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 of ESS
(928) 502-7792
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Darcy Galvan
Administrative Secretary
(928) 502.7792
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Maria Faltermeier
ESS Coordinator/Coach
(928) 502.7787
Dr. Mayur Pahilajani
ESS Coordinator/Coach
(928) 502.7816
Paulina Razo
ESS Coordinator/Coach
(928) 502.7784
Libby Romines
ESS Coordinator/Coach
(928) 502.7797
Emily Anguiano
ESS Budget/504 Technician
(928) 502.7751
Catherine Dort
ESS Technician
(928) 502.7782
Liane Martinez
ESS Technician
(928) 502.7780
Ruth Ramos
ESS Technician
(928) 502.7781
Angie Carlos
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7806
Robin Honeycutt
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7802
Karyn Irving
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7814
Jinema Morales
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7803
Ashley (Taylor) Rutkowski
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7793
Meagan Taylor
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7817
Amy Thompson
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7794
Monique Garcia
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7786
Leslie Trevino
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7790
Brook Warren
School Psychologist
(928) 502.7805
Jody Ricker
School Psychologist (Preschool)
(928) 502.4417
Aurora Cazares
Psychologist Assistant
(928) 502.7799
Maria Lizarraga
Psychologist Assistant
(928) 502.7760
Claudia Meza
Psychologist Assistant
(928) 502.7798
Joely O'Neil
Physical Therapist (Teletherapy)
(928) 502.7756
Vanessa Martel
Physical Therapist Assistant
(928) 502.7756
Joanna Atherton Medina
Ocucpational Therapist
(928) 502.7809
Amber Guyette
Ocucpational Therapist
(928) 502.7753
Julea Smalenburg
Occupational Therapist
(928) 502.7809
Shannon Manigault
COTA
(928) 502.7811
Angelica Randal
COTA
(928) 502.7808
Gail Woodard
COTA
(928) 502.7807
April Averett
Speech and Language Pathologist (Desert Mesa)
(928) 502.7831
Alana Barnicle
Speech and Language Pathologist (OCJ/Alice Byrne)
(928) 502.7831
Mayte Bramstedt
Speech and Language Pathologist
(928) 502.7831
Taylor Crull
Speech and Language Pathologist (Palmcroft)
Bethany Erickson
Speech and Language Pathologist (Rolle)
(928) 502.8238
Char Frances Rodriguez
Speech and Language Technician (McGraw/GVJH/St Francis)
(928) 502.7710
Heather Smith
Speech and Language Technician (Carver/CDMS)
(928) 502.7600
Andrea Martinez
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant (Otondo)
(928) 502.8600
Victoria Mccalister
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Nicole Lasley
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant (Rolle)
(928) 502.8271
Aixa Robles
Speech and Language Pathologist Assitant (Pecan Grove)
(928) 502.8050