Donna Galvan
Career Development Director/Lead TEACHER
Donna brings over ten years of experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities to her role as Career Development Director at SA Life Academy. Her passion for improving the quality of life for individuals with IDD made joining SALA in August 2022 an exciting opportunity to advance career preparation and job readiness programming.
Prior to SALA, Donna gained valuable experience at The Academy at Morgan's Wonderland and FACT Institute, developing expertise in supporting individuals with diverse needs and abilities. As a registered Behavior Technician, she brings specialized skills in behavioral support and intervention strategies that help students be successful in all areas of life.
In her role, Donna oversees career programming and builds partnerships with local employers and organizations to create meaningful employment pathways for SALA students.
When she's not at SALA, Donna enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, working out, and studying nutrition.
ELLIE HAWBECKER
Lead Teacher
Ellie Hawbecker received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education and General Education from St. Mary’s University.
Prior to joining SA Life Academy in January 2020, Ellie worked in the Special Education field for 33 years and was nominated for teacher of the year during the 2016 and 2017 school years. She offers expertise in applied behavior analysis, crisis prevention intervention, and utilizing the Picture Exchange Communication system which allows people with little or no communication abilities to communicate using pictures.
Ellie is a long-time resident of San Antonio and enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, daughter, and three sons.
Jennifer Davidson
Lead Teacher
Jennifer Davidson received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She then went on to receive her Special Education Teacher certification at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Jennifer also has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Reading.
Prior to Joining SA Life Academy in 2021, Jennifer spent over 20 years in Northside Independent School District (NISD) as an Applied Learning Environment (ALE)/Specialized Instruction Teacher. During this time, she developed lessons, planned activities, and coordinated with Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists, Assistive Technology personnel, Visual Specialists, families, and colleagues. Prior to her tenure in NISD, Jennifer worked as an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist as part of the Parent and Child Education Services (PACES) at MHMR.
Jennifer is a proud mom of 3 grown children and 2 grandsons. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and adventurous activities such as ziplining, parasailing, or skydiving.
Emily Barnes
Lead Teacher
Emily Barnes brings over 10 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities to SA Life Academy, which she joined in June 2023. She earned her Bachelor's of Social Work with a minor in Disability Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, providing her with both practical skills and understanding of disability advocacy.
Prior to joining SALA, Emily worked as a high school special education instructional assistant in Texas and Oregon and served as a behavior technician at an Autism Center in Fort Worth. This diverse experience across different settings and age groups has prepared her to support SALA students in developing skills for independence and meaningful community participation.
Emily's background in social work allows her to approach each student's needs with professional expertise and genuine understanding of the support needed for individuals with disabilities to thrive.
When she's not at SALA, Emily enjoys traveling, watching and playing sports, and listening to music.
Julie Hoog
Lead Teacher
Julie holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from Texas A&M University, with certifications in Special Education, Mid-Management Administration, Professional Supervision, Reading Specialist, and All-Level Physical Education.
With 31 years in education, 7 in Elementary General Education and 24 in Special Education with NISD, Julie was named Teacher of the Year for both NISD and Region 20 in 1997. Most recently, she spent 8 years at a private school specializing in special education for grades 5-12 before joining SA Life Academy in August 2024.
Julie's expertise includes differentiated instruction, behavioral management, crisis prevention and intervention, and career readiness. A San Antonio native, she's been married to Tom for 35 years and recently became a grandmother. She enjoys family time, music, travel, the outdoors, and Aggie sports.
Antoinette Archuleta
Lead Teacher
Antoinette Archuleta holds a Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit Management from Colorado Christian University and is currently pursuing certification as a Job Skills Trainer through the University of North Texas.
With over 25 years in education, Antoinette has worked in public school districts across the U.S., Department of Defense schools overseas, and in private settings with students of all ages and abilities. She spent 11 years as a Special Education Instructional Assistant with Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, supporting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her work there deepened her passion for improving the quality of life, work readiness, and functional and life skills of individuals with IDD, a passion that brought her to SA Life Academy.
Originally from Southern California, she is married to David, a retired U.S. Army Veteran of 25 years, and will celebrate their 35th anniversary this year. She is a proud mom of two and grandmother to her grandson.
Tisa Peterson
Lead Teacher
Tisa Peterson brings nine years of teaching experience and a degree from UT Austin's College of Communications to SA Life Academy. She has taught art to children, teens, and seniors, driven by her passion for expressive arts and commitment to serving others.
Her work with individuals with special needs began in high school and continued through volunteering with the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, Special Reach, and Equessense equine therapy program. She draws personal inspiration from her nephew, who has Down Syndrome.
Most recently working in special education, Tisa brings compassion, creativity, and belief in inclusion to SALA's mission of promoting independence and community engagement.
SUSAN MCDONALD
ASSOCIATE TEACHER
Susan McDonald has over 36 years of experience working in the special education field and specializes in life skills and employment training.
Prior to joining SA Life Academy in 2017, Susan worked in the Alamo Heights Independent School District for 28 years where she instructed high schoolers with special needs as part of the L.I.F.E program. She also assisted junior high school students with their transition into high school.
