Transition Program

The L.I.F.E. transition program is for students 14-21 years old. The program focuses on developing functional life skills for improved independence. Students continue to learn academic concepts in a more functional context.

All transition students are assessed using the Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) to help inform the creation of individualized goals for their individualized learning plan (ILP)

Skills Lab

While in this environment students participate in activities in the areas of art, sensory exploration, hygiene, survival signs/first aid, social skills, turn taking games, personal information.

Tech Lab

While in this environment students participate in activities in the areas of computer skills, community helpers/knowledge, office skills, building skills, fine motor skills, money skills, time skills.

Home Ec Lab

While in this environment students participate in activities in the areas of garden, laundry, cooking skills, kitchen skills, shopping, bedroom skills.

Transition Program Leadership

ASHLEY WATZKEDirector of Day Treatment and Employment- DTA, DTT, DTS, TTE, GSE

About Ashley

Role:

As the Director of Day Treatment and Employment (DTE), my job is to ensure we are providing the best service we can for our consumers.

Career History:

I have been lucky to work in different settings since August of 2008, serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. I have been with L.I.F.E. since July 2013 where I started as a habilitation provider in the community and then later in the adult program on campus. I quickly fell in love with the values and support L.I.F.E. offered to not only the consumers but also to staff and I felt privileged to become and serve as a teacher in the academy, later growing into Student Services Supervisor. I then moved into the role as Adult Day Treatment (DTA) Manager, then Manager of Day Treatment and Employment (DTE) department, and most recently became Director of Day Treatment and Employment. I’m very excited for this adventure and will strive to serve all to the best of my ability.

Personal Teaching Philosophy:

“Love what you do and never work a day in your life.”

– Unknown

Personal:

I have been married to my best friend for almost 4 years now and when we are not at work, you can find us chasing around our crazy wild daughters. In 2015, while I was teaching pre-school within the L.I.F.E. Academy, I had a student that at the time was in search of her forever home. Little did I know this little girl would become a huge part of my husband and my life. We adopted her in 2017 and she is now our daughter! As a family we enjoy weekends at home hanging out with our family and going camping when we can! We absolutely live for football season and the Arizona Cardinals; we won’t miss a game.

Transition Program Leads

ISABEL VELENCIATransition Program Lead

EMINA KARAMUSTAFICTransition Program Lead

JENNIFER EISENBEISTransition Program Lead