STEPS
Skills, Training and Education for Personal Success
Vocational Training and Educational Options for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities​
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Christine Price
Program Coordinator
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Christine Price has spent more than 20 years working in education and administration. Her passion for helping individuals learn and grow has not only enriched her own life, but the lives of her hundreds of students. She has a Bachelor of Science of Education, a Masters in Special Needs (Mild to Moderate Intervention Specialist), and has been with the Austin Community College STEPS program since 2010, where she is now the coordinator. In 2020, she was invited and accepted as a council member of the Advisory Council on Postsecondary Education for Persons with IDD through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). In her free time, Chris is a gifted artist who works in a variety of mediums to create unique forms and visuals designed to stir the spirit. She also is excited to bring her vast knowledge of education and her passion to William’s School in order to better the lives of every student in attendance.
Sally Armenious
Instructor
Sally Armenious is a graduate of California State University-Long Beach where she received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Family Studies and Child Development. After graduating, Sally went on to become a Special Education Teacher Assistant in an elementary school. Sally has been volunteering in grade schools since 2011. Outside of elementary schools, Sally has also volunteered at her church as a middle school teacher for more than 15 years. Sally's passion for education and helping others success is what brought her to the STEPS program. Sally, her husband and two beautiful daughters moved to Austin, Texas from Los Angeles, California in 2016. They love Austin!
April Lopez
Instructor
April Lopez is very excited to be an instructor with the ACC STEPS Program. Mrs. April is a graduate of McLennan Community College where she earned an Associates Degree in Mental Health and Youth Counseling and a graduate of the University of Texas where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Mrs. April moved to the Austin area in 2000 to attend the university and currently lives in Round Rock with her husband. She has over 20 years of experience working and volunteering in different aspects involved in serving individuals from vulnerable populations. In 2010, Mrs. April began to provide educational advocacy for clients who have Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and in 2013 became certified as an Early Intervention Specialist. The thing she loves the most is helping others stretch their thinking outside of a standard expectation to consider the potential of the individual student and brainstorm what is academically reasonable to accommodate their different learning style. She is fueled when helping others to see their own potential and ability to overcome barriers preventing them from achieving their goals. She enjoys breaking down overwhelming and complex information while respecting the students autonomy to choose what they think is best for them. When not at work, Mrs. April enjoys volunteering in leadership at her church and spending time with her husband, mother, two adult children, and granddaughter.
Tinita Coleman
Instructor
Tinita is a graduate of Alabama State University where is earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Rehabilitation Services with a concentration in Addiction Counseling and earned her Master of Healthcare Administration Purdue Global. She is a native of Selma, Alabama, she moved to Austin, Texas in August of 2022 from Fremont, California. While in California Tinita became a Registered Behavioral Technician, where she gained experience assisting behavior analysts in helping individuals on the autism spectrum develop social skills, as well as helping others with behavioral challenges. She has vast experience being a para-educator for elementary and middle school students, as well as experience as an ABA Therapist. Tinita was also an Independent Living Skill instructor where she specializes in helping individuals with learning or physical disabilities develop skills for independent living. Which included instruction in daily tasks, social interactions, personal care, and basic job skills. Overall, Tinita is truly excited to be a part of the ACC Steps Team!
Jasmyn Peters
Instructor
Ms. Peters is an Austin native. She has a degree in Criminal Justice from Huston-Tillotson University. Ms. Peters is looking forward to many successes here with the STEPS Program. Teaching continuing education courses at ACC has been very rewarding. My prior teaching & substituting experience working with different populations has prepared her for this role. She has a strong desire and deep motivation to dedicate her time and energy to supporting adults with disabilities to reach their goals! When not in the classroom, Ms. Peters coaches volleyball with Austin Junior Volleyball Club.
