Welcome to our Special Day Classes/Special Education Programs

My name is Amy Hartz and I am the Instructional Support Teacher who runs the Learning Center at Springhill. I graduated from UC Davis with a degree in psychology and human development. I've worked in the district for 10 years. I started as a Special Services Assistant in Early Intervention program at Burton Valley. I found my passion for students so I quickly enrolled at Saint Mary's to get my Mild-Moderate teaching credential. Helping students achiebe their goals energizes me every single day. If I'm not in the classroom, you can find me fostering dogs, kayaking on the Russian River or hiking in the East Bay hills.

Hello! I’m Meagan Fitzgerald and I am an Instructional Support Teacher working in the Learning Center. I am thrilled to be teaching at Springhill this year! I have taught both general education and special education for many years in San Francisco. I am now happy to call Martinez home and grateful to have found a school community here at Springhill. In my free time I love to hike with my family & dog, travel and work on my gardening and cooking skills (there is still much room for improvement!)

Hello Springhill! I'm Mrs. Jo

hnston, the Room 1 teacher-Special Day Class for TK-5th grade students. We always enjoy making new friends in Room 1, so say "Hi" when you see us outside our classroom on the bench.

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Hi, my name is Rachel Strelau and I am thrilled to be the Room 3 SDC teacher this year. As a former Springhill ‘grad’ myself-it feels like coming home. I have over 15 years teaching experience, 3 teaching credentials, and my Masters in Special Education. I am passionate about helping all my students achieve their highest potential. When not teaching I enjoy spending time with my son, traveling, and reading. I am looking forward to an amazing year!

My name is Ms. Pierce! I am an Education Specialist teaching 3rd-5th grade SDC in room 5. I am returning to my home town of Walnut Creek after 9 years in Sonoma County where I learned and taught. I have both my Special Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time outside in nature, watering my plants, and surrounding myself with animals! I love to try new restaurants and am always looking for good recommendations. I am so excited to join the Springhill community!

Instructional Support Teacher

Hi my name is Ashley Ward and I am so excited to join the team at Springhill Elementary! I will be starting my first year of teaching, and I can’t wait to learn as much as I can from students and fellow staff. Outside of teaching, I coach lacrosse and love giving back to the sport that helped me grow as a young woman. I love working with kids in lacrosse and helping them build life skills, so I am excited to be in the classroom to help kids with all of their academic goals! Outside of school, I love to hang out with my family and dogs, cook good food, and watch great tv. I am looking forward to learning and growing with all of you!

Instructional Support Teacher

Hi there!

I’ve been lucky to spend nearly 20 years in the field of education—a journey that’s taken me from New York to Hong Kong and now to California. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College and later received a Master’s in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on Reading, Writing, Literacy, and TESOL. For over 15 years, I taught Academic and Business English at a community college in Hong Kong.

When my family moved back to California, I joined Stanley Middle School as a paraeducator. Then, during my younger son’s senior year at Acalanes, I decided it was time for a new adventure—so I went back to school to earn my Ed Specialist Credential at St. Mary’s College.

These days, with both of our sons off chasing their dreams after graduating from Acalanes, my husband and I are semi-empty nesters. With a little more time on our hands, we love hiking around Briones. Hope to bump into you at Springhill or out on the trails sometime!

Amy Hartz Instructional Support Teacher
Meagan Fitzgerald Teacher-IST
Melissa Johnston Teacher-SDC
Rachel Strelau Teacher-SDC