Skaggs
Elementary School
Special Education
Special Education
Plano ISD provides special education services for students with disabilities. To be eligible for special education services, a student must qualify in one of the following areas: autism, emotional disturbance, learning disability, mental retardation, physical disability, speech impairment, traumatic brain injury, or visual or auditory impairment.
Plano ISD believes in educating students in the least restrictive environment. Planning for a student’s special education services begins on the neighborhood campus in the age-appropriate regular education classroom. Supplementary aids and services support the student in the regular education classroom. Support services are also available in special education settings on the neighborhood campus, as well as district-level services. A full continuum of instructional and related services is available to eligible students. Parents are members of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Committee, which develops an appropriate plan for each student. For additional information about special education in Plano ISD, contact the district’s Special Education Office at 469-752-8100.
Instructional Support Teachers and Paraprofessionals
Jean Mueller
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Biography:
My name is Jean Mueller, and I have been at Skaggs Elementary since 2018. I spent two years as a paraprofessional in one of our special education classrooms before becoming a Resource/Inclusion Special Education teacher.
I grew up in Paris, Texas and went to college at Vanderbilt University, majoring in mathematics. I worked as a Systems Engineer at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) for over eleven years before I left to raise my children. I am married to Brian and have four grown children. While raising them, I discovered that children are much more fun than computers. I fell in love with working with special needs students when I volunteered at a therapeutic horseback riding facility. So, when I decided to return to work, it just made sense to work at a school in a special needs classroom. I have been so blessed to have a job I love with the most amazing students. It is an honor to spend time with your children, and I hope that I can help them accomplish more than they can imagine.
Jennifer Paez-Espinoza
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Biography:
My name is Jen Paez, and I am one of the Special Education Resource & Inclusion teachers here at Skaggs. I work with students in grades K–3, supporting them in both resource and inclusion settings.
I was born and raised in Queens, New York, and moved to Plano with my family in 7th grade. I’m a proud graduate of the University of North Texas, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Special Education with supplemental certification in Early Childhood–Grade 6.
In January, I’ll celebrate 10 years of working for Plano ISD, and my third year as a Skaggs Star. Being able to serve the very community that helped raise me is something I’m truly grateful for.
At the heart of Special Education is so much more than academics. It’s teaching students to advocate for themselves, helping them understand their strengths and their triggers, and finding that unique entry point where learning really begins. It’s celebrating the small-but incredibly meaningful-wins: an independent bathroom routine, opening a lunch container, a smooth fire drill, finishing a worksheet in a challenging subject, or even a brave morning greeting.
In my classroom, your child is never defined by a disability label. They are seen, valued, and celebrated for the whole and wonderful person they are. Neurodiversity is honored here, and I will always meet your child exactly where they are while helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
I’m looking forward to another wonderful year together!
Elizabeth Peterson
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Biography:
My name is Elizabeth Peterson, I am a resource paraprofessional at Skaggs Elementary. I am originally from Wyoming but moved to Texas in July of 2024. I graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelors degree in elementary and special education. My goal is to be a elementary school teacher and make a difference in students lives like my teachers did for me. I am one of 5 siblings and my family is my everything. I love spending quality time with family and friends. I also love trying new things whether is a restaurant, coffee shop, or activity.
Shaida Rabbane
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My name is Shaida Rabbane. I've served as a SPED Resource Paraprofessional since 2017. I started in 2016 as a long-term sub, after years of being a stay-at-home mom. Initially, I was unsure if I would enjoy the job but it did not take me long to fall in love with the job.
The best part of my job is seeing the growth of each and every student. It is incredibly motivating for me.
Structured Classroom Teachers and Paraprofessionals
Madelyn Gallant
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My name is Madelyn Gallant, and I have been teaching at Skaggs Elementary since 2018. I taught for 6 years as a special education resource teacher before switching to a special education structured classroom teacher. I absolutely love working with all types of students and helping them reach their full potential.
I grew up in Plano, Texas and graduated from Plano Senior High School. I went to college at the University of North Texas where I graduated with a Masters in Special Education. After college I began teaching at Skaggs and am very fortunate to be a Skaggs Star.
Swati Barman
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Biography:
My name is Swati Barman. This is my 9th years as a Special Ed Assistant in the Skaggs Elementary. I was working in ALC room since last year and this is my first year in ELC room. I am so excited to work with Mrs.Gallant and Ms.Valderrama. I live with my husband and son who is studying Mechanical engineering at the Texas A&M university. I love spending time with my family and 9 months old labrador retriever.
Zoya Twal
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My name is Mrs. Zoya Twal, and I am an ALC Special Education Structured Teacher. This is my 11th year with Plano ISD and my 7th year at Skaggs. ALC is my passion and one of my greatest blessings! My goal is for every child who enters my classroom to know they are valued and loved.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy going for walks, spending time with friends, and most importantly, cherishing quality moments with my three boys and my wonderful husband.
Samah Sayfo
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My name is Samah Sayfo. I have been working in Plano ISD for the past 10 years. I began my journey as a long-term substitute at Haun Elementary School, where I supported students in their classrooms and provided tutoring in the resource room. After a year, I was offered a full-time position by the principal and spent two wonderful years teaching in an Active Learning Classroom.
Following that, our unit transitioned to Skaggs Elementary School, where I have proudly served for the last seven years.
Fariba Refahi
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Biography:
My name is Fariba Refahi, and I have been working at Skaggs Elementary since 2016, and haven been working for Plano ISD since 2009. I’ve worked as a para at Skaggs for about 10 years, and have worked at different levels. I have always been passionate about working with special needs, and love what I do.
I grew up in Shiraz, Iran and went to the University of Shiraz for my degree in environmental health. I worked in Iran for various positions before moving to America. In America I met my husband Wahid, and started my PISD journey. I’ve also gotten a certificate in ASL since then, and had a daughter.
I’m so honored to have the position I have, and that I get to be apart of so many wonderful children’s lives.