Special Education/PPS
Welcome to POB Special Education/Pupil Personnel Services (PPS)!
We are committed to providing all students with the support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Our team works closely with students, families, and educators to create personalized educational experiences that address each student's unique needs.
Whether your child requires special education services, counseling, or other forms of support, we are here to help guide them on their journey to success. We believe that every student has the potential to thrive, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all students receive the resources and services they need to reach their fullest potential.
Pupil Personnel Services is a team effort consisting of school guidance counselors, classroom teachers, psychologists, speech and language therapists, special education teachers, social workers, related service providers, AND YOU, THE PARENT or GUARDIAN, working together to help your child.
Thank you for trusting us to be part of your child’s educational experience. If you have a question and wish to speak with a member of the department, please call (516)-434-3020.
Our Dedicated Staff
- Special Education/PPS Administration
- Administrative Office Assistants
- CPSE/CSE Chairpersons
- 504 Chairpersons
- Psychologists/Social Workers
- Special Education Teacher's Staff Directory
Special Education/PPS Administration
We are proud to introduce our dedicated and experienced staff, who work tirelessly to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students. Our team is committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for students with diverse needs, ensuring they have access to the resources and services that help them succeed.
Our Special Education/Pupil Personnel (PPS) staff includes skilled professionals such as special education teachers, counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and administrators—all working together to create a supportive network for each student. We collaborate with families and educators to develop personalized plans that meet the unique needs of every child.
If you have any questions or would like to connect with a member of our team, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way!
Ms. Monica Manzi
Executive Director of Special Education,
Mental Health and Support Services
Phone: (516) 434-3020
Ms. Sandra Parmentier
Assistant Director
Grades 9-12
Phone: (516) 434-3031
Ms. Kristin Durante
Assistant Director
Grades 5-8
Phone: (516) 434-3032
Ms. Jennifer Lott
Director of CSE/CPSE and Mental Health
Phone: (516) 434-3025
Ms. Betsy Lashin
Interim Assistant Director
Grades K-4
Phone: (516) 434-3030
Administrative Office Assistants
-
Renee Rose
Secretary to Executive Director -
Caroline Morello
Secretary to CSE/CPSE Director
State Reporting and 504
(516) 434-3027 -
Kathy DeMayo
Senior Clerk, Purchasing
Contracts & Home-Schooling
(516) 434-3026 -
Debbie Riemann
CPSE Secretary
(516) 434-3028
-
Orit Plotkin
CSE Secretary Grades K-4
(516) 434-3029 -
Noreen Greene
CSE Secretary Grades 5-8
(516) 434-3023 -
Wendy Adelman
CSE Secretary Grades 9-12 & Out-of-District
(516) 434-3024 -
Alex Tory
CPSE STAC
(516) 434-3030
CPSE/CSE Chairpersons
We are pleased to introduce our dedicated Chairpeople for the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee on Special Education (CSE). These leaders play a critical role in supporting students with special needs, ensuring that each child receives the individualized services and support they need to thrive in their educational journey.
Our CPSE/CSE Chairpeople work closely with families, teachers, and specialists to facilitate meetings, develop appropriate educational plans, and guide students toward success. They are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers students to reach their full potential.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the CPSE or CSE process, please feel free to reach out to our Chairpeople. They are here to support you every step of the way!
Ms. Sarah Schuldenfrei
Psychologist & District CPSE/Kindergarten Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3020
Ms. Tina Sirignano
Psychologist & District High School CSE Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3020
Mr. Tom Meier
Psychologist & District Middle School CSE Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3020
Ms. Dana Mancari
Elementary ABA Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3020
Mr. Justin Avroch
Psychologist &
District Elementary
CSE Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3020
Dr. Jessica Macklin
Psychologist and Out of
District Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3020
504 Chairpersons
The 504 Program at Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District ensures that every student has access to the support they need to succeed academically and socially.
We invite you to explore the resources available and connect with us for any questions or further assistance. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students to thrive.
