Our Team
ASUA takes pride in cultivating a highly skilled, experienced, and caring staff. Comprised of dedicated teachers, instructional assistants, related service providers, administrative assistants, business operations professionals, and administration, the ASUA staff is highly diverse and brings their knowledge and skill to ASUA to help support our mission, vision, and continue our unique task of building of inclusive communities.
Jamie Jenkins, M.Ed.
Head of School
(she/her)
Master of Education in
Special Education
Special education, advocating for students with disabilities, and supporting families are my passions. Since joining ASUA as Head of School in 2018, I have been proud to lead a talented and caring team of vision- and mission-driven professionals as we have expanded to serve our community from Preschool through 12th grade utilizing ASUA’s progressive, compassionate, and effective methodologies. In my time away from ASUA, I am a mom of three amazing young men ages 26, 23, and 19. I enjoy hiking, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my loved ones.
Jillian Winn, M.Ed., BCBA
Associate Head of School
(she/her)
Masters of Education in Foundations Behavior Analysis, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
I started my career at ASUA in the summer of 2015 as a behavior specialist. I now have worked my way up to the Associate Head of School. I love being a part of our growing community of staff, students, and families. We are paving the way to create a more inclusive world together one day at a time! Outside of work I love spending time with my niece and nephews, traveling, or just relaxing with a good book or movie.
Kay Stauffer, SHRM-CP
Chief Operations Officer
(she/her)
B.F.A. in Painting and
Metals & Jewelry
I have been with ASUA since the founding of the school and I am so honored to be a part of such an amazing place. I oversee the Operations, including HR, facilities, finance, graphic design and marketing, as well as the Spectrum Greenhouse Program. I love ASUA and it's exciting to work here - no two days are the same! Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors with my husband and dogs and I am an active artist creating conceptual work and wearable jewelry.
Jeanne McCarthy, Ed.D
Chief Academic Officer
(she/her)
Bachelor of Fine Arts and Art Education, Masters of Educational Administration, Doctor of K-12 Educational Leadership, Pennsylvania Art Teacher Certification Level II, Pennsylvania K-12 Principal Certification Level II
ASUA is a place where all learners can experience the flexible, personalized, holistic learning environments they need to grow and achieve. As a parent of a child with Autism, I am inspired by ASUA's affirming school community which honors the unique experience and qualities of each child.
Emma Fisher, M.Ed.
Director of Transition, Research, & Development
(she/her)
Master of Education in Secondary Education; PhD Student in Special Education
I joined ASUA in 2022 because I wanted an opportunity to utilize my experiences as a classroom teacher and my expertise in special education research. My goal is to help our staff use the most current research-based practices, while also sharing with the world the wonderful work we do here! Outside of work, I love to bird-watch, hike, and spend time with my pets.
Emily Gramlich, M.Ed
Director of Behavioral Programming
(she/her)
Master of Education in
Special Education
Hi my name is Emily Gramlich and I am the Lead Behavior Specialist of ASUA! I have a Master's of Education in Special Education from Penn State University and an Undergrad in Autism Behavioral Studies from St. Joseph's University. I am currently studying to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analysis certification examination. I love working at A Step Up because I love to support my students make behavior progress in small and big ways. Every step is progress towards something greater! All of our staff are extremely dedicated and our administrators go above and beyond to provide guidance and support for all staff and students.
Amanda Savastana MS, OTR/L
Director of Clinical Programming
(she/her)
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
The best part of my role at ASUA is watching our students gain confidence throughout the school year and find joy and meaning in their lives. Outside of work, my most important role is being a Mom to my 2 year old son who is curious, fearless, and determined.
Tim Kurpiel, B.S.Ed
Director of Special Education
(he/him)
Bachelor of Science in Education, PreK-4th. Dual certified in GenEd PreK-4th and Special Education K-12th
I began working at A Step Up Academy in 2015 after graduating from Temple University. I began my time at ASUA as an Instructional Assistant before fulfilling roles as an Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, and eventually my current role as the Lead Inclusion Support Teacher. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am blessed with a loving wife, a healthy son, and 2 crazy dogs. I am an avid fisherman, golf addict, and lover of all Philly sports.
