Our Team

Debbie Disney, MSW, LCSW-C

Founder

Debbie Disney LCSW-C’s decades of experience in public and private schools systems, and as a psychotherapist in private practice started the wheels turning. Recognizing the need for a program that was specifically designed to bring self-awareness, psychoeducation, practical and proven strategies and techniques to adults, teens and children who struggle with Attention Deficit and/or executive functions, Debbie sought team members who understood her vision. Collaborating with seasoned educators, learning specialists, school administrators, and innovators in technology, the foundation for SAJE was formed.

Debbie has an extensive background in experiential education working with children, teens, and adults creating and running a Leadership Training program for a summer day camp. Through Debbie’s years of thoughtful program development, many children have become successful leaders with confidence and self-esteem.

Combining her years of experiential programming in educational settings with her clinical social work background, Debbie has created a program that will support individuals in all areas of their lives.

Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical (LCSW-C)

Master of Social Work – University of Maryland
 
MA – Towson University

Lauren Disney, BS

Director of Admissions

Lauren is passionate about supporting children, adolescents and adults who struggle socially, emotionally, or academically. As SAJE’s Director of Admissions, Lauren’s degree in psychology and training in the field of the neurodivergent learner provides the insight to the challenges our SAJE Scholars face. Lauren is the first point of contact for SAJE inquiries. During the initial phone conversation, Lauren’s wealth of knowledge about neurodiversity, learning challenges, brain development, attention deficit disorder and executive functions often brings a sense of relief and hope to the individual who has faced a lifetime of challenges. As the Director of Admissions, Lauren is eager to answer questions, assist in the application and enrollment process, and coordinate series sessions between Scholars and their Learning Specialists.

Lauren is an ADHD/Executive Function Teacher Trainer. She is a graduate and licensed provider of the training workshop Managing ADHD, EF and Behavior in the Classroom, a professional development series created by Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M., ADHD-CCSP, PTS Coaching LLC.

Lauren graduated from Virginia Tech in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has also earned her EMT -B and EMT-A certifications. Lauren is a proud military wife, married to an awesome young man (who is the “J” in SAJE; their son is the “N” in SAJEN, our summer series.)

Learning Specialists

Maura Kennedy

Maura works with children, teens and adults.

Maura’s love for teaching started young. In fifth grade, she would help her father grade his students’ multiple-choice tests and as a teen, she babysat and taught swimming lessons at the neighborhood pool. Since those early days, Maura has become an accomplished educator and learning specialist, adept at supporting students of all ages, particularly those who learn differently.

A Baltimore native, Maura has worked in both public and private schools across Maryland, serving as a Teacher, School Leader, and Director of Educator Development. Throughout her career, Maura has specialized in literacy instruction, academic and behavioral student support, and restorative practices. 

he has developed and implemented evidence-based interventions for students with reading and language-based learning differences, created fluency programs for elementary and middle school students, and led professional development on topics such as the Science of Reading, phonics instruction, and executive function strategies. 

Maura’s work reflects her deep belief that strong relationships and individualized support are the foundation for student growth. She is especially passionate about helping students build confidence, resilience, and a love for learning. 

At SAJE, Maura brings her expertise and compassion to scholars who struggle with attention, focus, or executive functioning. She is excited to partner with students and families to build on strengths, provide practical strategies, and foster meaningful progress in both academics and life skills.

Master of Restorative Practices – International Institute for Restorative Practices

Bachelors of Curriculum and Instruction –
University of Maryland, College Park

Scott McGowan

Scott’s passion for supporting diverse learners, particularly those with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and executive functioning challenges comes from Scott’s lived experience with ADHD and executive functioning struggles. Scott’s ability to develop easy rapport with students, paired with his determination to provide the support he did not have when he was a student translates to academic success, social, emotional confidence and competence for his students.

During his first year of teaching, Scott quickly recognized that many students were facing the same obstacles he once did. That realization fueled his commitment to become an advocate and resource for neurodivergent learners. Over the past twenty years, Scott has worked closely with children and adolescents with diverse learning profiles. He’s perfected working one on one and with small groups, specializing in building executive functions skills.