Dr. Stephanie Yohe, Ed. D
Assistant Principal
504 Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3407
Ms. Jodi Marchese
Assistant Principal
504 Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3457
Ms. Katie Prudente
Assistant Principal Grade 12
504 Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3132
Ms. Christine Krowles
Assistant Principal
504 Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3276
Ms. Caleigh O'Dwyer
Assistant Principal
504 Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3389
Mr. Gregory Scesney
Assistant Principal
504 Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3439
Ms. Dorothy Drexel
Assistant Principal
504 Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3311
Psychologists/Social Workers
Elementary Student Support
Feel free to reach out to any member of our team. We’re here to help! 🌟
Mr. Shawn Ulahannan
Psychologist
Judy Jacobs-Parkway ES
Phone: (516) 434-3364
Ms. Cindy Dempsey
Social Worker
Judy Jacobs-Parkway ES - Days 2, 4, 6
Old Bethpage ES - Days 1, 3, 5
Phone: (516) 434-3366
Ms. Chelsea Kramer
Psychologist
Old Bethpage ES
Phone: (516) 349-4771
Dr. Jessica Macklin
Psychologist and Out of
District Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3020
Ms. Stefani Coulton
Psychologist
Stratford Road ES
Phone: (516) 434-3393
Ms. Amie Caulfield
Social Worker
Judy Jacobs-Parkway ES- Days 2, 4, 6
Pasadena ES - Days 1, 3, 5
Phone: (516) 434-3395
Dr. Theresa Campisi
Psychologist
Pasadena ES
Phone: (516) 434-3455
Stratford ES
Phone: (516) 434-3482
Middle School Student Support
Dr. Joseph Morris
Psychologist
Phone: (516) 434-3377
Ms. Lisa Bernstein
Social Worker
Phone: (516) 434-3288
Dr. Jessica Macklin
Psychologist and Out of
District Chairperson
District Wide Mental Health Provider
Phone: (516) 434-3020
Ms. Aviva Sala
Social Worker
Phone: (516) 434-3377
Dr. Angela Trapani
Psychologist
Phone: (516) 434-3328
High School Student Support Staff
Dr. Alyssa Feld
Psychologist
Phone: (516) 434-3150
Schedule an Appointment
Ms. Melissa S. Rudes
Social Worker
Phone: (516) 434-3213
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Maria Xydas
Psychologist
Phone: (516) 434-3217
Schedule an Appointment
Ms. Gina McGarry
Social Worker
Phone: (516) 434-3216
Schedule an Appointment
Ms. Tina Sirignano
Psychologist & District High School Chairperson
Phone: (516) 434-3314
Schedule an Appointment
Special Education Teacher's Staff Directory
Special Education Resources
- District Plan 2021-2025
- Homeschooling
- Important Information
- Mental Health & Wellness Resources
- Related Service Providers
- Nurse and Health Office
- (SEPTA) Special Education PTA
- Special Education Information and Resources
- Transition Moving-Up Information
District Plan 2021-2025
Homeschooling
Important Information
NYS Part 200 Regulations
Please Review
At POB Schools, we are dedicated to providing every student with the support they need to succeed, regardless of their individual challenges. Our Special Education/Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) team works closely with students, parents, and teachers to ensure that students with disabilities or special needs receive the appropriate services and accommodations.
Here you will find important related information.
- ACCES- VR (Vocational Rehabilitation)
- Bus Transportation
- Child Abuse or Neglect Reporting
- Child Find Statement
- NYS Procedural Safeguards Notice
- Parent Guides
- Important Deadline Information Regarding Students Attending Non-Public Schools
- CSE/CPSE Meeting Information
ACCES- VR (Vocational Rehabilitation)
Bus Transportation
Transportation authorization is not automatic or continuous from one school year to the next. Requests must be filed each year for each child requiring such transportation. A parent who plans to apply, or who has applied to private or parochial schools and is awaiting acceptance, should complete an application for each school the child might attend. The application(s) must be submitted no later than April 1st. In this way, the district may include the cost of transporting the child in the operating budget.
