About the Center
Bay Area Educational Institute founded Bayhill Literacy & Learning Center out of a desire to extend our educational services beyond our flagship program Bayhill High School. Bayhill High School has served students in grades 9-12 for the past 16 years.
We understand that many students need specialized interventions to improve reading, writing, executive functioning, and more. Bayhill Literacy & Learning Center is our way of providing our services to students in all grade levels and schools across the Bay Area.
Donna Austin
Executive Director
Donna Austin has been with Bayhill since 2011. She has worked in the field of learning disabilities for over 20 years. She earned a BA in History from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She later earned her credential in Special Education. Donna began her career at Lindamood Bell Learning Processes eventually becoming Clinical Director of the Boston site. Donna founded and directed The Center for Reading & Language Development in Wakefield, MA and taught special education in the public school system. Upon returning to California, Donna worked as the Literacy Specialist for Seneca Center for two years. In addition to teaching and educational therapy, Donna is co-author of the Writing Adventures curriculum.
Lauren Bruketta
Learning Center Coordinator
Lauren Bruketta is a credentialed teacher, with experience teaching across K-12 and continuing education. Lauren received her BA in History and Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder before continuing on to pursue her teaching credential through California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Ruthe Ann Garner
Learning Specialist
Ruthe Ann Garner was one of the first students to attend and graduate from Bayhill High School. After, she received her BA from Western Oregon University where she became fluent in American Sign Language. She has worked as a teaching assistant in the San Ramon Valley School District as well as in Hawaii. Ruthe Ann joined the faculty at Bayhill in 2017 and is working towards her masters and credential in special education at Saint Mary’s College. She recently became a mother to a beautiful baby boy!
Mele Satini
Learning Specialist
Mele Satini is a credentialed Special Education teacher and has been with Bayhill since 2008. Ms. Satini teaches Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry and Health. She is also the head of the Science and Mathematics department at Bayhill and is the Student Council Advisor.