Administration

Neil Sanburg Director
Mr. Sanburg has been employed by the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative (GCSEC) since 1994. Initially, he was employed as a School Psychologist, and later as a Program Coordinator and Assistant Director. He has served as the Executive Director of Special Education for GCSEC since 2008. Mr. Sanburg graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Illinois State University in 1990, and an M.A. in Psychology with School Psychologist Certification from Eastern Illinois University in 1992. During the 1992–1993 School Year, Mr. Sanburg completed his School Psychology Internship at Addison Trail High School in Addison, IL. He received his M.A. in Educational Leadership from Aurora University in 2002 and his Director of Special Education Endorsement from Governor’s State University in 2004. His professional interests center on issues of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), special education advocacy and program development. In his free time, Mr. Sanburg enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, as well as playing guitar, going to concerts, motorcycling and golfing.

Carol Senica Assistant Director
Ms. Carol Senica has been employed by GCSEC since 2007. Initially she served as a program coordinator and now assumes the role as the Assistant Director. She began her career as a speech-language pathologist working with preschool through high school age children in public school systems. Ms. Senica received her Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Science in speech-language pathology from Illinois State University. She also has a Master’s of Educational Administration from Illinois State University. Ms. Senica attended St. Francis University to obtain her Director of Special Education endorsement. When she is not at the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative or out in the schools, you will likely find Carol riding a bike with her husband, out on the golf course, reading books and listening to music, or spending time with her children.

Kate Ross Transition Coordinator
Mrs. Ross has been with Grundy County Special Education Cooperative (GCSEC) for her entire career to date. An alumna of Minooka Community High School, she continued her education at Illinois State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education in 2001. It was then that she started with GCSEC as a teacher at River's Edge Academy. She later went on to earn her M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Benedictine University in 2006. Since 2011, Mrs. Ross has served as the Program Coordinator for GCSEC's Transition, Life-Skills, and Multi-Needs Programs. She also serves as the Special Education Coordinator for the STARS program at Minooka Junior High School, as well as the Transition Service Coordinator for the county. Most recently, Mrs. Ross earned her Director of Special Education endorsement from the University of St. Francis. Her professional interests include best practices in life-skills programming, advocacy of transition services, and staff development. When away from her kids at school, she can be found doing her new favorite hobby, kayaking, with her husband, son, family, and friends.

Janna Siron Program Coordinator
Ms. Siron has been employed by GCSEC as a Cognitive Disability and Autism instructor. She is currently serving as Coordinator for the STARS Program for students with Autism.

Erica Schramm Program Coordinator
Mrs. Erica Schramm started her teaching career at Grundy County Special Education Cooperative, following graduation from Illinois State University in 2004 where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Special Education. She then pursued her Master's degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University and graduated in 2009. At that time, Mrs. Schramm transitioned to the role as Program Coordinator for GCSEC. In addition to working as a Program Coordinator for GCSEC, she has also spent time as Special Education Administrator within nearby school districts before returning to GCSEC in 2019. Mrs. Schramm currently serves as Program Coordinator for the HOPE Program located at GSW High School and Early Childhood Program at Gardner Grade School. She also provides supervision for resource programs within Gardner, Braceville, South Wilmington, Mazon and Nettle Creek. Beyond program supervision, Mrs. Schramm plans preschool screenings for the youngest learners of Grundy County. During her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading or crafting.

Russell Young Program Coordinator
Russell Young has been employed by the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative (GCSEC) since 2021 after teaching High School cotaught courses and acting as a student support specialist for ten years. Russell acts as program coordinator for GCSEC, overseeing River’s Edge Academy and supporting Gardner South Wilmington High School student services. Russell graduated with his B.A. in Physical Education and Health from Eastern illinois University, received his endorsement in special education from College of St. Francis, and finally received his M.A. in Principal Leadership from Concordia University. Russell enjoys spending time with his wife and two girls, traveling, and staying busy with outdoor activities.

Mrs. Molly Highbaugh comes to Grundy County Special Education Cooperative with over 15 years of experience working as a School Psychologist with children aged 3-21 years old. Molly attended Michigan State University earning her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and received her Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. More recently, Molly earned her Master's Degree in Educational Administration, Principal Endorsement and Director of Special Education Endorsement from The University of St. Francis in 2019. Molly is the Program Coordinator overseeing the STARS Program in Minooka 201. Her professional interests include social-emotional learning, data-based decision making, inclusion and positive behavioral supports and strategies. Molly lives in Channahon with her husband, two daughters and dog. Molly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercise and reading!