Our Team
Sara and Alex are highly experienced, certified educational diagnosticians and evaluation coordinators, each holding a master’s degree in special education. They are passionate about empowering diverse learners and collaborating with families, educators, and medical and government professionals to ensure students have the tools to thrive academically and personally. Sara and Alex saw the need for additional support for the Spanish-speaking population throughout Southeast Louisiana and other areas of the United States and are dedicated to providing culturally responsive educational services.
Alex and Sara have worked together for the past 10 years in the same schools and department. Over the years, they have developed a strong professional relationship built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared passion for their work. Their partnership has allowed them to learn from one another, tackle challenges together, and create a positive impact within their school community. With a decade of experience alongside each other, they have fostered a deep understanding of each other’s strengths, strengthening their ability to succeed as a team.
Alex F. DeLarge, M.A.T
Executive Director
Alex is an experienced educator with over 16 years of regular and special education expertise. Serving the New Orleans metro area, Alex is passionate about providing individualized evaluations to help students reach their full potential. Her background in general and special education, combined with her expertise in the science of reading, equips her to support academic and behavioral success effectively.
A proud Eleanor McMain Secondary School graduate, Alex earned her Master’s degree from Xavier University. She also holds certification as a Reading Specialist, reflecting her dedication to professional growth and service.
Alex began her career as a teacher in New Orleans and now leads multidisciplinary teams to identify and support students with care and precision. Known for her ability to connect with parents, educators, and administrators, Alex has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students and mentored many professionals in the field.
Rooted in her belief that education transforms lives, Alex works tirelessly to foster inclusive, effective learning environments. Her personal motto, “Leave the world a better place than you found it,” guides her daily efforts. Alex finds joy and inspiration in her husband, two daughters, her love for outdoor activities, and her appreciation for Louisiana culture and cuisine. Originally from Mamou, Louisiana, Alex cherishes her “country roots” and finds peace spending time with family on her grandmother’s back patio.
Sara Hymel, M.Ed.
Executive Director
Sara is a compassionate bilingual and bicultural educator with over a decade of experience dedicated to supporting bilingual learners. A first-generation American, she was born in Kenner, Louisiana, lived in Miami, Florida for 20 years, and returned to New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2007 to pursue her career in education.
Sara began as a special education teacher with the Jefferson Parish School System, where she also served in various leadership roles, including Special Education Coordinator, Response-to-Intervention Coordinator, 504 Plan Coordinator, Testing Coordinator, Co-Reading Intervention Coordinator, and Spanish-speaking liaison for Spanish-speaking families. As part of the leadership team, her holistic approach to student development blends academic and social perspectives, ensuring equitable support for all learners.
As the sole bilingual Educational Diagnostician for the Pupil Appraisal Department in Jefferson Parish for five years, Sara conducted over 350 Spanish-language educational components. She specialized in culturally sensitive assessments using advanced tools like the Woodcock-Johnson and the Batería, the only co-normed evaluation for achievement and cognitive abilities in Spanish. Her expertise underscores her dedication to creating equity in education for Spanish-speaking students.
Sara’s love for cultural diversity, enriched by her extensive travels through Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe, enhances her ability to connect with families from diverse backgrounds. Outside of her professional work, she is a Christ-centered wife, mother, active member of her church, community, and loves traveling, especially back home to Miami to visit with her family.
The Elite Diagnostician team contracts with:
Psychologists, Speech Diagnosticians/Therapists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Audiologists, Adaptive Physical Education Specialists, and Nurse Practitioners.