By Cindy Adams
Most people think special education means smaller class sizes and extra academic help. But at enCircle's Minnick Schools, it means more. Students are surrounded with support – a web of services wrapped around each child's unique needs, ensuring no one navigates challenges alone. It's a personalized ecosystem where every student gets exactly what they need to succeed.
Every Minnick School student has a master's level Special Education Case Manager who oversees their Individualized Education Plan (IEP), coaching teachers and specialists on specific needs, finding accommodations, setting goals and establishing timelines. Case managers also serve as liaisons with local education agencies, making communication a cornerstone of this work.
"I've advocated for these positions since I was a principal," said Ashley Wittl-Osborne, Director of Education at enCircle. "Their value is ensuring we provide the highest level of service possible." Student Support Professionals bring strong psychology backgrounds to help students with mental health matters. When students are in crisis, they have the tools to offer appropriate guidance. They lead social skills groups and support students' transition back to their home public school.
Behavior Analysts at various levels – each board-certified or working at a master’s level toward certification – use applied behavior analysis (ABA) strategies with students and coach teachers on responding to behavior issues. They also write intervention plans as needed.
Instructional Technology Resource Teachers (ITRTs) help staff create effective, engaging lessons using technology, from designing lesson plans to helping students access learning through assistive technology. Instructional Coaches improve student achievement by reflecting on instruction and collaborating with teachers to encourage positive outcomes. In Minnick’s smallest school, an Instructional Facilitator holds a hybrid role covering the most important aspects of these positions, drawing on the school system's broader professional resources.
"Minnick is distinctive in its comprehensive care," said Ashley. "Every school building has multiple levels of support. These layers mean teachers can offer focused classroom guidance while specialists manage other needs."
For students, it may mean academic success for the first time. It's intended to be a place where they can build independence and confidence and maybe see themselves and their potential in a new light. That's what "more" really means: a commitment to every single student that goes beyond the classroom walls. Minnick isn't just a school. It's an experience. Minnick means more.
Supporting 208 students across enCircle's Minnick Schools are:
- 9 Behavior Analysts
- 7 Student Support Professionals
- 5 Special Education Case Managers
- 5 Instructional Coaches
- 4 Instructional Technology Resource Teachers
- 1 Instructional Facilitator
Casi Staton has been with enCircle's Minnick Schools for over two decades. She attributes her longevity to her love of working with students and watching how small steps of progress can make a big difference in their confidence and growth. She also acknowledges her many mentors along the way.
Casi has recently moved into one of the Special Education Case Manager positions at Roanoke Minnick which allows her to have more connection with the referring localities and parents, while assisting her co-workers in the classroom. She still has direct contact with the students, which was very important to her.
