As the school psychologist, Gina works collaboratively with teachers and school staff regarding specific behaviors and classroom functioning of our students. She conducts psychological testing of the students to identify and assess learning styles and cognitive abilities, as well as determine developmental and adaptive functioning levels. Then as a team, they develop interventions to support the teaching process to maximize learning and adjustment. In addition, she counsels students individually and in groups for targeted behaviors/emotional difficulties (e.g., anger management, testing or social anxiety).

Defining Success at Summit School

Success to me is seen through our students. Seeing the growth and improvement each day of the students I work with. Each small success is so amazing to witness. We, at Summit, provide them with the tools and guide them through the process, but it is ultimately them who determine the outcome. For example, a student who struggles with getting up and going to school daily, uses one of the strategies he learned in counseling or with a staff member to help him get ready for school. Or a student who is very shy and struggles with social anxiety, initiates a conversation with a peer on their own for the first time. This may seem so small, but for that student, it took every ounce of effort to do. It took numerous counseling sessions, role playing, several failed attempts, to get there. That is a win! And Success is a series of small wins.

Each year, I am so overjoyed and proud of all the graduates because I know it wasn’t an easy road for them. It took a lot of hardwork, and determination to reach their goals.