Special Education Team
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.