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
Director of Educational Programming
(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 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
Assistant Director of Educational Programming
(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.
Gracelyn Bullard
Instructional Coach
(she/her)
M.S. in Special Education
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
IEP & Data Coordinator
(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.
Emily Stefankiewicz, M.Ed.
Transition Specialist
(she/her)
Master of Education in Reading
My name is Emily Stefankiewicz and I am the Transition Specialist. I have worked in special education for almost 20 years. As the Transition Specialist, I have the opportunity to help students develop skills
needed to be successful adults in the real world.
I started at ASUA as a volunteer back when I was in high school and now here I am 9 years later. I've held many positions here from instructional assistant, to IT, to now Materials Specialist. As a Materials Specialist my goal is to help create unique and meaningful instructional materials in hopes to make education a more enjoyable and relatable experience for the students. ASUA is a second family
to me and it's been a joy to watch this school and its community grow and flourish.
Karin Fortin, M.Ed.
Transition Behavior Specialist
(she/her)
M.Ed. Applied Behavior Analysis
I have a passion for working with individuals that have different abilities. I enjoy working with school-age children as I prepare them to become more engaged with social skills and the community.
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 Interventionist
(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.
Meghan Dearstyne, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
(she/her)
Doctor of Physical Therapy
My name is Meghan and I am the physical therapist at ASUA. I love using movement and play to help achieve goals and improve function. In my free time, I spend my time traveling, camping, and hiking with my dog!
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Alynna Williams, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
(she/her)
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
I have always enjoyed working with kids within a school setting! I had the opportunity to complete fieldwork in a school like ASUA and absolutely loved it there. I truly enjoy helping a child to able to participate part in a typical school day.
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!
Allie DiFelice MS. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
(she/her)
Master of Sciences in Speech- Language Pathology
Prior to receiving my master's degree from Emerson College, I worked at A Step Up Academy as an instructional assistant for five years. I am so excited to be back at ASUA as a Speech- Language Pathologist to help our students improve their communication skills. In my free time I love playing sports and traveling with family and friends!
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!
Zachary Schwabe
Teacher
(he/him)
Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education &
Special Education
My passion and love for working with people with autism stems from love and interest they see in the world.
I want to be able to maximize the love that they have and give them the ability to show it to the rest of
the world.
Betsy Goellner
Teacher
(she/her)
Bachelor of Arts in General and Special Education
I have been working in special education for the last 7 years but I've always had a particular fondness for working in autistic support. I'm really excited to be entering my second year with ASUA and I am excited for the new challenge of working with the high schoolers this year!
Nichole Coyne
Speech-Language
Pathology Assistant
(she/her)
Bachelor of Arts
I started at ASUA in the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year and it has been such an amazing experience! I love supporting our students and learning from our incredible staff. I am so thankful to be apart of such a great team of individuals!
Bobby Burkhart
Teacher
(he/him, they/them)
Bachelors of Science in
Special Education,
Early Childhood Education
I love helping others succeed and I get to see that everyday at ASUA!
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 have been teaching special education for 30 years. I came to ASUA because I love their mission and small family feel. When I'm not in school I love doing various arts and crafts and spending time with my nieces and nephews.
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.
Rylan Jenkins-Snaith
Lead Instructional Assistant
(he/him)
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting
Hi! I’m Rylan, and I am uniquely linked with ASUA because both my brother and mom are employees at the school! I have worked doing many different things for ASUA, but working in the classroom with the kids is what I love to do.
Gigi Benzio
Art Specialist &
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.
Yanina Niemiec
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders with a
Minor in Psychology
yanina@astepupacademy.org
I decided to take a year off from school before I enter my Masters program for Speech Pathology and was looking for something rewarding to do in the meantime. I enjoyed working with students with Autism and helping them communicate in any way I can for the IU and wanted to continue doing that and gain more experience with this population. I stubbled upon ASUA and fell in love with the mission. I am excited to begin my journey and learn and help as much as I can.
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.
Gemma Freeman
Instructional Assistant
(they/them)
In Arcadia University's dual-certification program for early and special education.
I have been interested in special education since first being exposed to it in high school, leading to me pursuing it as my major in college. I'm interested in learning more about, and furthering, advocacy, inclusion, and accessibility.
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.
Arianny Valdez
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Associates in Behavioral Health, Bachelors in Social Work
I became really passionate about helping autistic children while working in an after-school program. Throughout my experience, I enjoyed helping kids that needed more support whether it was emotionally, academically, or behaviorally. My nephew who displayed signs of autism also inspired me to go into this field as well.
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.
Laura Monaco
Instructional Assistant
(she/her)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
I love working with children! I have a wonderful husband and son. We love going down the shore and spending family time together.
Camryn McCloskey
Instructional Assistant
(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!