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Departments and Programs » Special Services Department » Child Study Team

Child Study Team

The purpose of the Child Study Team (CST) is to evaluate and determine eligibility for special education and related services for students between the ages of three and twenty-one. Child Study Teams consist of school psychologists, learning disabilities teacher-consultants, and school social workers. For students age three to five, the Child Study Team also includes a speech-language specialist. Child Study Teams develop, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of individualized education programs, and deliver appropriate related services to students with disabilities. They can also provide preventative and support services to non-disabled students.
Case Managers
 
Mrs. Lisa Blanchard Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant ( LDT-C)
Pre-K- Millridge School 
201-974-2000 ext. 2080
lisa

Mrs. Lisa Blanchard is a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant  for the Secaucus Public School District. Prior to joining  the Child Study Team in July 2024, she taught the Preschool Disabilities Class for thirteen years. She spent the first five years of her teaching career as a Resource Room Teacher at Clarendon School. She taught inclusion and Pull out Replacement for grades second through fifth. Mrs. Blanchard earned her Bachelor's degree in Special Education from Felician College in 2005.  In 2016, she earned her Early Childhood (Pre-K to 3rd grade) Certification and in 2019, she earned her Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration of Learning Disabilities and Behavior both  from Kean University. She then completed the Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Certification also from Kean University in 2021. Mrs. Blanchard grew up in Secaucus and attended Huber Street, Secaucus Middle and High School. Her dream job as a child was to teach in her hometown. Mrs. Blanchard loves Disney and enjoys visiting Disneyland and Disney World!

 

Ms. Leslie Bourbon School Psychologist

Secaucus Middle School

201-974-2000 ext. 2071

[email protected]

 

Mrs. Borbon is a Certified School Psychologist who began working in the educational field as a liaison between students’ families and their school. During her time as a liaison she completed a Masters degree in General/ Experimental Psychology and Family Development Credential. In 2018, she completed her second Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and School Psychology Certification. Mrs. Borbon has strong background knowledge and experience providing much needed services and assistance to students and individuals of various levels and cultures through her work in the human services, non-profit, and educational fields. She has a passion for working towards fostering and nurturing students’ greatest potential through a collaborative approach. Mrs. Borbon is very excited to join the Secaucus schools!

 

Mr. James Choi Social Psychologist

Clarendon School

201-974-2010 ext. 2883

[email protected]

 

James Choi is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist currently in his first year with the Secaucus School District. With a decade of experience in private education, James transitioned to school psychology, earning his master’s degree from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education in May 2024. Passionate about fostering student success, he is committed to supporting the well-being and growth of the school community. James is excited to be a part of the Secaucus School District and looks forward to contributing positively to its students and staff.

 

 Ms. Nancy Fikry Board Certified Behavior Analysis

Multi-school

201-974-2011 ext. 2463

[email protected]

 

Ms. Nancy Fikry is the District Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for Secaucus Board of Education. Ms. Fikry has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for over 20 years. She has worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other students with developmental disabilities. She has a wide array of experience in different settings, has worked with many ages and behaviors. Ms. Fikry grew up in Los Angeles and has graduated from California State University Northridge (CSUN) in Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She then went on to pursue her Master's degree in Teaching with a Specialization in ABA from National University in La Jolla, California. She had contracted with LAUSD for years and would provide behavioral support to numerous schools within the district. Ms. Fikry enjoys training staff, writing behavior plans and enjoys seeing the day to day success with her students. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, going to new restaurants and spending time with family and friends. Ms. Fikry is happy to be part of the Secaucus community.

 

Ms.Krishalie Locquiao Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant ( LDT-C )

Secaucus High School

201-974-2025 ext. 2076

[email protected]

Krishalei

Ms. Krishalei Locquiao is a dedicated Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant in the Secaucus Public School District. She earned her Bachelor's degree, graduating magna cum laude from The College of New Jersey, and later obtained her Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Special Education. With a background as a self-contained Special Education Teacher at both Clarendon and Secaucus High School, Ms. Locquiao has extensive experience working with students who have unique learning needs. As a sister of someone who is significantly disabled, she brings a deeply personal perspective to her work, which allows her to better understand the challenges faced by students with disabilities and their families. Her compassionate approach to supporting students ensures that their individualized needs are met with empathy, insight, and a strong commitment to their growth and success. Ms. Locquiao's unwavering passion for special education and belief in each student makes her a respected and valued advocate for students' success in Secaucus.
 
Mr. Jonathan Mimmo,  School Psychologist
Secaucus High School
201-974-2025 ext. 2464
Mimo
 

Jonathan Mimmo is a school psychologist in the Secaucus Public School District at the Middle School and High School levels. The 2021-2022 school year will be his 6th year in Secaucus. Prior to working in Secaucus, Jonathan began his professional career in the Flemington-Raritan School District as a school psychologist at J.P. Case Middle School.   Jonathan grew up in southern New Jersey, attending Holy Spirit High School before enrolling in undergraduate studies at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.  He earned a double major in Psychology and Communication, while participating athletically on the men’s basketball team.  After graduating from Rutgers, Jonathan continued his education in the School Psychology program at Rowan University, earning a Master’s degree in School Psychology and an Education Specialist certification. He is certified at both the state and national level as a school psychologist. Jonathan has coached at Secaucus High School with the boy’s basketball team for 5 years.  He enjoys being involved in extracurricular activities and has volunteered with the Special Olympics program in Hudson County.  He loves the community in Secaucus and looks forward to working with students and parents to provide the best educational experience possible.

