Special Education Department

The Special Education Department of Wheaton High School provides support to students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) across the curriculum. The Special Education Staff include Resource Teachers, Special Education Teachers, and Paraeducators. The department's goal is to meet the instructional needs of all students so that they have the ability to succeed and thrive in a rigorous learning environment. Special Education Programs and services at Wheaton High School include: LAD, Resource, LFI, SCB, Transition, and Speech.

Learning and Academic Disabilities (LAD) and Resource Programs

This model serves students with learning and academic disabilities by utilizing a program that may include components of self-contained classes, co-taught general education classes, and supported classes. The goal is to ensure access to the MCPS General Education Program of Studies for students with disabilities to the greatest extent possible. Students may take a resource class that helps to develop and improve such education skills such as organization, study skills, test taking strategies, etc. Paraeducators play a vital role in support of students and the Special Education teachers. Some paraeducators are permanently assigned to specific teachers while others are used in multiple capacities.

Teachers and courses

• Lisa Barrett: English 10 and Resources
• Joyce Bethea: English 10 and English 12
• Helena Baker: Chemistry
• Kristy D'Angelo: Algebra 2
• Dapheny Little: English 9
• Brooke Holloway: Chemistry
• Yunju Jung: Algebra 2
• Anthony Marshall: English 11 and Development Reading
• Ashford Rose: Resource
• Juan Vega Ormeno: NSL/Resource
• Rebecca Ward: Algebra 1
• Amy Wolfe: Honors Biology

Paraeducators

• Jim Bort
• Sara Durose
• Emily Elkonoh
• Paul Fabrizio
• Carol Guerra
• Spyridon Koliavasilis
• Jessica Kulick
• Ray Lamberti
• Danielle Mackenzie
• Michelle Phang
• Veronica Solano
• Terri Williams

Learning for Independence (LFI)

Learning for Independence (LFI) services are designed for students with complex learning and cognitive needs, including mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Services support the implementation of Alternate Academic Learning Outcomes aligned with Curriculum 2.0.

Teachers

• Rahel Hanadari
• Joan Locastro
• Kerri Mullins-Levine

Paraeducators

• Emily Elkonoh
• David Faynes
• Suzane Kenny
• Demistrice Riley
• Yuyeol Kim (TPT)
• Jennyfer Vincente

The School/Community Based Program (SCB)

School Community-based Program (SCB) services are designed for students with severe or profound intellectual disabilities and/or multiple disabilities. SCB services include the following components: age-appropriate classes, heterogeneous groups, peer interactions, individualized instruction, community instruction, and transition.

Teachers

• Melissa Schneider

Transition Services

Transition services provides stakeholders the necessary resources, tools, supports and professional development needed to ensure students a successful transition into further education, employment, and full participation in their community.

Teacher

• Steve Hanna 
• Amy Wolfe

Paraeducator

• Michelle Phang-Oginga

Speech-Language Department

The speech-language pathologists at Wheaton High school Provide service to students with communication disorders involving articulation, fluency, oral language, or voice. Services range from consultation to direct intervention and are provided across settings and in collaboration with teachers.

• Tauna Stinson
• Andrea Tame