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Southampton Elementary School Counseling Department

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Southampton Elementary School Counseling & Behavioral Support Team

 

The mental and behavioral support team is dedicated to providing guidance and resources for elementary-aged children as part of the Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model. We focus on fostering emotional well-being, developing coping skills, and promoting healthy behavior. Through different interventions the team aims to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive academically and socially. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to collaborate with the team to ensure their children receive support.

 

Our Team and Our Roles

Gwendolen Arnzen, School Counselor - (631) 591-4805

An elementary school counselor is an educator who helps students develop the skills and habits they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. School counselors are educators uniquely trained in child development, learning strategies, self- management and social skills, who understand and promote success for to- day's diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period.

Milena Sandoval, Bilingual Social Worker - (631) 591-4848

School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals who provide services related to a students social, emotional and adjustment to school and/or community.  School Social Workers are the link between the home, school and community in providing direct as well as indirect services to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social success. 

Douglas Grable, Student Assistance Counselor - (631) 591-4847

School-based program designed to address the social and emotional needs of students grades K-12. Available on a daily basis to provide their services and deal with crises situations as they arise. While also delivering evidence based programs to classrooms or small groups. They receive individual and group supervision from a credentialed prevention professional, as well as regular staff development to stay current with emerging levels of current practice techniques, strategies and research. They share information and resources, and discuss various other relevant issues related to students.

Catherine Moisan, Behavior Specialist - (631) 591-4807

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the school setting, work on skill development, curriculum adaptation, and promote inclusive practices that support the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. They collaborate with teachers to create inclusive learning environments. While BCBAs possess specialized knowledge in supporting students with disabilities, their expertise extends far beyond this population. Their understanding of behavior principles, data analysis, and evidence-based practices can benefit all students. BCBAs can contribute to improving classroom management, creating inclusive environments, and promoting positive behavior school-wide, which helps to create environments where every student can thrive. They use data collected to create plans to decrease behaviors that interfere with learning and increase behaviors that help a student accomplish their goals and teach new skills. In addition to this, BCBAs provide consultation services where they act as an advisor, collaborating with teachers and other school staff to develop and implement behavior plans. They might provide training to everyone from teachers and administrators to paraprofessionals, offer guidance on data collection and analysis, and help troubleshoot challenges that arise. The BCBA might also work directly with a student, providing one-on-one or small group instruction and implementing behavior interventions. 

Elisa Bowen, Bilingual Neighborhood Aide - (631) 591-4892

A Neighborhood Aide acts as a liaison between the school, community, students, parents, and teachers. I can help with;

  • Communication: Share information about school programs, services, and activities with the community, students, parents, and teachers. Assist parents with PowerSchool and Parent Square
  • Advocacy for the community and students 
  • Resolving conflicts: Help resolve conflicts between students, teachers, and school officials 
  • Coordinating partnerships: Coordinate partnerships between schools and community organizations, such as public libraries 
  • Referrals: Refer students and their families to services they need