Mrs. Zahava Pianko,  School Psychologist
Huber Street School
201-974-2053; EXT: 2868

 

Zahava

Mrs. Pianko is a nationally certified school psychologist with the Secaucus public school district. She received her training from City University of New York, Brooklyn College, earning a masters in education with an advanced certificate in school psychology. She previously worked in NYU during the summers in their specialized program for children with behavioral difficulties. Mrs. Pianko has been with the Secaucus child study team since 2008 and has been in all the schools from preschool through high school. She has a passion for advocating for children’s needs and providing them with everything they need for a successful school experience. She runs a variety of counseling sessions and social skills groups for children in both the regular education and social education program.

Jill Preis, LCSW, LCADC
Secaucus Schools Student Assistance Counselor,Art Therapist, Psychoanalyst
Multi-school
201-974-2025; EXT: 2868
Jill

 

Jill Preis has been employed as a Student Assistance Counselor for the Secaucus School District for many years.  She completed an MSW from Louisiana State University, a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from the College of New Rochelle, a certificate in Process Painting, and is a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor.  She utilizes her skills as a licensed clinical social worker and as an art therapist to work with students and families in Secaucus.  Jill also works with students in the capacity of a licensed substance awareness counselor in order to promote healthy lifestyles.  She maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Woodland Park, New Jersey. 

 
 

Mr. Eric Wolf School Social Worker

Clarendon School

201-974-2010 ext. 2461

[email protected]

Eric is a Licensed Social Worker who is just starting his first year with the Secaucus Public School District. He began his career working in the youth non-profit world in Maryland, before returning to school to get his MSW. Eric graduated from Fordham University with his MSW in May of 2020. Eric used a strengths-based and child-centered approach when working with his students and their families. When not at school, Eric loves to spend time with his dog (a goldendoodle named Bagel), and playing sports (soccer and basketball). Eric can't wait to continue to integrate into the secaucus school district and community in order to help the incredible children and families here!

 

 
Speech Team
 

Caroline Cerny Speech Therapist

Pre-K Millridge School

201-974-2000 ext. 1083

[email protected]

 

Caroline

Caroline Cerny is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow who joined the Secaucus School District in July 2024. A lifelong resident and graduate of Secaucus, Caroline is excited to return to her community and contribute her skills as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Caroline holds a Bachelor's degree in Family Science and Human Development with a concentration in Family Services from Montclair State University. She completed her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, gaining extensive clinical experience in treating articulation disorders, language delays, fluency, and coordinating social skills groups. With years of experience in University Clinics, school settings, and a private practice, Caroline collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to design individualized therapy plans and works closely with students, teachers, and families to support academic and social success. Caroline is excited to be a part of the team! 

 
Samantha Cohn Speech Therapist
Huber/ Middle & High School

201-974-2053 ext. 2058

[email protected]

 

Sam Cohn

Samantha Cohn, M.A. CCC-SLP, is an ASHA certified speech language pathologist here in New Jersey. Samantha graduated with her masters in Speech Pathology from Kean University. She brings a wealth of experience from various settings, including early intervention, schools, and private practice. Currently, Samantha works with students ranging from kindergarten through twelfth grade, focusing on enhancing their language skills, articulation, and social communication abilities as well as boosting students' confidence to fulfill their potential.

 

Tricia Corey, Speech Teacher 
Clarendon School
201-974-2010 EXT 1038
 

Tricia Corey is a Speech-Language Pathologist who has 12 years of experience working with the pediatric population. Prior to joining the Secaucus Public School District she worked in an outpatient pediatric rehabilitation setting where she gained experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of age groups and disorders, ranging from mild to severe. Tricia has a passion for establishing functional communication skills for both verbal and non-verbal children as well as teaching their families how to implement these strategies across all environments.  Tricia earned her Bachelor of Science degree at James Madison University where she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minored in Special Education. She earned her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Loyola University, Maryland.  She has attended numerous continuing education courses including the PROMPT method, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP).  Tricia is a dedicated professional who understands the importance of successful communication experiences for all children and is highly motivated to find the most effective ways to facilitate these interactions in the natural, school-based environments. 

Emily Imiolek Speech Therapist

Clarendon School

201-974-2011 ext. 1038

[email protected]

 

Emily Imiolek is a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow who started in July 2024. Prior to her clinical fellowship, Emily gained two years of experience across the life span through internships in a private practice and a public intermediate school. Emily is a certified Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT Loud) clinician. This speech therapy model assists in treating voice, speech, and communication goals for clients with Parkinson's disease, neurological conditions, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. During her free time, Emily enjoys conducting research studies in the field. Emily Imiolek is a published researcher in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology with an article focused on Speech Language Pathologist's perspectives of Artificial Intelligence. She will be presenting her research at the 2024 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention in Seattle, WA this year. Emily earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology & Audiology with a minor in Deaf Studies from The College of New Jersey. She earned her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University.

Emily is thrilled for the next school year at Secaucus Public School District! She is looking forward to working closely with other staff members, students, and their families! 

 

Kara Moore-Penney Speech Therapist

Pre-K Millridge School

201-974-2000 ext. 1083

[email protected]

 
Kara

Kara Moore Penney is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and English as a Foreign Language Instructor (TEFL) from New Jersey. She received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Rhode Island. Kara has worked in American public schools for six years, and recently completed one year of teaching English and providing speech therapy in Japan. She  is passionate about combining her speech-language pathology background with her love of language learning and acquisition. Kara's caseload has included students of all backgrounds and ability levels, ranging from articulation and language needs to complex medical needs. Collaboration has always been at the center of her approach as an SLP. Incorporating the input of the student, family members, and other therapists to ensure a whole-child approach is of utmost importance to Kara. She has worked in public schools, as well as a school for the severely disabled and medically fragile. She has worked with children and adults of all ages and backgrounds, and enjoys meeting and working with new students!