SAMANTHA PETY
Executive Director/Head of School
As SALA's founding teacher, Samantha Pety has been instrumental in developing and scaling the program over seven years, growing enrollment from 22 to 143 students. She has progressed from Lead Teacher to Program Director to Chief Operating Officer, overseeing curriculum development, leading teaching staff, managing admissions, and launching key program expansions including career development and culinary programs.
A certified special education teacher, Samantha holds a Bachelor's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Special Education from Texas Tech University and brings prior public school teaching experience.
As Executive Director/Head of School, she remains committed to providing students with meaningful opportunities to be active throughout the San Antonio community, promoting independence and real-world skill development while honoring founder Cindy Boynton's vision.
ELLEN SHOEMAKER
Executive Director/Development & Administration
Ellen Shoemaker joined SALA in 2018 as a part-time consultant, where she created foundational grant language, authored the quarterly newsletter, and significantly grew the donor base through strategic development. She joined full-time in 2022 as Associate Director, overseeing the annual gala, authoring internal policies, constructing operating budgets, and managing board relations. In 2023, she was promoted to Chief Development Officer, focusing on achieving fundraising goals to support organizational growth.
Ellen holds a Master's Degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University and brings leadership experience from public policy positions, including as a Lead Intelligence Analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency.
In her executive role, she remains committed to advancing SALA's mission, working in partnership with Samantha to drive organizational growth while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Kristen Collier:
Finance and HR Director
Kristen Collier is a dedicated finance professional with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Finance, from the University of the Incarnate Word. Her diverse career journey has equipped her with a robust skill set in finance, accounting, human resources, and oil and gas mineral lease negotiations, making her a valuable asset to SA Life Academy.
Throughout her professional journey, Kristen has worked with a range of organizations—from small regional firms to large multinational corporations. This breadth of experience has honed her analytical skills and enhanced her ability to manage financial operations effectively.
A resident of San Antonio, Kristen enjoys a fulfilling family life with her husband, Wes, and their three energetic boys: Samuel, Owen, and Jack. When she’s not immersed in finance or family activities, Kristen loves spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and preparing healthy meals for her family, all while staying active as a certified integrative nutrition health and wellness coach.
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.
Meggan Leonard:
Event Coordinator
Meggan Leonard became an advocate and supporter of the special needs community after her son, Mikey, was diagnosed with a developmental disorder at 16 months old. She was involved with his special needs nursery school in New York City.
After moving to San Antonio, she became proactive as a parent and Parent Liaison in the Alamo Heights School District. She helped develop new programs at Alamo Heights, such as 09 Academy and went before the school board on several occasions to advocate for families and students with disabilities.
When Cindy Boynton shared her idea of starting a day program for adults with special needs, Meggan jumped on board and helped in many capacities, including fundraising and the annual “Off-Broadway” Gala.