Special Education Department
School Psychologist - Dr. Adminda Figueroa-Scott
figueroa-scotta@springfieldpublicschools.com
I am am a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Mental Health Counselor. I graduated from American International College with my Doctorate degree in Educational Psychology and a dual Master’s degree from Springfield College in the areas of Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have been working for the City of Springfield as an Educational Psychologist since 2017. This is my second year at Renaissance. 6th Grade - Sarah Cunha
schaefer-cunhas@springfieldpublicschools.com
“A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.” This is my 6th year as the 6th Grade Special Education teacher. I completed my Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. I have been a Special Education teacher in Springfield for 15 years. I am a wife, mommy to two beautiful kids, and a crazy bird lady. Things I love: Languages – I am fluent in Brazilian Portuguese; Cooking – I love making yummy homemade food for my family every night; Viola – I love playing the viola (which is like a bigger, deeper violin). Just three of the many aspects of Renaissance that I love: Our Community Commitments, Sweating the Small Stuff, and our Habits of Work. 7th Grade - Abigail Monette
monettea@springfieldpublicschools.com
I am in my second year teaching at Renaissance as the 7th grade Special Education teacher. Before Renaissance, I worked for three years at Westfield State for the ICEI program, which supports continuing education for students with special needs. I received my Bachelor's in Social Work at Westfield State, and am currently studying for my Master's in Special Education at Bay Path University. I look forward to another awesome year at Renaissance. In my spare time I enjoy CrossFit, hiking and fishing! |
8th & 12th Grade - Sam Vega (Dept. Chair)
edwardss@springfieldpublicschools.com
My name is Samantha Vega! I I have been teaching at the Springfield Renaissance School for 7 years. My undergraduate degree is from Westfield State University in Special Education with a concentration in Math and my Master's degree is in Special Education from Springfield College. I am recently married to Andrew, and we spent this past summer honeymooning in New Zealand - an unforgettable experience! We now reside in Holyoke. In my spare time I enjoy hiking and hanging out with my two cats. 9th & 11th Grade - Meilany Figueroa
figueroa-acevedom@springfieldpublicschools.com
I have been teaching Special Education for the past 7 years. This will be my first year at Renaissance. My undergraduate degree is from the American University of Puerto Rico in English as a Second Language and I am currently working on my Master’s degree in Moderates disabilities 5-12. I am fluent in Spanish. I am a wife, a mother of a wonderful son and a sister to three amazing women. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also love to cook, paint, read and travel. 10th Grade - Tafaoul Abdelmagid
ETL - Kara SpencerSpeech - Lori Lee Adams
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist and have worked in Springfield Public Schools for 6 years. This is my first year at Renaissance, and I’m thrilled to be part of this community. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology from Columbia College, followed by a Master of Science in Communication Science and Disorders from Western Kentucky University. It’s an honor to work with colleagues, students, and parents to benefit our community.
I am a Veteran and was enlisted in the United States Air Force after High School. I served during the Cold War and seeing the Berlin Wall fall, the Invasion of Panama 1989, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort, and the Somalian Crisis. I was born and raised in Montague, Massachusetts, and have traveled extensively throughout the world. I live with my two dogs; Oreo, who helps with balance and stability as a Service Dog, and Owen McGee. I enjoy loving people, fishing, painting on canvas, crocheting, and needle felting. I’ve completed two triathlons, and more are in my future. One of my favorite things to do is serving Veterans by working with the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 33. |