In my roles at A Step Up Academy, I support the team as Operations Coordinator, assisting with business office tasks. As Diversity & Equity Specialist, I am working with the entire team to ensure that ASUA stays up to date with our understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In my free time I regularly speak and write about my personal experiences being an Autistic adult, and actively work towards making the world a better, more accommodating, and accepting place for others on the spectrum. I also love kayaking, hiking, camping, sewing, and making art.
After cheering ASUA from its inception (and the west coast) I'm thrilled to be able to join this amazing place.
I'm passionate about researching and implementing technological solutions to facilitate student learning and equip them with skills for 21st-century life after school. It is a privilege to join a team of similarly-minded staff at ASUA whose focus is creating a safe, fun, non-judgmental environment where students can thrive.
Dennis McNulty
Accountant
(he/him)
Master of Science in Business Administration, Certified Treasury Professional
Retired business and financial professional who has a deep passion for teaching and mentoring those with a true interest in learning. Avid golfer and licensed pilot who enjoys traveling and spending time with his family and friends.
Gia Pines
School Services Coordinator
(she/her)
Currently in School for Early Childhood Development.
I have been working with children since I was 14. I love teaching and watching children grow their critical thinking, social, motor, and cognitive skills. I've always enjoyed the psychology of children and couldn't imagine working in any other field. I think this position will not only allow me to help the children learn but can also be a learning experience for me.
My loving son brought me to ASUA...being a parent and always learning, it's a joy to provide what I can to a community that embraced us.
Gracelyn Bullard
Instructional Coach
(she/her)
Master of Science in Special Education, Orton-Gillingham Certified Level II
I have been a part of the ASUA community since the 2018 school year as a student teacher. I have learned so much during my time here in the various roles I have been in, and I look forward to continuing
to learn and grow alongside our students! I love staying active and being outdoors. I also love
playing sports and watching my favorite teams.
Sarah Staudenmeier
Teacher
(she/her)
Bachelor's in Elementary and Special Education
I joined the ASUA team in 2023 after teaching Emotional Support in Philadelphia for five years. After getting a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education as well as Youth Empowerment and Urban Studies from West Chester University, I knew I wanted to work towards changing the educational landscape for different learners. I am passionate about working with students who learn differently, and providing them a safe and supportive environment to thrive, which is what I get to do every day at ASUA! Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family, hiking, reading, knitting, noodling on the guitar, and coaching swimming.
I enjoy the reward of workin with the children i get to work with everyday and helping them work through every day challenges. ASUA has had a supportive environment from the start, in large part to the staff I have gotten to know and had the pleasure of working with so far.
Kayla Griffin
Behavior Specialist
(she/her)
Bachelor's Degree in Psychological and Social Sciences. Currently obtaining Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Throughout my studies at Penn State University, I took a strong interest in conducting research to understand human behavior. My goal has always been to provide support and apply my knowledge to those in need, and ASUA has given me that opportunity. Those who know me know I thoroughly enjoy all outdoor activities, making ASUA's mission of community inclusion one of my favorite parts of working with this team!
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Brendan Schluth, B.A. Music
Creative Therapy Coordinator & Music Specialist
(he/him)
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Music has been a positive force throughout my life and a tool in which I have used for educational and therapeutic purposes within my own self. I am a proud member of
A Step Up Academy because they promote the importance of music in their programing and are dedicated to the musical development of
their students.
Alyssa Hughes M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
(she/her)
Masters of Science in Communication Disorder Sciences
Being an SLP is an important job because I love to give students creative and functional ways to communicate with others. I was drawn to ASUA because of the supportive staff and the desire to build and enhance their students communication. In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, Otto, and relaxing at the Jersey Shore!
Grace McInerney,
M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
(she/her)
Master of Sciences in Speech-Language Pathology
Hi! My name is Grace McInerney, and I am a Speech-Language Pathologist at ASUA. I joined the ASUA team at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. I am looking forward to fostering confident communication and language skills with our amazing students. In my free time, I love to spend time hanging out with my friends, family, and my three dogs!
