CINDY BOYNTON:

Founder/CEO

Cindy Boynton earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Methodist University and went on to obtain her master’s degree In Special Education from the University of Houston.

Prior to founding SA Life Academy in 2016, Cindy actively served on both state and local special education committees. She also worked as a Special Education teacher and started what is now called the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas in 1994.

A long-time resident of Alamo Heights, Cindy and her husband Bryan have three amazing children including their youngest son Drew who has Down Syndrome and Autism. They are also the proud grandparents of three sweet granddaughters.

ELLEN SHOEMAKER:

Chief Development officer

Ellen Shoemaker earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Texas Tech University and went on to obtain her master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy in 2018, Ellen secured millions of dollars in grants and proposals for local businesses and nonprofits in the San Antonio area. She also served as an award-winning Intelligence Analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and American Government Instructor at Northwest Vista College.

A native Texan, Ellen resides in Helotes with her husband Bobby, and three young children Bobby, Annie, and Clayton.

SAMANTHA PETY:

Chief operating officer

Samantha Pety earned a bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Special Education from Texas Tech University.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy in 2017, Samantha taught Special Education for two years in a Pre-School Program for Children with Disabilities classroom in the North East Independent School District. She also spent time caregiving for a young adult with autism who gave her the desire to teach and advocate for young children and adults with special needs.

Samantha was born and raised in San Antonio and attended Alamo Heights High School with several SA Life Academy adults who continue to inspire her each day in her role as the Director of Programming.

MELISSA TOUDOUZE:

Director Of IT & Compliance

Melissa Toudouze obtained her associate’s degree in Applied Science and Computer Programming from San Antonio College.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy in 2020, Melissa worked as a Paraprofessional in the North East Independent School District for six years where she provided instruction at a suitable academic level for each individual student. Melissa also worked at AT&T for 26 years, including as a senior technical lead.

Melissa enjoys spending time with her four children, including her son Kyle who has Down Syndrome and attends SA Life Academy.

Kristen Collier:

Director of Finance

 Kristen Collier received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Incarnate Word.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy, Kristen was a substitute teacher for Northeast Independent School District for a year and a half. This decision allowed her to be more present in her children’s lives. Kristen’s prior work experience includes roles in finance, accounting, HR, and oil and gas mineral lease negotiations.

Kristen resides in San Antonio with her wonderful husband, Wes Collier, and three amazing children, Samuel, Owen, and Jack.

Jennifer Davidson:

Lead Teacher

Jennifer Davidson received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She then went on to receive her Special Education Teacher certification at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Jennifer also has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Reading.

Prior to Joining SA Life Academy in 2021, Jennifer spent over 20 years in Northside Independent School District (NISD) as an Applied Learning Environment (ALE)/Specialized Instruction Teacher. During this time, she developed lessons, planned activities, and coordinated with Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists, Assistive Technology personnel, Visual Specialists, families, and colleagues. Prior to her tenure in NISD, Jennifer worked as an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist as part of the Parent and Child Education Services (PACES) at MHMR.

Jennifer is a proud mom of 3 grown children and 2 grandsons.  In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and adventurous activities such as ziplining, parasailing, or skydiving.

ELLIE HAWBECKER:

Lead Teacher

Ellie Hawbecker received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education and General Education from St. Mary’s University.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy in January 2020, Ellie worked in the Special Education field for 33 years and was nominated for teacher of the year during the 2016 and 2017 school years. She offers expertise in applied behavior analysis, crisis prevention intervention, and utilizing the Picture Exchange Communication system which allows people with little or no communication abilities to communicate using pictures.

Ellie is a long-time resident of San Antonio and enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, daughter, and three sons.

Abby Inzurriaga:

Lead Teacher

Abby Inzurriaga earned her Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Special Education K-12 from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Before beginning at SA Life Academy in September 2020, she worked for Junior Achievement of South Texas, serving San Antonio public schools by delivering career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship lessons. She also has experience working in ALE units in the North East Independent School District. 

Born and raised in Alamo Heights, she has had the privilege of growing up with many adults that attend SA Life Academy. She loves getting to continue to grow with and learn from her friends here, old and new!

