Dear Friends and Families,

It is my honor to welcome you to the Halton School. You will find the Halton School is a special place that makes you feel right at home. Our mission is to provide students with Autism, Asperger’s, and other learning differences with an individualized holistic education that inspires each child to achieve their highest potential.

The Halton School provides a warm, nurturing environment specifically
tailored to the unique learning and communication styles of our students.
Students at Halton feel safe and accepted because they are supported by a
community of educators who see the value in each child. Our small classes are designed to meet the individual needs of each student. Utilizing research-based curriculum and methodology, our highly qualified teachers provide rigorous academic instruction in a setting that encourages curiosity, creativity and personal growth.

Our community of expert educators are also passionate about the social and emotional success of all of the students at Halton. They are strong advocates; encouraging students to pursue their interests, while giving them the tools they need to achieve success.

It has been our experience that most parents and teachers are painfully aware when a student is not thriving in an academic setting. I am very interested in sharing with you how the Halton School can support your child. I look forward to hearing from you.

Warmest Regards,

Heidi Bertino-Daum
Head of School

 

Meet Our Staff.

  • Heidi Bertino-Daum
    Heidi Bertino-Daum Head of School

    Heidi comes to The Halton School most recently from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where she served as a Program Specialist for Autism. She’s also worked as an Exceptional Children Specialist for Iredell Statesville Schools and was an Adjunct Instructor at Lewis University and Northern Illinois University. She holds MEd and B.S. degrees in Special Education and a B.A degree in Anthropology, all from Penn State University.

  • Kaitlin Edwards
    Kaitlin Edwards Teacher

    Kaitlin Edwards began her journey in education by volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding farm in her hometown of Marshville, North Carolina, from middle school through college. It was there that she discovered her passion for working with students with Autism and committed herself to becoming a special education teacher.

    She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Appalachian State University and has continued her professional growth through additional Special Education coursework at UNC Charlotte. Kaitlin spent eight years teaching students with Autism at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, followed by three years serving students in Cleveland County Schools.

    In 2023, Kaitlin joined The Halton School, where she continues her dedication to supporting students with Autism in reaching their fullest potential. She is passionate about creating structured, supportive learning environments that foster independence, confidence, and meaningful growth for every student.

  • Jimeere Ferguson
    Jimeere Ferguson Community Engagement Specialist

    Jimeere Ferguson serves as the Community Engagement Specialist at The Halton School, where she is dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential. Through community engagement initiatives and life skills support, he helps students build confidence, independence, and real-world readiness.

    As the parent of two autistic teenagers, Jimeere brings meaningful personal insight to her work with students who have learning differences. Her lived experience strengthens her ability to connect with families and support students with patience, compassion, and understanding. Currently working toward becoming a paraprofessional, Jimeere is committed to ensuring every student feels encouraged, valued, and equipped with opportunities to shine.

  • Antonia Kincaid
    Antonia Kincaid Teacher

    Antonia Kincaid joined The Halton School with experience teaching in both Guilford County Schools and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Science Education from Western Carolina University and a Master’s Degree in Urban Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, along with a Graduate Certificate in Anti-Racism.

    Prior to joining Halton, Antonia taught high school Chemistry and Physics, where she developed a passion for student-centered learning and rigorous, engaging instruction. At The Halton School, she supports the growth of the upper middle and high school programs, fostering an inclusive classroom environment where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive.

  • Elizabeth Lally
    Elizabeth Lally Teacher

    Elizabeth holds a B.A. in History and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University. She began her career as a sixth- and seventh-grade social studies teacher at a small private school in Virginia, where she also served as Head of the Middle School Social Studies Department. She later joined Loudoun County Public Schools as a general education teacher at the kindergarten, second-, and fifth-grade levels. During this time, she earned certification to teach English Language Learners (ELL), helped implement a full-day kindergarten program for incoming students, collaborated closely with school administration, and assessed K–8 LEP students for ESOL program eligibility while monitoring student progress to evaluate program effectiveness.

    After relocating to North Carolina, Elizabeth accepted a position in a self-contained Exceptional Children (EC) classroom at Langtree Charter School. She has completed extensive professional development, including SIOP, Wilson Language Training, Making Math Accessible, Pathways to Learning, and Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator Level training. In addition, she has completed post-secondary coursework in linguistics and education leadership at the University of Virginia.

  • Troy Lowden
    Troy Lowden Teacher

    Troy Lowden earned his Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from UNC Charlotte, with concentrations in Mathematics and Science. He spent eight years teaching sixth and seventh-grade math at Bailey Middle School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where he developed a strong passion for helping students grow in confidence and problem-solving skills.

    In 2023, Troy joined The Halton School, where he values the supportive community and collaborative environment. He is committed to making math accessible and engaging while fostering perseverance, critical thinking, and academic growth in every student.

  • Annabelle Quinn
    Annabelle Quinn Teacher

    Annabelle Quinn was born and raised in the Philippines and began her career in education after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Cebu Normal University. She later completed a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in ESL from the University of the Philippines–Cebu, followed by a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

    Annabelle began her career in the United States with Baltimore City Public Schools, where she worked with students with autism for five years before supporting specialized district-level programs for 12 years. In 2023, she relocated to North Carolina with her family and continues her dedication to supporting students and families. At The Halton School, Annabelle brings extensive expertise in special education and a deep commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning.

  • Magdalena Sztabowski
    Magdalena Sztabowski Teacher

    Magdalena Sztabowski began her academic journey at Warsaw University in Poland, earning an Associate’s degree in Psychology and Public Health. After relocating to the United States, she continued her studies at Hunter College in New York, focusing on Child Psychology, and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child Psychology from UNC Charlotte. She went on to complete a Graduate Certificate in Special Education in 2018 and a Master’s degree in Special Education in 2020.

    Magdalena brings extensive experience as both an early educator and special education teacher. Prior to joining The Halton School, she served as an Exceptional Children (EC) teacher at Langtree Charter Academy, supporting students with diverse learning needs. She holds a North Carolina Early Educator Certification (Level 8 Lead Teacher) and a Professional Educator’s License in Exceptional Children (K–12). In recognition of her dedication and impact, she was honored with the 2021 Educator of the Year Award for the Lake Norman Region. She further strengthened her instructional expertise by completing Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator Level Training in 2023. Magdalena is passionate about supporting the whole child and fostering both academic and personal growth.

  • Michelle Watkins
    Michelle Watkins Assistant to the Head of School and PTA Parent Organizer

    Michelle Watkins serves as the Assistant to the Head of School and PTA Parent Organizer at The Halton School. With several years of administrative experience, she plays an essential role in supporting daily school operations and fostering a welcoming, connected community.

    Michelle is often the first point of contact for prospective families and provides ongoing support to school leadership, teachers, and students. She coordinates fundraisers, school events, field trips, family outings, and after-school activities, ensuring meaningful engagement opportunities for the entire school community. Known for her warmth, organization, and approachable nature, Michelle helps create a positive and supportive environment for families. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, binge-watching television, and making memories with family and friends.

  • Lisa Webber
    Lisa Webber Teacher

    Lisa Webber earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in TESOL from Florida International University. She began her teaching career in Florida, where she spent three years developing strong instructional practices and fostering student engagement.

    After a brief time away from the classroom, Lisa returned to education in 2018 as a math tutor, where she discovered a renewed passion for teaching mathematics and supporting students with diverse learning needs. She later transitioned back into the classroom as a Middle School Math Teacher with Union County Public Schools, working with Exceptional Children (EC) students and English Language Learners (ELL).

    At The Halton School, Lisa is committed to making math meaningful and accessible while fostering resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in every student.

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