ESE/Gifted

We welcome students with diverse talents and needs and encourage students with disabilities to apply.  On the day that you sign up for an audition date, you can request allowable accommodations for your child's audition if needed. You will be asked to provide documentation of a disability, such as an IEP or 504 plan. Gifted EPs are not needed for auditions. Please visit the Admissions webpage for detailed information about the application and audition process.

Meet Our ESE Team

ESE Coordinator: Laurie McCormick

Laurie McCormick has been a part of the Bak MSOA family for more than 20 years, and has enjoyed being a part of such a special place and among some of the most talented teachers and students in the state.  Her teaching career began in 1988 after graduating with her bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Florida and moving on to earn her Master's degree in special education from Florida State University.  Yes, she is a Gator, not a Seminole!!  Working with students at Bak MSOA has been one of the most rewarding experiences in her life and she looks forward to many more years in this wonderful place. 

Mrs. McCormick coordinates services for students with special needs, including Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and gifted Education Plans (EPs).  She is available to answer your questions about your child's IEP, EP, or to discuss evaluation needs.

ESE Teacher: Ashley Agro

With over 13 years of experience, Ms. Agro is a passionate and dedicated teacher at Bak Middle School. A graduate of the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor's in Elementary Education, and Fordham University, where she completed her Master’s in Special Education, Ms. Agro is deeply committed to supporting diverse learners. Her approach to teaching is centered on fostering an inclusive, engaging classroom environment that values each student's unique strengths and challenges.

In 2022, Ms. Agro was honored with the Teacher of the Year award from a previous school, a testament to her dedication to student success. Always looking for innovative ways to improve her practice, Ms. Agro is an advocate for lifelong learning and professional growth.

ESE Teacher: Robin Pagano

Robin Pagano is excited to be part of the ESE team at BAK Middle School of the Arts. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Science from The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) and her Master of Arts degree in Education from St. John’s University in New York.  She has worked in education for many years, supporting students across a variety of roles and settings. Most recently, she was an ESE teacher at a charter school in Palm Beach County, serving students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Prior to that, she spent many years in New York as a speech and language therapist, helping students with developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder in both the nonprofit sector and a nationally recognized public school.

Robin’s combined experience in speech-language therapy and special education gives her a well-rounded perspective and a deep commitment to meeting each student’s unique needs. She is passionate about helping students grow and proud to be part of a team dedicated to supporting all learners at BAK. 

ESE Teacher: Keishla Pesantes

Ms. Pesantes started her education as a psychology major in college. She quickly learned about ESE and knew she had to switch after working with students with autism for a year prior to college. She soon received her Bachelor's degree in ESE with ESOL Endorsement at FAU and is certified ESE K-12. She has worked with students with varying disabilities of all ages for the past 8 years. She looks forward to teaching at BAK MSOA and learning more.

Speech Pathologist: Tania Sigman

Ms. Sigman is the speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Bak Middle School of the Arts. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law (Roll Tide!!!), and then a master’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders from Florida State University. During her law career, she served as an Assistant State Attorney as well as litigated insurance defense and family law matters. She then returned to the field of speech-language pathology and has worked as an SLP in various public schools, medical settings, and private clinics. This is her 11th year with the school district and her 8th year at Bak MSOA.