Susan has been married to her husband Richard McDonald for 45 years and is the proud mother of three children, and has 4 precious grandchildren—Milla, Luna, Pheobe and Theodore. She and her Richard love to travel, oftentimes going on long road trips on their motorcycle.
FRANCES LUNA
ASSOCIATE TEACHER
Frances has 30 years of experience working in the education field and has completed early child development courses at San Antonio College.
Prior to joining SA Life Academy in 2020, Frances worked in the San Antonio Independent School District where she advanced the health and wellness of students as an Assistant Physical Education Coach. She also helped students improve their social skills.
Frances enjoys spending time with her son Vince and her beautiful daughter-in-law Jenn. She also had a cousin Gloria who had Down Syndrome and brought so much joy, love, and laughter into her life!
Lindsey robles
Associate teacher
Lindsey Robles has 17 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She has a huge passion for the special needs community and was excited to join the SA Life Academy (SALA) team in January of 2022.
Prior to joining SALA, Lindsay served as a lead staff member at Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP). In this role, she trained camp counselors and enjoyed supporting recreational programming for children and adults with developmental, intellectual, medical, behavioral, and physical disabilities.
In Lindsey’s spare time, she enjoys reading, being in nature, and spending time with her family.
Lisa Gutierrez
Associate Teacher
Lisa Gutierrez began her journey with SA Life Academy in January 2023 as a substitute teacher. During this time, her passion and love for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities grew. In May 2023, she was thrilled to join the SALA team as a full-time Associate Teacher. In this role, she enjoys building strong relationships with all of the wonderful SALA students. Making an impact in their lives and watching them learn and grow brings her immense joy.
Lisa was born and raised in San Angelo, TX. She has been married to her husband Rey for 15 years and is a mother to three wonderful children.
Chloe Evans
Associate Teacher
Chloe Evans started at SA Life Academy as a sub in February 2024. In April, Chloe was honored to join the team officially as an associate teacher! Chloe has worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 7 years. Her older sister, Ashley, has medical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. The special needs community means the world to her.
Prior to joining SALA in April 2024, Chloe attended Texas Tech University for 2 years and moved back home. Chloe is also a volunteer counselor at Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP). She started off as a sibling camper attending camp with her sister, Ashley, and other siblings, then grew her love for the community and continued to be a camp counselor.
Chloe enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, reading, and thrifting!
Chris Tilt
Associate teacher
With 30 years of experience in education, Chris has dedicated most of her career to empowering students with intellectual and physical challenges. Her journey began in a private school setting and continued for 23 years in Alamo Heights ISD, primarily focused on special education.
For the past decade, she has served as a vocational instructor in the 18+ program, helping students develop essential job skills in diverse community settings. Chris is passionate about building meaningful relationships and supporting individuals on their journey toward independence and success.
She looks forward to continuing this rewarding adventure, fostering an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.
Angel Vera
Associate Teacher
Angel Vera brings over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, having served across a variety of organizations where her heart for people and community has always been at the forefront. After two years as a substitute with SA Life Academy, her passion for working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and her dedication to our STARS made joining the team as an Associate Teacher a natural next step.
Outside of SALA, Angel and her husband are co-owners of a gym they have built together over the past decade, reflecting her deep commitment to health and wellness. When she is not at work, she enjoys dancing, hunting, and working out, and cherishes time spent with her husband and family. She is a proud mother of one and a grandmother to four.
Nancy Almanza:
Associate Teacher
Nancy P. Almanza joins SA Life Academy with nearly 30 years of dedicated experience in education. She previously served as a Paraprofessional with the San Antonio Independent School District, where she provided critical support to elementary school students, particularly those requiring extra assistance to achieve academic success. Most recently, Nancy spent eight years with the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation department, continuing her commitment to serving the community through November 2024.
A proud mother of four accomplished children and grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren, Nancy brings both professional expertise and a deep understanding of family values to her role. She is passionate about supporting student growth and success, and is excited to be part of the SA Life Academy team.
Christina Urrutia:
Culinary Instructor
Christina is a true culinary artist with over thirty years of experience, especially passionate about pastries. Her journey has been fueled by a love for creating delicious treats and a commitment to her community. As a mother of three—Kelsi and her husband Josh, Joshua, and Angela with her husband Gio—Christina balances family life with her mission-driven work.
She founded Garden of Eatin’, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on repurposing food to combat food insecurity while fostering community connections. Christina’s dedication to sustainability and social responsibility inspires many to join her in creating a more nourished world.
When she’s not in the kitchen or working with her nonprofit, Christina finds peace in nature and gardening, nurturing her love for all things that grow.
ELAINE EICKENROHT:
ART INSTRUCTOR
Elaine Eickenroht received her bachelor’s degree in Education from Southwest Texas State University and has 36 years of experience in public education.
Prior to joining SA Life Academy in 2017, Elaine taught art to General Ed and Special Ed students in the North East and Comal Independent School Districts. After retiring from public school teaching, Elaine continued her passion for helping students succeed creatively in her role as an Art Instructor at Casa de Linda Art Studio in New Braunfels and through private art parties.
Mom to a special needs daughter, Elaine is active in supporting Special Olympics at their practice sessions and competitions. She also represents athletes as a member of the San Antonio Tennis Association’s Disability & Inclusion committee.