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: The Special Services Academy and the BCBA Roundtable will each host two separate in person events held on different dates in order to accommodate requests by many of our attendees. Special Services Academy membership does not grant you access to the in person BCBA Roundtable events. 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 2025-2026 Workshops Dates
Please note: the September 25, 2025 and February 19, 2026, sessions will take place in person only at the Monmouth University Campus in West Long Branch, New Jersey. The December 2025 and April 2026 sessions will be held virtually.
In Person Thursday, September 25, 2025, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Unlocking New Jersey’s Literacy Supports with Natalie Dougherty from the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery. The Office of LEAR is dedicated to reshaping literacy instruction and advancing academic equity across NJ.
Virtual Thursday, December 11, 2025 1:00-3:00 p.m.
- New Jersey Autism Program Quality Indicators-Revised Deep Dive and Key Takeaways for School Districts with Mary Haspel, Ed.D., BCBA-D.
In Person Thursday, February 19, 2026, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
- New Jersey Dyslexia Handbook Deep Dive with Danielle M. Frith Ph.D. and Amy Wallace, Reading Specialist, Wilson Dyslexia Specialist, OG-T, Middletown Township Public Schools.
Virtual Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 12:30–2 p.m.
- How to incorporate neurodiversity-affirming behavior and lagging skill supports at each tier of MTSS with Nicola (Nicky) Schneider, M.A., BCBA, LBA-NJ, Behavioral & Educational Consultant, NRS Compassionate Behavior Services
Special Services Professional Development Academy Membership
Beginning this year, membership is on an individual, per person basis. Topics will be on timely issues directly related to matters of interest to attendees. In person sessions run from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and include lunch.
The cost to register is $75 per person for each in person session and $50 per person for each virtual session. A discounted package rate of $200 is available when you sign up for all four sessions.
Special Services Academy Steering Committee
- Joseph R. Bond, Director of Special Services, Lacey Township
- Specialist Professor Danielle M. Frith, Ph.D., Special Education, Monmouth University
- Natalie Gricko, Supervisor Child Study Team, Woodbridge Township School District
- Associate Professor Mary Haspel, Ed.D., BCBA-D, Special Education, Monmouth University
- Associate Professor and Interim Chair, Ai Kamei, Ph.D., Special Education, Monmouth University
- Professor Stacy Lauderdale-Littin, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Special Education, Monmouth University
- Professor Kathryn Lubniewski, Ph.D., Special Education, Monmouth University
- Assistant Chair and Senior 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
- Kerri Walsifer, Director of Special Services, Tinton Falls School District