sara hawkinson, Executive Director

Sara began her career at The Avalon Academy as an Instructional Assistant in 2008. She received the offer to teach at Avalon upon earning a Master’s of Arts in Special Education and Specialist Instruction Credential from San Francisco State University in 2011. Sara also participated in the University California Deaf-Blind Services Partnership Program and the Autism Spectrum Endorsement Program at SFSU. Sara was promoted to Director of Student Life in 2014, and promoted again in 2019 to Head of School. In the Spring of 2022, Sara was appointed as Avalon’s Executive Director.

erika delgadillo-perez, operations manager

Erika has over 15 years experience in the field of administration. She is currently working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Erika has previously worked with children with autism spectrum disorder. She enjoys contributing to the special education community. Erika joined Avalon in 2018.

Ann truong, chief financial officer

Ann Truong’s career spans more than 30 years of varied experience in financial management, business leadership, taxes, and corporate strategy for multimillion-dollar international NGOs, nonprofit organizations, and online businesses. Ann earned her Master of Business Administration in management from Golden Gate University and her Bachelor of Science in accounting from San Francisco State University. She is a certified public accountant in California and an enrolled agent with the IRS. Previously, Ann held roles as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance, and Audit and Finance Committee member for the UC Berkeley’s Cal Alumni Association, East Meets West Foundation, Coaching Corps, Lincoln Family Center, and the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. She taught computer software, math, and accounting classes as an adjunct professor at San Francisco State University and City College of San Francisco. Ann joined Avalon in 2022.

eide bailly, LLp

Our colleagues from Eide Bailly, LLP oversee our daily accounting/bookkeeping needs, and conduct Avalon’s annual financial audits.

lizzie Schoelen, Head of school

Lizzie holds a master’s degree and a California teaching credential in Special Education (Moderate to Severe Disabilities) along with an Orthopedically Impaired Added Authorization from San Francisco State University. Lizzie participated in the University California Deaf-Blind Services Partnership Program and the Autism Spectrum Endorsement Program at SFSU. Prior to joining the Avalon team in 2008, Lizzie worked with children, teenagers and adults impacted by autism and intellectual disabilities for 9 years. Lizzie has a special interest in multi-sensory teaching approaches and integrating music (and events!) into curriculum. Lizzie joined Avalon in 2008.

karla alcantar, director of transitional services

Karla holds a master’s degree and California teaching credential in Physical and Health Impairments from San Francisco State University. She has over 10 years of experience working with children with special needs. Prior to working at Avalon, Karla worked as an AAC/AT special day class teacher and Orthopedically Impaired Specialist. From 2009-2011, she served as a special education Peace Corps volunteer for the Ministry of Education in Grenada where she developed special education needs programs in primary schools and provided training for teachers and administrators serving students with special needs. Karla joined Avalon in 2014.

Boglarka Keresztes (Bogi), Special Education teacher

Bogi holds a BA and a MA in special education from her home countries of Hungary and Romania. Her master’s program focused on instruction of students with intellectual disabilities. She moved to the United States to work as a one-on-one caretaker for a child with specialized educational and medical needs, and transitioned into a full-time special education teacher. Bogi has experience working with students with Down Syndrome, students on the Autism spectrum, and students with severe emotional/behavioral issues. She joined Avalon in July 2022, and currently holds a Moderate to Severe Disabilities California teaching credential.

joey hamlin, director of speech language therapy and aac services

Joey Hamlin is a licensed and certified speech language pathologist who earned her Master’s from San Jose State University and Bachelor’s degree from Smith College. She has received specialized and advanced training in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication and assistive technology (AAC/AT), feeding and swallowing disorders, and bilingual language development. She has experience delivering services to both adult and pediatric populations in clinic, hospital and school settings, and provides mentorship and training to SLP graduate students and clinical fellows. Joey has enjoyed presenting locally on topics related to AAC assessment and implementation, and the use of AAC strategies and AT tools to facilitate language and literacy development for individuals with complex communication needs and cortical visual impairment. Joey joined Avalon in 2011.

amy lee, speech language pathologist

Amy is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who earned her Master’s degree from San Jose State University. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a bachelor’s of science degree, magna cum laude, in Human Development. Amy worked as a research assistant at the UC Davis MIND Institute for over a year, gaining experience in assessing school-aged individuals diagnosed with ADHD and/or Autism Spectrum disorder. Throughout her graduate career, Amy successfully completed comprehensive assessments and provided speech therapy for individuals with complex communication needs within clinical, and educational settings. She has experience treating individuals with Cerebral Palsy, Aphasia, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Amy was also a recipient of the Project AACES (Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Educational Settings) Grant, during which she received extensive training in research-based AAC assessments and interventions. After completing a graduate internship at The Avalon Academy, Amy is thrilled to continue working together with staff members to provide the highest quality services to all students that enter our doors.  Amy joined Avalon in 2017.