Kelsey Van Horn, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
My name is Kelsey and I am very passionate about sensory integration and inclusion! My favorite part of being an Occupational Therapist is watching students participate in meaningful roles in school, at home, and out in the community. I love seeing students reach their goals and live fulfilling lives! I am very happy to be a member of the ASUA team because everyone's passion radiates making it a comfortable, fun space for children to grow in. In my free time, I love hiking, camping, and photography!
Courtney Target, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Hi, my name is Courtney Target and I am an Occupational Therapist at ASUA! The best part about being an OT is seeing kids increase their independence within their everyday routines while also finding joy in a variety of activities! In my free time, I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and hiking!
I enjoy working with children, being a part of helping them learn and grow. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and exercising.
Mason Clark
Teacher
(he/him)
Bachelor of Science in
Music Education for
Inclusive Populations
I graduated from Temple University with a degree in Music Education K-12 for inclusive populations, but quickly fell in love with special education throughout my program and during substitute teaching. In September, I started working on my Master’s for Special Education. Outside of my school life, I enjoy all aspects of food. I like finding new recipes and getting creative in the kitchen. I also enjoy being challenged in competitive video games. Finding new strategies and ways to improve my skills is both fun in my free time and a useful skill here at ASUA.
I enjoy making a impact on many children lives. I also enjoy watching the children learn through the creative ways we teach them.
Michelle Wigley
Assistant Teacher
(she/her)
Associate's in Business / Currently Perusing Bachelor's in Inclusive Education with a Minor in Psychology and an
ASL Certification
michellewigley@
astepupacademy.org
I am thrilled to become part of the team at A Step Up Academy! My own schooling experiences have brought me into the special education field. I am beyond grateful for the amazing teachers that I had in high school, thanks to them I found my calling to help special education students reach their greatest potential.
Robin Wagner
Lead Instructional Assistant & Auxiliary and
Logistics Coordinator
(she/her)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
My name is Robin and I am a Lead Instructional Assistant/ Auxiliary and Logistic Coordinator. I am a very organized person who loves planning things and is very creative. After planning the summer camp, Around the World of 2022, I was placed in the dual position of Auxiliary and Logistics Coordinator/ Lead Instructional Assistant. With this position, I will not only be planning this next summer camp, but I will also be planning field trips for the whole ASUA community. I have a passion for working with children and love working in the school setting. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my puppy. I also spend a lot of my free time on the Delaware River riding my jet ski during the summer.
Anastasia Gelin
Lead Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Bachelor of Science
My love for kids is what truly brought me here. Being one of eight siblings I have had the pleasure of being an older sibling and taking care of my siblings. Being about to work with kids and help them in a larger way has truly made me so happy!!
Amanda Diaz
Inclusion Support Interventionist
(she/her)
B.S. in Behavioral Health & Human Services
I love working with kids.
Gigi Benzio
Art Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Bachelors of Arts in Art Therapy
gabrielle@astepupacademy.org
I'm excited to be the Art Specialist at ASUA so I can make art accessible to our students. Psychology and art are my two passions, so I feel blessed to be able to pursue a career in
art therapy. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, being outside, caring for my orange tabby cat, and getting creative with friends.
Alexis Wenger
Behavior Interventionist
(she/her)
Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Studies
alexisw@astepupacademy.org
Hello! I love working with children, especially in ECE. I have spent most of my career working in Special Education and can’t wait to get back into it! I have a 10 year old son named Brayden and am currently in a Masters program to obtain my BCBA. I am excited to start this new journey with ASUA.
Anna Baruffaldi
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Master of Science in Psychology
What brought me to ASUA is my desire to work in the field of psychology. Recently graduated with my Masters in General psychology, I had a wide range of interests and ASUA seemed like a great place to start! Outside of work I enjoy yoga, shopping, and spending time with my cat.
I am a Temple University Alumna. Working with students of all abilities is a true passion of mine, so I am very happy to be working here at ASUA. Today’s children are tomorrow’s future. It is truly rewarding to be able to support and shape the minds of children.
Annie Fowler
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Bachelor of Arts in Humanities
I am excited to be a part of ASUA as an Instructional Assistant and to build relationships with students and staff! In my free time I like to read, hike, and bake.
