Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia Programs
Elementary School
Our youngest students enjoy an individualized, challenging, and creative curriculum that encourages progress. Most Y.A.L.E. Philadelphia classrooms enjoy a staff-to-student ratio of 8:1, with no classroom exceeding 12:1, allowing for each student to thrive under individual attention at every age. Through individualized educational plans (IEPs), students work at a pace that fits their specific goals.
We proudly provide students:
- Flexibility to exercise choice and creativity in order to develop the personal learning style that fits their needs, guided by our skilled educators and staff
- Proactive instructional strategies that address multiple learning styles, processing difficulties, and/or academic and social deficits so all students can benefit from grade level standards
- Educators that follow the principles and practices of Universal Design for Learning, with teachers creating lesson plans based on individual interests, needs, and abilities
- Material presented in various formats, and multiple opportunities for students to express what they have learned
Middle School
As students grow, acquiring verbal and non-verbal social skills becomes even more important. With social skills instruction throughout all classes, group projects and community-based instruction, as well as weekly social classes that provide skills instruction, students learn and practice social abilities.
We proudly provide students:
- A safe and secure learning environment so students can prepare to effectively navigate the world around them
- Social skills remediation and instruction, with an effective curriculum including lessons on perspective taking, rigidity, reciprocity, reading social cues, concrete thinking, perseverative interests, adapting to changing circumstances, and more
- A peer-mentoring program with a nearby school, where mentors implement collaborative service-learning projects and build shared experiences through community-based instruction
- Transition-based programming, including training in self-advocacy, self-determination, and self-knowledge
High School & Beyond
At age 14, students may continue at Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia if they require more intense functional skills training and language development. Our high school program provides continuing face-to-face instruction for students ages 15-21 with autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.
We proudly provide students:
- An individualized education with small class sizes focused on readying students for the transition to adulthood
- Evidence-based curriculum and versatile teaching methods, such as TouchMath, Handwriting Without Tears, and digital tablets equipped with PRC-Saltillo LAMP Words for Life and Unity, as well as Toca Boca for functional skills
- Enrichment opportunities that feature experiential, community-based learning and provide avenues for all forms of self-expression through digital technology, art, and music
- Social skills development through weekly class instruction and integrated practice throughout the day based on Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking approach
- Highly certified staff including compassionate teachers, classroom aides, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, and counselors
- Daily written communications for parents/guardians from teachers, as well as frequent scheduled phone calls and quarterly written IEP progress reports
- Instruction and experiences expand in the 18–21 years to emphasize functional living skills and work readiness, concentrating on practical academics, self-care and self-advocacy, home tasks, soft skills for employment in simulated work experiences, and participating in work-based learning in the community to gain marketable, transferable skills when ready
Y.A.L.E. School of Philadelphia Team Leaders:
Amanda Whitehead – Director
Amanda joined the Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia team in 2025. She has been a dedicated special educator for over a decade, working with the autism population since her high school years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education, along with certification in special education, and earned a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, including a supervisor certification. Dual-certified in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Amanda is passionate about applying evidence-based practices to support students with autism and other diverse learning needs in reaching their fullest potential.
Kathy Hogan, M.S., – BCBA
A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) with over 20 years of experience working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, Kathy joined the Y.A.L.E. School organization in New Jersey in 2014. Now with an expanded role that includes Y.A.L.E. School of Philadelphia, her expertise contributes to the school’s interdisciplinary approach. She earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Chestnut Hill College before completing the BCBA course sequence through Florida Institute of Technology. Kathy has presented several research projects at various conferences, including ABAI. She has worked as a behavior therapist for children and adolescents with a diagnosis of autism and/or emotional behavior disorder in home and school settings. Kathy has experience in creating behavior programs designed to reduce maladaptive behavior, academic programs and communication protocols for various learners. Kathy works collaboratively with school administration, BCBAs, and school staff in developing, training, and implementing the School Wide Positive Behavior Support program specifically designed under her leadership.
Carmen Deo – Supervisor
Carmen began his journey at Y.A.L.E. School Philadelphia in 2022. He started as a student teacher and teaching assistant, progressed to a special education teacher, and is now working in administration. As the Upper Building supervisor, he oversees daily operations and supports instructional excellence for K–8 students with emotional regulation impairments (ERI) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He earned his Bachelor of Science in special education (K–12) in 2023 and his Master of Science in educational leadership in 2025, both from Chestnut Hill College. Driven by a lifelong passion for helping students achieve their goals, Carmen is committed to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth and takes pride in fostering positive, inclusive learning environments where every student can succeed.
Megan Feastermacher – Supervisor
Megan started working at Y.A.L.E. School in Philadelphia in 2021, beginning as a lead teacher and now serving as a supervisor. She graduated from Bloomsburg University with a dual certification in early education (PK-4) and special education (PK-12) with a minor in deaf education. With a strong background in autistic support programs, she spent three years as the lead teacher in the high school Verbal Behavior Room, where she played a key role in implementing individualized strategies to support student growth. Her experience and leadership have been instrumental in fostering a supportive and structured learning environment for students.
