Mission Statement
The purpose of the Special Services Academy (SSA) is to create an opportunity for dialogue and an exchange of ideas and experiences for directors of special services, learning disabilities teacher consultants, school psychologists, school social workers, and speech-language specialists. Through collaboration with university administrators and faculty, the academy will provide professional learning communities that offer growth opportunities for members through sessions which focus on promoting reflective practice and positively impacting student and teacher learning. A network of support and resources for members will be established for developing new experiences.
Please note: Starting this year, the Special Services Academy and the BCBA Roundtable will be two separate events held on different dates in order to accommodate requests by many of our attendees. Please visit BCBA Roundtable for more information.
Additional Information
For more information regarding the Special Services Academy workshop series, please email soessa@monmouth.edu.
Special Services Academy Workshops Dates
- Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 12:00-2:30 PM
- Transition Services and Resources with JoAnn Johnson and Bill Freeman, New Jersey Department of Education. Introduction by Dr. Carol McArthur-Amedeo, Lecturer and Graduate Program Director, Monmouth University.
- Friday, December 13, 2024, 12:30-2:30 PM
- AI in Education: A District’s Collaborative Experience & Interactive Exploration for Special Education with Dr. Kathryn Lubniewski (Monmouth University) and Phil Capasso (Colts Neck Public Schools). Introduction by Dr. Ai Kamei, Special Education Chair and Associate Professor, Monmouth University.
- Friday, February 14, 2025 12:30-2:30 PM
- Legal Considerations (including suspension and manifestation determination) with David Rubin of the Busch Law Group. Introduction by Jennifer Steffich, Manasquan Public Schools.
- Friday, May 9, 2025 12:30-2:30 PM
- MTSS with Dr. Jessica Trindade. Introduction by Erick Nunez, Woodbridge Township School District.
Special Services Professional Development Academy Membership
The Special Services Academy will hold four workshops this year with topics on timely issues directly related to matters of interest to attendees. This membership includes attendance (up to three people) at each of the four sessions. Sessions run from 12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. and include lunch. Please note, the October 22 session begins at NOON.
The yearly fee for membership in the academy is $400.
Special Services Academy Steering Committee
- Joseph R. Bond, Director of Special Services, Lacey Township
- Danielle M. Frith, Specialist Professor, Special Education, Monmouth University
- Natalie Gricko, Supervisor Child Study Team, Woodbridge Township School District
- Assistant Professor Mary Haspel, Ed.D., BCBA-D, Special Education, Monmouth University
- Associate Professor and Interim Chair, Ai Kamei, Ph.D., Special Education, Monmouth University
- Associate Professor Stacy Lauderdale-Littin, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Special Education, Monmouth University
- Associate Professor Kathryn Lubniewski, Ph.D., Special Education, Monmouth University
- Assistant Chair and Lecturer, Carol McArthur-Amedeo, Ed.D., Special Education, Monmouth University
- Bettyann Monteleone, Vice Principal, The Shore Center
- Erick Nunez, Supervisor, Woodbridge Township School District
- Jennifer Steffich, Director of Special Services, Matawan Aberdeen Public Schools
- Lorissa Voorhees, Director of Special Services, West Long Branch School District
- Kerri Walsifer, Director of Special Services, Tinton Falls School District