Kacee LUCERo, speech language pathologisT

Kacee Lucero is a licensed and certified Speech Language Pathologist who earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University. Kacee joined Avalon in 2018 as an Instructional Aide then in Summer 2021 as a Speech Language Pathologist. Throughout her graduate career, Kacee provided speech therapy for adults and children with complex communication needs within clinic and school settings. Kacee was also a receipt of Project AACES (Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Educational Settings) Grant where she received training in research-based AAC assessments and interventions. Kacee completed both her internship and externship experiences working with individuals who utilize AAC. After completing her graduate career and an internship with Avalon, Kacee knew Avalon was where she wanted to spend her career. Kacee believes the community at Avalon is unlike any other and is excited to be back on the team working with the students and staff.

brenda huey, director of movement education

Brenda graduated with her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from University of the Pacific in Stockton, Ca. Brenda has taken various professional training courses on pediatrics and the neuromuscular system including: NDT, myofascial release, reflex integration, breathing and postural mechanics, and orthotic management. Every summer Brenda coordinates the Avalon Olympics program where she creates adapted games that every student can participate with the utmost independence. Brenda joined Avalon in 2013.

anna moskovits, senior physical therapist

Anna is a California licensed physical therapist with over 20 years of experience with newborns, infants, children, and adults with neurological impairments. Anna has helped her patients by leveraging a wide range of techniques, including soft tissue mobilization (Deveny Method), Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), Kinesio Taping, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), and Vestibular Rehabilitation. Anna holds a B.Sc. degree in Physical Therapy from the Semmelweiss University in Budapest, and a second diploma in Soft Tissue Mobilization (Deveny Method), and is a member of the Association of Pediatric Therapists. Anna joined Avalon 2012.

Sharon FAULMINO, OCCUPATIONAL Therapist

Sharon Faulmino is a registered and licensed occupational therapist who earned her Master’s degree from Samuel Merritt University and Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Special Education from San Francisco State University. During her graduate career, Sharon provided comprehensive occupational therapy services for diverse populations with a variety of diagnoses including orthopedic conditions, cerebral vascular accidents, spinal cord injuries, amputations, brachial plexus injuries, burns, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, and cerebral palsy. Sharon has a strong passion for working with children and helping individuals participate in what they find meaningful to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Sharon was an Instructional Assistant at Avalon from 2017 to 2019 and rejoined the team as an Occupational Therapist in 2022.

Terena Scott, Teacher of the visually impaired, orientation and Mobility specialist

Terena is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist with a Master’s Degree in Special Education/Orientation and Mobility from SFSU. She is currently adding her second credential as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, also from SFSU. Terena began working with children with disabilities in 1998 as an Early Interventionist with Easter Seals. However, she states that her greatest training came from her own daughter, born with multiple disabilities, including deaf-blindness. Terena was also a Parent Advocate for the Lake County Special Needs Family Resource Center as well as the Parent Liaison for Mendocino County CCS. She brings more than 20 years of real life experience to her teaching. Terena joined Avalon in 2018.

Alisa Stegmaier, orientation and mobility specialist

Alisa is an Orientation & Mobility Specialist with over 7 years of experience working with school-aged students who are blind and who have low vision, including children with multiple disabilities. Her teaching style focuses on individualized, meaningful, and motivating activities. O&M therapy sessions include multi-sensory experiences, physical movement, and opportunities for self-determination. Alisa holds a M.A. in Special Education and a Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential from San Francisco State University. Her B.A. is in International Studies and Cultural Anthropology from the University of California, San Diego. In her spare time, Alisa enjoys going to the beach with her family. Her favorite hobbies include surfing, adventuring in nature, and travel.

Maureen Howard-kiely, Director of student health

Maureen has been a pediatric RN for over 20 years, with a Master's of Nursing in Case Management.  She has worked in ambulatory care, home care, and various school sites throughout her nursing career.  She enjoys working with families in various capacities.  Maureen has two sons and a daughter, and has a unique perspective on children with special needs as her oldest son has cerebral palsy, hydrocephaly, epilepsy, and other medical conditions.  She is happy to join the Avalon team and provide support to staff and families.

samuele palazzi, IT Coordinator, Equipment-Technology and Property Developer, Director of Media and Arts Department, Receptionist

Samuele joined Avalon in 2011.

Laurie Okamura Wang, media and art specialist

Laurie joined Avalon in 2015.

Jorge “JJ” rios, IT Support

JJ joined Avalon in 2018.

