Resource Room

Welcome to the Resource Room

The Happy Hollow Resource Room Staff is comprised of special education teachers, guidance counselors/psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and a physical therapist.

Special Education Teachers:
Lauren Aherne, M.Ed.
Heidi Bankmann, M.Ed, Ed.S
Ginette Coffey, M.S.
Kristin Fay, M.Ed., Team Leader

Michelle Lataille, M.Ed., C.A.G.S.
Gretchen Ryder Sharry, M.A.

Guidance:
JoAnn Kline, Ph.D., Certified School Psychologist
Elizabeth Santomenna, M.Ed., C.A.G.S., Certified School Psychologist

Speech-Language Therapy:
Gretchen McAuley, M.S., CCC/SLP 

Occupational Therapy:
Casey Haskell, OTR/L
Elisabeth Scherer, COTA

Physical Therapy:
Lisa Fennelly, M.S., PT

We can be reached by telephone through the main Happy Hollow office phone number, 508-358-8641, or by e-mail (first name_last [email protected])



What do we do? 

Special Education teachers are responsible for carrying out the educational services designated on a student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). They are also responsible for coordinating the necessary paperwork, conducting educational evaluations, chairing team meetings, and writing IEPs. 
Special Education teachers provide small group and individualized instruction, and support in reading, written language, math, and organizational skills. Special Education teachers at Happy Hollow are assigned to specific classrooms and work closely with the student's classroom teacher to clarify classroom work and behavioral expectations. They also modify work for individual students as needed. Special Education teachers also provide small group instruction within the school's RTI (Response to Intervention) program, along with the reading specialists and classroom teachers.

The Special Education teachers work closely with the guidance counselors, speech pathologists, occupational therapy staff, the physical therapist, and other specialists; in addition to the classroom teachers and Teaching Assistants (TA's).



Guidance Counselors work with all students at Happy Hollow School. The Happy Hollow Guidance staff are available to meet with students individually to discuss specific concerns, and also to work with small topic focused groups. The Guidance staff also administer a variety of psychological tests or screenings, as specified as part of an evaluation. The Guidance staff provide consultation to staff and parents, and coordinates the sexual abuse awareness programs in grades 1, 3, and 5. In addition, the Guidance staff are the primary liaisons for 504 Plans of Accommodation when indicated.



The Speech-Language Pathologist provides speech/language therapy to students as indicated on a student's IEP. The Speech-Language Pathologist also conducts specified speech/language testing as part of an evaluation.



The Occupational Therapy staff provide occupational therapy (OT) services to those students who have occupational therapy goals and services indicated on their IEP. The Occupational Therapist administers testing, when indicated for an evaluation or re-evaluation. The OT staff also provides consultation to teachers on topics such as sensory, fine motor and handwriting issues.



The Physical Therapist provides physical therapy services to students who have physical therapy (PT) goals and service delivery specified on their IEP. The Physical Therapist conducts testing, when indicated, as part of a student's evaluation; and provides consultation to staff regarding gross motor issues. 




Did you know?

Reading each day is an expectation for all elementary students. Whether listening to a story being read to them, reading as a partner with a parent or sibling, or reading independently; reading and discussing books is a vital part of a student's educational development. Enjoying a book can open a child's eyes to a variety of topics, increase their vocabulary, and develop their thinking skills.

Playing outside, enjoying board games with friends or family, having unstructured play time, and having a family meal together with conversation are also important for children in developing social skills.








         




Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.