Huntington UFSD Celebrates School Psychologists

Huntington UFSD is celebrating its school psychologists this week. The group of eleven professionals play a critical role in providing support to students.

All eight individual schools within Huntington UFSD provide psychological services as needed. Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of school psychologists, but the Huntington School District is fully staffed.

“School-based mental health professionals, like school psychologists, can help guide school-wide prevention and intervention, provide direct services to students, help teachers and other school staff understand the warning signs that individuals may be at risk of causing harm to themselves or others, support school safety and positive school climate efforts,” according to the National Association of School Psychologists.

Huntington UFSD’s school psychology corps includes Kathleen Mallen-Ozimkowski, Christina Martino, Andrea Becker, Julissa Garris-Shade, Jasmina Nakevska, Melody Renick, Jenna McCutchen, Matthew Schultz, Nancy DeVito, Danielle Huertas Rodriguez and Mary DiBenedetto.

“We are very fortunate in Huntington to have such a skilled, dedicated and talented team of school psychologists,” Director of Special Education and Student Support Services Diana Rich said. “They go above and beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of the whole child both academically and socially/emotionally.  The team  continuously stays abreast of the most current research and strategies to ensure the highest level of care is provided.  Their passion and dedication are unmatched and their persistent strive to support all of our students regardless of unique circumstances is most appreciated.”

National School Psychology Awareness Week put a spotlight on the important work school psychologists and other educators do to help all students thrive.

This year’s theme, “Spark Discovery,” recognized the work that school psychologists do to help their communities seek out new ideas, effect change and expand horizons for children and youth.