WILLIAM (“BILL”) H. WOLF, JR., M.B.A., Co-Chair

Bill Wolf is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lobo Leasing a specialized aircraft financing company focused on leasing commercial helicopters to U.S. and international rotorcraft operators. Bill graduated in 1987 from Amherst College with a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in Economics. Prior to business school, Bill was a financial Analyst at Goldman, Sachs & Co. After graduating from the Harvard Graduate School of Business in 1991 with a Master’s in Business Administration, Bill was an investment banker and financial advisor. From 1991 to 2004, Bill was in positions of increasing responsibility at Goldman, Sachs & Co., retiring in 2004 as a Managing Director of the Investment Banking Division and Head of the U.S. Retail Industry Practice. Subsequently, he became a Managing Director and Global Sector Head for the Retail and Distribution Industries at HSBC and later joined Credit Suisse as Managing Director and Co-Head of the Americas Retail Group. Bill left investment banking in 2008 and entered private practice, where he invested on behalf of a family office based in Austin, Texas in service, energy, retail, aviation and financial private companies. In this connection Bill and members of his family have formed Wolf Partners and Lobo Leasing to invest in and arrange financing for private companies in the energy, aviation, and financial services among other sectors.

KINGA E. CZEGENI, M.SP.ED., CABMP

Kinga is a Co-Founder of Avalon. She holds a master’s degree in Special Education (with an emphasis in Physical and Health Impairments) as well as a California teaching credential. She was a Lecturer at San Francisco State University for over a decade, where she taught a graduate course on the Implications and Management of Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairments. 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. Kinga is a certified practitioner in the Anat Baniel Method®. She is a graduate of the Mastery Program which encompasses children with special needs.

After 17 years of service, in March of 2022, Kinga stepped down as Avalon’s Executive Director. She continues to serve on the board of directors.

Currently Kinga dedicates her time to her private practice, Mov/Mi, providing therapeutic services for newly diagnosed babies and their families, children with special needs (Cerebral Palsy, movement disorders, ASD, ADHD), adults with chronic pain,  and high performers. 

LYNETTE MULLENS, M.D., PH.D.

Lynette Mullens is a Co-Founder of Avalon. Lynette qualified as an M.D. with Honours from the University of London, England, in 1987. She was awarded a Ph.D. from the same university in 1993 and subsequently joined the headquarters of GlaxoWellcome, a major multinational pharmaceutical company. Lynette specialized in clinical research and development of drugs for the treatment of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. She was the principal physician on the international team responsible for the development of the antiepileptic drug Lamictal in both the U.S. and Europe . This drug is commonly used for the treatment of seizures associated with conditions such as cerebral palsy in both children and adults. After moving to California in 1999, Lynette worked for a start-up company which collaborated with non-profit organizations to provide patients with online access to clinical trials. This experience inspired her to contemplate a new venture aimed at enhancing the lives of children who have cerebral palsy. Lynette has three children, the eldest of whom has cerebral palsy.

ANN WILSON GREEN, J.D., SECRETARY

Ann Wilson Green earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1983. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. in 1986. Upon graduating, she began practicing law with the firm of Sedgwick, Detert, Moran and Arnold (now Sedgwick) in New York City where she specialized in medical device and pharmaceutical products liability litigation. During that time, she was also actively involved in the New York City Bar Association’s Special Committee on Legal Issues Effecting People with Disabilities. As part of that committee work, she prepared comments on the draft legislation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ann transferred to Sedgwick’s San Francisco office in 1991 where she was promoted to partner. In 1998, Ann retired to explore other pursuits. Interested in continuing her work with people with disabilities, she worked as an aide to a freshman student at Stanford University who has cerebral palsy. In 2014, Ann earned a Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) degree from Stanford University. She is currently serving on the Alumni Advisory Board for Stanford's MLA program. She is also pursuing a PhD in English from Claremont Graduate University. She is married and has two children.

Jennifer Parker, M.S., Co-Chair

Jen Parker earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston College and a Masters of Science from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She started her career at Fidelity Investments in Boston. After moving west, she marketed her way through the dot com bubble, first at Zoom Marketing, a high tech consulting firm, and later as Director of Marketing at iMotors. In 2016 co-founded UCSF's Pediatric Epilepsy Center of Excellence (PECE) with Dr. Joseph Sullivan after realizing the need for a better whole patient approach while caring for her youngest with severe epilepsy. PECE now serves hundreds of kids in San Francisco and Oakland, providing counseling and therapy for families struggling with an epilepsy diagnosis. Jen is a writer and essayist, publishing on medium and substack, and served on the Board of Pied Piper Players, a community theater non-profit from 2018-2021. She is married and has four children, and likes to run whenever possible.

BRYAN vu, B.A.

