Bergen County Special Services has assigned several consultants to Saint Joseph School LOWER SCHOOL. This is provided to our school through IDEA funding to nonpublic schools. The consultants have varied areas of specialization and will be working with administration and staff to support SJS students.
SOCIAL WORKER: Ms. Allison Gordon
Ms. Gordon received her Bachelor’s Degree from William Paterson University in 2016. She attended Kean University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2019. Currently, Ms. Gordon works for Bergen County Special Services as a Social Worker who initiates meetings with teachers, parents and the child study team. Ms. Gordon enjoys working with children and having the opportunity be a positive influence in their young lives. In her free time, Allison loves keeping active by taking Zumba classes throughout the week and walking her dogs.
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST: Mrs. Rachel Kessel , M.A. CCC-SLP
Mrs. Rachel Kessel is a certified member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). She received her Bachelor's degree from Stern College in 2002 and her Master's degree in Communication Disorders from Lehman College in 2005. Rachel has been practicing speech therapy in Bergen County private schools for the past 15 Years. Rachel works closely with individuals and their families to facilitate effective communication skill development and implementation.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Sara Mizrahi , M.A.
Mrs. Mizrahi received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Arizona and Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Her time in the classroom will provide support for reading, writing and mathematics with the goal to improve students knowledge and test scores while reinforcing skills and concepts learned.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST: Mrs. Kristine Lowenwirth
PSYCHOLOGIST: Ms. Kerry Sardina, M.A.
Ms. Sardina is the School Psychologist assigned to SJS. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University in 2003 and Master's and Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Seton Hall University in 2008. Ms. Sardina has worked full time for New Milford Public Schools before having 3 children. She currently works for Bergen County Special Services and will administer psychological evaluations and provide case management to students at St. Joseph School. On her free time, Kerry enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, taking peloton classes, and traveling.
New Milford Public Schools Consultants
New Milford Public Schools consultants provide service to the SJS Upper School students.
SPEECH: Ms. Monique Cimbolic:
Monique Cimbolic received a B.S. in Communication Disorders from Boston University and her M.A. degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean College of New Jersey. She currently delivers instruction to SJS Upper School students. In addition, Ms. Cimbolic works in the New Milford Public Schools at the high school level and performs speech language testing for the Child Study Team to diagnose articulation and language disorders. A strong advocate of hands on and multi-sensory learning, Ms. Cimbolic uses a variety of techniques and technology-infused activities to improve communication abilities. She is a long standing member of the American Speech Language Association (ASHA) and is licensed by the state of New Jersey. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, taking care of animals and walking.
COMP Education/Supplemental Instruction: Ms. Sara Lesnik:
Ms. Lesnik holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from The College of New Jersey. She earned a Master Degree in Educational Technology from Ramapo College. During her with your student, Ms. Lesnik will provide support within the classroom setting to bolster reading, writing, and/or math skills reinforcing those skills and concepts learned, but not yet mastered. Outside of school, Ms. Lesnik enjoys hiking, baking and spending time with friends and family. Please reach out with questions by emailing: slesnik@nmpsd.org.