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Student Support
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School Psychologists
School Psychologists
School Psychologists support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach by providing services that will enhance cognitive, social, and emotional development. School psychologists also promote mental health in the school environment and assist in providing quality educational experiences for all students by partnering with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. Our school psychologists provide academic, behavioral, and mental health supports; conduct evaluations, assessments, and data analysis for special education services; provide consultation to teachers and families; and support crisis prevention and response activities.
" A little over 10 years ago, I moved to Harrisonburg from New Jersey to begin my undergraduate career at James Madison University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. Throughout my undergraduate career, I spent time volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and also completed a practicum placement in Rockingham County Public Schools, where I spent time shadowing the school counselors in both the general and alternative education settings. With plans to leave the area after graduation, when it came time to actually do so, I couldn’t! I didn’t think it would happen to me, but I ended up staying in Harrisonburg and happily claim myself as a townie now. I feel grateful to live in, and now serve, such a diverse, welcoming community.
After receiving my bachelor’s, I spent the next couple of years working in the area as a psychometrician for a neuropsychologist, before deciding to return back to JMU to attend the School Psychology Masters and EdS program in August 2017. Not only would this allow me to remain in Harrisonburg, but I was also very drawn to the program’s culturally competent practitioner initiative, as the goal is to train professionals who are equipped to provide services to culturally diverse children and families. During that time, I completed a school psychology practicum placement in Rockingham County as well as completed my internship and my first official year as a school psych, in Albemarle County. With the goal of eventually returning back over the mountain, I transitioned back to RCPS for my second year as a school psych for the 21-22 school year.
I am proud and excited to announce that I am now a school psychologist for Harrisonburg City! I am so looking forward to spending the 22-23 school year with the staff, students, and families of Harrisonburg High School. My favorite part of being a school psychologist is advocating for students and helping make their voices be heard. I am also extremely passionate about student mental health and am dedicated to finding ways to increase students' mental health literacy within our schools and community. In my free time, you might find me in the garden or taking care of my houseplants, reading at a coffee shop, at Orange Theory, exploring nature with my dog, Cooper, or checking out the local breweries and cideries! "
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" I have worked as a school psychologist for fourteen years, all within Harrisonburg City. I obtained my bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Delaware and then continued on to earn my master's and educational specialist degrees in School Psychology also at the University of Delaware (Go Blue Hens!). I am a certified school psychologist in the the commonwealth of Virginia and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP).
Growing up as an ESOL student myself, I was drawn to the rich cultural and linguistic diversity in Harrisonburg City. I am passionate about helping students, families, and teachers find ways to make school a positive, safe, and welcoming experience.
I am originally from Pennsylvania but made the Shenandoah Valley my home after meeting my husband, who is local to the area. We live in Rockingham County with our four children. We love spending time outdoors in our garden and exploring all that the beautiful Shenandoah Valley has to offer. "
" I have been a School Psychologist for sixteen years. I grew up in West Virginia and came to Harrisonburg for the School Psychology Masters and Ed.S program at James Madison University. I began college in West Virginia with a double major, trying to decide between Elementary Education or Child Psychology. School Psychology seemed to be the perfect blend for my interests and I ended up minoring in Education and getting my BS in Psychology. I completed my School Psychologist internship in Harrisonburg City Public Schools and the James Madison University Child Development Clinic before beginning my career in Warren County Schools.
After four years, I came back to Harrisonburg City and have been here ever since. My husband is originally from the Shenandoah Valley. We love living in such a beautiful area and enjoy mountain views. We have two kids who are now teenagers. My hobbies include running, fostering kittens through Cat's Cradle, and driving my children to swim practices and dance. I enjoy traveling and look forward to each opportunity to explore new places. "
" I studied psychology and sociology at Eastern Mennonite University and then went on to specialize in school psychology at James Madison University. Prior to being a school psychologist, I worked with at-risk youth in the local area and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I feel fortunate to be able to continue relationship building with youth as a school psychologist and enjoy trying to understand the unique perspective of the students I encounter at school, whether my role with them is as a mentor, counselor, or as part of an assessment. I am delighted when students greet me and ask when we can hang out next.
I am from Pennsylvania, but Harrisonburg is where my wife and I have decided to call home and raise our three kids. We have found the Valley to be perfect for our passions of walking adventures, exploring the natural world, and appreciating landscapes. I also enjoy following sports, grilling and slow cooking, podcasts, do-it yourself projects, and dreaming about what National Park to visit next. "
Katie Kelley
Bluestone Elementary School
Keister Elementary School
" Before finding my way to school psychology, I had an adventurous time figuring out college. When I transferred to James Madison University, I began my studies in Social Work but felt my interest peak in psychology classes. So, I switched to psychology and finished a few years later. What drew me to school psychology at the time - and even now - is using data and skills to help students in an available way. The accessibility of a public school psychologist is amazing!
During this journey, I fell in love with the valley and mountains - and later, my husband. I served as a substitute teacher/aide/custodian/etc. for Rockingham County as well as teaching English virtually to students in China. My graduate school experiences took me to Augusta County and Greene County schools. I enjoy looking at the data and answering questions about what are a student’s strengths and why they might be struggling. These answers can both encourage the student and point their path to future success. Also, it is a humbling experience to work with students in goal-oriented counseling. Now, I’m excited to be joining the Harrisonburg City Public School team in serving this community.
Some fun facts about me include my enjoyment of Lord of the Rings trilogy, chocolate, befriending cats, using spreadsheets, hiking, and coffee dates with friends. I married my quirky and sweet husband in 2022, and now I enjoy the cow-country of Bridgewater with him. My current goal is to learn more Spanish and Estonian (I have cousins out in Estonia), and I’d like to get a cat (or two) in the next year or so. "
" I have worked as a School Psychologist for 13 years. I completed my undergraduate degree at James Madison University and worked for several years for the Department of Social Services before returning to JMU to complete my Master's and Educational Specialist degrees. I completed my school psychology internship here in Harrisonburg City Schools before spending a year working in New Hampshire. I returned to the Valley and spent over 6 years working in Page County Public Schools, before returning to HCPS in 2017.
My husband and I are both from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, but Harrisonburg has become the place we call home. I have two children that attend Harrisonburg City Schools and we love all being members of the HCPS community. I enjoy spending time with my family, both carrying the kids to their many activities or cuddling with them at home."
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