Alissa Trollinger
Director
Tel: (602) 364-4004
E-mail: Alissa.Trollinger@azed.gov
The Special Projects Unit is comprised of multiple areas that are quite distinct from each other:
Accessible Instructional Materials
Candice Trainor, Program Specialist
This unit assists Public Education Agencies to obtain textbooks and other core instructional materials for students on IEPs who require alternative formats to access printed text.
Assistive Technology (AT)
Ann Gortarez, Bruce Kennedy and Mary Keeney, Assistive Technology Specialists
The Assistive Technology (AT) team provides ongoing statewide assistive technology training, technical assistance, and resources to guarantee that all students and school personnel have equal access to appropriate AT strategies and services.
Data Management
Peggy Staples and Nicole Armstrong, Data Management Specialists
La’Thea Nevills, Data Collection Coordinator
The Data Management team is responsible for the collection, review, validation, verification, and analysis of special education data in Arizona.
Secondary Transition
Andi Asel, Ana Núñez, Lorrie Sheehy, and Susan Voirol, Transition Specialists
Sophia Estrella and Jeannette Zemeida, Administrative Assistants
The Secondary Transition team works with student, families, school personnel, and other state agencies to address transition planning.
Secure Care
Secure Care Specialist
Tel: 602-542-3855
Email: Jeanette.Zemeida@azed.gov
The Secure Care team works toward successful reintegration of students from secure care facilities to community and life.
Surrogate Parents
Candice Trainor, Program Specialist
The Surrogate Parent Office recruits, trains and appoints volunteers to serve as educational surrogates for students with disabilities when no other individual can fulfill the role of “parent” as defined by the IDEA. This office also provides training and technical assistance to Public Education Agencies, State Agencies, parent groups and other organizations.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Exceptional Student Services contracts with a training consultant to provide training services to Arizona educators, parents, and interested community members in the basics of working with students with traumatic brain injuries in school and community settings.
