprofessionals provide service to our Exceptional Students. Specialists include our school psychologists and assistants, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. We also provided extended school year services when deemed appropriate.
Preschool
We offer preschool classes for eligible students from their third birthday to age five (prior to kindergarten). We determine eligibility based on a child's developmental level by measuring for significant speech or language delays, moderate developmental delays, or severe developmental delays. Learn more on our Preschool page.
Technology
Technology is important for students with special needs. We utilize iPads and computers to help students develop skills and to access our district's digital content. Additionally, some students utilize highly specialized equipment for communication and literacy acquisition.
Independent Living Skills
We equip some of our classrooms with cooking and laundry facilities to help our students who need to learn basic independent living skills.
Meet Our Exceptional Staff
Post Complex
400 W. 5th Street, Yuma, Arizona 85364
Phone: (928) 502.7800 | Fax: (928) 502.7818
Matt Kaste
Director
(928) 502.7792
Amy Gist
Administrative Secretary
(928) 502.7792
Mary Beth Turner
Preschool Coordinator
(928) 502.8129
Lisa Culver
ESS Coordinator
(928) 502.7752
Yolanda Sandate
ESS Coordinator
(928) 502.7797
Leticia Valencia
ESS Coordinator
(928) 502.7784
Brenda Duran
ESS Technician
(928) 502.7751
Catherine Dort
ESS Technician
(928) 502.7782
Ruth Ramos
ESS Technician
(928) 502.7781
Liane Martinez
ESS Technician
(928) 502.7780
Dr Willard Williams
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7787
Megan Taylor
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7774
Ashley (Taylor) Rutkowski
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7793
Amy Thompson
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7794
Monique Wong
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7800
Jody Ricker
School Psychologist
(928) 502.8140
Aurora Cazares
Psychologist Assistant
(928) 502.7799
Maria Lizarraga
Psychologist Assistant
(928) 502.7760
Claudia Meza
Psychologist Assistant
(928) 502.7798
Robyn Nelson
Physical Therapist
(928) 502.7756
Shannon Manigault
COTA
(928) 502.7808
Gail Woodard
COTA
(928) 502.7807
Alana Barnicle
Speech Pathologist
(928) 502.7900
Andrea Martinez
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
(928) 502.8500
April Averett
Speech Pathologist
(928) 502.8600
Bethany Erickson
Speech Pathologist
(928) 502.8200
Alyssa Cicero
Speech Pathologist
(928) 502.8150
Maddi Keegan
Speech Pathologist
(928) 502.8140
Kalli Nelson
Speech Pathologist
(928) 502.8150
Mary Conover
Speech Pathologist
(928) 502.8000
Elke Timlin
Speech Technician
(928) 502.8800
Aixa Robles
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
(928) 502.8600
Char Rodriguez
Speech Technician
(928) 502.8140
Heather Smith
Speech Technician
(928) 502.7600
Mayte Bramstedt
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
(928) 502.7500
Brandon Coats
Occupational Therapist
(928) 502.7800
Edgar Valencia
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
(928) 502.7800