Jacqueline Kaczmarczyk
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
I recently graduated from Temple University and have had my heart set on working with children for as long as I can remember. What brought me to ASUA was the welcoming environment and the opportunity to help ASUA students thrive in a number of ways! In my free time, I enjoy going for runs, doing crafts, and reading.
Camryn McCloskey
Behavior Interventionist
(she/her)
B.S. in Hospitality Management, Currently obtaining a Master's Degree in
Applied Behavior Analysis.
Hi! My name is Camryn McCloskey, and I am an Instructional Assistant at A Step Up Academy. I joined the ASUA team in February of 2023. I fell in love with working in the special education field and decided to go back to school for my Masters. I am currently in Applied Behavioral Analysis program at York College. I enjoy traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family!
To have the opportunity to watch children grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient individuals, is the best feeling ever. Being a single parent of an autistic son gives me more of a drive to assist in pushing your child. Every child is bright and being a part of ASUA's growing team gives me the confidence that I CAN!
Bianca Joseph
Behavior Technician
(she/her)
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, starting Master of Elementary Special Education
biancaj@astepupacademy.org
I started working with children with ASD in 2021 as an RBT in clinical and home settings. I transitioned into schools in 2022 and have loved it ever since! I am passionate about working with children with specials needs and look forward to becoming a teacher. I am excited for my new journey at ASUA!
Maggie Bianchini
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Sophomore in College Studying English and Minoring in Secondary Education
I have always had a passion for working with students in Special Education. I want to be a Special Education teacher.
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Isaiah Davenport
Instructional Assistant
(he/him)
Bachelors of Arts in Communications/Video
I genuinely love helping others succeed and advocate for themselves. I am passionate about creating a fun learning environment to mentor students. In my free time, I enjoy making music, shooting photography, and teaching kickboxing.
Thomas Manley
Health and Physical Education Teacher
(he/him)
Bachelors of Science in
Physical Education
I have a natural passion for educating individuals on the benefits of Health and Physical Education. What brought me to ASUA was the opportunity to be able to come in and make an impact on so many lives. Not only do I care about the students, but I also care about the staff and parents who do so much for everyone involved in their child's education and success.
Havyn Steele
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
I graduated from Muhlenberg College in January 2023 with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I have worked with individuals with autism for many years and have found, from holding various positions in the field, that my passion lies in special education. I am beginning my position as an Instructional Assistant at ASUA at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
Taylor Pearsall
Teacher
(she/her)
Bachelor's in Early Childhood K-3 and Special Education Pre-K-12
Hi, my name is Taylor Pearsall and I am a Transition Teacher at A Step Up Academy. With 11 years of teaching in special education, I am excited to combine my expertise, experience, and passion for teaching children with ASD how they can reach their fullest potential during and after their time at ASUA. Being an educator is rewarding in that I am able to have a front-row seat to watching my students work hard to reach goals and milestones that they have put their minds to. Outside of my career at ASUA, I am a proud mama to our 4-year-old daughter, Josephina. My husband Bill and I enjoy traveling! We love cruising as a family of three and will be taking our sixth cruise this year. When we are homebound, we enjoy spending time with our Beagle, Koca, and watching the latest and greatest Disney movie!
Emily Knowles, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Master of Occupational Therapy
My name is Emily Knowles and this is my first school year at ASUA! I love seeing students working towards independence in their daily routines and facilitating fun and creative activities to help students achieve their goals! Outside of work, I love to read, go to the beach, go for walks, and hang out with family and friends. I look forward to this new adventure at A Step Up Academy!
John Patrick
Instructional Assistant
(he/him)
Bachelor of Science in
Criminal Justice
I became interested in this field after an internship in college. Since then I have spent time working with children and adults. I came to ASUA to return to a school setting after gaining experience in other settings. Outside of work I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, spending time with my friends, and reading.
