Mission:
AZSA presumes competence in nonspeaking, minimally and unreliably speaking individuals, providing access to age appropriate academics with a focus on spelling methods. We will provide a safe and fun environment for students to build social connections.
Vision:
Spellers at AZSA will have a well-rounded education and the opportunities they deserve.
Staff
Annie Heninger, Elementary Teacher
For the past four years, Annie has dedicated her life and heart to working with non-speaking autistic children in group settings and learning how to support apraxic bodies from the many experienced professionals she has had the pleasure of interacting with. She is thrilled to have found her way to AZSA and is honored to be a part of such a comprehensive and community focused program! Annie is a passionate advocate for the spellers, committed to ensuring that every student is met with high expectations and the tools they need to reach their full potential. Through a safe, supportive, and invigorating learning environment, Annie empowers her students to grow, express themselves, and thrive both academically and personally.
Rachel Brooks, Middle and High School Science and Social Studies Teacher
Rachel Brooks brings over 20 years of experience in education to her role at Arizona Speller’s Academy, where she serves as our middle and high school Science and History teacher. Throughout her career, Rachel has been dedicated to working with differently abled and non-speaking individuals, always guided by her belief in meeting students exactly where they are and presuming competence in every learner. She completed Communication Partner Training in 2024. Rachel is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging learning environments where each student is respected and valued.
Barbara Waters BS, Middle and High School Math and English Teacher
Growing up with an older sister with Down’s Syndrome, whose competence wasn’t always presumed, Barbara’s opportunities and interest in working with all learners began early. She volunteered extensively and went on to earn her Bachelor’s of Science in Education. Starting out, she was a lead teacher at a local Head Start program in Nebraska. As her four children have grown into adulthood, she returned to working with children and families of all needs as a Habilitation and Respite Provider and an occasional tutor. This is how she met her first speller, who was just beginning his spelling journey. As a result, she was invited and accepted a position working with spellers in a classroom setting. She looks forward to continuing working with spellers here at AZSA.
Nikki Ponce, TA
Nicolette was inspired to work with non-speakers after hearing a podcast that opened her eyes to the gaps in mainstream medicine and education for these individuals. Although she hadn’t worked with spellers before joining AZSA, her career began in education as a music teacher before she spent several years in financial services. She later returned to school for speech-language pathology, bringing a unique blend of skills and perspectives to her work. At AZSA, she values the holistic approach that integrates disciplines like occupational therapy, vision, and spelling to create comprehensive programs for students. She is passionate about helping students develop new skills that foster autonomy and empower them to live lives of their own choosing.
Gabby Hernandez, TA
Gabby is 24 was a Pre-K teacher for 5 years. She has such a big heart for kids and seeing them achieve new things in their growing years. She became more interested in working with non-speaking students when she had the opportunity to work with a non-speaking student in her Pre-K class. Gabby’s dedication, love, and commitment to see these amazing kids grow has made her a big part of Arizona Spellers’ Academy.
Marisa Millette, TA
My passion for working with non-speakers began in a daycare setting, where I worked closely with a child who was non-speaking. That experience opened my eyes to the many ways children communicate beyond words and inspired me to keep learning how to support them. I’ve worked in a variety of daycare settings over the years, building strong connections with children of all abilities. Currently, I’m pursuing my degree to become a therapist for children, with the goal of helping every child feel understood and empowered. Joining AZSA is my first experience working with kids who communicate through spelling, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see their thoughts and personalities come alive on the letterboard. I’m excited to continue growing alongside the spellers and to be part of a team that values every voice.
Brianna Esparza, TA
Brianna Esparza brings over 10 years of experience working with a non-speaker who is now a Speller, an experience that inspired her to support his journey and the journeys of others—ultimately leading her to Arizona Spellers’ Academy. She has partnered with homeschool teachers as a provider, collaborating to create an individualized learning plan. Brianna finds AZSA unique in its commitment to presuming competence and dedicating itself to supporting each student’s individual needs with openness. She is excited to witness students’ voices emerge and feels honored to be a part of an environment that embraces and supports every student.
Jessica Vargas, TA
Jessica is a teacher’s assistant at AZSA. From the moment she joined, it was clear to her that AZSA is more than just a workplace—it truly feels like a family. Although she doesn't have prior experience working with spellers, she’s excited to be part of this journey and to learn alongside these incredible students. Jessica has always known she wanted to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, and being at AZSA allows her to do just that. She’s grateful for the opportunity to support, grow, and be inspired by her students every day.
Board Members
Daniel Stone, B.A., M.S.
Daniel is a father of four children, one of whom is a speller. He has a B.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language and an MS in Biostatistics. He spent 18 years as an educator in various roles including teacher, mentor and lead teacher, middle school manager, and instructional coach. He has completed the practitioner training for Spelling to Communicate through I-ASC and is a Spellers Method trained practitioner. Daniel is dedicated to building a school where spellers can learn appropriate and challenging curriculum in an environment where neurodiversity and motor challenges are understood and embraced.
Melissa Stone, B.A., AT-ACP
Melissa works with Daniel to raise 4 amazing kids, one being a speller. She has been working with students who spell to communicate since 2020. She has a B.A. in Bible Exposition, worked as a disability ministry coordinator and is the current founder and owner of a spelling clinic in Mesa, AZ. She completed her practitioner training through I-ASC in 2022. She currently teaches and works as a practitioner with the national spelling organization, Spellers, to get families started on their spelling journey. She is passionate to see students gain an age appropriate academic experience in AZ where everyone fits!
Michele Thorne, M.S. C.A.S.
Michele is an autistic woman, the mother of two autistic children, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Care 4 the Caregivers, and Founder of Know It All Books. Michele's non-speaking son is a speller and the lack of support for spellers in the public school system motivated her to get involved with the Arizona Spellers' Academy. Michele is a Certified Autism Specialist, a Protective Factors Training, a Flourishing Families Practitioner, and a Stepping Stones Triple P Practitioner. She has participated in the Arizona Foundation for Women SHE Leads! and the Pilot Parents AZ Partner in Leadership Advocacy Training Programs.
Matthew A. Thorne, B.A.
Matthew has been in the financial sector with real estate for the last 25 years. As a father of a nonspeaking child, his experiences over the last several years have helped him come to understand the great importance for a school of this nature. A driving goal for him is to help develop opporunities for more nonspeaking children in our community. He is committed to leveraging his expertise to support and advance the mission of AZSA, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community for individuals and their families.
Angela Rico, B.A.
Angela is a mother of two creative children, one of whom is a speller. She has a B.A. in Psychology; she focused the first few years of her career serving the public, holding positions at the Department of Economic Security and Maricopa County Department of Public Health, eventually transitioning to the sales in the bank industry. Angela aims to create a place where Spellers feel welcome, understood and appreciated for who they truly are. Her goal is to create more acceptance in our community while creating opportunities and securing a bright future for our kids. Angela’s interest in supporting this community stems from the perseverance and kindness she has observed among the young Spellers at the school.