Division of Diversity and Community Engagement

Special Programs

Special Programs are provided by UT University Charter School to support students through educational opportunities for unique learners. Our programs create safe environments and hold high expectations for all.

For questions or concerns pertaining to Special Programs please contact Janina Roberts, Director of Special Programs at jroberts@austin.utexas.edu or (512) 495-3303.

Special Programs include:

Special Education (SPED)

Dyslexia Services

Gifted and Talented (GT)

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Special Programs District Staff:

Janina Roberts, M.A. LSSP, Director of Special Programs, jroberts@austin.utexas.edu

Shanika Ingram, M.S., M.Ed., Special Education Programs Facilitator, shanika.ingram@austin.utexas.edu

Karena Hayes, Dyslexia Interventionist, karena.hayes@austin.utexas.edu

Candace Kerri, M.Ed., ARD Facilitator, candace.kerri@austin.utexas.edu

Gianna Fertitta, ARD Facilitator, gianna.fertitta@austin.utexas.edu

Martina Glasgow, ARD Facilitator, martina.glasgow@austin.utexas.edu

Julie Joesel, M.A., Lead Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, jjoesel@austin.utexas.edu

Stacy Swenson, M.A., Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, stacy.swenson@austin.utexas.edu

Rhonda Washington, M.A., Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, rhonda.washington@austin.utexas.edu

Laura Berkman, SPED Clerk, laura.berkman@austin.utexas.edu

Austin Oaks (Austin)
A day treatment program that serves adolescents (grades 6-12) experiencing a serious behavioral disturbance or an inability to function at home or school.

Boysville (Converse)
A residential program serving adolescents (grades 6-12) that provides a safe, structured family environment helping prevent and resolve social and emotional problems long term

Cedar Crest Hospital (Belton)
An inpatient treatment program to help teens ages 12 through 17 who are struggling with emotional problems and substance abuse.

Clearfork Academy (Fort Worth)
Two residential treatment programs, one for boys and one for girls, between the ages of 13 and 18 who struggle with substance abuse or addiction and the accompanying mental health and behavior issues.

Cross Creek Hospital (Austin)
A hospital that offers highly-trained and compassionate treatment team, evidence-based interventions and our commitment to long-term healing and growth serving adolescents ages 12-17 with depression, anxiety and other disorders.

Dell Children’s Medical Center (Austin)
A partial hospitalization program for 13-17 year olds with behavioral and mental health disorders who are cared for by a multidisciplinary team designed to meet the adolescent’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

DePelchin-Richmond (Richmond)
An inpatient facility that treats children and adolescents (grades K-8) who suffer from mental health conditions and behavioral problems.

Georgetown Behavioral Health Center (Georgetown)
A psychiatric hospital offering comprehensive mental healthcare programs and services for adolescents (ages 13-17) whose acute symptoms require a safe and therapeutic environment.

Helping Hand Home for Children (Austin)
A home that provides nurturing and therapeutic care for children (grades K-6) who have suffered severe abuse and neglect.

High Point (San Antonio)
A day treatment program serving students (grades 1-12) with psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, sexual behavior and developmentally delayed issues.

Laurel Ridge (San Antonio)
A residential treatment and hospital facility serving students (grades K-12) with psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, sexual behavior and developmentally delayed issues.

Methodist Children’s Home (Waco)
A non-profit childcare ministry that serves adolescents (grades 7-12) who are unable to live at home for various reasons.

Munday (Restricted Location)
A K-12 campus housed in a shelter for families who are victims of domestic and/or sexual violence.

Olympia Hills Gymnastics (Buda)
A gymnastics program for students (grades 4-8) who are participating in competitive gymnastics at the elite level.

Pathfinders Camp (Driftwood)
A therapeutic camp that serves emotionally disturbed and learning-disabled boys (grades 5-12) providing the skills necessary for successful community living.

Pathways 3H (Mountain Home)
A residential wilderness program for pre-adolescent and adolescent boys (grades 6-12) with behavioral difficulties who may otherwise be headed to incarceration or therapeutic lockup.

The Refuge for DMST (Restricted Location)
A residential center offering trauma-informed, long-term restoration shelter and services to girls (ages 11-17) who have been exploited through sex trafficking.

Safe Haven Youth Ranch (Hempstead)
A residential program that combines evidence-based trauma treatment interventions, 4-H youth development and individualized behavior skills training for youth who have experienced traumatic life events.

Settlement Home (Austin)
A residential treatment center for girls (grades 6-12) who are in need of 24-hour therapeutic care.

SJRC Texas (Bulverde)
A campus caring for children who have been affected by trauma, abuse and neglect.

Texas NeuroRehab Center (Austin)
A medical facility that serves students (grades K-12) with brain injury, neuro-behavioral issues, and/or who are considered medically fragile.

Unlimited Visions Aftercare (Houston)
A four-phase residential treatment program for adolescents who are struggling with substance abuse disorders.

University Charter School

University Charter School

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