Our Office

 Jay Schwartz has been a dedicated special educator since 1991, with experience ranging from summer camps in Florida to adult vocational programs in Kansas. She joined the Glendale Unified School District in 2005 and has served as the Senior Director for the Foothill SELPA since 2023. Throughout her career as a teacher, specialist, and principal, Jay’s primary mission has remained constant: ensuring the success of every student.  

Dr. Nick Viterelli is the educational audiologist for the Foothill SELPA. He earned his B.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from CSU Long Beach and his Doctorate of Audiology from CSU Los Angeles. With experience in private practice, hospitals, and schools, he specializes in pediatric hearing loss and vestibular evaluations.

Sandy Alexander has worked with families of children with hearing loss for over 30 years.  As an SLP and Certified AVT, she has extensive knowledge in helping parents build their child's listening and spoken language skills.  Sandy is Foothill SELPA's Early Start Coordinator and also one of the Service Providers that visits families in their natural environments who have children ages birth to three with low-incidence disabilities.

Betty has been working with students that have a hearing loss and their families for 23 years. She has a master’s degree in education, holds a deaf and hard of hearing education specialist instruction credential and is a certified auditory verbal therapist, listening and spoken language specialist. She is currently the lead teacher of the Foothill SELPA’s DHH preschool program. Betty also provides Listening and Spoken Language Services and/or Deaf/Hard of Hearing itinerant services to Deaf and or Hard of Hearing SELPA students who are in general education classrooms."

Kenise Carter has over 11 years of experience supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and their families in reaching academic and personal goals. Her love for American Sign Language drives her passion for creating meaningful connections and inclusive learning environments. She holds a Master’s in Special Education and a DHH Credential, and is committed to empowering every student she serves.

Andrea Chapman has dedicated the past 10 years to empowering students with hearing loss through inclusive, student-centered teaching. She holds a Master’s in Special Education and a Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Credential, and is passionate about helping students thrive.

Jessica earned her D/HH credential and Master of Science in Education from the University of Southern California and has 22 years of experience supporting students from preschool through transition-age programs. She provides itinerant services focused on auditory skills, self-advocacy, personal hearing health, and meaningful access to learning through collaboration with students, families, and school teams across diverse instructional settings and environments to support individualized educational access needs.

Cynthia Guzman is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist with the SELPA Department. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and master’s degree in Special Education from California State University, Los Angeles in 2025, with credentials in Visual Impairments and Blindness specializing in Orientation and Mobility.She supports students who are blind or visually impaired by teaching safe and independent travel skills at school and in the community. Cynthia chose this career to help children build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to explore their world and fully participate in daily life.

Lupe Vigil has over 20 years of experience, dedicated to empowering students with visual impairments through tailored education plans that build independence and academic confidence. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Child Development, a Master’s in Special Education, and certification in teaching students with visual impairments. Experienced in assistive technology and braille instruction, Lupe strives to ensure equitable access to learning.

Angela Orchid has over 30 years of teaching experience,  with the past 17 years supporting students with visual impairments. She holds a Master’s in Special Education with a specialization in Visual Impairments and Orientation & Mobility, along with multiple teaching credentials, including autism and English learner authorizations. She is passionate about fostering independence, confidence, and a love of learning through meaningful, inclusive instruction. Angela work closely with students, families, and educators to ensure every child has the tools to thrive.

Camellia Rezayat has over 19 years of experience helping students with visual impairments develop academic, social, and independent living skills. She serves students aged 3 to 21, tailoring instruction to their individual needs and collaborating closely with families and multidisciplinary teams. She hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a Master’s in Special Education, and certification in teaching students with visual impairments.

 Elizabeth Mercado has over ten years of experience supporting financial operations and administrative processes. In this capacity, she provides support with the department’s financial activities and in achieving the department’s goals. She values the opportunity to contribute to this work and enjoys being part of the team’s ongoing efforts.