UMHT
What is a Unified Mental Health Team?
LCPS's initiative to help identify and support students with their overall wellness has tasked each school with providing a team consisting of a School Counselor, School Social Worker, School Psychologist, Student Assistance Specialist, Educational Diagnostician, Health Clinic Specialist, Special Education Supervisor, School Nurse/health Clinic Specialist, Attendance Officer, Behavioral Specialist, and Administrators. The team is responsible for coordinating and providing a continuum of school-based prevention and intervention supports and services to address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs in students whose difficulties affect their school functioning. This team meets monthly to discuss the school's overall efforts in supports students social, emotional, mental, and behavioral needs; the team is identified as the Unified Mental Health Team. Please refer to LCPS's Mental and Behavior Supports page for more information and resources.
Meet the Team
Kathryn Clark – Principal
My name is Kathryn Clark and I am in my sixth year as principal of Stone Hill Middle School. I am so excited to serve as a member of the Unified Mental Health Team at SHMS. This is my 19th year in education and I have served in many roles. Prior to becoming principal, I taught both middle and high school mathematics in Roanoke and Loudoun Counties. I then served as a grade-level dean for three years at River Bend Middle School before coming to SHMS as an assistant principal.
I strongly recognize as a leader that it is important for us to support our students socially, emotionally, and academically to help prepare them for future success. I maintain my own mental health and wellness by spending time with my family, playing/watching sports, crafting, baking, and reading.
Ed Chi - Assistant Principal
Hello Stingrays and Stingray families. This is assistant principal, Ed Chi and I am very eager and excited to serve the students, families, staff and community of Stone Hill Middle School for the 21-22 school year. I love working with middle school children and the adults who work with them. I have 22 total years of experience in middle school education and 7 years of experience as an assistant principal. I moved to Loudoun County to help open Stone Hill Middle School and taught 6th grade science for 4 years. I was also Stone Hill Middle School’s 8th grade dean for 4 years. This will be my eighth year as an assistant principal. I will be the Special Education Designee for the 2021-22 school year.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and biology at SUNY Geneseo, a master’s degree in science education at New York University and a master’s degree in education leadership at George Mason University.
When I am not with my Stone Hill family, I enjoy being with my own. My wife and I are kept pretty busy with our 9th grader and 4th grader. We take them on outdoor adventures, weekly library trips and can build with Legos and craft for hours.
I believe that learning is a community effort and we here at Stone Hill do everything it takes to ensure that students learn and are afforded every opportunity for success. I also believe in listening before speaking. Feel free to reach out to me via phone or email.
Jaclyn Royster - Assistant Principal
I am Jaclyn Royster, assistant principal. I am thrilled to continue to be a part of the Unified Mental Health Team here at Stone Hill Middle School. I have been a part of the Stone Hill Stingray family since the Fall of 2012. I was first a Learning Specialist for years before I transitioned into my role as Dean. I have had the experience working with all grade levels as a Dean and am always amazed at how much our students grow into young adults over the years.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities so when I need a little mental health pick up, I always rely on quality time with my husband and dogs. Sometimes we like to put everything down and all enjoy a movie together or other times we will head outside for a walk. I love to listen to all types of music but classical music always grounds me mentally.
Kelly Robucci - Dean, 6th Grade
I am Mrs. Robucci and I am the current 6th grade dean. I have been a part of the Stone Hill family for over 4 years and am excited to be participating in the Unified Mental Health Team. Before working at SHMS, I was an English teacher in Virginia for 8 years. I strive to support all students, families, and staff in making positive relationships, deep connections, and encouraging a fun, exciting, and challenging school year. I always want to encourage kids to find that work/life balance and remember to have fun!
When not in school, I love to read and spend time with my family to focus on that work/life balance to maintain being mentally and emotionally healthy and strong.
