Wings Learning Center: Wing's Team

Mitra Ahani M.S. CCC-SLP - Speech & Language Pathologist - Mitra completed her undergraduate and graduate education in Speech and Language Pathology at San Francisco State University. She has been working as an SLP in both the public and private sector for the past 8 years. Her therapy style and programs are derived from a social communication perspective. She has been dedicated to the students of Wings Learning Center since 2004, started a private practice specializing in Autism in 2005, is a founding board member for the Autism Network for Global Education and Lifelong Support (ANGELS). Her devotion to the field is inspired by the love for her niece, who has autism.

Jennifer Chen B.S.- Instructional Assistant Jennifer received her BS in Human Development and double minors in Education and Chinese from UC Davis. During her undergraduate studies, Jennifer was involved with autism research at the M.I.N.D Institute, as well as worked in a special day class and autism clinic at the preschool level. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in occupational therapy and/or special education.

Arturo Garcia - Instructional Assistant -Arturo is completing his BA in Liberal Studies and a minor in Special Education at San Francisco State University. Arturo has been working with children since 1995 in public & non-public schools, and organizations. Before joining Wings Arturo worked at an organization that specialize in working with at-risk children with a need of psycho-educational therapeutic intervention. Arturo has a strong passion for teaching and helping young children and their parents. Arturo's current goals are to obtain a Teaching Credential, and receive a Master's in Counseling.

Leslie Gardner B.A.- Co-Teacher - Leslie earned her Bachelors of Arts in Child Development at UC San Diego. She substitute taught in many special day classrooms before she was a 1:1 behavior technician for a mainstreamed child. She is currently studying speech and language pathology and has plans to apply for a graduate program.

Laxmi Ghale - Resource Teacher - Laxmi has been working with special needs children for the past four years. She is earning a degree in early child education from Canada College. Her interests fall in the areas of behavior management and implementation of different communication strategies.

Crystal Gines B.A.- Instructional Assistant - Crystal has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Speech and Language Pathology and a minor in Special Education from San Francisco State University. She has worked with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Crystal plans to pursue a master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology.

Cara Grant M.S.- OTR - Clinical Director Cara earned her BS at the University of Wisconsin, and MS in Nutrition and Counseling Health Psychology at Batyr University in Seattle– Her interests are in the social and emotional development of children with autism encompassing the development of social skills to regulatory capacities. Cara goal is to use her skills as a family therapist helping families find balance and health.

Jamie Hashimoto B.A.- Co-Teacher - Jamie received her B.A. in Psychology and minor in Applied Developmental Psychology from UCLA. She has varied experiences with young children as an infant/toddler caregiver, YMCA program instructor, camp counselor, and volunteer with local family shelters.

Mindy Hwang B.A.- Speech Therapist Assistant - Mindy graduated from U.C. Davis with a Bachelor's of Arts in Communication. She is currently working as an assistant to Mitra Ahani, Wings' Speech and Language Pathologist, and plans to apply to a graduate program in speech and language pathology.

Dragana Janjos B.A.- Instructional Assistant -Dragana has Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from San Jose State University and has worked with individuals with autism and other developmental challenges. She is planning to continue her education in the field of autism.

Roe Kizeik B.A.- Play and Social Skills Facilitator- Roe graduated from Catholic University of America in Washington DC where she earned a Bachelor of Music. She went on to perform musicals all over the country until a little girl with autism influenced her career path. She worked with Chana for two years in her home implementing the Son-Rise program.

Pei-Chi (Angie) Kuo M.S.- Lead Teacher - Angie received her Masters in Education from Western Oregon University, and a Bachelors in Social Work from Chinese Culture University. She left her home-land to pursue higher education opportunities that would support her passion for teaching and learning about different cultures.

Hyemin (Min) Kwak M.S.-Lead Teacher - Min received her Masters in Special Education from San Francisco State University. She is interested in developing a computer software program for young children with Autism. She was the 2007 recipient of Distinguished Student Award at SFSU.

Hillary McInerny B.A.- Lead Teacher- Hillary completed her undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley and obtained her Level I Education Specialist Teaching Credential in Moderate/Severe Disabilities at Cal State Fullerton in June 2005. She is currently completing her Level II Teaching Credential at San Francisco State University. Before joining Wings, Hillary worked as a Special Day Class Teacher in the public school district.

Joy Oh B.S.- Instructional Assistant -Joy completed her undergraduate degree at Cal State University, East Bay in Speech and Language Pathology. She is currently continuing her education in Industrial design as her 2nd bachelor's degree at AAU. She also plans to pursue her masters in Speech and Language Pathology.