Bryan Vu earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics & Economics from Pomona College in Claremont, California. After starting his career as a Business Analyst (Accenture), Technical Consultant (Trilogy Software), and Sales Engineer (Art Technology Group) in Los Angeles and Austin during the dot-com boom and bust, Bryan moved to the SF Bay Area. At Google for nine years, Bryan managed and grew several business and technical teams in Google’s AdSense, Gmail, DoubleClick and AdExchange businesses. Most recently, he served as VP of Product at Lightning Labs, a venture-backed digital currency payments startup based in San Francisco. Bryan has two children, the eldest of whom has a rare genetic condition (Chromosome 18q deletion)., B.A.

MELANIE HUNTLEY, PH.D.

Melanie Huntley was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology & Mathematics in 2001 and a Ph.D. in Computational Biology from McMaster University in Canada in 2006. Since moving to the Bay Area in 2010, her career as a scientist & data scientist, now in the Personalized Healthcare organization at Genentech, has been inspired by her daughter, who suffers from a severe and treatment resistant form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS).  Melanie is a staunch advocate for the special needs community, and also serves as a board member and past president of the LGS Foundation. During her free time, she most enjoys activities that light up her daughter’s face with joy, like Avalon celebrations, and therapeutic horse riding.

Dan Heller

Dan graduated from Carnegie Mellon with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. He worked as a Software Engineer at Indeed, Google, and IBM over 17 years, and for the last 8 years has been leading Enterprise IT teams at Indeed, currently as a Sr Director of Engineering. Originally from New Jersey, Dan lived in Austin, TX for 15 years before moving to California and putting down roots in the SF East Bay. Dan is married with three children, and his oldest son has attended The Avalon Academy since 2022. In addition to family adventures with the kids, Dan is active in his local community and enjoys outdoor work around the home.

STEPHEN DILLY, M.D., PH.D.

Stephen G. Dilly, MBBS, PhD, is CEO of Codexis Inc. a biotechnology company at the forefront of the application of enzyme engineering to oligonucleotide synthesis. He is also a Board member of Cognoa Inc a pediatric digital health company. Cognoa's precision health platform is designed to support early identification and treatment of pediatric behavioral health conditions including autism spectrum disorders. Stephen was previously CEO of Sierra Oncology until its acquisition by GSK and before that CEO of Aimmune Therapeutics (NSDQ: AIMT). 

Dr. Dilly has played important roles in the development and approval of numerous drugs, including Ojjaara®, Palforzia® , Kytril®, Requip®, Kredex®, Paxil CR®, Cathflo Activase®, Raptiva®, Xolair®, Avastin®, Lucentis®, Cubicin® and Tarceva®. 

Dr. Dilly received a PhD in Cardiac Physiology from the University of London and holds an MBBS, graduating as a physician from the University of London.

Dr. Dilly played important roles in the development and approval of numerous drugs, including Kytril®, Requip®, Kredex®, Paxil CR®, Cathflo Activase®, Raptiva®, Xolair®, Avastin®, Lucentis®, Cubicin® and Tarceva®. He is on the Board of Sangamo Therapeutics. Dr. Dilly received a PhD in Cardiac Physiology from the University of London and holds an MBBS, graduating as a physician from the University of London.

ELAINE PICO, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.A.P.M. & R.

Dr. Elaine Pico has been an Attending Physician at the Children’s Hospital, Oakland for the last decade. Additionally, she is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medical Expert for Life Care Plan Needs.

In her extensive practice of over 700 patients, Dr. Pico is a Medical Consultant and Provider for California Children Services in 9 counties, including 12 different clinics. Her special interests include the management of children with a variety of neurological conditions including cerebral palsy, spasticity, neuromuscular disorders, traumatic brain injury and spina bifida.

Dr. Pico holds a Specialty Certification in Pediatric Rehabilitation. She is also Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is a regular presenter at both national and international conferences.

Dr. Pico completed her residency in Pediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic. She earned an M.D. from U.C.L.A. School of Medicine in1991.

GLORIA SOTO, PH.D.

Dr. Gloria Soto has been involved in Avalon since before its inception and was the first member of its Advisory Council. Dr. Soto is Professor in the Department of Special Education at San Francisco State University. She teaches graduate coursework in special education, cultural diversity, augmentative communication and curriculum-based language and communication intervention.

Her area of professional expertise is in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Her areas of research interest include applied educational issues such as multiculturalism, collaborative teaming, inclusive education and professional preparation, as well as more basic areas such as narrative language in AAC, language development through augmented means and the impact of graphic symbol use on language development. She is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences related to communication intervention and special education. She has published numerous articles and book chapters.

Gloria holds an M.S. from Universidad Pontificia, Spain and a Ph.D. from Purdue University.