Special Services Department
VISION STATEMENT
Each student has equitable access to innovative, high-quality instruction in a supportive environment that fosters academic, social, and emotional growth, while closing learning and social gaps in order to enhance student achievement.
Mission Statement
Special education teachers will work collaboratively with general education teachers to provide an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment for all students. Special education supports and services are provided to ensure academic, social, emotional, behavioral, adaptive, and physical needs of all students with disabilities are met. Priority is placed on serving students with disabilities in the general education setting, being taught alongside their general education peers. The majority of our students are served in their general education classrooms. In less common cases, the IEP team may determine that alternative instruction or an alternative placement may be required to meet the needs of the individual student.
Special Education Staff
- Michelle Olsen: Director of Special Education
- Matthew Petersen: Assistant Director of Special Education
- Katie Young: Administrative Assistant
- Lisa Chandler: Director of ABA Program
- Cierra Golder: Assistant Principal of ABA Fishers
- Sarah Danks: Assistant Principal of ABA Kokomo
504 Coordinators
- Wendy Lucas: Noblesville 504 Coordinator
- Amy Westrich: Westfield 504 Coordinator
- Emily Swanson: OI North 504 Coordinator
- Julie Pownall: OI South 504 Coordinator
- Jesse James: OI Middle School 504 Coordinator
ELL/ESL Coordinator
- Josh Curry: District Coordinator
General Resources
- 504 vs IEP
Key differences between the two educational support plans - Insource
Provides information about the special education process and provides IEP support to families, including training on various topics - PATINS Project
A state-wide technical assistance network that connects Indiana’s local education agencies (LEAs) to Accessible Educational Materials, Assistive Technology, Professional Development & Technical Support - Social Security Administration
Provides cash assistance to low-income children and adults with disabilities
Transition Resources
- Arc of Indiana
Provides information, referrals, and advocacy regarding services for people with developmental disabilities - Bureau of Developmental Disabilities
Services for individuals with developmental disabilities that enable them to live as independently as possible in their community - Indiana Council on Independent Living
Provides information and peer support to individuals with disabilities regarding independent living services - Indiana Disability Rights
Provides information and resources in regard to rights of individuals with disabilities. - Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center (IIDC)
Center on Transition provides resources and technical assistance to families and professionals. - Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA)
Providing workshops, articles, materials, and resources designed to support individuals with autism - Pre-ETS
Provides individualized services to ensure students have access to meaningful career planning in order to help with the seamless movement from high school to employment or post-secondary training. - Vocational Rehabilitation
Provides individualized services to enhance and support people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain or retain employment after.
Medicaid Resources
- Hoosier Care Connect/Hoosier Healthwise
Public health insurance for children, young adults, and those with disabilities
- Waiver Information
Medicaid waivers allow an individual to use traditional Medicaid services and the additional services available
Have questions? Feel free to give us a call!
Options Schools Westfield Campus
17721 Gunther Blvd
Westfield, IN, 46074
Contact
Phone: 317-815-2098
Email: sbowers@optionsined.org
Options Schools Noblesville Campus
9945 Cumberland Pointe Blvd.
Noblesville, IN, 46060
Contact
Phone: 317-773-8659
Email: abarr@optionsined.org
Options Schools with ABA
Fishers Campus
10029 E. 126th St. Suite B
Fishers, IN 46038
Kokomo Campus
114 West Jackson St.
Kokomo, IN 46901
Contact
Phone: 317-576-2255
Email: lchandler@optionsined.org
Options Schools Administrative Office
18077 River Rd Suite 106
Noblesville, IN, 46062
Contact
Phone: 317-565-4350
Email: apiper@optionsined.org