Thomas Spranger
Teaching Assistant
​My name is Thomas Spranger but I go by Tommy, I am a Teacher's Assistant & received my ParaEducator certificate thru ACC. I am originally from Wisconsin and came down here for my dad's job. My family and I lived in Minnesota for a year before we came down here. I have been homeschooled my whole life and I first became a student with Mrs. Chhem. And I have had her my whole time I was a student at the Round Rock Campus. Here is a little about me: I love looking at the stars when it is a clear sky, I love being in nature, I like taking hikes when I get the chance, I am a huge Harry Potter fan, I love reading, and spending a lot of time with my friends and family.
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Tammy Hanna
Assistant Coordinator
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Tammy is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work. A native of the Austin area and currently lives in Round Rock with her family. She has close to 30 years of experience working or volunteering in different aspects involved in social services. Education became an area of greatest interest and has experience in the public and charter settings. Her experience has been in several capacities ranging from elementary to high school as a Special Education Coordinator, Special Education, General Education Teacher, Tutor & Mental Health Advocate. Her greatest passion is working with individuals who for one reason or another have not had the opportunity to tap into their true abilities and assisting them to feel empowered to reach goals for their lives. Truly excited to be a part of a program that emphasizes the importance of education in preparing students for the workforce.
Beti Argun
Instructor
Beti Argun joined the STEPS program in February 2020. She is a doctoral graduate from The University of Texas at Austin in Government and has taught both at UT and at ACC as an instructor. When her son was diagnosed with autism, Beti took time off from teaching to turn her attention to her son’s educational needs. The years that followed enabled Beti to gain substantial experience in the theory, philosophy, and practice of special education; specifically, in teaching individuals with autism. When she returned to work as a STEPS instructor, Beti combined her previous classroom experience with teaching in one-on-one settings. Every student’s success, however big or little, is a great source of pride and pleasure for her.
Erica Chhem
Instructor
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Hi, my name is Erica Chhem! I am excited to be an Instructor with the Austin Community College STEPS Program. Prior to working for Austin Community College, I have previously worked with, taught, & tutored various ages from daycare through adult aged. I am a former Elementary School Teacher, Special Education Aide, & Physical Education Aide. In addition to being a former educator I also owned and operated my own learning center in the Austin Area but decided to sale it during the pandemic. After working in the education field for so long I realized a need in the community to help those with disabilities that were not school age, those that were not old enough to be in school & those that have already aged out of high school. We made sure to hire those with intellectual or developmental disabilities and when we were not over capacity, we always welcomed new learners to join our learning center! It was great to contribute to the community that I live in, and it is great to be able to do so again. I have an Associates and Bachelors Degree with emphasis on Sociology and Education. I currently live here in the Austin Area with my husband, and our two children. I am a proud wife of an Army Veteran. I am also a child of military parents, a “Military Brat” so I grew up traveling to many places. In my free time I enjoy shopping, traveling, watching YouTube Food Reviewers, discovering new things, eating at new places, and spending time with friends and family. My favorite color is pink & teal, favorite authors are Judy Blume & Terry McMillian; and food is Asian Food, pizza & french fries!
Vicki Adair
Instructor
I was born and raised in Victoria, Texas, and later moved to Pflugerville after graduating from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor's degree in Academic Studies and a Master’s degree in Reading. After 28 years in public education, primarily at the elementary level, I recently retired. Throughout my career, I had the privilege of teaching a wide range of subjects and working with students of diverse academic and behavioral abilities. I am also certified in Special Education, having taught Life Skills classes at both the middle and high school levels. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my three wonderful children and my husband, volunteering at my church, and going on hikes. My passion for teaching and lifelong learning has led me to the STEPS program, where I can continue to make a positive impact on students’ lives.
Renan Borge
Teaching Assistant
Renan is a native Austinite and move to Round Rock, Texas in 2001. Renan is a graduate of the VoCAT program. He went on to Austin Community College to receive a certificate in business administration. In late 2011, he started volunteering for VoCAT, helping the students and assisting the instructors. In 2012, he became a Teaching Assistant. Renan is very dedicated to STEPS, formerly VoCAT. He is a great role model for students and a great asset to everyone at STEPS.
Vivian Baker
Teaching Assistant
Bio coming soon....
We also have interns from Austin Community College and volunteers every semester. If you would like more information about an internship or volunteering, please click the link above.