Donna Galvan:

Lead TEACHER

Donna has 7 years of working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has a great passion for improving the quality of life for individuals with IDD and was very excited to join SA Life Academy in August 2022.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy, Donna worked at The Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland and FACT institute. She is a registered Behavior Technician and is currently enrolled at Palo Alto College studying to receive her Associate of Arts in Teaching EC-6 degree.

Donna enjoys spending time with her husband and two children as well as working out and learning all about nutrition.

Emily Barnes:

Lead Teacher

Emily Barnes joined SA Life Academy in June 2023. She earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work with a minor in disability studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has over 10 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities of all ages.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy, Emily was a high school special education instructional assistant in Oregon. She also was a behavior technician for over a year at an Autism Center in Fort Worth.  

Emily enjoys traveling, watching and playing sports, and listening to music in her free time.

SUSAN MCDONALD:

ASSOCIATE TEACHER

Susan McDonald has over 30 years of experience working in the special education field and specializes in life skills and employment training.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy in 2017, Susan worked in the Alamo Heights Independent School District for 28 years where she instructed high schoolers with special needs as part of the L.I.F.E program. She also assisted junior high school students with their transition into high school.

Susan has been married to her husband Richard McDonald for 39 years and is the proud mother of three children and precious granddaughter, Milla.

FRANCES LUNA:

ASSOCIATE TEACHER

Frances has 30 years of experience working in the education field and has completed early child development courses at San Antonio College.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy in 2020, Frances worked in the San Antonio Independent School District where she advanced the health and wellness of students as an Assistant Physical Education Coach. She also helped students improve their social skills.

Frances enjoys spending time with her son Vince and her beautiful daughter-in-law Jenn. She also had a cousin Gloria who had Down Syndrome and brought so much joy, love, and laughter into her life!

Lindsey robles:

Associate teacher

Lindsey Robles has 17 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She has a huge passion for the special needs community and was excited to join the SA Life Academy (SALA) team in January of 2022.

Prior to joining SALA, Lindsay served as a lead staff member at Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP). In this role, she trained camp counselors and enjoyed supporting recreational programming for children and adults with developmental, intellectual, medical, behavioral, and physical disabilities.

In Lindsey’s spare time, she enjoys reading, being in nature, and spending time with her family.

Lisa Gutierrez:

Associate Teacher

Lisa Gutierrez began her journey with SA Life Academy in January 2023 as a substitute teacher. During this time, her passion and love for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities grew. In May 2023, she was thrilled to join the SALA team as a full-time Associate Teacher. In this role, she enjoys building strong relationships with all of the wonderful SALA students. Making an impact in their lives and watching them learn and grow brings her immense joy.

Lisa was born and raised in San Angelo, TX. She has been married to her husband Rey for 15 years and is a mother to three wonderful children.

Sean Aguillon:

Associate Teacher

Sean Aguillon joined SA Life Academy in June 2023. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Philosophy. He attended Texas Tech University for his Freshman and Sophomore year and continued at Southern Methodist University for his junior year.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy, Sean was and continues to be a caretaker for a 19-year-old adult with intellectual disabilities. It comes naturally to him since he grew up assisting his brother, Chris, with an intellectual disability diagnosis. He has always helped and encouraged his brother to be as independent as possible and reach his maximum potential.

In Sean’s spare time, he enjoys golfing, collecting records, reading, watching movies, and writing.

ELAINE EICKENROHT:

ART INSTRUCTOR

Elaine Eickenroht received her bachelor’s degree in Education from Southwest Texas State University and has 36 years of experience in public education.

Prior to joining SA Life Academy in 2017, Elaine taught art to General Ed and Special Ed students in the North East and Comal Independent School Districts. After retiring from public school teaching, Elaine continued her passion for helping students succeed creatively in her role as an Art Instructor at Casa de Linda Art Studio in New Braunfels and through private art parties.

Mom to a special needs daughter, Elaine is active in supporting Special Olympics at their practice sessions and competitions.  She also represents athletes as a member of the San Antonio Tennis Association’s Disability & Inclusion committee.


“Our young adults are engaged, learning, volunteering and sharing life with their peers.” 

—Parent of SALA Star