Judy Belkis
Founder/CEO
Judy started in the corporate world following her first degree, but later switched her passions over to speech pathology, and went back to school to obtain a masters in Special Education. As she word with speech and language impaired students, she felt very drawn to assisting students with multiple disabilities and founded STEPs in 1999. In her free time she’s with family, traveling, laughing, hiking and playing games.
Rachel Devereaux, M.Ed.
Director of Communication and Business Relations
Rachel has 18 years of experience in Special Education. She is accountable for monitoring and maintaining compliance with local, state and federal regulations relating to special education programs. Rachel provides mentoring, training and professional development for the STEPS staff. Rachel enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter.
Tony (michael) Niccum
Compliance Coordinator/Cross-trained Supplemental Service Provider
Michael has been with steps for over 10 years, and has always had an admiration for educators growing up. Now he enjoys working in schools and seeing the growth that students can accomplish when they are motivated and excited about what they are learning. Friendship, family and individual growth are very important to Michael. In his free time you can find him hiking, golfing, running or just spending time with his family.
Jane Traola-Lynch
Core Team Member
Jane has over 20 years of history in the individual and family services industry. She is skilled in Crisis Intervention, Case Management, Program Development, Social Services, Mental Health, and Leadership. Her passion is focused on servicing others and providing support. Jane was born and raised in New York and has recently relocated from New York with her husband Greg and dog Lexi. She is eager to enjoy sunshine and work with such an amazing group of talented and motivated educators.
Kelvin ‘Jay’ Hinds
Cross-trained Supplemental Service Provider
‘Jay’ is from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple in Brooklyn, NY. He relocated to Phoenix, AZ for a new beginning in the fall of 2014. While on his search in the following year for a new journey, he began his career in special education. Jay has worked for STEPs for three years specializing in one on one and inclusion services. He is absolutely thrilled to be joining the wonderful team at Caurus Academy. As far as fun goes, Kelvin enjoys cooking, photography, traveling, and being a true car enthusiast
Suzette Fimbrez
Certified Cross-trained Supplemental Service Provider/ELL Specialist
Suzette has an early childhood and elementary education degree, has experience as a kindergarten teacher, and has been with STEPs since 2015. She believes special education allows them to make lifelong impacts for children which can directly affect their independence later in life, and feels like teaching is her way of changing the world a little bit at a time.
Constance “Connie” McCool
Cross-trained Supplemental Service Provider
Connie is originally from the good ol’ Midwest, Iowa to be exact. When she was asked to join STEPs approximately 4 years ago, she jumped at the opportunity to work with others, help them succeed, and move forward in their journey of life. Connie has traveled with STEPs to Coolidge to Tucson to West Valley and MCSO, and has enjoyed every interaction with students and people she has met along the way. She is looking forward to another fantastic year with STEPs!
Monique Maldonado
Senior Compliance Coordinator/Cross-trained Supplemental
Monique has been with steps for a decade and loves working with children and being a part of their success. She believes that serving others means giving your support and aid to those that are in need, and is happy to be part of an organization that stands for that. Monique loves to golf, laugh, and be around her husband and family.
Micky Cryts
Compliance Coordinator/Cross-trained Supplemental Service Provider
Micky has been in Special Education since 2008. She prides herself on being able to help those struggling to find their way, one student who came to her at 19, barely able to live on his own and finding himself struggling to stay in school. She started working with him and now he is graduated and doing great. When she is not serving others, you can find her scrapbooking, crafting, or doing really any kind of art.
Melissa Cunningham
Certified Special Education Teacher/SRA Specialist
Melissa has been teaching for 16 years and has a masters in special education. She is passionate about SPED, she believes every student has the ability to succeed. To her, serving others means helping students realize and achieve their academic and life goals. When she’s not helping others, you can find her meditating, gardening, hanging out with friends and family.
JoAnn Morrison
Certified Special Education Teacher
JoAnn is an expert with 10 years of experience under her belt and a M.S.Ed degree. She has a passion for kids and a strong desire to see students with learning disabilities succeed in the classroom and in life. When she’s not working with students, she’s hiking or spending time with family.
Charles Laster
Senior Secure Care Provider/Cross-trained Supplemental Service Provider
Charles has been working with families for 20 years and a degree in sociology. His favorite part of his work is seeing the special education students succeed when the deck is stacked against them. He believe STEPs provides a family like atmosphere, where you can express yourself without being judged. He loves getting together with friends and having BBQ’s.
Kendra Spens
Certified Senior Compliance Coordinator/Certified Special Education Teacher
Kendra has a bachelors in Criminal Justice, a masters in Secondary Education, a MEd in Special Education. She chose to work for STEPs because she felt they always put the kids first and treated each other like family. When she’s not assisting special education students, you can find her traveling, fly fishing, quilting, or reading.
Arlette Townsend
Cross-trained Supplemental Service Provider/Social Work and Counseling
Arlette has 25 years experience in schools and 20 years in behavioral health. She is passionate about special education because her son, now 25 years old, received special education services from the time he was five-years-old. She currently works in social work to help families and groups of people cope with problems they are facing and improve their lives. Her favorite hobby is spending time with her granddaughter.
Alyssa Coronado
Certified Senior Compliance Coordinator/Certified Special Education Teacher
Alyssa has a passion for special education and has been with STEPs for seven years. She believes in being available, positive communication, and being a team player and always makes sure to put the student first while fulfilling the requirement and needs of the schools being serviced. Alyssa enjoys playing with her three awesome kids, . She also enjoys reading, baking and arts and crafts.
Anna Cifuentes
Cross-trained Supplemental Service Provider
Anna has worked in special needs for 11 years, and began her work in Respite and Habilitation services. She’s worked in special education classrooms for six years, in both compliance and resource. She’s passionate about special education because one of her siblings had special needs, and let’s that motivate her day-to-day. When she’s not working, she’s unwinding with some meditation.