Matthew Frye - Dean, 7th Grade
My name is Matt Frye and I’m the current 7th Grade Dean at Stone Hill Middle School. I’m in my fifth year at SHMS, and I’m so glad to be part of the Unified Mental Health Team. Before becoming a dean, I taught all three grade levels and served as the English Subject Area Lead Teacher. When I’m not in school, I love spending time in West Virginia with my family or traveling the world with my friends. While I’m not a great cook, I’m excellent at making reservations and I love trying new restaurants on the weekends!
We all have rough days from time to time, and sometimes those days turn into rough seasons in our lives. For me, positive friends help me get through the tough times. I think it’s so important to surround yourself with people who will lift you up, encourage you, and be a positive influence in your life.
David Garey- Dean, 8th Grade
I am David Garey, the current 8th-grade dean. Some of my favorite things include saltwater (beach), reading, exercising, bird watching, Washington sports, conducting science experiments, and enjoying the small things in life with his family.
Sarah O'Brien - Lead Counselor
I am Sarah O’Brien, the lead school counselor and a member of the Unified Mental Health Team here at Stone Hill! This is my seventh year at Stone Hill and love being a part of the Stone Hill family and community. This year I will continue to work with our students who receive Special Education and English Language learning services. I am looking forward to another successful year supporting our students with anything they need and building positive relationships!
Self-care is an important part of life. To keep up with my own mental health and wellness, I love spending time with my family especially my two amazing children!
Monique Haislip - Counselor, 6th Grade
I’m the 6th Grade Counselor and a member of the United Mental Health Team at Stone Hill Middle School. Middle school is an exciting time of development and transition, and it’s my privilege to work with the students, staff, and families that make up the Stone Hill community. As school counselor and UMHT member, my role is to support, empower, educate, and advocate for students’ success as well as their mental health and wellbeing.
I have been passionate about health and wellbeing from a young age! I’ve always enjoyed being physically active and eating nutritious food, which helps me manage stress and approach each day with energy and optimism. To promote my mental health, I make time to do things I enjoy. I cook, work out, spend time with friends and family, and get outside. A good night’s sleep is also a major priority!
Yvonne Jackson - Counselor, 7th Grade
I am the 7th grade counselor and a member of the United Mental Health Team at Stone Hill Middle. My role as a school counselor includes supporting and advocating for students to ensure their wellbeing. As a UMHT member, I am excited to collaborate with school personnel, parents and the Stone Hill community to promote mental wellness.
I maintain my mental health by reading, spending time outdoors, creating new memories with my family and learning new hands-on activities. I also prioritize getting a good night’s rest to allow my body to recharge. Prioritizing my mental health needs allows me to be more attentive and well-balanced!
Jennifer Alberth - Counselor, 8th Grade
I am in my 25th year as a middle school counselor in Loudoun County and my 13th year at Stone Hill Middle. I am very excited to continue working with the students and families that started with me as sixth graders, as well as meeting all of our new students this year!
I received my Bachelor of Arts dual degree in Psychology and Health and Human Services, as well as a Masters in School Counseling, at the University of Buffalo. After moving to the Northern Virginia area, I worked in the Sterling, VA area for over a decade before moving to the Ashburn area.
I love to spend my free time doing fun things with my high school daughter including traveling and helping out with the marching band activities!
Anne Kayser - School Psychologist
My name is Anne Kayser and I serve as the School Psychologist and a member of the Unified Mental Health Team at Stone Hill Middle School. As a school psychologist I reflect on student's social-emotional and academic development while appraising various supports implemented through the Unified Mental Health team. By offering consultation, mental health support, and thoughtful assessment I support families and students through mental health and/or academic challenges. I aspire to grow students' resiliency by tapping into their sources of support and building on their strengths.
For self-care, I enjoy spending time with my family. We often spend the weekends outside walking local nature trails or attending local events and festivals.
