Bergen County Special Services has assigned several consultants to Saint Joseph 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. 

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: Ms. Amanda Nafash
My name is Amanda Nafash and I am excited to be your child’s Comp. Ed. and/or SI instructor this school year. This is my 11th year teaching, and my 3rd teaching for the 192/193 Program-Services to Non-Public Schools through the Bergen County Special Services School District. I graduated from Boston College in 2012 with a degree in Elementary Education and English, after which I earned my Masters degree in Special Education from Columbia University. I have worked as both a special education teacher and a general education teacher throughout my career, and really enjoy
helping all students succeed in a safe, comfortable and positive learning environment. In my free time I love spending time with my family and teaching myself how to sew. I will be at St. Joseph’s school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for support services. If you have any questions/concerns please feel free to contact me directly. I look forward to becoming a part of the St. Joseph’s school community.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST: Mr. Scott Borge
Mr. Borge received a Bachelor of Arts from Marist College, an Associate of Applied Science from Mercy College, and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Mercy College. He began his career in Occupational Therapy as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant where he worked with adults in inpatient rehabilitation settings. After completing his Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy he became registered and licensed as an Occupational Therapist. He began working for Bergen County Special Services in 2019 and provide evaluation and treatment services from Pre-K through early adult learners.

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.