Christine Pickard M.Ed
Teacher
(she/her)
Master of Education in
Special Education
Hi, my name is Christine and I am a teacher at ASUA. I have my Master's Degree in Special Education from Eastern University as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Cabrini University. I have been a paraprofessional for the last couple years in various school districts and classrooms but I found my passion working with students in the Autistic Support classrooms and from there knew I wanted to be an Autistic Support teacher. In my free time I like to listen to music, travel and learning more about how I can best support my students.
My name is Omini Smith and I am currently working on receiving my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Community College of Philadelphia. As I join the ASUA team, I am looking forward to new life fulfilling experiences, and I will strive my best to make a positive impact on the families that we serve, as well as making a difference in the lives of the children at ASUA.
Emily Moleski, BA
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
I was brought to ASUA by Nora and am so excited to help these individuals learn and grow! I have worked in behavioral health now for over three years and can’t wait to keep learning. Be curious, not judgmental.
Ryan Rose, MSS
Instructional Assistant
(he/him)
Master of Social Service; PhD Candidate in Social Work
Helping students cultivate their educational and personal development is very fulfilling to me. Before joining ASUA I worked in social services for autistic young adults, advised college students in service fellowships, and conducted community health driven research. In my current academic life I do research and writing in social theory applied to novel ways of navigating and transforming inequitable systems towards realizing greater freedoms and wellbeing. During down time I enjoy hiking, philosophy, creative arts, and game nights with friends.
My name is Ian and I have been a special education teacher for over 6 years now. What drew me to ASUA was the mission of the school as well as the small community feeling which allows you to truly get to know your students. I enjoy mountain biking and going on different adventures.
Brenna Dolan
Teacher
(she/her)
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education from Arcadia University
I had the opportunity to complete my student teaching at ASUA and between the staff and students had a wonderful experience. I have a passion for walking alongside diverse learners and supporting them as they pursue their goals. I cannot wait to do that alongside the staff and students at ASUA!
Alyssa Lawson
Assistant Teacher
(she/her)
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
I recently graduated from Ursinus College and I knew special education would be the perfect career opportunity for me because it combines my passions for education, psychology, and helping others. I’m excited to start my journey at A Step Up Academy and get to know new and amazing people. In my free time I love being outdoors, reading, or spending time with the people I love!
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Victoria Chareczko, MS
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Master of Clinical
Counseling Psychology
victoriac@astepupacademy.org
I am passionate about helping people and helping them find comfort in their lives. I enjoy helping people of all ages achieve any goal they might have.
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Isabelle Hunt
Speech Language
Pathologist Assistant
(she/her)
Bachelor's of Arts in Communication Sciences
and Disorders
I am so excited to be starting at ASUA in the beginning of this school year (2023-2024). I'm looking forward to meeting the students and improving their confidence by working on their communication and language skills. In my free time I love to run, crochet and knit!
Alyssa Gerold
Music Assistant Teacher
(she/her)
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
After graduating in May 2023 I was worried about finding the “dream job” until I found A Step Up Academy! I am thrilled to be able to join such a wonderful team straight out of college and to have the opportunity to share the joys and positive effects of music with all of our students!
Elexa Sauls
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
B.F.A in Fine Arts,
Minor in Education
Throughout my volunteering in high school and fieldwork in college, I began to develop a passion for working with students with special needs. I enjoy watching students achieve their goals.
Montse Ramos, BA, RBT
Behavior Technician
(she/her)
BA in Psychological and
Social Sciences
I have always wanted to work with kids! I love being able to make a difference in their lives and watching them accomplish their goals. I hope to keep growing in this field!
Stephen Yee
Music Instructional Assistant
(he/him)
Bachelor of Arts - Jazz Studies, Rutgers University
New Brunswick
In 2019, I earned my Bachelors degree in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Since then, I have taught over 1800 private lessons and taught elementary school music at Chester Community Charter School and The Shipley School. I hope to use my teaching experience and deep passion for music to help students at ASUA to the best of my abilities!
Being an RBT is a rewarding experience. I've been an RBT for about 2 years and I enjoy knowing that I am making a difference in a person's life. This type of work is way better than working in a labor exhausting job, like I have before.
I have been working as a BHT for about two years and absolutely love what I do. What lead me to working here is that I wanted to be apart of school system and work as a team instead of being stationed in them.