Meet the LASARD Team
The LASARD team comes together with years of experience to help you learn the ins and outs of providing education and learning for students with disabilities.
Ali Kowitz
LASARD Project Director
Education, Transition, and Community Initiative Interim Director
HDC Interim Director
Ali Kowitz, M.Ed., is the Interim Director of the LSU Health – New Orleans Human Development Center - Louisiana's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities - where she also serves as Assistant Professor – Clinical; Director of the Education, Transition, & Community Initiative; and Director of LASARD. In these roles, Ali oversees statewide educational and transition initiatives, supervises multidisciplinary teams, manages strategic planning, and secures contracts and grant-funded projects. Her leadership advances HDC's mission to strengthen inclusive systems, supports, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families across the lifespan, from early childhood through employment and community life.
Ali joined HDC in 2021 as a Facilitator for the LASARD Project, drawing on more than a decade of school-based experience in special education, spanning classroom instruction, program coordination, and consultative roles. Throughout, her work centered on building educator capacity and strengthening the systems and processes that support inclusive education for students with disabilities.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University and her Master of Education in Special Education from Northwestern State University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education at the University of Kansas.
Outside of work, Ali enjoys being outdoors, on the water, and spending time with her family.
Chris Champagne
Regional Facilitator Supervisor
I have been designing and implementing projects to support teachers of students with disabilities for over 20 years. I have a passion for equity and love problem solving solutions and supports to help teachers succeed in providing students with disabilities the opportunities they deserve to thrive in the classroom. When I am not working I love exercising, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with my cats.
Brittany Clark
Facilitator
Hey everyone! I am so excited to be joining the LASARD team. I have a Bachelor's degree in Special Education with an add on certification in Regular Education from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Northwestern State University. I was a special education teacher for 12 years before moving into an IEP Coordinator role. I have a passion for the abilities that can be found in all students in various settings. I enjoy helping teachers celebrate the small wins in their classrooms. When I am not working, I am spending time with my husband and our two boys, Nate and Nolan. We love our family adventures and sports.
Tara Couch
Facilitator
I’m excited to be joining the team and transitioning from my role as a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing into a LASARD Facilitator and LADBP Project Coordinator. With 11 years in education, I am able to offer a strong background of knowledge in advocacy, collaboration, and supporting diverse learners. I earned a Master in Arts and Teaching-Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing from the University of New Orleans and an Associate degree in American Sign Language from Delgado Community College. As an itinerant TDHH for 7 years, I worked closely with both students and teachers, with a deeper focus in recent years on supporting fellow educators. I believe that when teachers and families feel supported, students succeed. Collaboration, understanding, and accessible communication are at the heart of what I do, and I’m passionate about making sure every student is seen, understood, and valued. Outside of work, I’m a wife and mom to two amazing blessings, Mila and Hayes. I’ve also been a (very part-time) cosmetologist for nearly 19 years and love the connection that comes with being part of people’s lives.
Madeline Estes
Facilitator
Hello! I am a LASARD Facilitator in the Southern Louisiana region. I am a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and I have nine years of experience working with individuals with Autism. I have a B.A. in Psychology from Trinity University and a Master’s in Special Education with a focus in ABA from the University of Washington. I have worked in clinic, home and school settings and I am passionate about treating learners with respect and sensitivity. I believe in creating effective and inclusive learning environments for all students! I am looking forward to collaborating and supporting teachers in their classrooms. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, checking out new restaurants and listening to live music with my husband.
Tara Lark
Facilitator
My name is Tara Lark, and I am a Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). For the last 12 years, I have worked within schools either as a school counselor, or in support of school-aged youth. I am passionate about education and believe that if a child is going to spend the bulk of their days at school, then the school environment should be safe, warm, loving, and a place where needs are met.
My husband and I live in the New Orleans area (born and raised) with our two children. I love sports, listening to podcasts, and New Orleans in the spring!
Melinda Luna
Facilitator
Hello! I’m a LASARD facilitator in the New Orleans area. I have a dual certification in Elementary Education and Mild/Moderate Special Education. I have been working with individuals with disabilities since 2011 and working closely with other educators on supporting student needs in the school setting. I started working with Pre-K programs across Louisiana in 2020 and have fallen in love working with the younger kids. Creating and implementing visual supports for kids of all ages is a passion of mine. During my classroom observations, I look forward to seeing the “aha” moment when the visual is effective for the student and the teacher realizes that the strategy actually works! Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and going on fun adventures around the city. I have two energetic boys, Logan and Reid, and many pets of all shapes and sizes!
Maia Thibodeaux
Facilitator
Hi, Friends! I’m proudly serving as a LASARD Facilitator in the central Louisiana region. My background is in the area of communication sciences and disorders where for the past 20 years, I’ve worked as a licensed speech language pathologist in a variety of medical and academic settings. I’m proud to share my knowledge and experience in service to my community, and I find my greatest satisfaction in working to improve the lives of children and their families. I believe empathy is my greatest strength and superpower. When not at work, I can be found enjoying the outdoors, thrifting, or binging true crime documentaries. I also enjoy learning new things, fixing what’s been broken, and finding things that have been lost.
Donna Hammons
Regional Facilitator Supervisor
Hey everybody! When it comes to work experience, I have worked as a director of training and case management programs for youth and adults with developmental disabilities, a director of children/youth programs, a special educator, and for the past 11 years as a LASARD facilitator. Each career experience has allowed me to continually gain on-the-job training and real life application. One of the most valuable tools in my toolbox is my ability to be flexible and practical when working alongside the adult learner to tackle changes in practice and implementation.
In addition to a full work life, I have been married for over 32 years and have 2 beautiful daughters, Morgan and Meagan. David and I are empty nesters now—except for Thor and Sadie (a Shar-Pei and miniature Dachshund).
Lisa Davison
Facilitator
Hi everyone! I am a LASARD facilitator in the North Louisiana area. I have been working in the educational setting with children with disabilities since 1996; initially as an Occupational Therapist for 18 years then as an autism specialist. I love working with school staff on implementing strategies that have big impacts on a student’s success both academically and in real life application. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, lounging on the beach, and reading. I am married and have three adult children and one grandson.
Amy Ward
Facilitator
Hey everyone! I’m one of the LASARD facilitators located in North Louisiana and am a certified special education teacher. I have been working with students with disabilities for 10 years. I also have experience as a classroom teacher, testing coordinator, and school administrator. My first degree is in accounting, so working with Excel and creating schedules are my jam! I love hanging out with my family and spending time planting flowers in my backyard.