May Ahn, Ed.D., NCSP, BCBA has been dedicated to supporting students who are diverse learners within the field of education for over 25 years. In addition to having a background in applied behavior analysis as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Dr. Ahn has a doctorate in school psychology from Loyola University.  The upcoming school year will be her 17th year serving as a School Improvement Instructional Support Coach at SASED, where she collaborates with educators to enhance student outcomes and foster a positive learning environment. Her passion and commitment to student success continues to inspire those she works with.

Beth Bergfeld is a passionate special education professional with over 20 years of experience supporting students with diverse needs. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Counseling and Counselor Education from Indiana University.

Throughout her career, Beth has worked across multiple school districts as well as in psychiatric settings, drug treatment programs, and the foster care system. She brings a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, student mental health, and behavior support to her work. Known for her advocacy and commitment, Beth serves as a trusted resource for both students and educators navigating complex educational and emotional challenges.

Dr. Dorota Celinska earned her doctorate in special education and educational specialist degree and licensure in school psychology. She has been an instructional and behavioral coach at SASED for over a decade.  In this capacity, she has collaborated with teachers, teams, and administrators to address improvements at the systems and individual student levels.  She is an author of multiple peer-referenced publications and presentations on cultural and linguistic aspects of discourse and culturally relevant instructional practices.  

Julia Homan is a seasoned special education professional with over 25 years of experience. She holds an M.S.Ed. in Special Education from Purdue University, with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, and is a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) through the University of Illinois at Chicago. Julia has worked across multiple school districts, supporting inclusive education and advocating for students with diverse needs. Her expertise in curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assistive technology makes her a valuable resource for both students and educators.

Jason Jobb is a special education teacher and instructional coach with over 16 years of experience creating inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environments. He partners with classroom teams to implement evidence-based strategies that support all learners while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth. Jason emphasizes structured learning approaches, intentional classroom setup and organization systems, and the integration of assistive technology and AAC to promote communication, independence, and active participation for all students. He also guides educators through ongoing instructional coaching cycles—supporting goal setting, data analysis, and the implementation of targeted instructional practices. Driven by a passion for lifelong learning, Jason empowers educators to elevate their practices and make a lasting impact on students. 

Kristyn Moroz, Ph.D, NCSP, BCBA-D is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Doctoral Level Designation. Kristyn graduated from Loyola University - Chicago with a Ph.D. in School Psychology and obtained her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst through Northern Illinois University. Kristyn has been working in the public school system for over 20 years as a School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and a School Improvement/Instructional Support Coach. Kristyn’s primary interests are school based consultation, applied behavior analysis, inclusion, MTSS, and advocating for students to succeed and show their strengths in the least restrictive environment. When not working, Kristyn enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, Taekwondo  (she is a 2nd degree black belt), running, and being active.  

Lynn Moynihan is a seasoned Behavioral Coach with a Master’s degree in Social Work and over 20 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, Lynn has specialized in supporting students through effective de-escalation strategies and is deeply committed to trauma-informed and restorative practices. She is highly skilled in conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and is a certified CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) trainer. Lynn thrives in both individual and systemic roles—working directly with students, coaching staff, and collaborating with schools on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at both building and district levels. Her work reflects a passion for creating supportive, inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive. 

With over 25 years of experience, Alexis is a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist and educational leader with advanced degrees in Communication Disorders and Educational Leadership. A RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), she has specialized in complex communication needs across healthcare and school settings, integrating a wide range of AAC and AT tools to support inclusive communication for students of all abilities. Alexis is also a skilled presenter, delivering engaging, evidence-based workshops that empower educators and therapists to improve communication access and foster collaboration. 

Kerry Shanahan, Ed.D., is an instructional coach with a passion for inclusive education, student engagement, and building educator capacity. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, where her dissertation focused on preparing preservice teachers through culturally responsive teaching. Kerry also holds a Master’s degree in Urban Education with a specialization in Special Education from National Louis University and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University. She is endorsed in Social Studies and Reading/Language Arts for grades K–9.

Kerry brings extensive experience across the educational spectrum—from early childhood through transition-aged students—and has supported both general and special education teams. She is dedicated to collaborative coaching, culturally responsive practices, and helping educators create joyful, structured learning environments. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, traveling, spending time with her husband and two young children, and keeping up with The Real Housewives franchise.

Laurie Walton began her career as Team Teacher/Technical Assistance Facilitator with school-based Wraparound (PBIS) teaming with teachers, families and community members. She went on to pilot a Communication Development Program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She furthered her career as an Autism Specialist in a large, neighboring school district,  while coaching professional teams in the summers for the Illinois Autism and Technical Assistance Project for the state of Illinois. In the last 10 years, Laurie returned to the classroom as a teacher serving students in self-contained classrooms designed for students with ASD and various communication and mental health needs. Laurie received her bachelors in special education at The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and her Master degree in Administration and Curriculum and Instruction at Depaul University.

Kristen Ward is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience in education. Her career spans teaching in general education classrooms, instructional technology, and instructional coaching. Kristen brings a deep passion for integrating technology, building efficient systems, leveraging data collection, and enhancing curriculum and instruction. She is committed to supporting teachers and students by creating innovative, practical solutions that elevate teaching and learning across diverse educational settings.  Kristen has an Elementary Education undergraduate degree from Illinois State University, Instructional Technology masters degree and Administrative/Leadership masters degree, both from Northern Illinois University.  When not at work, Kristen enjoys pickleball, drinking Diet Coke and hanging out with her two kids and husband.

With over 28 years in special education, Claire Smith brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to student success. She spent 18 years as a special education teacher for students with Autism and multiple disabilities, followed by 8 years as an instructional and behavioral coach. As a certified Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP), she has supported students in accessing tools that promote independence.

She has also served as Assistant Program Administrator at SouthEast Alternative School for students with emotional disabilities. In her current role as Program Coordinator for SASED’s middle school, high school, and transition programs, Claire Smith continues to advocate for inclusive practices and believes that all students can learn and thrive with the right support.

The Glue that holds our team together! Known for anticipating needs, managing competing priorities with poise, and ensuring follow-through on every task—from scheduling and correspondence to project coordination. Adept at maintaining smooth office operations while fostering a professional, efficient, and responsive work environment. Leslie was also a 2025 recipient of the "Most Valuable Employee" award at SASED.