Experience The Village: School of Abilities Private School

 Carissa Carrillo, Director of The Village: School of Abilities, has been working with children with special needs in the field of occupational therapy for over 7 years! After working in various settings, including home health, schools, and outpatient, she decided to open her own occupational therapy clinic in the local Sahuarita area to serve an underserved community. It was here that sparked the idea of opening a school out of the needs expressed by the parents walking in and out of the clinic. Carissa's passion is to serve those who don't have many options with a neuro affirming approach, integrating an adapted environment into the classrooms, and to build a team with the same mindset. Her love for children extends out into her home where she cares for her 3 little ones. During her free time she enjoys family time and cooking. 

  Erica Romero has worked in the field of child welfare since 2015, through local jurisdiction, on Native American reservations and through local agencies. She has worked in community counseling, prevention models and created cultural parenting curriculum and presentations on culture as a healing protective factor. She worked in the field of Education as a substitute teacher, a specialist teacher of psychology and as a Multi-Tiered Support Specialist. 

Erica and her husband have a blended family of biological children & adopted children. Erica has many years of experience caring for children with various special needs, and helping other caregivers parent through these challenging diagnoses.

Erica came into the field of Education after seeing the lack of quality education for special needs children, and thus started a quest to make those services better for all involved. 

Erica holds a BA degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Human Services and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Human Services and a Masters in Special Education certificate. 

  Malia Thompson, MS in SpEd, Campus IEP Case Manager, Teacher Grades 6th-8th  A happy Native Hawaiian married 40 years to a Great Courses Instructor. 

 Hi, I’m Carrie Nichols! With 20 years of experience in education, I am passionate about helping students learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. My goal is to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student can succeed.

  My name is Tammy Bailey. I am a student support staff member. I’m a proud mother and grandmother of three children and three grandchildren. I have experience with early childhood education and children with disabilities. I have a passion for helping children.

  My name is Desirae Fisher. I have nine years of experience as a paraprofessional and an in-home care provider. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies, camping, and attending sporting events. Join our network of successful and accomplished alumni who are making a difference in their communities and around the world.

  My name is Lisa Coker. I am a student support staff member. I am a grandmother of 6. I have experience teaching in the children’s ministry at my church. I have experience teaching in my previous careers. I always say I should have made my career teaching because it really is a passion.

  My name is Ryan Gilvin, I’m a Sahuarita native, and Walden Grove alumni. I’ve worked in education for 4 years now at every level. I also have coached 5 seasons of volleyball and basketball! I’m an animal lover and a huge Pokémon fan! I am so excited for the opportunity to teach and assist at the Village School of Abilities! 

 My name is Lahapa Perez and I am the Administration Support staff. My background is in bookkeeping, general accounting, and office support. I enjoy working in a team environment and helping to make things run smoothly. My newest title is Tutu (grandmother in Hawaiian), and it is my absolute favorite!  

  Laura Thompson, Classroom Aide Grades K-2nd. Loves working with students. Collects Sanrio toys. Can trace her genealogy back to the 1500s and Martin Luther

  Lin Thompson, Classroom Aide Grades 6th-8th. Experienced SpEd Aide of 3 yrs.  Loves the opportunity to pay it forward in honor of the teachers who inspire him.

 Rebekah Robinson, Occupational Therapy asst, has been practicing pediatric occupational therapy for the past 5 years and falls in love with it more each day. Possesses a strong passion for advocating for children and families to reach an optimal level of independence and strong sense of self. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, cooking and MMA!