Shawne Stewart-Zakaria
Executive Director

Shawne brings diverse experience in the media and nonprofit fields, along with a personal passion for working with youth who have intellectual special needs. Early on she was greatly influenced by her mother, a retired special education teacher. Shawne often volunteered in her mother's classes and also served as a substitute teacher for special education classes for many years. Shawne spent seven years as the director of the San Antonio division of the March of Dimes, responsible for day-to-day operations, programs, and fund-raising activities. During her tenure, the organization was honored for double-digit growth and expanded its programs and services for women and children. Additionally, Shawne has had a successful career in radio and television sales, marketing, and news reporting/management.

She earned an Associate of Arts in Fine Arts and Communications from Kilgore College and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science, summa cum laude, from Texas State University.

Shawne is actively involved in the community. She has mentored students, volunteered in programs to benefit children, and served as associate commissioner for the Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women. She has been recognized as an Outstanding Role Model/Outstanding Woman in Radio for Community Service. Currently, she is the cochair of the outreach committee for the Martin Luther King Commission of San Antonio.

Jenn Stevenson
Program Director

Throughout her career, she has employed diverse techniques that encourage her students to socialize and work cohesively in small groups. From California to Texas, Jennifer has shared her love for young adults with intellectual challenges through the gift of teaching.

Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Special Education from California State University Chico in 2004. During her educational career, she also obtained her Multiple Subject Teaching and Education Specialist credentials.