Leadership
Deborah J. Graham, PhD
President & Executive DirectorDr. Graham has over 24 years of experience as a special education teacher, director, and school administrator, including roles as a dyslexic reading specialist, college lecturer, post-secondary transition specialist, and board member for disability programs. She holds a PhD in mild to moderate disabilities, an M.Ed in cross-categorical special education, with a secondary concentration in special education law. Additionally, she is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Amy Adrian M.Ed
Director of Transition ServicesAmy is a distinguished expert in supporting exceptional students, with over 18 years experience. She specializes in 8th-12th grade & post-secondary transition planning, activities, and placements. She has previously served as the ESS department chair at both the middle and high school levels. Her innovative leadership and education strategies, supported by a business degree, have significantly improved student outcomes and make her an invaluable asset to our team.
Specialists
Speech Therapy
Our Speech Therapy team is lead by Susie Appleman, an ASHA-certified, Arizona State licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Board Certified Orofacial Myologist, and Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped. She is the founder of Big Apple Speech Therapy, LLC and has over twenty-five years of experience working with infants, children, and adults with varying degrees of communication impairments. Our speech team is deeply committed to helping individuals find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
Education Specialists
TGES education specialists team includes experienced professionals with backgrounds and certifications in special education, general education, and targeted areas such as executive functioning, learning disabilities, and evidence-based literacy and dyslexia instruction. Through a structured, outcomes-driven approach that integrates instruction with transition planning, our team ensures students stay on track and successfully reach the finish line of earning their high school diploma.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy services are lead by a licensed (OTR/L) and a team trained to deliver structured, individualized interventions that build independence across daily environments. Our team focuses on developing fine motor skills, sensory processing, executive functioning, and adaptive living skills that directly impact success at home, school, work, and in the community. Through a coordinated, goal-driven approach, our team helps individuals strengthen the foundational skills needed for independence, participation, and long-term success.
Certified Job Coaches
TGES employment services are led by a Certified Job Coach with extensive experience in transition planning, workforce readiness, and employer engagement. Our team of trained job coaches delivers structured, individualized support to help individuals build the skills necessary for competitive, integrated employment. Through consistent support and strategic employer partnerships, TGES job coaches guide individuals from initial skill development through successful job placement and sustained employment.