Student Support SpecialistS

Student Support Specialists are a group of individuals that each work in a SCH school and focus on building healthy relationships between school, students, and parents.

SSS Vision

The Student Support Specialists envision a future where all of our students are productive and compassionate members of society using their talents, abilities, and gifts to make lasting and positive impacts.

SSS Mission

The mission of the Student Support Specialists is to provide a comprehensive school program that empowers all students to discover their full potential through their growth in academic, personal, and social/emotional domains. In partnership with all stakeholders, the SSS will encourage all students to become successful lifelong learners and problem solvers.

SSS Belief

  • Each student has dignity and worth.

  • Each student is an individual and learns at their own pace.

  • Each student can achieve academic, career, and social/emotional success.

  • Each student deserves to be a member of a school community that is culturally compassionate and that celebrates their unique qualities.

  • Each student should be accounted for and feel valued.

  • Each student can learn to become self-advocates and resilient in facing life’s challenges.

  • Students thrive when their individuality is recognized and encouraged in the school setting.

Burns-Hicks Elementary

Xavia Collins

She was born and raised in NWI and continues to reside in "The Region" with her husband. She graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences. She then received a Master of Social Work from Indiana University Northwest in 2019 and became a licensed social worker in 2021. She has worked in social services for 9 years and her passion is working with children and families. During her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and having fun with her family. She is excited about this new position and is honored to be able support students at Burns-Hicks Elementary.

Edison Elementary

Emmy Cisneros

Mrs. Cisneros received her undergraduate degrees from Purdue University with an Associates in Business, Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Mgmt., and Master’s degree in Education & Counseling. I continued my studies at Ball State University for my Administrative License in Education.


She has worked in education for 20+ years and have been with SCH since 2005 as a counselor at Gavit serving grades 6-12. She believes in a comprehensive counseling program that addresses the academic, career, and personal/social/emotional development of all students. She has a passion for helping youth achieve their goals and develop both socially and emotionally. She enjoys working with students to encourage good academic habits, challenge them to do their daily best, and help them grow to become more independent while making positive choices in life. She is truly excited to be working with the Edison students, staff and families.

Harding Elementary

Monica Seren

Mrs. Seren is currently the MTSS Student Support Specialist at Harding Elementary. She been working with students and families in the School City of Hammond for 29 years. She earned both my Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Instructional Design from Purdue University. She began her career as a Title l Reading Specialist where I worked closely with supporting students as well as families. For the past 20 years, I have had the pleasure of working with students in first through fourth grade as a classroom teacher. Her journey has allowed her to become a presenter and share my knowledge and passion with teachers, administrators, and parents all over the state of Indiana with a focus on social emotional learning. She is so excited to work with students, staff, and families at Harding and make a positive impact.

Hess Elementary

Lissette Acosta

Native New Yorker and Syracuse University graduate (Go Orange!), she began her career over 20 years ago in crisis intervention/addictions counseling and community mental health. She holds a masters degree in education and school counseling from the University of Illinois-Chicago and Concordia University respectively. From private to public, alternative and charter, She has worked in many diverse learning environments. She is approaching her 13th year with the School City of Hammond, and remains continually inspired by the young people with whom she works daily.

Irving Elementary

Jessica Tellez

Hello! My name is Jessica Tellez. I was born in San Diego California and moved to Indiana at a young age. I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor's in Psychology. Before I started my position with MTSS I was a Case Manager for Head Start. I am so excited to be a part of the Panther family at Irving Elementary! I have amazing memories of my elementary school experience and I hope to give the same positive and cheerful environment for the children we work with. I enjoy spending time with my family, going on hikes and traveling!

Jefferson Elementary

Beatrice Clayborn

I am honored to be a student support specialist. I completed my Bachelor's of Science in Marketing and my Masters of Social Work at Indiana University. I have worked in the Gary Community School Corporation, Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, Charter School of the Dunes, Michigan City Area Schools, and currently the School City of Hammond as a social worker/counselor commencing in 2001. Prior to those assignments, I worked as a family support specialist supervisor for Geminus and a caseworker for the Department of Family and Children's Services.


I enjoy empowering students to help them reach their academic and social emotional goals. In addition, I write poetry and grammatically edit college students’ literary works. I borrow my goal from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he’s traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.

Lincoln Elementary

Jasmin Fonseca

Jasmin Fonseca is currently the MTSS Social Worker at Lincoln Elementary. Being from the West Coast (City of Angels) her family moved at a young age and grew up in Hammond. Ms. Jasmin is a proud PIONEER graduate and also attended Indiana University Northwest where she received her Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business. She has always loved helping families and children. She was able to assist and serve families prior to her employment at SCH where I worked with the Department of Child Services for almost 7 years. She is excited to be part of the Lincoln family and be back to serve the community were she grew in. When I am not at work I am a busy mom of two and enjoy to spend time with loves making memories.

Morton Elementary

Kaitlin Hofer

Miss Hofer was born and raised in Lowell, Indiana and has lived in Northwest Indiana for most of her life. She studied Social Work at Indiana University Northwest where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree. She is currently working on her master’s degree in social work. She has always enjoyed working with children and has worked in mental health and foster care with children previously. She is very excited to be at Morton Elementary School and loves becoming a part of the community! When she is not at work, she enjoys hanging out with her German Shepherd named Oden, working out, trying new foods and traveling.

O'Bannon Elementary

Lisa M. Jameyfield

She is a lifelong resident of NWI and product of SCH . Her 34 year career has included various educational / leadership /mental health positions. She has been involved with First Steps, Head Start and Special Start Academy in leadership positions . Her classroom experiences include working with populations from 0-3 , K-5 , Middle and High School and as an adjunct faculty member at PNW and Ivy Tech . She is an approved therapist supervisor through AAMFT and currently supervises mental health interns at the graduate level. She is excited about this new position and honored to be able to fulfill the role of Student Support Specialist at O'Bannon Elementary School.


Scott Middle School

Natalie Boyd

She was born and raised in Chicago Heights, IL. She attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville then transferred to Purdue Northwest. She double majored in Psychology and Foreign Language with a specialty in Spanish. She chose to pursue Psychology because she didn’t have the best support system growing up. “I aspire to be the person I wish I had when I was younger.” During her free time, She enjoys spending time with her family and binge watching shows. “I truly enjoy working with and supporting the students at Scott.”

Wallace Elementary

Claudia Cisneros Lopez

My name is Claudia Lopez-Cisneros. I was born and raised in Mexico until I was 11 years old. Graduated from Clark HS in 2002. Later, I attended Calumet College of St. Joseph and completed my bachelor's degree in Human Services with a concentration in counseling in 2016. I am married and have 2 sons. My previous experiences in the field of education range from being a Paraprofessional to coordinating a religious education program for more than 14 years. I love working with children and being an advocate for better ways in which education can be both a learning experience and a safe place to grow and have positive experiences. I believe each child is different and has all the potential in the world. All they need is positive support and compassion for all the struggles they go throughout their life. Now that I am working as a student support specialist here at Wallace, I plan to be able to make a difference in our students lives and be able to help them feel understood and excited about being a bobcat!!!

kenwood Elementary

Michelle Keelen

Hello! I received my Master's degree in School Counseling in 2009 from Purdue University Northwest. I have worked with school aged children for many years through the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services, Head Start, Before and After School Childcare, and the Girls on the Run program along with raising my own little ones. Outside of school is a busy sports schedule with my kids and a fitness and recovery business in Schererville. I am honored to have the opportunity to support our kids in the School City of Hammond and proud to be a part of the Kenwood Lion family.