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Educational Support Services

Supporting Students Who Learn Differently

In 1984, WCS launched The Discovery Program to provide specialized instruction for a small group of students whose parents desired a Christian education for their children with learning challenges. For more than 30 years, the program, called Student Academic Services or SAS, has supported students, enabling them to participate fully at WCS. In 2024, the Health and Wellness program and the Student Academic Services program merged as two programs under one department. This department is now called Educational Support Services (ESS).

Our Goal

At WCS we know that no two children learn, perceive, or behave in the same way. It is our job to understand how God has designed each child, what their strengths are, and in what areas they may need extra support. In ESS, our goal is to help students realize their abilities so they can move toward independence and experience success inside and outside the classroom. 

For more information about Education Support Services, please contact Annaliese Wheeler, Director of Educational Support Services.

Understanding Diverse Learners

Many students are adequately engaged and challenged within the WCS educational learning environment. However, some students benefit from accommodations or specialized instruction. These children have different learning styles and rates, strengths and weaknesses.

One child may have trouble receiving information through listening or reading. Another may struggle to express ideas verbally or in writing. Some are easily distracted and find following directions or retaining information a challenge. Others have problems keeping track of belongings or organizing their day. Some students come to school with other types of concerns that impact learning. Sometimes complicated tasks can be easily mastered while simple ones are unmanageable. Our goal is to understand and support each individual.

ESS Sensory Area

ESS Department

Annaliese Wheeler

Educational Support Services Director

SAS Staff

Melissa Barton
SAS Teacher Elementary School
Kelly Belucio
Academic Support Assistant
Kendall Gaouette
High School Student Academic Services Coordinator
Kerrie Harper
SAS Teacher - Elementary
Kimberley MacGillivray
SAS Coordinator - Elementary School
Cinthya Monteiro
SAS Paraprofessional - Middle School
Paula Murphy
Occupational Therapist
Kay Pereira
SAS Paraprofessional - High School
Patricia Pishock
SAS Paraprofessional - High School
Sarah Roy
SAS Paraprofessional - Middle School
Alison Zylstra
ESS - Middle School Coordinator | MS Boys Soccer - Head Coach

Health & Wellness Staff

Bethanie Chandler
Health and Wellness Counselor - Elementary and Middle School
Patricia Shen
Health and Wellness Counselor - Middle School and High School
Rachel Spratt
Health and Wellness Paraprofessional - Elementary School
Michael Sullivan
Chaplain