Administration
Kate Ross currently serves as the Executive Director of the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative (GCSEC), an organization to which she has dedicated her entire professional career. An alumna of Minooka Community High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Illinois State University in 2001. Immediately after graduation, she began her journey with GCSEC as a classroom teacher at River's Edge Academy. Committed to educational growth, she later completed her M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration at Benedictine University in 2006. Since 2011, Mrs. Ross has successfully managed multiple leadership roles, serving as the Program Coordinator for GCSEC’s Transition, Life-Skills, and Multi-Needs Programs, the STARS program at Minooka Junior High School, Rivers Edge Academy in Morris, and the county's Transition Service Coordinator. Further expanding her expertise, she earned her Director of Special Education endorsement from the University of St. Francis in 2019. Her core professional interests center on advancing best practices in life-skills programming, advocating for robust transition services, program development, and fostering staff development. When she is away from her students and school community, she enjoys spending her free time reading, kayaking, and hanging out with her husband, son, extended family, and friends.
Mrs. Erica Schramm started her teaching career at Grundy County Special Education Cooperative, following graduation from Illinois State University in 2004 where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Special Education. She then pursued her Master's degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University and graduated in 2009. At that time, Mrs. Schramm transitioned to the role as Program Coordinator for GCSEC. In addition to working as a Program Coordinator for GCSEC, she has also spent time as Special Education Administrator within nearby school districts before returning to GCSEC in 2019 as Program Coordinator. Mrs. Schramm is now serving in the role of Assistant Director and looking forward to working with the students, families, and staff in this position. During her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading or crafting.
Carol Senica has been part of the GCSEC family since 2007, first serving as a Program Coordinator before becoming Assistant Director. Prior to joining GCSEC, she worked as a speech-language pathologist serving students from preschool through high school in public school settings. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about supporting students, families, staff, and member districts while helping navigate the ever-changing world of special education.
When she's not working, Carol enjoys riding her bike with her husband, gardening, listening to music, and spending time with her granddaughter.
Carol retires this December after a career that she has truly loved. She leaves with gratitude for the friendships, memories and opportunities she has enjoyed over the years and looks forward to cheering on GCSEC's continued success while embracing the adventures of retirement.
Mrs. Siron received her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Western University and has been employed by the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative (GCSEC) since 1999. She began her career as an elementary CHOICES life skills teacher before transitioning to the STARS elementary autism program, where she gained extensive experience supporting students with autism and other significant disabilities. Mrs. Siron earned her Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. In 2008, she became a Program Coordinator for GCSEC, where she has continued to support students, families, and staff through the development and implementation of high-quality special education programs and services. Outside of work, Mrs. Siron enjoys spending time with her family, following her children's sporting events, boating, and cooking.
Russell Young oversees River’s Edge Academy, the Cooperative’s school for intensive supports. Russell comes from a background of secondary coteaching and support services. Working on the GCSEC administrative team since 2021, Russell has worked to increase and diversify River’s Edge Academy’s support systems and their social-emotional support offerings. Russell also oversees crisis intervention training and behavior specialists throughout the cooperative. While not at work, Russell spends time playing and reading with his two daughters, spending time outside and exercising, and writing when time allows!
Molly Highbaugh serves as the Program Coordinator for the STARS Program in Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201 and is entering her third year in this leadership role. She brings more than 17 years of experience supporting children and young adults ages 3–21 through her work in special education and previously as a school psychologist. Molly earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and her Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, along with her Principal and Director of Special Education endorsements, from The University of St. Francis. Prior to becoming Program Coordinator, Molly worked as a School Psychologist supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs. Molly is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where students can develop communication, independence, social-emotional, and academic skills. Molly lives in Channahon with her husband, two daughters, and their dog. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, sunshine, reading, and traveling.
Mrs. Cassi Carlson joins GCSEC with over 15 years of experience in education, most recently serving as the special education teacher at Gardner Grade School since 2012. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Benedictine University in 2010. Shortly after graduating, Mrs. Carlson began working as a paraprofessional in a cross-categorical classroom, where she quickly discovered her passion for special education. She later earned her Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1) endorsement through the University of St. Francis before completing a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Special Education in 2016. In 2021, she earned her M.S. Ed. in Educational Leadership with principal endorsement from Western Governors University. Mrs. Carlson is the Program Coordinator for the HOPE Program at GSW High School and the Early Childhood Program at Gardner Grade School. She also oversees the resource programs within Gardner, Braceville, South Wilmington, MVK, and Nettle Creek, and coordinates preschool screenings for Grundy County’s youngest learners. Mrs. Carlson believes that relationship building, collaboration, and a student-centered approach are at the heart of successful programs and is honored to serve the students, families, and educators of Grundy County. Mrs. Carlson lives in Gardner with her husband, two daughters, and dogs. In her free time, you will likely find her playing pickleball, exploring new parks with her kids, taking a Ranger ride, or spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Jackie Stoltz comes to the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative with over 17 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher. She has worked with a wide range of age groups, from children transitioning out of Early Intervention (at age 3) up through 8th grade. While she has taught in a variety of educational programs, she spent the majority of her career teaching 6th-8th grade Life Skills students. She is excited to now bring her expertise to the high school and transition-aged population.
Jackie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Eureka College in 2005 and her Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education from National-Louis University in 2008. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she went on to earn her Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2023. Most recently, Mrs. Stoltz obtained her Director of Special Education Endorsement from Lewis University in 2024.
Mrs. Stoltz is currently the Program Coordinator for REACH and the Transition Program while also serving as the county Transition Coordinator. She lives in Morris with her husband and two sons. In her free time, Jackie enjoys traveling, reading, swimming in her pool, and spending time with family and friends.