The policy of the Board of Education is to provide transportation to private and parochial schools no more than fifteen (15) miles from child's home
Child Abuse or Neglect Reporting
Toll-Free Hotline Telephone Number & Website
Please note that the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) operates a toll-free hotline telephone number to receive reports of child abuse and neglect at 1-800-342-3720. The hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More information on child abuse or neglect reporting is available on the OCFS website at http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/
AVISO
Numero de telefono gratuito para reportar abuso o negligencia infantil y sitio web La Oficina de Servicios para Niños y Familias del Estado de Nueva York (OCFS) opera un número de teléfono sin cargo. Si quiere reportar abuso o negligencia infantil, Llame al 1-800-342-3720. Esta linea directa recibe Llamadas 24 horas al dia, 7 dias a la semana.
Más información sobre cómo reportar abuso o negligencia infantil está disponible en el sitio web de OCFS en http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/
Child Find Statement
The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District recognizes its responsibility to provide a free and appropriate public education to eligible students with disabilities within its geographical boundaries. The District has a "child find" process that is designed to locate, identify and evaluate children with disabilities residing within its geographical boundaries preschool through grade 12 or through age 21 if they have not received a high school diploma.
If you know a child who lives within the boundaries of the Plainview Old-Bethpage Central School District and attends school in the District who may be in the need of special education and/or related services, please contact the District's Office of Pupil Personnel Services for further information regarding the referral and evaluation process. If the student is a school age student who attends a non-public private school that is not located within the geographical boundaries of the School District, the student may need to be referred to the school district in which the non-public school is located in order to receive services during the regular school year. Please contact that school district for information regarding time deadlines for requests for services.
The District's Child Find process extends to students with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit a major life activity. Such students may be eligible for services or accommodations pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 is a Federal civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities and programs receiving Federal financial assistance. Please contact your child's building assistant principal for more information regarding Section 504 eligibility and services.
NYS Procedural Safeguards Notice
Parent Guides
Welcome to the POB Parent's Guide to Special Education!
We are pleased to provide you with access to our comprehensive Parent's Guide, which is designed to help you navigate the special education process and better understand the services and resources available to support your child. This guide covers important topics such as the referral process, eligibility requirements, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and the various services we offer to support students with special needs.
We encourage you to review the guide thoroughly, as it will provide valuable information to help you advocate for your child's educational needs and ensure they receive the appropriate services and supports.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Pupil Personnel Services team. We are here to work alongside you to ensure your child’s success. Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child's educational journey!
Important Deadline Information Regarding Students Attending Non-Public Schools
Parents or legal guardians must request special education services in writing to the school district of location by June 1 preceding the school year for which the request for services is made, except that when a student is first identified as a student with a disability after the first day of June preceding the school year for which the request is made and prior to the first day of April of such current school year, the parent must submit the written request for services within 30 days after the student was first identified.
CSE/CPSE Meeting Information
Due to the ease of scheduling for many families, we will continue to schedule CSE meetings virtually. If you prefer an in-person meeting, please contact our office or your building.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Deadline for requesting Special Education Services if NOT attending Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD.
Parents or legal guardian must request special education services in writing to the school district of location by June 1, at the district of location where the private school is located, (i.e.; NOT Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD) preceding the school year for which the request for services is made, except that when a student is first identified as a student with a disability after the first day of June preceding the school year for which the request is made and prior to the first day of April of such current school year, the parent must submit the written request for services within 30 days after the student was first identified.
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
At Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District (POB), we are committed to the mental health and well-being of our students. We offer a variety of resources, including counseling services, wellness programs, and helpful tools to support students facing mental health challenges. Whether you need professional assistance, coping strategies, or just someone to talk to, we are here to help. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out. Together, we can prioritize mental wellness at POB.
Related Service Providers
Ms. Samantha Gaskin
Teacher of the Visual Impaired (TVI)
Ms. Dana Mancari
Behavioral Consultants
Ms. Samantha Gutstein
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Alison Greenspon
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Sarah Fulep
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Marcy Aronson
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Maureen Kenney
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Stephanie Milillo
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Mary Buckholtz
Occupational Therapists
Ms. Lauren Linker
Occupational Therapists
Ms. Lori Augugliaro
Physical Therapists
Ms. Shari Rose
Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (TDHH)
Mr. Francesco Carbone
Behavioral Consultants
Ms. Amy Krolick
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Alison Greenspon
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Alison Greenspon
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Lauren Conroy
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Katelyn Gensinger
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Abbey Portnoy
Speech/Language Teacher
Ms. Kimberly Fellingham
Occupational Theapists
Ms. Jessica Daddona
Occupational Therapists
Ms. Crystal Consalvo
Occupational Therapists
Ms. Rachel Gambino
Physical Therapists
Nurse and Health Office
Welcome to the Nurse and Health Office!
