24-25 Florham Park Special Services Department
Melissa Picciano, Supervisor of Special Services
Melissa Picciano has served in the field of special education since 2013. She is both humbled and proud to be the Supervisor of Special Services in a community and district that is so close to her heart! From The College of New Jersey, she earned her M.A. in Special Education with a specialization in literacy and integrative STEM education. Previously, she worked as a special educator and team leader at RMS. Before that, she served in Maryland as a special educator, special education department chairperson, and also as an instructional coach. Melissa is excited to meet all of our families and get to know each individual student. She looks forward to advocating for our children and to witnessing all of their growth and progress this year!
Kate Rinaldi, Ridgedale Middle School Psychologist
Kate Rinaldi is a school psychologist and case manager for Ridgedale Middle School and has been in the Florham Park School District since 2014. She works with students on strengthening coping skills and building self-advocacy skills, with parents on partnering in their children's education, and teachers to support the learning and emotional health of all students. Kate has a M.A. in Educational Psychology and a certification in school psychology and believes strongly in collaborating with all stakeholders to best service all students.
Lori Jane Dolan, Learning Disabilities Teacher - Consultant
Lori-Jane Dolan has been a member of the Florham Park schools as the Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDT-C) since 2005. Prior to becoming an LDT-C, she taught general education for 10 years at the elementary level. LJ continued her education after her master's and has a supervisors and NJ Principals Certificate. Lori-Jane has worked with students, staff and parents in all three Florham Park schools. In addition to her LDT-C and case management responsibilities she is the chair of the I&RS committees at all three Florham Park schools.
Anna Nowacki, Speech-Language Pathologist
Anna Nowacki has worked as a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist for over 25 years. She has been employed in the Florham Park School District since 2003 working with students both at the elementary and preschool level. She also has experience in the medical profession having worked in a hospital and rehabilitation center setting, in private practice and as an Adjunct Professor and Clinic Supervisor for undergraduate students. The variety of settings has led her to appreciate communication across the age span. She enjoys working with students and their families to help them progress. As a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), she participates in ongoing continuing education to remain up to date in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders.
David Burrows, Speech Language Pathologist
Dave Burrows has worked in the Florham Park School District since 2004. He currently works with students from 4th to 8th grade. He earned his B.A. in English Literature from the State University of New York at Geneseo and his M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from William Paterson University. He has worked as a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist since 1998 in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practice, and public schools. He has presented at the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) national convention and taught Communication Disorders at William Paterson University. Additionally, as a member of ASHA, he participates in ongoing continuing education to remain up to date on current trends in the treatment of a variety of communication and language disorders.
Danielle Manger, Occupational Therapist
Danielle Manger has been a part of the Florham Park Schools’ family as the district’s occupational therapist since 2001. She received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University and her Advanced Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from A.T. Still University. Danielle has been a member of The American Occupational Therapy Association since 2001. Danielle loves kids and has a passion for child development as well as helping people of all ages engage in meaningful “occupation.” Engagement in meaningful occupation facilitates success and happiness. This passion drives her to continually seek out professional learning opportunities as well as collaborating with colleagues and parents to best meet the needs of her students.
Kelly Faschan, School Social Worker
Kelly Faschan is the school social worker for the district. She has worked as a social worker in a variety of settings, including working in schools, with at-risk youth, in medical and mental health facilities. She enjoys science fiction and fantasy, and hobbies such as crochet and hiking.
Maggie Mulé, Briarwood School Psychologist
Maggie Mulé is the school psychologist and case manager at Briarwood School. She joined Florham Park in 2022 at Brooklake School and moved over to Briarwood in 2023. Maggie holds a BA in Psychology with a specialization in Childhood Development and a minor in Deaf Studies. Maggie completed her graduate program at UCONN, where she gained experience in different schools and settings, and earned a Masters in Educational Psychology along with her School Psychology Certification. Welcoming the youngest Florham Park learners each morning is a true highlight! Maggie focuses on advocating for students by giving them skills to advocate for themselves, supporting parent-school partnerships, and working with school staff each day to provide welcoming, inclusive environments.
Holly Troup, Occupational Therapist
Holly Troup began working in Florham Park School District in 2023 as an Occupational Therapist after moving from Texas back to her home state of NJ. Prior to working in Florham Park, Holly worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in a variety of settings including acute/hospital setting, outpatient pediatric therapy, home-based pediatric therapy and most recently in a large school district outside of Houston, TX. She loves working with children and helping them to succeed in their “occupations” of both play and school.
