Meet the Special Education staff
AIMS SpED Department Org Chart
Administration
Director - Deborah Woods, M Ed
Deborah began working as a special education advocate while in a psychology fieldwork course at California State University, East Bay, as an instructional aide with a non-public school (NPS) in Oakland, California in 1999. She then went on to work with the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) and Redwood City School District gaining experience with students having disabilities along the full continuum of support needed, in grades K-8.
Deborah then got her masters and education specialist credential while supporting students and families in the Sunnyvale School District. In so doing, Deborah also embraced leadership roles serving as mentor teacher, district trainer, and various district and county level roles, while completing her education administration masters and credential from San Jose State University. Most recently, Deborah served as an education specialist with the San Mateo Union High School District.
As a Bay Area native, Deborah now lives in San Mateo with her family and enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, swimming, and kayaking.
Compliance Manager - Julia Li, M.Ed
After earning a bachelor’s in Chemistry and minor in Sociology at the University of Delaware in 2001, Julia first worked in a chemistry lab but then pivoted to join a nonprofit for the next ten years managing after-school programs and summer camps. In 2013, she joined Teach for America to earn her certificate in teaching Special Education and Secondary Math.
In 2015, Julia received her masters in Exceptional Children and Youth. She then worked to complete her Principal Certification and moved into school administration in 2018 when she began working as the Director of School Operations and Assistant Head of School in Delaware.
In 2020 Julia moved to CA and joined AIMS as the Head of Academics for the high school.
In her spare time, Julia coaches swimming and tutors math.
Service Providers
Social Emotional Counselor, K-12 - Natasha Kennard, MSCP
Natasha has always had strong ties to the bay area and pursued her undergraduate degree in biological sciences at Notre Dame de Namur University located in Belmont, CA. Just after graduating, she began working at AIMS and she instantly knew that she wanted to be an advocate for students and families. This led her to pursuing a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from NDNU. She continues to share her knowledge and expertise, as a counselor, with students, families, and staff in the AIMS community providing counseling, psychoeducation, consultations, and training. Upon completion of her masters program, she also works at a thriving private practice as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor.
Natasha is also very committed to her family and particularly enjoys reading, writing and traveling.
Speech and Language Pathologist - Shannon Perez, M.S., CCC-SLP, CA Lic. 30960
Shannon Perez grew up in Martinez and Pleasant Hill, CA. After earning her bachelor's degree in Human Development at UC Davis, she graduated with her master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at California State University, East Bay. Her favorite holiday is Halloween and her favorite food is sushi. Shannon enjoys roller skating, traveling, video gaming, and all things BTS!
Support Staff
