Abby Inzurriaga:
Assistant Program Director/Lead Teacher
Abby Inzurriaga earned her Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Special Education K-12 from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Before beginning at SA Life Academy in September 2020, she worked for Junior Achievement of South Texas, serving San Antonio public schools by delivering career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship lessons. She also has experience working in ALE units in the North East Independent School District.
Born and raised in Alamo Heights, she has had the privilege of growing up with many adults that attend SA Life Academy. She loves getting to continue to grow with and learn from her friends here, old and new!
Donna Galvan:
Career Development Director/Lead TEACHER
Donna has 7 years of working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has a great passion for improving the quality of life for individuals with IDD and was very excited to join SA Life Academy in August 2022.
Prior to joining SA Life Academy, Donna worked at The Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland and FACT institute. She is a registered Behavior Technician and is currently enrolled at Palo Alto College studying to receive her Associate of Arts in Teaching EC-6 degree.
Donna enjoys spending time with her husband and two children as well as working out and learning all about 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 joined SA Life Academy in June 2023. She earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work with a minor in disability studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has over 10 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities of all ages.
Prior to joining SA Life Academy, Emily was a high school special education instructional assistant in Oregon. She also was a behavior technician for over a year at an Autism Center in Fort Worth.
Emily enjoys traveling, watching and playing sports, and listening to music in her free time.
SUSAN MCDONALD:
ASSOCIATE TEACHER
Susan McDonald has over 30 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 39 years and is the proud mother of three children and precious granddaughter, Milla.
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!
Julie Hoog
Lead Teacher
Julie Hogg holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education from Texas A&M University, with specializations in Educational Curriculum and Instruction and Reading. She is certified in Special Education, Mid-Management Administration, Professional Supervision, Professional Reading Specialist, and All-Level Physical Education.
Before joining SA Life Academy in August 2024, Julie dedicated 7 years to Elementary General Education and 24 years to Special Education within NISD. Her outstanding contributions were recognized in 1997 when she was named Teacher of the Year for both NISD and Region 20. Julie’s recent role was at a private school specializing in special needs education for grades 5-12, where she worked for 8 years. Her expertise spans differentiated instruction, behavioral management, crisis prevention and intervention, and career readiness, reflecting her deep passion for supporting individuals with disabilities.
A proud San Antonio native, Julie has been married to her husband Tom for 35 years. They have a daughter and son-in-law who recently welcomed a beautiful grandson into the family. Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, traveling, exploring the outdoors, and following Aggie sports.
Katie Clark:
Associate Teacher
Katie Clark is recently new to San Antonio, joining SA Life Academy in August 2024. She previously worked with a nonprofit organization in Bryan, TX, where she supported adults with disabilities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health from Texas A&M University.
Katie is deeply passionate about working with individuals with both intellectual and physical disabilities. She finds great fulfillment in providing personalized support that meets each individual’s unique needs. Her commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and enriching experiences for everyone, regardless of their abilities, aligns perfectly with SA Life Academy’s mission. Katie looks forward to contributing her expertise and enthusiasm to the team.
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.
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.