Jackie Pambid B.A.- Instructional Assistant -Jackie received her Bachelor's of Arts in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in
Speech and Language Pathology from San Francisco State University. She also currently works as a caregiver for toddlers and preschoolers in the Bay Area. Jackie plans to pursue a graduate degree in Speech and Language Pathology.

Helen Pham B.A. - Instructional Assistant -Helen received her Bachelors Degree from San Francisco State University in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Psychology. She has worked with children with autism and developmental disabilities from pre-school to high school age. Her future goal is to obtain a combination credentials in multi-subject and special education at SFSU and to pursue a Master's in Special Education.

Beth Robinson B.A.- Music Therapist -Beth is a board certified music therapist who has been working with children with special needs for over ten years and has had a private practice in the Bay Area for five years. She graduated from the University of Kansas City, Missouri Conservatory.

Anne Swart M.A. - Instructional Assistant- After receiving an MA in biology from UC Berkeley, Anne decided that she was more interested in education than in academics. She has seven years of experience teaching and tutoring students from diverse backgrounds and ages. Before coming to Wings, Anne worked with abused and neglected children diagnosed with severe emotional disturbance. She occasionally teaches biology courses for UC Berkeley Extension and plans to pursue a career as an Educational Therapist or a Speech and Language Pathologist.

Naomi Takeda B.A. - Instructional Assistant- Naomi received her bachelor’s degree from California State University Sacramento in Liberal Studies. She is currently studying towards a Masters of Science in Special Education and Preliminary Level 1 Education Specialist Credential: Moderate/Severe Disabilities with CLAD Certificate at National University. Naomi grew up with her brother who is severely affected by autism and his many friends. This experience motivated Naomi to pursue a career in Special Education.

Jenee Van Hofwegen OTR- Occupational Therapist -Jenee earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Calvin College. She received a maters degree in occupational therapy from Samuel Merritt College. Jenee has spent the majority of her career working as a school based occupational therapist for school districts in the Bay Area. In this role she was able to work with children of all ages and backgrounds. She has taken a particular interest in the development of fine-motor and printing skills.

Irma E. Velasquez B.A. - Executive Director. Irma has a BA from the University of San Francisco in Economics and Business Administration. She has worked in corporate banking, systems administration, operations management and tax consulting. Irma is the mother of Aaron, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. Irma and her husband Sherman Chan are co-founders of Wings Learning Center.

Jaejin Lee M.A. - Autism Program Specialist - Jaejin (JJ) began her career in special education in South Korea in 1988, volunteering in a residential home and a school for the blind. She came to the United States in 1998 to pursue an education in special education and specifically the field of autism. She received her Masters and a teaching credential in Special Education from San Francisco State University. She is the co-founder of Wings Learning Center. Her role has evolved from being a classroom teacher to a Program Specialist. Her responsibilities include directing and developing educational programs and curriculum, training and supervision of staff and overseeing all educational functions of Wings Learning Center. She is also a field supervisor for San Francisco State University's Project Mosaic, a program to help prepare educators meet the unique needs of students with autism.

Marisa Chang M.S. - Administration Manager -Marisa earned her Bachelors of Art degree in Psychology at University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. She earned her Masters of Science degree at San Francisco State University in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling/ Pupil Personnel Services Credential.
Ms. Chang's training and work experience primarily focus in areas of behavioral management and social skill development.

Bethany DeJulio - Administration Assistant - Bethany is fluent in American Sign Language, and has previously worked with deaf special needs children as well as in the classroom of Wings Learning Center. She enjoys watching the students' of Wings thrive and make progress while supporting the operations of the school.

Safa Rashtchy - President Sherman M. Chan — Member Sen. Liz Figueroa (Ret.) Irma E. Velasquez — Secretary Phil Shemanski - Treasurer Victoria F. Jackson - Board Member Nancy Ahani- Board Member

Manuela Seitz Hipkins MS CCCSLP— Speech & Language Pathologist* Deborah Hayden, M.A., CCC-SLP - Creator of PROMPT Method Ann Parker M.D. - Developmental Pediatrician Ginny Ritchey Ph. D.— Child Psychologist* Adriana L. Schuler Ph.D. - Professor at San Francisco State University Kathy Small M.A. - Special Education Teacher* Danielle Sutton Ph.D. Clinical Researcher Amy Wetherby, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Jody Winzelberg, M.A. - Audiologist Pamela Wolfberg Ph.D. - Creator of Integrated Play Groups* David Tollner Esq. - Attorney at Law