
SPECIALIZED SUPPORT SERVICES
BY WEST40
OUR TEAM
We’re not just your advisors.
We’re your partners.
Meet the compassionate and experienced team behind Specialized Support Services by West40.

NICOLE PIERANUNZI
Director of Special
Education Services
As the leader of our Specialized Support Services team, Nicole’s mission is to ensure that all students have equitable access to services and support that allow them to lead active, meaningful, and productive lives. Her work ensures that educators and leaders have the skills, resources, and coaching to support their students in this mission.

CARA WILEY
Assistant Director of Specialized Student Supports
She sees everyday as a new opportunity to improve the lives of students. Previously she served as the Director of Wellness at ISBE. Prior to ISBE, she was an educator at the middle and secondary levels. Wiley earned a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from University of Illinois-Springfield.

HOLLY MCCARTHY
Education Environment Specialist
and Behavior Analyst
Holly is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who’s worked in schools for over 15 years. She’ll partner with you to apply practical strategies that keep students at the forefront while maintaining team unity.

LAURA LINDSEY
Assistive Technology and
Curriculum Adaptation Specialist
Laura is highly skilled at helping schools adapt to serve students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have other disabilities. With over 15% of children experiencing hearing loss, she’ll help your school serve a critical group of students.

NATALY J. CAJAMARCA
Autism and Bilingual
Services Specialist
As an immigrant and English learner herself, Nataly has a passion for serving schools with linguistically and culturally
diverse students. Her background in special education, with a focus in autism spectrum disorders, informs her approach
to each school planning session.

PATRICIA GRACZYK, PH.D.
Climate and Culture SEL Coach |
Clinical Child and School Psychologist
After spending over three decades working in schools, Patricia has become an expert in psychology and SEL who can help you address challenges involving students’ past traumas, mental health, attendance, resilience and more.

DR. HERRERA, PH.D., ED.S.
Climate and Culture SEL Coach
With experience as both a teacher and administrator throughout K-12 settings, Dr. Herrera specializes in SEL coaching,
drawing on her deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction, teacher preparation, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) practices.

WIL GAGE
School Safety & Threat Assessment Specialist
Will has over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, safety, and security in both the public and private sectors. He brings a true passion for collaboration in the best interest of the students and can assist with the evolving needs surrounding safety, threat assessment, and school resource officers.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION FOR YOUR SCHOOL
Email Nicole Pieranunzi, Director of Special Education Services, at npieranunzi@west40.org