Faculty
Ms. Rhonda McClenahan - Principal
Rhonda McClenahan was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating high school, she worked as an accountant for a state agency. Rhonda enrolled in a university in 1990 in Mississippi and graduated in 1994 with a B.S. in Elementary Education, a B.S. in Special Education, and a minor in Math. Rhonda completed her Masters Degree in School Counseling and later completed an Administration Program. She started her educational career in 1994 as a classroom teacher in Northern Idaho, moved to Maryland for one year as a classroom teacher, followed by a move to Colorado where she worked as an EC Specialist, Assistant Director, and Principal. Rhonda moved to North Carolina in 2012 where she secured a position as an EC Specialist in Iredell-Statesville Schools. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Exceptional Children's Program and also as the Principal at the Discovery School.
Rhonda has been characterized by her peers and superiors as a tenacious leader, striving for what she feels is in the best interest of students. Rhonda stated "I feel it is an honor and privilege to work with such an amazing group of staff, students, and parents at Discovery School. Staff dedication, kindness, and passion for teaching our students is astounding."
In her free time, Rhonda enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, and reading and takes every opportunity to stop and greet a dog.
BCBA & Program Director
Hi I'm Angie Donadio! I was raised in the FInger Lakes region of NY and recently moved to NC in August of 2025. I worked in the field of Physical Therapy for 9.5yrs, a majority of time spent in pediatrics and kids with Autism. In 2024 I made the jump into ABA and decided to change careers to become a BCBA. Outside of school you'll most likely find me doing something soccer related, traveling, or spending time with my 2 rescue dogs, Beasley & Krieger.
Joanne Hutton - Middle School Autism Teacher
Hi there! I'm Joanne Hutton. I was born and raised in Pitman, NJ. I attended Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ, and graduated with a B.A. in Geography, a B.F.A. in Fine Arts, and minored in Art History. I have been working with special education students for over 15 years. I was the Iredell-Statesville Schools District Winner for EC Teacher Assistant of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year. I have enjoyed working with our students so much, I finally made the leap to get my teaching license from ECU in 2022. In my free time, I enjoy the beach, traveling, helping animals in need, and cuddling up with my dog and cats.
Roni Gallo- High School Autism Teacher
Hi! My name is Roni Gallo and I am 40 years old. I was born and raised in a small town in NC and graduated from East Carolina University in 2007. Go Pirates!
I was originally certified to teach secondary social studies before switching to EC. I'm married and I have a 9-year-old son. We have 3 dogs named Mongo, Ziggy, & Dingo. I discovered my passion for EC when my son was diagnosed with ASD when he was 4 years old. I realized how vitally important it is to have compassionate and well-trained educators in the EC field working collaboratively with families to meet the challenges of their children. I strive every day to treat my students the way I would want my son to be treated.
Elementary School Teacher
Vacancy
Kayla Ravindran - RBT / AU Technician
Hey! My name is Kayla Ravindran. I was born and raised in North Carolina, I graduated from Central Davidson High School and attended Forsyth Tech Community College. I am married with two daughters and a cat. I’ve worked many different jobs since high school and have prided myself of my work ethic and thirst for knowledge in all things. My passion is to help others, even at a young age I knew that’s what I would do in life. I was rescuing animals and helping take care of my grandparents since I was just a girl. I still enjoy animal rescue and I have been working with the special needs population for going on 3 years now. I truly enjoy working with our students because their challenges are what creates opportunities for innovation and the ability to learn new ways we can adapt to their needs. Helping them to communicate is one of the greatest joys of working here. Hearing non-verbal students say their first words or being able to communicate their thoughts and/or needs through other forms of communication is one of my favorites. ABA has been a wonderful experience for me not only here a work but also as a parent, I use a lot of what I learn here with our students at home as well with my girls. Outside of binging an RBT/AU Tech I enjoy spending time with my family/friends, being outside, hiking, photography, art, reading/writing, and all types of food and coffee. I love trying new things and I’m very adventurous. I love life and the little things that so many of us take for granted. I think that is why this job means so much to me. I love our students and treat them the way I would want someone to treat my own children. Not to mention there is no better staff than the people here at Discovery, our team goes above and beyond everyday and the relationships I’ve seen built between our staff and students is part of what keeps me coming back every day. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s journey here at Discovery.
Lauren Hutchens - RBT / AU Technician
Lisa Setzer - RBT / AU Technician
Austin Summerville - RBT / AU Technician
Hi, my name is Austin! I’m 29 years old. I was born & raised locally in Statesville, NC. I started with a career in the medical field but, once I discovered ABA- it was no question where I wanted to be. I am currently wrapping up my B.S. in Psychology with Grand Canyon State University with prospective interest in furthering my career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I have 2 dogs: Tucker and Quinn, and a bearded dragon named Blaze. I have 3 young children, all diagnosed with ASD/ADHD, that I use ABA therapy and skills with daily. In my free time, you can find me playing with my kids and pets, usually finding anything we can do outside. I love hiking, kayaking, painting, and working with stained glass.
Dominique Scott - AU Technician
Hello! I am Mr. Scott. I look forward to working with everyone this 2025-2026 school year! I graduated from South Iredell High School in 2001 and attended Shaw University. I have lived in Statesville most of my life and a short time in Troutman. I have worked with individuals with mental health and intellectual developmental disability needs since 2004. I joyfully enjoy spending time with my wife and two children.
I have always felt it was rewarding to work with this population of special individuals because every day I can see that I have made some type of impact on the way they look at life and in turn they have taught me how to be patient and compassionate. I hope that each and every student I encounter knows that I am passionate about what I do and I have high hopes to see them succeed.
Here are some fun facts about me that you may not know: my favorite college basketball team is the UNC Tarheels, I love laughing and spending time with my family at home or away on vacation, and I referee basketball and football for the youth in different counties in NC.
Tanyonnah Smith - AU Technician
Kayla Fortune - AU Technician
My name is Kayla Fortune. I married my high school sweetheart and we have 3 beautiful daughters together. I have worn many hats in my life that I feel have prepared me for this role. I have a medical background and an early childhood education background. Additionally, this job is personal for me as my youngest daughter has autism as well as ADHD, and my older 2 daughters have ADHD. We use ABA therapy daily in our home. I have a true passion for this because I see the benefits of it in my own children. In my free time I love hanging out with my family, usually on the soccer field cheering on our middle daughter, or playing outside with our dogs. I also love a good game night with family and friends, and Friday night movie nights with our girls!
Dawn Golden - AU Technician
Carie Bowers - AU Technician
Jodi Barkley - AU Technician
Bailey Hancock - Technician
Laura Lambert - Technician
Ginger Collins - Technician