Meet the new Special Education Coordinators!

New this school year are Special Education Coordinators – some new, some returning – who will primarily be supporting staff on ensuring special education services are delivered effectively.

This is a unique opportunity here in St. Louis Park Public Schools. Having a dedicated special education leader in each building means families will benefit from clearer communication, stronger oversight of services, and a team that can respond quickly to questions or concerns. The role also helps ensure that individualized education plans (IEPs) are implemented effectively and that students receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.

Jodi Miller – CELC (Central Early Learning Center

My name is Jodi Miller and I am excited to be the ECSE Teacher on Special Assignment. As a graduate of St. Louis Park High School, it has been especially meaningful to spend my career giving back to the community that helped shape me. I started in the district in 1992 by helping establish the School Readiness program and joined the ECSE team in 1997. I have also coached multiple sports at SLPHS for 10+ years, experiences that reinforced my passion for building teamwork, mentoring and fostering confidence.My educational background includes a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education from the U of MN, an Elementary Education license from UW–River Falls, and a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from UW–Stout.As a Teacher on Special Assignment, I am committed to supporting educators, young learners and their families while helping create inclusive, engaging learning environments where every child has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Kristin Vaillancourt – St. Louis Park Middle School

Hello! My name is Kristin Vaillancourt, and I am the Middle School Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment. I have worked in public education for nine years in a variety of roles, most recently as a DCD and ASD teacher at St. Louis Park Middle School. Over the past six years, I have supported students in grades K–8 with diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. I am passionate about building systems that help students and staff thrive, fostering inclusive learning environments, and supporting educator growth. I look forward to collaborating with students, families, and colleagues to help every learner reach their full potential.

Liz Burkwald – Susan Lindgren Elementary

Hello! I'm Liz Burkwald and I'm very excited to be joining the Susan Lindgren team as the Special Education TOSA this year! This will be my 17th year teaching; previously I've also been an Elementary Director and Special Education Coordinator at a charter school. I've attended University of Minnesota for my Bachelor's in Elementary Ed and Bethel University for my Master's in Special Education. I've also completed Certificates in School Leadership and Management, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Culturally Responsive Leadership. I look forward to learning from this talented team and supporting the school's continued success!

Sharla McIntosh-Ziegler – Park Spanish Immersion (PSI)

My name is Sharla McIntosh-Ziegler, and I am pleased to join the St. Louis Park Special Education Team. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, I completed my academic studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Minnesota. While my professional background is rooted in the Midwest, my family heritage originates from Jamaica. I currently reside in Southwest Minneapolis with my spouse and our two children, aged 10 and 14. I possess an extensive background in special education, with a primary focus on supporting students on the autism spectrum as a speech-language pathologist. My professional experience includes serving as a special education consultant and as a special education coordinator for a local charter school. I am a dedicated advocate for collaboration and am committed to fostering supportive partnerships with the families of my students. I look forward to building strong connections and contributing to the continued success of the SLP community.

Tamra Tyler – Aquila Elementary

Hello! My name is Tamra Tyler, and I am excited to join St. Louis Park Public Schools as the Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA).I bring more than 15 years of experience in education, with a background in special education, instructional leadership, and supporting students with diverse learning needs. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about partnering with educators and families to create inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive and reach their full potential. My educational background includes master's degrees in Public Administration, Elementary Education, Special Education, and Educational Leadership. I am currently completing my Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) dissertation. I believe in building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and supporting continuous growth for both students and staff.Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and exploring new places. I am excited to be part of the St. Louis Park community and look forward to partnering with students, families, and colleagues to support student success.

Lida Harris – St. Louis Park High School

Hello! My name is Lida Harris, and I am excited to be joining the St. Louis Park High School team this coming year as a Special Education TOSA. Previously, I served as the Due Process Specialist for St. Louis Park Public Schools and a Special Education Teacher at St. Louis Park Middle School. Throughout my career, I have worked to support students, families, and educators by building inclusive learning environments and ensuring students receive the services and support they need to thrive. I am passionate about collaboration, advocacy, and helping students reach their full potential. I look forward to continuing this important work with the high school community.

Bridget Stephens – Peter Hobart Elementary

Hello! My name is Bridget Stephens and I am so excited to be the special education TOSA at Peter Hobart. I have been teaching for 5 years in various settings between resource and self-contained (4 years in SLP woot woot!). I hold an ABS licence with a minor in teaching English as a Second Language. I am excited to bring my knowledge in the area of social skills training, CPI, and academic intervention. I love to collaborate with colleagues to meet the needs of our students. I am hopeful I can be a thought partner for the success of all students and staff. Can't wait to get to work!