Assessment Team

Psychologists

Dr. Sarah Nettis
School Psychologist
(847) 587-2561 X291

Sarah completed her Ed.D from Loyola University in Curriculum and Instruction and also earned her M.Ed in School Psychology from Loyola University.

Dr. Svetlana Petrova
School Psychologist
(847) 587-2561 X243

Svetlana holds a PhD from Ziolkovsky Kaluga State Pedagogical University (Russia) and an Ed.S from National-Louis University.

Jeremy Anderson
School Psychologist
(847) 587-2561 X383

Jeremy completed his graduate level (Ed.S) schooling in Radford Virginia at Radford University. Prior to that, he completed his B.S. in Psychology at Western Illinois University. Jeremy is also the JV Boys Soccer coach

Information

Who we are:
School psychologists have specialized training in both psychology and education. They use their training and skills to team with educators, parents, and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy and supportive environment. School psychologists understand school systems, effective teachings and successful learning. Today's children face more challenges than ever before. School psychologists can provide solutions for tomorrow's problems through thoughtful and positive actions today.

The training requirements to become a psychologist are a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours including a year-long internship. This training emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning, behavior and motivation. To work as a school psychologist, one must be licensed by the state in which services are provided. School psychologists may also be certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB).

What Do School Psychologists Do?

School psychologists work to find the best solution for each student and situation; they use different strategies to address student needs and to improve school and district-wide support systems. School psychologists work with students individually and in groups. They also develop programs to train teachers and parents about effective teaching and learning strategies, techniques to manage behavior at home and in the classroom, working with students with disabilities or with special talents, addressing abuse of drugs and other substances, and preventing and managing crises.

Social Workers

 

Fran Benson
School Social Worker
(847) 587-2561 X288

Fran is a SEDOL Social Worker who is contracted on a yearly basis. Mrs. Benson earned an MSW from the Jane Adams school of Social Work at the University of Illinois.

Taylor Witt
School Social Worker
(847) 587-2561 X268

Taylor completed her Master's from the University of Chicago, and prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Spanish and Human Development/Family Studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.  She is also certified in Spanish from the Costa Rican Spanish Institute. Additionally, Taylor is the 504 case manager.

Dawn Pasowicz (leave of absence 2010-2011)
School Social Worker
(847) 587-2561 X268

Dawn completed her Masters in School Social Work at Aurora University and prior to that earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology at Eastern Illinois University. In addition Dawn is a certified counselor for alcohol and other drug addictions.

Information

Who We Are:
School Social Workers (SSW) are a vital part of the educational team, working together with educational administrators, teachers, counselors, psychologists, nurses, speech and language pathologists and other staff. Their unique graduate level training in social work enables them to understand and interpret the influences of the school, home, and community on children. School Social Workers identify factors that can make school a more successful experience for students.

What Do Social Workers Do?

School Social Workers help STUDENTS achieve maximum benefit from their educational opportunities, understand themselves/others, improve interpersonal relationships, cope with stress and develop decision making skills.

School Social Workers help PARENTS participate effectively in their children's education, understand and meet their children's social and emotional needs, understand programs available to students with special needs and utilize school and community resources effectively.

School Social Workers help SCHOOLS understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc.) that affect students' abilities to make maximum use of their school experience, utilize their resources in meeting the educational, social, and emotional needs of students and to promote a safe school environment.

School Social Workers help COMMUNITIES understand school policies, program, and practices as well as minimize those environmental factors which inhibit learning and develop resources to adequately meet the needs of students and families.