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Our Team

Leadership

Deborah J. Graham, PhD

President & Executive Director

Dr. 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.

Jodi Woodnick M.Ed

Clinical Therapist

Jodi is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience, has worked with families and children from kindergarten through college and directed inclusive summer camps for exceptional learners. She is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and founded her private practice, Out Of The Woods Counseling and Family Support.

Specialists

Education Specialist

Nicole Hawkins M.Ed
Education Specialist

Kaitlyn Jordan, M.Ed
Education Specialist

Amy Adrian, M.Ed
Snuggle Specialist

Kevin Socks
Administrative Operations

Kimberly Birchfield
Social Media & Technology

Kerri Carnes

Education Specialist

Nicole Hawkins M.Ed

Nicole has more than 25 years of experience as a licensed counselor and behavior specialist for non-profits throughout the south and southwest region. She has worked with K-12 students in all areas of IDEA and Section 504. Currently, Nicole has her own private practice and works with clients under the Yes Voucher.

Education Specialist

Kaitlyn Jordan, M.Ed

Kaitlyn has worked as a special educator and classroom teacher for grades K-8 in Arizona schools for over 8 years. She is certified in early childhood special education and K-8 general education, and has an ESL endorsement. Kaitlyn has expertise in working with specific learning disabilities, executive function remediation, and research-based early literacy and dyslexia programs in both public and private schools. She is currently pursuing her certification as a dyslexia reading specialist in Arizona.

Education Specialist

Amy Adrian, M.Ed

Amy is a leading specialist for exceptional students, with over ten years experience focused on 9th-12th grade post-secondary transitions. Serving as Department Chair both at the middle and high school level, her blend of innovative leadership and educational strategies, backed by a business degree, has significantly improved student outcomes. Her commitment to client success has established her as an invaluable asset to our team.

Snuggle Specialist

Kevin Socks

Kevin Socks is a certified emotional support dog with seven years of experience working with children in grades K-3. He is a loving companion and always lends a listening ear to those who want to share their daily experiences. Kevin enjoys long hikes, car rides with his head out the window, getting pup cups, giving hugs, and taking naps. He particularly enjoys sitting with his K-3 friends while they read stories. Kevin is an important and devoted member of the TGES team.

Administrative Operations

Kimberly Birchfield

Kimberly has more than 20 years of experience in managing operations for small businesses and Fortune 500 corporations. Her expertise includes developing sales strategies, managing sales, overseeing training programs, negotiating with clients, and building relationships. She has a successful track record in maintaining and enhancing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Social Media & Technology

Kerri Carnes

Kerri’s career as the Director of Customer to Grid Solutions at APS, along with her extensive experience in the energy and technology industry, has equipped her with the necessary skills to serve as the social media specialist for TGES. She possesses knowledge and training in planning and executing social media strategies, creating and publishing content on various platforms, and engaging with our audience and communities. Kerri tracks TGES’s outreach efforts by monitoring metrics and insights on each social media platform.