Faculty
A formidable team provides model special education, with skill, care and compassion in a relaxed environment.”
Dr. Neil Sharp, MD
Kinga Czegeni: Director of Education
Kinga Czegeni is a Co-Founder of Avalon. Kinga holds an M.A. in Special Education (with an emphasis in Physical and Health Impairments) as well as a California teaching credential. She is also a Lecturer at San Francisco State University (S.F.S.U.) where she teaches a graduate course in the Special Education Department. Many of her graduate students visit Avalon as part of their training. Kinga entered the field of special education at the International Peto Institute in Budapest, Hungary. She graduated with High Honors in 1996 with a degree in elementary education majoring in special education of motor-disabled children. Kinga was recruited to California in 1997 where she contributed to the establishment of two programs for children with cerebral palsy. Prior to Avalon, Kinga had been the Director of Step by Step CEC in Millbrae for 7 years. Kinga is a certified practitioner in the Anat Baniel Method®. She is a graduate of the Mastery Program which encompasses children with special needs. Kinga has an extensive private practice dedicated to children and teenagers with special needs. To contact Kinga, e-mail her at kinga@theavalonacademy.org or call 650.777.9131.
Carli Hamilton: Teacher
Carli Folan holds an M.A. in Special Education from Notre Dame de Namur University, with a California teaching credential in Moderate/Severe Disabilities. She has worked at Avalon since 2006 and completed her one-year internship with the school. Additionally, she holds a B.A. in American Studies from UC Berkeley. Carli is a trainee in the Anat Baniel Method® and participates in Movement Education Training at Avalon™ (META). To contact Carli, e-mail her at carli@theavalonacademy.org
Magda Gorecka: Movement Education Trainee
Magda Gorecka holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Poland and has over 5 years’ experience in PT working with children with physical disabilities including those with cerebral palsy. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Sports Medicine from California. Magda is a trainee in the Anat Baniel Method® and participates in META™. To contact Magda, e-mail her at magda@theavalonacademy.org
Sean Adams: Senior Instructional Assistant
Patricia Jacobs: Senior Instructional Assistant
Patricia Jacobs is a Licensed Vocational Nurse with an interest in special needs and pediatric nursing. She joined Avalon in 2006. Additionally, she holds a B.S. in Science. Patricia is a trainee in the Anat Baniel Method® and participates in META™. To contact Patricia, e-mail her at patricia@theavalonacademy.org
Jude Silva: Senior Instructional Assistant, Media and Art Specialist
Jude Silva has a B.A. in Fine Arts. He joined Avalon in 2005. He has over 10 years’ experience as a paraprofessional in special education. Previously, Jude was Program Director of the Interactive Children’s Museum in Manila, The Philippines. Jude has a specialized interest in art and media. To contact Jude, e-mail him at jude@theavalonacademy.org
Part-Time Instructional Assistants
Genoa Hamiel
Audrey Lareau
Plern Pratoommas
Lizz Schoelen
Sara Schoelen
Chris Tamayo
Part-Time/Temporary Faculty
Avalon is fortunate in having a tremendous pool of special-education professionals we can call upon on an as-needed basis, many of whom work with us as a regular part of the team, including specialists in the following fields:
- Vision
- Speech and Language
- Alternative, Augmentative Communication
- Assistive Technology
- Classroom Instruction
Volunteers
Individuals with kind hearts of all ages and backgrounds readily volunteer on a regular basis in very useful ways. They provide welcome hands in the classroom and in task-specific areas such as helping with meals, technology, fundraisers, administration, and the like. They range from young siblings of Avalon students, middle and high schoolers performing Community Service, and professionals from other fields such as Accounting, Banking, Medicine and Law.