Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts in Child Study
• Certifications:
  • Special Education
  • Elementary Education

Role

Leanne Schinella serves as Special Education Director at Colearn Academy, where she supports students, families, and teachers in creating meaningful, individualized learning experiences. She is passionate about helping students discover confidence in their learning and ensuring that families feel supported in both their current goals and their long-term hopes for their child.

She works closely with school leadership and instructional teams to strengthen special education services, provide targeted support, and ensure students are making progress in ways that are both accessible and meaningful. Leanne is committed to building strong partnerships between home and school so every student has the opportunity to thrive.

About

Leanne is passionate about helping students find joy and confidence in learning—whether that means sparking a new excitement for learning or rekindling a love that may have been lost. She values working closely with families to support both their immediate needs and their hopes for their child’s future.

One of her most meaningful moments this year was watching a student who initially struggled with math experience a breakthrough. After persevering, the student’s understanding clicked, and they became excited and confident in their ability to solve problems on their own. Seeing that shift in confidence and enthusiasm is what reminds her why she teaches.

Leanne loves the supportive and collaborative culture at Colearn Academy. She appreciates how staff consistently encourage one another, share ideas and resources, and go above and beyond to support students—whether through extra help, tutoring, or creative interventions to help students succeed.

A fun fact about Leanne is that she has visited every state in the USA.