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 question or concerns pertaining to Special Education, please contact Janina Roberts, Director of Special Education at jroberts@austin.utexas.edu or 512-495-3301

For questions or concerns pertaining to Section 504 please contact Dr. Veronica Ruiz-Winner, Assistant Special Education and 504 Director at veronica.ruiz@austin.utexas.edu

Special Programs include:

Special Education (SPED)

Dyslexia Services

Gifted and Talented (GT)

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Special Education District Staff:

Janina Roberts, Director of Special Education, jroberts@austin.utexas.edu

Veronica Ruiz-Winner, Ph.D., Assistant Special Education Director, veronica.ruiz@austin.utexas.edu

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

Bree Davison, ARD Facilitator, bree.davison@ausin.utexas.edu

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

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

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

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

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

Annunciation Maternity Home (Georgetown)
A free, full-service home for young women (grades 7-12) who are in crisis pregnancies.

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.

Cedar Crest Hospital (Belton)
An inpatient program which is designed to stabilize immediate psychiatric needs for patients of all ages and their loved ones.

Clearfork Academy (Fort Worth)
A residential treatment program for boys between the ages of 13 and 18 years who struggle with substance abuse or addiction and the accompanying mental health and behavior issues.

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 118-bed acute care psychiatric hospital offering comprehensive mental healthcare programs and services for adults and teens with 24-hour inpatient care for adolescents (ages 13-17) whose acute symptoms require a safe and therapeutic environment.

Helping Hand Home for Children (Austin)
Provides a nurturing and therapeutic home 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 services 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 at the elite level in competitive gymnastics.

Pathfinders Camp (Driftwood)
A therapeutic camp that services emotionally disturbed and learning-disabled boys (grades 5-12) lacking 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.

Seton Home (San Antonio)
A residential program providing a caring home, education and support services necessary to transform the lives of pregnant and parenting teen mothers and their children.

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.

University High School Austin (Austin)
An independent recovery high school that has the unique advantage of strategic collaborations with recovery, social service and higher education organizations in and around the Austin community.

Unlimited Visions Houston (Houston)

A treatment program that meets the spiritual and physical needs of chemically dependent adults and adolescents on their journey of recovery.

University Charter School

University Charter School

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