Jennifer Laible - Educational Diagnostician
My name is Jen Laible and I am a member of the United Mental Health Team at Stone Hill Middle School. This is my eleventh year as the Educational Diagnostician at Stone Hill and I also work at Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School. I love working at Stone Hill!
In my free time to maintain my own mental health and wellness, I enjoy spending time with my children, family, and friends, practicing yoga, reading, cooking and coaching soccer!
Rochon Moore Bumgardner - Social Worker
I am the school social worker for Stone Hill Middle School and excited to be a member of the Stone Hill Unified Mental Health Team. I am dedicated to supporting the whole child and their families through mental health support, resources, and access for socio-emotional wellness and academic achievement. I find it important to celebrate each child for their unique gifts and allow them to share those gifts for their personal success.
I constantly seek ways to promote self-care for better mental health and wellness. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and supporting my children in their various sports and activities.
Fiona Brown - Student Assistance Specialist
I am the Student Assistance Specialist assigned to the Rock Ridge -Stone Hill cluster. I am passionate about my work on the Unified Mental Health Team which allows me to use my clinical experience to get creative about improving the well-being of all students while also providing individualized support to students at-risk for substance use. I enjoy speaking to groups of students, staff and parents about mental health and substance use so we can support one another as a community. Another aspect I love about my work as a SAS is that I have the unique ability to continue supporting students as they journey from Stone Hill to Rock Ridge. I am lucky to be able to make connections with the Stone Hill students that last throughout their high school career. Working in the field of mental health means I am constantly inspired to remain present with my own family and friends and make time for the things I love like watching movies, getting active outside, and traveling.
Carol Miller - Student Support Nurse
My name is Carol Miller, R.N. and I am your School Nurse. I am starting my 13th year here in Loudoun County Public Schools. My background is in Community Health Nursing and I have lived in Loudoun County for 24 years. I am the proud mother of two daughters who also attended and loved being students in LCPS! My likes-the beach, listening to music, and spending time with my family and friends! I love being a school nurse too and enjoy working with the families in the Stone Hill MS community to keep the students healthy and ready to learn. To help myself maintain a good sense of well-being and positive mental health, I enjoy walking and being out in nature!
Gary Brown- Safety and Security Officer
I’m originally from Columbus, OH and after college, I served eight years in the Army.
Upon discharge, I began a long rewarding career in law enforcement spanning over 30 years and finally retiring in 2020.
I am married to my beautiful wife, Antonya, for 37 years and we have one adult son, John, who is married and he is currently serving in the Air Force.
The urge to go back to work kept pulling at me and I wanted to be in an environment where I could continue to serve and make a difference with our youth. Being a longtime resident of the Ashburn area, I chose to be a School Security Officer in Loudoun County Public Schools as the next chapter in my life. I am very excited and looking forward to being a member of the Stone Hill MS family!
I maintain positive mental health by my desire to give back to my community by volunteering as a Rotarian, inspiring our youth, teaching, and training basketball players, and maintaining my physical wellness.
Stephen Epple - Student Resource Officer
I am Steven Epple and work as a school resource officer with Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. I have been in law enforcement for over 25 years. I have worked in the school system as an SRO for nearly 10 years. I will say it has been the most rewarding for me and truly replicates Community Policing. I believe in “Prevention Through Education” and empowering our future, which is our students.
Away from work I enjoy being outdoors for sure. I prefer to be near or around water for swimming and relaxing. I share my free time with my family. I have two wonderful children and a supportive wife, so I am blessed. Both of my kids play soccer and I like seeing them smile while having fun. Helps though I genuinely love all sports.
Life has so many obstacles and we are challenged every day. I remember hearing life is like a roller coaster with ups and downs. I try to learn from those downs and live those ups to the fullest. Life is precious and we are all here for an unknown amount of time, so I want to enjoy it! I stay focused on making the best of everything even if it is difficult. I personally feel this helps me keep a positive outlook and brings the best out of those around me.
I’m always willing to help another person and never give up on anyone!