Staff/Teachers

Martha J. Cook, Ed.D.
Consultant, Executive Director of all Rise Schools
• Executive Director, The Rise School of Denver
• Doctorate in Early Childhood Special Education, University of Alabama.
• Director of the Rise School, University of Alabama.
• 26 years in early childhood special education.

Sherry Peterson, Executive Director,
Rise School of Corpus Christi
Sherry has earned a M.S. degree in Early Childhood Education, emphasis Special Education; a B.S. degree in Occupational Training and Development, specializing Early Childhood; and a A.A.S. degree as an Early Childhood Specialist. In addition, Sherry has the personal insight and knowledge of raising her own children with diagnosed disabilities. Her personal journey has been a true inspiration for continued work and study in the field. Before assuming her current position Sherry served as Early Childhood Consultant for the Education Service Center Region 2, Quality Development Program. She has also work with the Nueces County Community Action Agency, Birth-to-Five Head Start Program, and the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), Infant Development Program in Corpus Christi, TX.  She also serves as an Adjunct Instructor for Del Mar College, Early Childhood Program. Sherry has worked in the community for many years providing education and training as well as advocating on behalf of children and families. Her interests include reading, exercise, travel and dance.

Lead Teacher, Melissa Martinez
B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies
Certified Teacher EC-4TH Grade
20 plus years experience in Early Childhood Education
Interests: Reading  

         


Instructional Assistant, Sandra Gutierrez
A.A.S., Early Childhood Specialist
15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education
Interests:  Creative Arts-dance & drama, dinning out

Instructional Assistant, Melanie Saenz
College hours, Early Childhood/Special Education 2.5 years of experience
Interests: Reading, drawing, and the outdoors

Physical Therapist, Chisa Yearwood
Specialized Training: Neuro- Developmental Treatment (NDT) 17 years of experience in pediatric therapy. Interests: Hiking, biking, tennis, gardening

Occupational Therapist, Chris Woodin
B.S., Occupational Therapy M.A., Special Education 36 years of experience in OT
Interests: Gardening, painting, sewing, outdoors-birding

Speech Therapist, Barclay Hammond
M.A., Speech and Language Pathology
11 years experience
Interests: Cooking, reading, exercise