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Harrisonburg City Public Schools
Welcome to Student Support
The HCPS Student Support team works with students, families, and school personnel to encourage student success and minimize barriers to school achievement. Student Support focuses on the prevention, intervention, transition, and follow-up services to work towards student success. The Student Support team includes School Psychologists, School Social Workers, Behavioral Specialists, School Nurses, School Counselors, and Mental Health Counselors.
Student Support professionals provide direct services to students to include education, counseling, consultation, and individual assessments for the special education process. Family outreach and community collaboration are also key roles of the Student Support team. The Department of Student Support works closely with the Department of Special Education to ensure success for students and families.
Administration
April Howard, ED.S., NCSP
Chief Officer for Student Support
One Court Square, 3rd Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540·434·2752
" I began working with Harrisonburg City Public Schools in 2008 and love the HCPS community as well as the great team we have supporting our students! I enjoy using my experience as a School Psychologist to help lead a collaborative team that promotes social and emotional learning for all students.
Before beginning my career, I earned a MA and Ed.S in School Psychology as well as an Educational Leadership licensure from James Madison University. I have served as a School Psychologist in both Harrisonburg and Warren County and maintain a Nationally Certified School Psychologist licensure. Most recently, I completed Eastern Mennonite University's Restorative Justice in Education Certificate Program and remain an active member of the leadership team for the Harrisonburg RJ Coalition. Additionally, I have training and expertise in trauma-informed care and bullying prevention.
When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a daughter in high school and a son in middle school who keep us busy with extracurricular activities and travel sports."
Ken Hill
Director of Special Education
One Court Square, 3rd Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540·434·2752
"Bio coming soon"
Angela Albanese
Special Education Coordinator
One Court Square, 3rd Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540·434·2752
"I started working for Harrisonburg City Public Schools in 2021 as the School Testing Coordinator and 504 Case Manager at Harrisonburg High School. Since 2023, I have had the privilege of working with both RHS and HHS as the Special Education Coordinator, with a focus on Post Secondary Transition. Before joining HCPS, I was a Special Education teacher and 504 Specialist in Shenandoah County from 2011-2021. I have a Master's in Special Education and Certificate in Educational Leadership. I am also excited to be a part of Virginia's first Transition Leadership Academy cohort. It has been wonderful to be able to work with students and families in my local community. I love supporting our teachers and students in creating a more inclusive environment and working toward positive postsecondary outcomes for ALL students.
I originally moved to Harrisonburg in 2005 to attend James Madison University, from Long Island, and have been here since. When not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking (and eating!), being outside and travelling to our Airbnb in Davis, WV. "
Casey Brennan
Special Education Coordinator
One Court Square, 3rd Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540·434·2752
"I began working with Harrisonburg City Public Schools in 2023. Before joining HCPS, I was a special education teacher in a neighboring division for seven years and an elementary general education teacher for a year. I have my Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in equine studies from Bridgewater College, and my Master's in Special Education and Executive Certificate in School Administration and Supervision from Liberty University. I enjoy working with students with disabilities, supporting all teachers and administration as we create a more inclusive setting for students with disabilities. "
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Restorative Practice Coordinator
One Court Square, 3rd Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540·434·2752
" I came to Harrisonburg City Public Schools in 2017. Before joining HCPS, I came to Harrisonburg, VA via James Madison University for an undergraduate degree in Sociology, class of 08’. After graduating, I always wanted to work with children and started working at the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Detention Center in Verona, VA. I was moved by the amount of youth that either had not made such strong choices of living and or their social environments were barriers. I knew I wanted to work with adolescents before being detained. I then began working in the field of mental and behavioral health, partnering with "I’m Determined Youth Summit" at James Madison University, Youth for Tomorrow Inc., and as a Behavior Specialist in the Greater Boston area where I was born and raised.
Missing the valley I moved back and started working with National Counseling Group Inc. doing In-home community based counseling as well as Therapeutic Day Treatment Counseling contracted to work inside the schools. This is when I felt I needed to be within a school system to try to make the most impact on children's lives. After being employed as a Behavior Specialist I was drawn towards a less punitive and authoritarian approach to behavior and discipline so I enrolled to study for a master's in Restorative Justice at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding program at Eastern Mennonite University.
Through my life experience and studies I am committed to embodying the principles of RJ; building healthy relationships, creating and sustaining just and equitable environments for all, and repairing harm and transforming conflict when it occurs. I acknowledge that to do this calls for daily focus on my whole health (spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, and social). As a descendant of the African diaspora in the United States, something that gives me joy in life right now is helping people develop into their best self, developing a renewed understanding of education, laughing, engaging in fun activities, and understanding the interconnectedness of my identity. I also do part time work for the Central Virginia Community Justice based in Charlottesville and sit on the board for the Gemeinschaft Home. I am a partner, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin , a nephew, a mentor, a teacher, a coach, a student, a friend, and more. "
Laura Eaton
Special Education Coordinator
One Court Square, 3rd Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540·434·2752
"After earning a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Old Dominion University, I initially pursued a career in finance, working in auto finance for nearly a decade. My passion for education was ignited during my time at ODU, where I discovered an interest in exceptional learners. In 2013, I transitioned into education, serving in various roles before becoming a Special Education teacher. I completed a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia in 2020. Relocating to Harrisonburg in July 2024, I now support Special Education services while utilizing my administrative background. Having always admired the Shenandoah Valley, I’m excited to contribute to this community."
Student Support Coordinator
Foster Care Liaison
McKinney-Vento Liaison
One Court Square, 3rd Floor
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540·434·2752
" I have had the privilege of serving the Harrisonburg community for over 15 years and I continue to enjoy working with our children and families. I am passionate about minimizing barriers for school achievement and supporting the needs of every child. I love having the opportunity to connect with families in this great community!
I began my social work career in child welfare where I developed a passion for empowering families to overcome obstacles and achieve greater levels of success and stability. I obtained my bachelor's degree in psychology at Elon University and my masters in social work from VCU. I completed the Restorative Justice in Education Master's Certificate program and have completed courses in educational administration. I am a licensed clinical social worker.
Harrisonburg city is my hometown where my husband and I have chosen to raise our two daughters and dogs. My time away from work is filled with my active family; participating in youth sports, playing outside, and spending time with family."