Mandy brings more than 25 years of experience across nearly every level of education—from early childhood to elementary school classrooms, from leading special education services to founding and managing a network of schools. She began her career as a classroom teacher, teaching kindergarten through third grade and art, and was an early advocate for inclusive classrooms. She piloted the first inclusion classes in Northside ISD, where she was recognized as First Year Teacher of the Year.

Throughout her career, Mandy has worked directly with students with behavioral challenges and special needs, including as a behavior intervention teacher for K–5 students and as the founder of San Antonio’s first inclusion preschool model. She has served as a principal, a director of special education, and an executive school leader—always focused on creating supportive, well-run environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Most recently, as Director of Special Education and Student Services at Rockport-Fulton ISD, Mandy led a district-wide overhaul of programming. She expanded inclusive education models, launched new curricula, developed staff-wide training, and secured over $850,000 in new resources to support students and educators.

When she’s not at work, Mandy enjoys going to the beach and being outdoors, cheering for the Longhorns and taking in live music venues.

“Birdy” Allen is an educator that has more than 14 years of experience teaching in public education in Louisiana and Texas, and has spent the last five years specializing in special education at a local charter district here in Austin. Helping students with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiversities as well as students with challenging behaviors has been an important lifelong value as a result of Birdy having several neurodiverse family members. She is passionate about helping students learn skills to effectively navigate our world, connect to people in a meaningful way, and become more independent adults.

Birdy began her career in Louisiana with a B.A. in French Education and a M.Ed. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teaching English as a Second Language. She is passionate about nature, art, creativity, and is also an avid birdwatcher and amateur forager.  She lives with her dog, Boots, in South Austin.

Natalie, a dedicated educator with a decade of experience in special education, brings a genuine passion for student development to Greenleaf NCC. As a Resource/Life Skills Teacher, she has honed her skills in creating inclusive learning environments. Natalie’s international experience as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language at the American Eagle Institute in Taiwan adds a global perspective to her teaching approach. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Teacher Certification from Texas State University, she combines creativity with pedagogical expertise. Outside the classroom, Natalie enjoys spending time at home with her two dogs and tortoise, fostering a balanced and nurturing lifestyle.

Thomas, with a B.A. in psychology from the University of Puget Sound, brings three years of experience as a Behavioral Technician in Tacoma, Washington, to his role at Greenleaf NCC. Returning to Austin to be closer to family and friends, he continues his career in psychology, offering valuable support to students at Greenleaf NCC’s 18+ School. Thomas focuses on workforce readiness and facilitates work experience opportunities for students, contributing to their holistic development. Beyond his professional pursuits, he indulges his creative side, spending free time creating art and playing various musical instruments.

Hailing from Northern California, Maria Alvarado is a valuable addition to Greenleaf NCC, having earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and an Associate’s in Sociology from California State University, Stanislaus. During her junior year, Maria studied abroad in Brighton, England, enriching her academic journey. Relocating to Austin in May 2021, Maria embarked on her career as a Behavioral Technician for a year and a half before joining Greenleaf. Her dedication to supporting neurodiverse individuals aligns with the organization’s mission. Outside of work, Maria finds joy in artistic pursuits, particularly painting, and actively engages in a book club with her friends, contributing to a vibrant and well-rounded community at Greenleaf NCC.