Catherina Barbagelata
Special Needs Teacher



Ms. Cathy is so loving with the students and the students love Ms. Cathy. She has been helping children and adults with special needs for more than 21 years. She has been with the Special Skills Acdemy for 3 years and has made a tremendously positive impact on every student in our program. Ms. Cathy considers every student her family and that is why she is able to give each student the love, patience and structure needed to help them grow and develop in life.

Our programs enrich the lives of people with intellectual and physical disabilities through comprehensive, life-changing care, training and support. We aid in goal setting and attainment of each of our members.

We facilitate the support and services needed to support their goals, measure the success of our program and evaluate the overall satisfaction of our members. We are intentional in our services, we are purposeful about including member choice whenever possible.

Our Academy training center facility includes multiple classrooms, outdoor accessibility, fitness gym and a therapy room for external therapists to conveniently provide physical, occupational and speech therapy for our members.

Our programs include a full schedule of training, education, community activities, recreation, music, art, yoga, karate, exercise and volunteer opportunities throughout the week.

Our programs include a full schedule of training, education, community activities, recreation, music, art, yoga, karate, exercise and volunteer opportunities throughout the week.

Our programming is designed to support adults with all levels of need:

• For Individuals who are looking for increased independence, work skills development and continued academic growth
• For Individuals who focus more on their personal growth goals, socialization, community inclusion, recreation and leisure activities
• For Individuals for whom a disability is more life impacting. This section focuses on life skills, activities of daily living, sensory experiences, behaviors and hand over hand assistance.