School psychologists have a minimum of an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree and receive specialized advanced graduate preparation that includes coursework and practical experiences relevant to both psychology and education.  School psychologists apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.

School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.

School Psychologists provide a range of supports to meet the needs of individual sites including:

• Conducting Special Education evaluations 

  • Focus on cognitive, social / emotional / behavioral and adaptive functioning

  • Facilitate Functional Behavior Assessments 

• Intervention planning and development / participation in Student Assistance Teams

• Consultation with parents, teachers, and other staff

• Crisis intervention support

• Training / professional development 

Highland's School Psychologist is Nancy Risch.  She has been working within the field of School Psychology for more than 30 years.