Tina Bruno, Case Manager/LDT-C
Tina Bruno is part of the Child Study Team at Brooklake School as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C). She lives in Florham Park with her husband and daughter. Tina joined the Florham Park School system in 2001 after teaching in both Union and Essex counties. She has had the wonderful experience of being a classroom teacher for several years in both kindergarten and first grade at Briarwood. She later moved into special education positions including teaching the inclusion preschool class, resource room grades K-2, as well as being the special education teacher in K-1 ICR classrooms. While teaching in Florham Park Tina earned her MA degree in Learning Disabilities and my Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant license.
Lisa Urban, Ridgedale Middle School Counselor
Lisa Urban is thrilled to be joining the Ridgedale Middle School community as the school counselor. She graduated with a B.S. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Kutztown University and earned her Master’s in Mental Health and School Counseling from William Paterson University. With experience both as a school counselor and a kids’ yoga and mindfulness instructor, she is passionate about supporting students in their social-emotional growth and academic journey. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, photography, being outdoors, and a good book. Mrs. Urban is looking forward to collaborating with the entire school community to ensure a positive and nurturing environment.
Erica Waltner, District Behaviorist
Erica Waltner, MA, BCBA has been working with individuals with behavioral needs since 1995. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism. In addition, she has completed graduate classes at Rutgers School of Social Work and continuing education to expand her knowledge of dual diagnosis, mental health, developmental disabilities, and mood disorders. Prior to joining Florham Park Schools, she has worked in residential, community, and school settings. Her experience ranges from providing in-home behavioral support to children younger than 2 years old to residential support for adults well into their 80s. Her focus is on providing integrated behavioral supports that promote inclusion for all students in the classroom setting.
Karen Ford, Brooklake School Counselor
Karen Ford is the School Counselor for Brooklake Elementary School. She has worked for the Florham Park School District since 2005. Karen received her degree in Psychology from Kean University and Masters in Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is certified as School Counselor, as well as, a Student Assistance Counselor - Drug/Alcohol and Crisis Counselor and also is also a Licensed Professional Counselor. Karen works with students on academic, social and emotional concerns, as well as, assists students in the building. She is passionate about counseling and enjoys working together with teachers, students and parents. Karen serves as the District Testing Coordinator, Brooklake School Testing Coordinator, School Anti-Bullying Specialist, Climate and Culture/School Safety Team Coordinator, and Brooklake School 504 Coordinator. She is also on the Crisis Intervention Team, Medical Team and is the Peer Leadership Advisor. Karen enjoys going to the beach, reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband, son and dog.
Jessica Mazzola, Speech-Language Pathologist
Jessica Mazzola is excited to return to the Florham Park Child Study Team as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She earned her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Penn State University with minors in Human Development & Family Studies and Special Education. She earned her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. Jessica has school-based experience working with students at the preschool, elementary and high school level. She also has experience in private practice treating communication disorders into adulthood. Jessica looks forward to collaborating with parents, teachers and Child Study Team members to best serve the students in Florham Park.
Gina Cicarelli, School Physical Therapist
Gina Cicarelli has worked as a licensed physical therapist for 20+ years. She has been the district physical therapist since 2007. Prior to working as a school-based physical therapist, she worked in a variety of settings and has experience working in acute/hospital-based therapy, out-patient orthopedics, aquatic therapy, out-patient pediatrics and Early Intervention. She has worked with patients of all ages, but her passion is for working with children. She received her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from Columbia University and has an Undergraduate Degree from Skidmore College. In her free time, Gina enjoys working out, cooking and spending time with her husband and three children. She loves her job because she gets to combine her knowledge of PT with her love for fitness to design creative treatment sessions for the students in Florham Park.
Jessica Fewer, Briarwood School Counselor
Jessica Fewer has been the School Counselor at Briarwood Elementary since 2021. Jessica received her bachelor's degree in psychology at James Madison University and went on to receive her masters degree in school counseling with a certification in Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) at The College of New Jersey. Additionally, she is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). Jessica has taken several professional development courses on childhood anxiety, emotional regulation and multicultural counseling. Jessica has experience working with elementary and high school students and has interned at numerous schools throughout central New Jersey before joining the Florham Park family. Even though Jessica has great experience with high school students, she feels most comfortable working with the younger grade levels. Jessica is passionate about helping all students succeed academically, socially and emotionally and is very excited to start the school year. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys hiking with her two dogs and watching classic Disney movies.
Kathleen Perez-Garrity, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Kathleen Perez-Garrity, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), is excited to continue with the Florham Park Child Study Team as the school social worker. Kathleen received her Masters of Social Work from New York University and worked for several years as a pediatric social worker in hospitals in both NY and NJ. Most recently, Kathleen was employed as a school social worker for the Bloomfield School System where she collaborated closely with school staff, families, and students to ensure that students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs were met.
Curtis Kentner, CST Secretary
Curtis Kentner, a US Navy veteran, earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and worked in the healthcare industry prior to joining the Florham Park Special Services department in 2021.