Developmental Skills Program 

The Springfield Renaissance School’s Developmental Skills Program is a low-incidence special education program that services the needs of high school students ranging in age from 14 to 22. Cognitively the students are functioning between the ages of 6 months to 4 years. These students have a variety of unique medical, physical, and cognitive diagnoses and needs which are addressed in four self-contained classrooms. The classrooms support the development of independent living skills like self-care, communication, social skills, and problem solving. The program strives to help students become as independent as possible.   

Instructor - 

Dr. Jen Kroll

hall-krollj@springfieldpublicschools.com  

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I have been a Special Education teacher for a long time.  It is a calling for me. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Special Education, both from the American University in Washington, DC. I have a Doctorate in Educational Psychology from American International College in Springfield, MA. I have taught students from pre-school all the way to the age of 22 with varying degrees of abilities.  Currently, I am a Developmental Skills Special Education teacher, which I love. I enjoy reading, biking, and being creative (drawing, painting, building) when I am not in my classroom. I am married to my best friend, have three awesome children, one neurotic beagle, and five devious cats.  

Instructor - 

Shawn Marshall

marshalls@springfieldpublicschools.com   

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I was born and raised in Springfield MA and I am 1 of 10 siblings. I have 3 beautiful, intelligent and successful daughters Damahya, Domonique and Shavon, who are all products of the Springfield Public School system. I became involved in education when my youngest child was born; as a single mother the hours were great for me. This decision has definitely been one of best I have made, as not only was I able to be available when my children needed me, but I was also able to make a difference in the lives of so many others.

I was a Special Education paraprofessional for 19 years at Rebecca Johnson School. When my youngest entered high school I returned to continue my education at Springfield College. I graduated with a Bachelor's in Science in May 2018. In the 2018-2019 school year I was a second/third grade Developmental teacher and I absolutely loved it.

I'm excited to make the transition to the high school level, as a parent of a Renaissance graduate, what better community to join than the Phoenix! 

Instructor - 

Tafaoul Abdelmagid

abdelmagidt@springfieldpublicschools.com 

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Instructor - 

Joseph Rufino

rufinoj@springfieldpublicschools.com 

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I am a Special Education Teacher for the Developmental program here at Renaissance High School.  I graduated from The High School of Science & Technology in 2002, then graduated from Westfield State University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Science. This will be my third year at Renaissance High School and every year has been rewarding in different ways. One reward that I get to enjoy every winter is being the Head Basketball Coach for the boy’s middle school team. There's nothing like hearing “Coach!” being yelled through the hallways of school.  

CNA/Para - 

Kristen Newbrough

CNA/Para - 

jacqueline correa

CNA/Para - 

BREANA TORRES

CNA/Para - 

Nancy Cruz

CNA/Para - 

Alex Kebreau

CNA/Para - 

Naefia Padi

CNA/Para - 

Miriam Santos Perez

LPN/Para - 

BRIE JENKINS

LPN/Para - 

Kelly Clough

LPN/Para - 

Yvette Roldan

Email: roldany@springfieldpublicschools.com 

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This is my 4th year at Renaissance School and 5th year working with the Developmental Program as a Licensed Practical Nurse. I completed my nursing education in Puerto Rico. I have years of nursing experience in different health settings in Puerto Rico and Massachusetts. I love my family; Husband, 3 daughters and grandkids. Also, I love and enjoy working with kids with special needs; in their lives "One person can make a difference and everyone should try." - John F. Kennedy​