Please contact the VHCS Department of Exceptional Education for assistance:

Dr. Sandy Ritchey, Director of Exceptional Education

Dr. Sandy Ritchey is the Director of Exceptional Education in the Vestavia Hills City School system. She has been an educator for 22 years and has held positions as a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, assistant principal and principal. Sandy has a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Elementary education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She also has an administrative certificate and Education Specialist degree in Leadership from UAB. Most recently, she earned a doctorate degree defending a new grounded theory in the area of leadership. Sandy has led professional development at conferences and in school districts across Alabama. She specializes in the areas of literacy, assessments, curriculum, standards, response to instruction/intervention, and leadership. She also has considerable experience working with English Learners,Title I, and gifted students. She passionately believes in empowering teachers to become leaders and learners in education.

Keta Peterson, Administrative Assistant

Megan Hoskin, Program Specialist

Mrs. Megan Hoskin is a Program Specialist in Vestavia Hills City Schools. Her responsibilities include oversight of the Gifted Program, as well as, supporting interventions at the secondary level. Megan has been an exceptional education teacher for 20 years. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree, with a specialization in collaborative learning K-12th from the University of Alabama. She also has a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Her history and experiences include graduating from Vestavia City Schools, teaching in Hawaii, Shelby County and Vestavia Hills. Megan has assumed multiple roles such as lead teacher, mentor of new teachers, and facilitating multiple professional leadership groups. As a Program Specialist, Megan has the skills and passion to support, equip and enable exceptional education teachers to become the highest quality professionals possible as they instruct the students in Vestavia Hills City Schools.

Katie McCarthy, Program Specialist

Katie McCarthy is an Exceptional Education Program Specialist in the Vestavia Hills City School system. Katie has been an exceptional education teacher for 9 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Collaborative Special Education for grades K-12 and a Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education, both from Auburn University. She also has an Instructional Leadership certificate from Samford University. Katie has taught students in the resource, inclusion, and Life Skills setting. She is a proud Vestavia Hills City School alumni, and is passionate about serving her community by providing students with an educational experience that promotes independence and instills confidence in all students so that they can truly learn without limits. She is thrilled to serve teachers, administrators, and parents as they instruct, support, and advocate for the students of Vestavia Hills City Schools.

Jennifer Mueller, Program Specialist/Psychometrist

Casey Scroggins, School Psychologist

Mrs. Casey Scroggins is a School Psychologist in the Vestavia Hills City School system. She received an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from the University of Alabama in 2002. Casey has worked with therapeutic foster homes and in school systems in Alabama since 2002. In 2021, she earned a second Masters of Education degree in School Counseling and is currently an Associate Licensed Counselor working toward her Licensed Professional Counseling certification. Casey has led professional development for administrators, teachers and staff at school systems and professional conferences in Alabama. Casey values the team approach to serving students within the school system and works to provide comprehensive evaluations to ensure that teams have the data they need to provide the most appropriate services to all students. 

Kelly Autry, Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Ms. Kelly Autry is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for Vestavia Hills City Schools. She has been a BCBA for 13 years. She graduated from Auburn University with her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2008 and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2010. Kelly has worked in a variety of settings including residential, home, clinic, and schools with children and adolescents with autism and other disabilities as well as neurotypical children. She has experience in the areas of skill acquisition, behavior reduction, crisis management, response to intervention, and teacher and parent training. Kelly enjoys building relationships between students, staff, and families to promote a collaborative team in which all parties learn and thrive. 

Hayden Stricklin, Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Mrs. Hayden Stricklin is a District Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the Vestavia Hills City School system. She has been a BCBA for 6 years and has provided services across home, residential, clinical, and school settings. Hayden has a Bachelor of Science degree in Educational Counseling from Birmingham-Southern College and a Master’s degree in Psychology, emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Southern Mississippi. She specializes in working with school-aged children with autism and other exceptionalities and most recently has expanded work into RTI/ MTSS and trauma-informed practices to support students of all abilities. Hayden has led several caregiver and staff trainings on behavior support and interventions as well as the basic principles of ABA. She values working on interdisciplinary teams to ensure best practices are provided to staff, students, and their families and believes in the power of collaboration.