oUR TEAM MISSION IS TO MAKE SURE YOUR STUDENT THRIVE IN SCHOOL AND BEYOND
Our admission process is what helps us accomplish this goal. We are selective in our admissions to ensure we have the resources to serve each student’s specific needs and be able to provide them with their unique, customized education plan. We aim to enrich our student’s experiences & help them thrive in school and beyond.
Kami Cothrun, FOUNDER AND EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Kami founded PS Academy and EE Support Services acting on her passion to open a school designed specifically for children with autism spectrum disorders and other exceptionalities. Her exciting journey has led from the inception of PS Academy in 2008 in Mesa, AZ to a 30,000 sq ft campus in Gilbert, AZ.
Kami and her team created a foundation where the curriculum and environment are solely focused on each student's special individualized learning needs. She has profoundly impacted the lives of children and their families.
Kami earned her Bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University and her Master's Degree in Special Education from Northern Arizona University.
Ryan Cothrun, CEO
Ryan combines his expertise in accounting, finance, and project management to handle day to day tasks in operations and funding management. Ryan has extensive experience in project and facility management.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Project Management from Arizona State University.
Kathy Britton, Director of operations/ Admissions
Kathy has always had a passion for working with individuals with special needs. From her first job as a counselor at a day camp for people with special needs to her years working at an Enrichment Center for people with exceptionalities she has dedicated her life to following this path.
Kathy graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity College in CT where she double majored in Psychology and Education. She was the President’s Fellow for Education and was a three sport athlete/ three sport captain, earning 12 varsity letters in her collegiate career. She earned Scholar Athlete awards in both her junior and senior years.
Before moving to AZ, Kathy was President of the Autism Society of Vermont for seven years and served on numerous boards at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
Mary Beth Mayer, Director of Marketing
Mary Beth is originally from Ohio and has been a Director of Marketing for the past 25 years. She has a BBA, Marketing from Cleveland State University. She has vast experience in branding, product development, social media, communications, consumer products, event planning and franchising.
Mary Beth signed on as a consultant with PS Academy in 2015. She was so excited working with the staff and students that she signed on full time in 2016. She states that the most satisfying part of this role is making a difference in the lives of PS Academy families. She believes that everything we do aligns with our ever so important Mission & Vision.
Lisa Phillips, Funding Specialist
Lisa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Oral Roberts University, and she has always had a passion for helping others. She combines years of professional fundraising experience with her knowledge of the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) and School Tuition Organizations (STO) programs to assist families in acquiring the funds needed to attend PS Academy.
Lisa guides families through the process of applying for scholarships. Having two sons with autism and having gone through the STO and ESA process herself, she knows that sometimes it can be overwhelming, and she loves to help make the process as easy as possible for other families!
Lisa’s two oldest sons have attended PS Academy, and one of her sons recently graduated and is currently attending college. Watching her boys thrive at PS, come out of their shells, and have friends for the first time drives her to help other families so they can experience the same happiness of watching their children love their school!
Your student deserves to be seen for their abilities, rather than defined by their diagnosis.
Here at PS Academy Arizona, students love coming to school. Why? Because here, they aren't defined by their diagnosis. They shine when they identify their abilities, are accepted for their differences, make friends, and discover new skills. They are given the tools and the responsibility they need to be challenged and inspired to excel in school and beyond.