About Us
We believe Your student deserves to be seen for their abilities rather than defined by their diagnosis.
What We Stand for
Our Mission is Simple.
Our mission is to enrich the lives of students with autism and other exceptionalities, both academically and socially. We focus on long term goals for a higher quality of life. We accomplish this by combining individualized education, highly skilled and dedicated staff, and collaboration with students, families and the community.
We offer a safe and inclusive environment that empowers students to learn, be responsible, communicate effectively and thrive.
Our Vision is Grand.
Our vision is to provide the foundation that inspires and empowers every student to reach his or her full potential, both in school and beyond high school.
Our Core Values
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Personal Growth & Independence
When school is fun, students thrive, gaining confidence and independence. They explore interests, build lasting friendships, and develop skills for life beyond high school. Here, learning is just the beginning—it’s a stepping stone to a fulfilling future.
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Community
Our focus is on fostering a supportive network that encourages everyone to connect and thrive. Here, students find their place, build relationships, and grow alongside others who understand and support them. In other words, a place where they finally fit in.
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Inclusivity & Acceptance
Each student, with their unique qualities and needs, is an integral part of our community. Our goal is to make sure everyone feels accepted, understood, and respected for who they are.
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Safety & Support
We prioritize a safe, supportive atmosphere by thoroughly vetting each student to ensure our school is the right fit. Our detailed admission process helps us understand every student's needs and maintain a secure environment. If we cannot meet their needs or ensure collective safety, we address it seriously. Here, everyone can focus on learning and growing, knowing they’re in a safe and caring community.
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Empowerment over labels
We care about each student's strengths, passions, interests, and personalities—the things that make them truly different and unique. We focus on abilities rather than diagnoses, emphasize individuality and empowerment, and encourage students to carve their own paths. Together with parents and educators, we support this journey, building independence and resilience. Students are recognized for who they are and what they can accomplish, free from any labels.
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Balance & Well-Being
We emphasize a balanced environment that focuses on both academic achievement and personal well-being. Our goal is to create balance in daily school life, reducing stress for students and parents alike. This makes learning exciting and growth natural, ensuring everyone can thrive and be happy. Here, students don’t just aim to thrive—they do, supported by a well-adjusted school experience.
Meet Our Leadership Team
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Kami is PS Academy's Founder and Educational Director. She founded PS Academy and EE Support Services acting on her passion to open a school designed specifically for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Her exciting journey has led from the inception of PS Academy in 2008 in Mesa, AZ, and has evolved into two more campuses in Gilbert and Chandler, AZ.
Kami and her team created a foundation where the curriculum and environment are solely focused on each student's special, individualized learning needs. She has had a profound impact on the lives of children and their families.
Kami earned her Bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University and her Master's Degree in Special Education from Northern Arizona University.
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Lisa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Oral Roberts University, and she has always had a passion for helping others. She combines years of professional fundraising experience with her knowledge of the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) and School Tuition Organizations (STO) programs to assist families in acquiring the funds needed to attend PS Academy.
Lisa guides families through the process of applying for scholarships. Having two sons with autism and having gone through the STO and ESA process herself, she knows that sometimes it can be overwhelming, and she loves to help make the process as easy as possible for other families!
Lisa’s two oldest sons have attended PS Academy, and one of her sons recently graduated and is currently attending college. Watching her boys thrive at PS, come out of their shells, and have friends for the first time drives her to help other families so they can experience the same happiness of watching their children love their school!
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Ryan Cothrun, CEO
Ryan combines his expertise in accounting, finance, and project management to handle day-to-day tasks in operations and funding management.
Ryan has extensive experience in project and facility management.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Project Management from Arizona State University.
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Kathy is PS Academy's Director of Operations & Admissions. She has always had a passion for working with individuals with special needs. From her first job as a counselor at a day camp for people with special needs to her years working at an Enrichment Center for people with exceptionalities she has dedicated her life to following this path.
Kathy graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity College in CT where she double majored in Psychology and Education. She was the President’s Fellow for Education and was a three sport athlete/ three sport captain, earning 12 varsity letters in her collegiate career. She earned Scholar Athlete awards in both her junior and senior years.
Before moving to AZ, Kathy was President of the Autism Society of Vermont for seven years and served on numerous boards at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
