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Meet Our Administrator

Meet Our Administrator

Dr. Jose M. Avila smiling outdoors

Jose M. Avila, Ed.D.

Administrator, Special Education

(209) 933-7345 Ext. 2770
javila@stocktonusd.net

“Every child can succeed when provided with the proper support.”

Welcome to the Preschool Assessment & Autism Center (PAAC). Our program provides structured, evidence-based instruction grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis within a safe and nurturing environment.

We are committed to student growth, family partnership, and successful transition to General Education. Thank you for trusting us with your child.


PAAC Leadership & Contacts

Kristian Ayala Front Office – Student Data Technician (209) 933-7345 Ext. 2750 Kayala@stocktonusd.net
Angelique Clark Front Office – Special Education Technician (209) 933-7345 Ext. 2773 Aclark@stocktonusd.net
Kim Newstrom Front Office – Special Education Technician (209) 933-7345 Ext. 2501 Knewstrom@stocktonusd.net
Deborah Celle-Mechura General Education Teacher (209) 933-7345 Ext. 2751 DCellemechura@stocktonusd.net
Erica Hampton Preschool Program Specialist (209) 933-7345 Ext. 2771 Ehampton@stocktonusd.net
Susana Case Preschool Program Specialist (209) 933-7345 Ext. 2769 SCase@stocktonusd.net
Melissa Lipman School Psychologist, Spanish/Bilingual Preschool Assessment Team (209) 933-7345 Ext. 2755 Mlipman@stocktonusd.net
Patricia Bloomquist School Psychologist, Preschool Assessment Team (209) 933-7345 Ext. 2776 PBloomquist@stocktonusd.net
Jacqueline Bautista School Psychologist, Preschool Assessment Team (209) 933-7345 Ext. 2754 JBautista@stocktonusd.net

Welcome to the Preschool Assessment & Autism Center (PAAC), home of the Wolf PAAC. We strive to provide a high-quality program for preschool students with Autism in a program emphasizing evidence-based Practices based on the principles of  Applied Behavior Analysis.  Our assessment center and school staff strive to provide a high level, standards-based education ensuring all students achieve their full academic potential and become responsible, respectful citizens and leaders in a global society.

The PAAC has a clear mission, focused on our students’ mastery of the Preschool Standards and to successfully transition our students to General Education.  Our staff is committed to implementing the core instructional programs with fidelity and utilizing effective research-based strategies to improve student achievement. 

At the PAAC we encourage all parents to become active partners in their child’s education. Through a combined effort, we can prepare students to become lifelong learners and productive members of our community. We believe in our PAAC scholar's ability to succeed when provided with the proper support.  Should you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher.  Working together all of our students succeed! 

Thank you for entrusting your child to PAAC,

Dr. Jose M. Avila
Administrator Special Education

Meet Our Teachers

Our preschool program is a comprehensive Applied Behavior Analysis program based on Evidence-Based Practices. Classrooms are supported by Paraprofessionals, Speech Therapists, an Occupational Therapist, a BCBA, and an Inclusion Specialist. We use Frog Street, Handwriting Without Tears (HWT), and Autism-specific curricula.

Highly Structured

This Special Day class has intensive student-to-staff ratios in a highly structured environment. High reinforcement is provided to establish instructional control. Classes run 3 hours per day (AM or PM session).

School/Room AM Teacher PM Teacher
PAAC Room 4 Rosalinda Lopez Brenda Onofre
PAAC Room 7 Carla Legaspi Ella Uychutin
PAAC Room 9 Eleena Hen Desmond Finck
PAAC Room 10 Janet Filippi -
Marshall Room 21 Rosanna Xiong Yer Lor
Marshall Room 23 Mayra Salcedo Jennifer Dutro
Peyton Room 34 Sokanha Bartholomy -

Structured

This Special Day class provides moderate staff support in small groups and runs 3 hours per day (AM or PM session).

School/Room AM Teacher PM Teacher
PAAC Room 2 Kayla Higuera Kristin Horan
PAAC Room 3 Brianna Jackson Julissa Castellanos
Marshall Room 22 Marissa Aparicio Tina Mejia
Peyton Room 34 Krystle Sullivan -

Collaborative

Embedded in a State Preschool classroom on a General Education campus, students learn with small and whole group instruction for 3 hours/day.

Teacher Campus/Class
Rae Anderson Madison (PreK & TK) & Washington
Joanna Gama August & Montezuma
Kendra Townsell Nightingale & Merlo
Anabel Garcia Hoover & PAAC (Opening 2026)

What to Send with Your Child

Highly Structured & Structured Classes

  • Diapers (if not toilet trained)
  • Extra clothes (shirt, pants/shorts, socks, underwear)
  • Labeled water bottle
  • Meals provided; optional labeled snack/lunch

Collaborative Classes

  • Extra clothes (shirt, pants/shorts, socks, underwear)
  • Breakfast (AM) or lunch (PM) provided; no outside food

Daily Schedule (Sample)

Time Activity
8:00 – 8:20 Student Arrival/Breakfast
8:20 – 9:00 Morning Circle Time
9:00 – 9:20 Session 1
9:20 – 9:40 Session 2
9:40 – 10:00 Session 3
10:00 – 10:20 Outdoor Play
10:20 – 10:40 Session 4
10:50 – 11:00 Afternoon Circle / Prepare for Departure
11:00 Dismissal