Your health and well-being are our top priorities. Whether you need assistance, health information, or have questions, we're here to help.
👉 District School Nurses and Health Office
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support or care!
(SEPTA) Special Education PTA
POB SEPTA (Special Education PTA)
What is SEPTA?
SEPTA is a district-wide PTA unit that brings together parents, teachers and administrators with one common interest … meeting the educational needs of all children. We are organized to support, strengthen and promote a greater awareness of special education in our district.
Our primary function is to offer information and resources to parents, students, educators, and all those who are interested in supporting quality education for children with special educational needs.
We promote collaboration between all parties to serve the interests of special needs students and their families. We do this by seeking, and then providing, accurate information and resources and encouraging the flow of information between schools and the SEPTA community
What Are SEPTA's Goals?
- To support and promote a greater awareness of special education at the Elementary, MS and HS levels
- To bring together parents and teachers of all special children regardless of their specific needs, in order to share the experiences involved in educating their children
- We aim to make every child’s potential a reality, by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. We address the issues of students whose learning needs require the support of Special Education and Related Services (OT/PT/Speech)
Who should join SEPTA?
We encourage everyone whose child receives any service from the POB School District to join SEPTA. We are a collective group of volunteers who understand the struggles and support one another. We strive to create a community that values and respects each student's learning abilities and to ensure that all children receive an education that allows them to reach their full potential.
If your child receives speech, counseling, resource room, reading, occupational therapy, physical therapy, has a 504 plan or if your child is in a special education class, inclusion class or out of district placement, you should be a member of SEPTA
What are the benefits of a SEPTA membership?
- Learning about resources that are available to your child within the district and outside the district
- We provide a venue for raising common concerns to the appropriate district personnel
- We connect you with other parents who have shared similar experiences
- We help you learn to advocate for your child
- Each membership helps provide programs and scholarships for our students
During the year, we provide a variety of services for our families. We host special events for our students. We also provide informational meetings, resources and workshops for parents so they can be informed advocates as they strive to meet the needs of their children.
How to get involved?
POB SEPTA is always looking for volunteers for committee positions for the school year. You can be a liaison for your school, a representative on a district wide committee or chair one of our many programs or events throughout the year.
Our semi-monthly meetings offer opportunities to hear guest speakers, meet with others with similar experiences and share tips and ideas. Please check the district calendar for more information and our meeting dates.
We look forward to welcoming our returning members and to meeting new ones!
We hope you will join us in both membership and attendance.
Special Education Information and Resources
Resources-504 vs IEP
Understanding 504 Plans vs. IEPs (Individualized Education Programs)
It's important to understand the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP (Individualized Education Program), as they are both designed to support students with disabilities but serve different purposes and have distinct processes.
504 Plan:
A 504 Plan is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and is designed to provide accommodations to students with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to education. This plan is intended for students who may not necessarily need specialized instruction but do require accommodations to access the general education curriculum. These accommodations could include extended time on tests, preferential seating, or modifications to assignments.
Presentation:
To help you better understand these two important plans, we’ve created a detailed presentation that outlines the key components, eligibility criteria, and the process for each. This presentation will provide clarity on how each plan supports students and the steps involved in the development of a 504 Plan or an IEP.
Please take a look at the attached presentation to explore these topics in more detail. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact our Special Education team.
Thank you for your interest in understanding the differences between a 504 Plan and an IEP, and how they can support your child's success in school.
Helpful Special Education Terminology
ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis): A therapeutic approach that uses systematic interventions and behavior modification techniques to address and improve socially significant behaviors, commonly used for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
ABC (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence): A framework used in behavioral analysis to understand and analyze behavior. It involves examining what happens before (antecedent), the behavior itself, and what happens after (consequence) to determine the factors contributing to a behavior.
ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation): A NYSED program that provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities to help them achieve employment and independence.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Permits a student to complete the same assignment or test as others students, but with a change in the timing, setting or scheduling. The building principal may request accommodations be made for specific students, under specific conditions.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): Federal legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment, public accommodations, and education. ADHD (Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
AOL (Activities of Daily Living): Basic self-care activities necessary for daily life, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility.
AIS (Academic Intervention Services): Supplemental services provided to students in New York State who need additional academic support to meet learning standards.
APE (Adaptive Physical Education): Specialized physical education programs and accommodations tailored to the needs of students with disabilities.
APHASIA: the inability to acquire meaningful language by the age of three usually resulting from damage or disease to the brain.
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests.
ASL (American Sign Language): A visual-gestural language used by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing for communication.
AT (Assistive Technology): Devices, tools, or software designed to help individuals with disabilities access information, communicate, and participate in educational or daily activities.
BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan): A written plan that outlines strategies and interventions to address and modify challenging behaviors in students with disabilities.
BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services): Regional educational service agencies in New York State that provide a variety of programs and services to school districts, including special education services.
BOE (Board of Education): The governing body responsible for overseeing a school district's educational policies and operations.
CBA (Curriculum Based Assessment): An assessment method that measures student progress based on the curriculum being taught.
CBM (Curriculum Based Measure): A form of assessment that measures student performance on specific curriculum-based tasks.
CCSS (Common Core State Standards): Academic standards in English language arts and mathematics that outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.
CD (Conduct Disorder): A mental health diagnosis characterized by a pattern of disruptive and antisocial behaviors.
CDOS (Career Development and Occupational Studies): A set of New York State learning standards focused on career readiness and employability skills.
CFS (Children and Family Services): A New York State agency responsible for child welfare and family support services.
CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education): A team responsible for evaluating and determining eligibility for special education services for preschool-aged children in New York State.
CSE (Committee on Special Education): A team responsible for evaluating and determining eligibility for special education services for students with disabilities in New York State.
CT (Consultant Teacher): A special education teacher who provides support and services to students with disabilities in general education settings.
DB (Deaf-Blindness): A disability category for individuals who have both visual and hearing impairments. DD (Developmental Disabilities): A category of disability that includes conditions that result in significant limitations in cognitive and adaptive functioning.
DECLASSIFICATION: the process in which a disabled child is no longer in need of special education services.
DOE (Department of Education): The government agency responsible for overseeing education policies and programs.
DOWN SYNDROME: a medical abnormality caused by a chromosomal anomaly which often results in moderate to severe intellectual disability. Child will exhibit certain physical characteristics, such as large tongue, heart problems, poor muscle tone, and broad flat bridge of the nose.
DUE PROCESS : Under the 14th Amendment, a person must be treated essentially the same as another person under similar circumstances. The application of the law ensures that an individual's rights are protected.
DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition): A widely used manual for classifying and diagnosing mental disorders.
DYSLEXIA : A specific significant learning disability in which the child's ability to read is greatly impaired.
DYSGRAPHIA: A specific significant learning disability in which the child has an inability or loss of ability to write.
EBD (Emotional and Behavioral Disorders): A category of special education that includes students with emotional or behavioral challenges that significantly impact their learning and social interactions.
EBP (Evidence-Based Practices): Educational and therapeutic strategies that have been demonstrated through research to be effective.
ECDC (Early Childhood Direction Centers): Regional centers in New York State that provide information and support to families of young children with disabilities.
ED (Emotional Disability): A category of special education that includes students with emotional or behavioral disorder that affect their educational performance.
El (Early Intervention): Services and support provided to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act): Federal legislation that provides funding for K-12 education programs.
ESY (Extended School Year): Special education services provided during school breaks or over the summer to prevent significant regression of skills for students with disabilities.
FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education): The legal requirement that eligible students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs.
FBA (Functional Behavioral Assessment): A process used to analyze the underlying causes and functions of challenging behaviors in students.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): Federal legislation that protects the privacy of student education records.