Our Team
Benhaven Academy’s richest resource is the competencies, knowledge and experiences of the professional staff.
- Linda Grimm, Director: Certified
Elementary Education Teacher, Certified Special Education Teacher and Administrator, PhD in Leadership; more than 35 years’ experience in the field.
Christa Jachym, Clinical Coordinator: Certified Special Education Teacher and Administrator. A Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst; more than 25 years supporting students in home and school settings.
- Five certified special education teachers:
- Certified subject area teachers provide academic classes for middle school and high school age students:
- Steven Antonelli - Science
- Anthony Esposito - Physical Education
- Jon-Erik Newell - History
- Danielle Payne - Math
- Jaida Hart: Certified, licensed speech/language pathologists
- Erin Fox: School social worker
- Chris Abildgaard: Contracted school psychologist
- OT/PT are contracted as determined appropriate for a student
- Well-trained, dedicated instructional assistants
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
- Melissa Soybel: Student Service Facilitator & Family Liaison, Title IX Coordinator
- Theonne Lampros: Administrative Assistant & Information Technology Specialist