Special Education & Therapy Services
The Verona Area School District (VASD) has a proud history of services to children with disabilities and their families. Students, ages 3-21, are eligible for services in a variety of disability areas. For a comprehensive list of disabilities as defined by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), click here. If you have questions more specifically related to special education, please click here for district information.
Our special education department at Sugar Creek is focus on collaboration and supporting students with disabilities and their families. Our staff are focused on integrated services, and continually grow as professionals so we provide effective services and instruction to our students.
Briana Gustafson; Assistant Director of Special Education
I am the Assistant Director of Special Education at the Elementary Level. I graduated from UW Madison and started working at VASD in 2018. I love supporting the special education programs at Sugar Creek, Country View, Glacier Edge, Stoner Prairie, Verona Area International School, and New Century School.
Heidi Abrams; Special Education
I started working at Sugar Creek in November, 2022. I received my undergraduate degree from UW-Madison and my master's from Whitewater. I love working with students at Sugar Creek! When I am not teaching, I am usually spending time outdoors with my friends and family.
Patricia Castaneda; Special Education
I was born and raised in Madison, WI. I lived in the Dane County area my whole life and I love the beautiful community we have. I adore outdoor activities such as the farmers market or going hiking in my free time. At school I love working with students to build their confidence in becoming the best student they can be.
Herb Doberstein; Special Education
My wife and I moved to Wisconsin in 2009 and we love it here! We both work in education and enjoy helping students grow. We love all of the outdoor activities that the area has to offer. I especially enjoy the gravel biking opportunities in the Madison area
Ellen Hilger; Special Education
I have been teaching special education at Sugar Creek since 2017. I graduated from Wartburg College in Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education, Special Education and Reading, and received my Masters in Education from Viterbo University. Outside of teaching, I love to spend time with my family, hiking, reading, and doing yoga. I love supporting students across all environments at Sugar Creek!
Jeanette Newberry; Special Education
My name is Jeanette Newberry and I have been working in the Verona district for four years. I attended Verona as a student through high school, and then went to Edgewood College for my Special Education Degree! I enjoy taking outdoor walks with my family and dog. Love trying different restaurants in the Madison area!
Molly Burton; Speech Pathologist
Miss Molly lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She enjoys going for hikes, playing games, and watching movies. Her idea of a perfect snow day includes: baking muffins, working on a puzzle and taking a nap.
Amy Hartman; Physical Therapist
Hi, my name is Ms. Amy and I am the Physical Therapist at (PT) at Sugar Creek. I help your students learn to move as independently as possible (all by themselves) in the school environment. Some of the things we work on together are participating in PE class and recess, moving throughout the school environment inside and outside, and learning to swim or ride a bke/scooter. I love helping our students exercise and find new ways to play.
Brittany McGowan; Occupational Therapist
My name is Brittany McGowan and I am one of the Occupational Therapists in the VASD. My main school is Sugar Creek Elementary! This is my 5th year in the district and before this, I worked in outpatient peds., nursing homes, and home health for a few years. I have 1 amazing daughter and another kiddo on the way - we are due at the end of January! In my free time, I like to crochet, watch scary movies, make jewelry, and spend time with my family and friends. I love working for the district and look forward to growing in my profession!