Jen has worked in the field of special education since 1995 and has been a teacher with the Palo Alto Unified School District since 2003. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles—including classroom aide, nonprofit staff member, special education teacher, and itinerant specialist—providing her with a broad and well-rounded perspective on the educational process.

Jen began her career as a teacher of students with visual impairments and earned her certification in assistive technology in 2002. Her diverse experience allows her to approach each student and team with flexibility, creativity, and a deep understanding of individual learning needs.

She has collaborated with and provided professional development for a wide range of school districts, organizations, and educational institutions. Jen particularly values the relationships she builds with teachers and families, and she is passionate about helping teams discover how evolving technology can support student access, independence, and success.

Jen works part-time and, outside of her professional role, enjoys spending time with her two teenagers, who keep her busy with sports and social activities.

Brian Gadus has worked with the PAUSD Assistive Technology team  since 2009.  Brian earned his Bachelor degree from Portland State University, and his Master of Arts in Special Education from Notre Dame de Namur University.  Brian is inspired by working with assistive technology to create access for all students. 

Brian teaches a graduate level course for  prospective teachers at Notre Dame de Namur University, titled "Technology in Special Education."   He also teaches a course at UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, titled "AT for Learning Differences."

Brian has had multiple speaking engagements with Stanford University's Graduate School of Education, Technology for Equity in Learning Opportunities (TELOS) and Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP).  He has also been a panelist with Silicon Valley Computer Using Educators (SVCUE).

While Brian is a huge proponent of technology, he enjoys unplugging.  He also loves music, coffee, and bicycles.  You can find him on the Caltrain bike car  commuting from Morgan Hill. 

Mario recently joined the PATCH team and has been working in the field of education, off and on, for the past fifteen years.  He has always had a strong passion for helping underserved communities and has spent many years working in the field of special education.  

Mario attended PAUSD schools as a kid and loves working with teachers and students at these familiar sites.

You can catch Mario in his free time playing futbol, taking epic bike rides, or cooking delicious meals for his family.