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Special-Needs Schools

Menta Acad Chg South Intensive

Special-Needs Schools · Chicago, IL
Compiled from public sourcesProgram

About

Compiled from public web sources — unverified until claimed; please confirm details directly with the provider.

Focus
Day School Autism Developmental Delay Emotional Disability Hearing Impairment Intellectual Disability Multiple Disabilities Other Health Impairment
Area
Chicago, IL
Description
ISBE-approved nonpublic special-education facility (day school), serving students with autism, developmental delay, emotional disability, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities. Illinois districts can place and fund students here under Section 14-7.02.
Website
menta.com

What this special-needs school offers

Summarized from their website — verify details directly with the special-needs school.

The Menta Education Group is a special education organization founded in 1973 that operates 33 schools across Illinois, Arizona, Missouri, and Texas, serving over 1,500 students with disabilities and at-risk youth through a no-decline, no-expulsion model.

Leadership
Dr. Rory Conran EdD — Chief Executive Officer
Brian McGowan, BA, CPA — Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Lynne Nicolas, Psy.D. — Chief Operating Officer
Jason Kudelka, MA — Chief Operating Officer
Viver Johnson — Chief Compliance Officer
Dr. Danyell Taylor, Ed.D, MSW, LCSW — Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer
Dr. Shawanda Barga — Director of Operations
Mary Hernandez — Director of Operations
Richard Grenda — Regional Director
Stacy Jantzi, PhD, CAS — Arizona Regional Director
Kristyn Cooper, MEd — Director of Curriculum
Colleen Fleisher, BA, MA — Director of Curriculum and Literacy Development
Nicole Regis, BA — Director of Human Resources
Tgichona Martin, Ph.D. — Director of Behavioral Services
Michelle Dorsey, Ed.S — Director of Clinical Services and Supports
Laura Mann, PhD, BCBA-D — Vice President Emeritus
Patti Pickering, MBA, LPC — Board Member / COO - Texas Region
Staff
Bryan Reindl, MBA — Regional Business Manager
Populations served
Autism Developmental delays Emotional disabilities Hearing impairment Intellectual disabilities Multiple disabilities Other health impairments Specific learning disabilities Speech impairment Traumatic brain injury Visual impairment At-risk youth
Setting
Day
On-site therapies
Speech therapy Behavioral services Clinical services and supports Social Emotional Learning
Services
Specialized instruction Social Emotional Learning Data-driven individualized programming Language assistance (upon request) Breakfast and lunch program Child advocacy Professional staff training
Programs
The Expanded Menta Method CORE Academy CORE Supported Country Club Hills Tech And Trade
Founded
1973
Phone
(630) 907-2400
Highlights
Founded in 1973 by Bob Neubeck and Karen Evans; operates 33 programs across 16 buildings in 4 states (IL, AZ, MO, TX); serves over 1,500 students with more than 1,000 professionals on staff; over 175 years of combined leadership experience in special education.
Approach
No decline, no expulsion, no suspension — "Every child deserves the right to be in school." Five pillars: student-centered model, community-based learning, customizable curricula, supportive peer environments, and evidence-based decision-making.

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What to look for in a special-needs school

  • Population served (autism, emotional/behavioral, learning differences) and the age/grade range
  • Whether it's an ISBE-approved nonpublic facility — districts can place and fund students there
  • On-site therapies (OT/PT/speech/behavioral)
  • Day vs. residential
  • How transitions back to public school work

Want to rate your public school or district on special education instead? See the school & district scorecards.