Special Education

Brittany Smith

"Hi all, My name is Brittany Smith and I am an Education Specialist at Redwood High School. I began working in Special Education in 2011, and it brings me complete joy to be able to work alongside students with disabilities. I was born and raised in Redwood City (the north fair oaks area to be exact), and I have spent most of my educational career studying Psychology, Human Services and Special Education. When I am not studying, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling the world and trying new foods, I'm a big foodie! haha. Overall, teaching special education holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to working with the students and staff at Redwood High School. This community is amazing and I am so grateful to be here!"

Alexandra Wolles

Building community, developing a growth mindset, empowering students, and promoting self-determined learning while promoting grit and resiliency skills are at the center of my teaching practices. My classroom is a supportive environment where relationships are prioritized, students gain confidence, develop self-advocacy skills, and work together to learn and grow. I believe in creating an atmosphere where my students are comfortable expressing themselves, are not afraid to make mistakes, and are willing to challenge themselves to learn something new. I earned my Mild/Moderate Special Education credential from San Francisco State University, and I hold a Master’s degree in Art. I have worked as a case manager and taught in alternative educational settings for 29 years. I have an extensive background in social-emotional learning, resilience-building, and trauma-informed teaching practices. In addition, I provide students with differentiated and individualized instruction, academic strategies, push-in services, and social, emotional, behavioral, and academic support. Working as a special education teacher has been my life's work, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to support and guide so many amazing young adults. By far, one of the great pleasures of being a teacher is having former students return for a visit to tell me they are successfully creating a fantastic future for themselves and their families.

Ashleigh Rush

My name is Ashleigh Rush and I am an Instructional IA at Redwood High School. I began working with the amazing Redwood Special Education team in 2022. I grew up in Redwood City going to Woodside and then finished my highschool career at Redwood High School. Working at Redwood High School and being able to work with special education children was a full circle moment in my career. I went to Cañada College and received my degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Special Education Inclusion Services. During my free time I love going camping and spending time with my family! The community at Redwood High School is amazing and I look forward to working with all the staff and students.

Fernando Magana-Gaytan