He’s served as a classroom teacher, IEP and Special Education Department Chair, and Social-Emotional Learning Teacher across several schools with diverse student populations. Earning a Master of Arts in Special Education is one of Scott’s most proud achievements. 

Scott is excited to continue supporting students beyond the limitations of a traditional classroom—empowering them with the skills, confidence, and strategies they need to thrive.

Chrystle Rivers

Chrystle works with children, teens and young adults.

Chrystle is a neurodivergent special education teacher with a strong background in differentiated instruction and supporting students with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences. She has years of classroom experience helping students build executive functioning, communication, and self-regulation skills through individualized, strength-based approaches.

Chrystle combines her expertise in education with her passion for creating dynamic and interactive learning lessons that foster Scholar engagement, exploration and growth. Chrystle particularly enjoys bringing her knowledge of and expertise with designing and incorporating tabletop games to her Scholars’ sessions.  Chrystle’s approach creates engaging, game-based sessions that foster social skills, self-advocacy, collaboration, and confidence. She believes learning should be interactive, affirming, and tailored to each Scholar’s unique strengths and interests.

In addition to his work in media education, he has provided support and mentorship to children and youth with special needs, including those with autism and ADHD. Through his roles in educational and caregiving agencies, he has worked one-on-one and in group settings to support students’ social, emotional, and academic growth.

Chrystle earned a BA in Sociology, a Certification in Special Education and a Resident Teaching Certificate. Chrystle is currently exploring Master of Social Work programs, with the goal of becoming a licensed therapist. Chrystle recognizes that becoming a MSW will allow her to combine her love of teaching, her understanding of neurodivergent brain development, with her intuitive abilities to provide social, emotional and mental health support to her community. 

Daouda Zalle

Daouda Zalle is a seasoned social educator with a strong background in communication and film. Originally from Burkina Faso, a French-speaking country in West Africa, he was awarded the prestigious Fulbright scholarship by the U.S. State Department, which enabled him to pursue all his higher education in the United States.

Over the past decade, he has taught at various institutions across the country. He served as a media instructor at the Ohio Media School in Columbus, an adult education program focused on media skill development and job preparedness. In Los Angeles, he worked as an adjunct film instructor at Columbia College Hollywood and as a mentor for the Latino Film Institute, where he collaborated with LAUSD to teach and inspire elementary, middle, and high school students through the art of filmmaking.

In addition to his work in media education, he has provided support and mentorship to children and youth with special needs, including those with autism and ADHD. Through his roles in educational and caregiving agencies, he has worked one-on-one and in group settings to support students’ social, emotional, and academic growth.

Drawing from his expertise in visual storytelling, communication, and technology, he has developed a unique and creative approach to teaching. His programs blend film, visual arts, and emerging technologies to engage learners and empower them with new tools for self-expression and development.

 Master in Fine Arts in Film –
Ohio University

Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Multimedia –
California State University, East Bay

Kerri Zannino is a Learning Specialist at SAJE

Kerri Zannino

Kerri works with Emerging Adults and Adults and is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kerri’s passion for working with neurodiverse students was inspired the summer she worked at a school for students with autism. That experience formed the trajectory for Kerri’s immersion into the field of Education. Originally from New Jersey, Kerri moved to Maryland in 1998 for the opportunity to teach middle school students with autism in Baltimore County Schools.

Throughout her career as a special education teacher, Kerri innovatively employed technology, sensory activities, community-based instruction, and career training to foster student growth. She prioritized creating immersive, hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom to enhance social skills and overall development. Inspired by her students, Kerri pursued a master’s degree in special education with a focus on severe disabilities, refining her instructional techniques at Ridge Ruxton School during her internship.

Kerri shifted from teaching to working from home when her daughters were young. She has been the financial administrator of a private investment company, working alongside her husband of 21 years. 

Now that her daughters are teenagers, Kerri is excited to renew her passion for working with children and adults who learn differently in her role as a Learning Specialist with SAJE

Integrating her personal and professional experiences as an educator, business administrator and parent of a child who learns differently, Keri supports her SAJE Scholars in their exploration of recognizing the impact executive functions have had in their daily life while learning strategies and skills to become confident and competent in the social, emotional, academic, and professional areas of their lives.

Master of Science in Special Education – The Johns Hopkins University

 

Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education – University of Delaware

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