Pupil Services Support consist of the following: School Counseling, School Psychology, School Social Work and Nurse. We work in collaboration with school administrators to provide comprehensive strategies, interventions, and programs that provide support to students academic, career, and personal/social development, while also working to remove barriers to learning.

School psychologists apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. We partner with families, teachers, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. School psychologists help others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior. We provide counseling for youth in an individual or group setting. School psychologists support students who may be dealing with a mental health crisis and need a risk assessment due to suicidal ideation. In addition, the school psychologist has special training to administer and interpret the findings of a variety of assessments for special education evaluations. We serve as the 504 Coordinator and Building Coordinator (initial special education referral) within the school building.

Welcome to Milwaukee School of Languages! My name is Sara Janecek (pronouns: she/her/hers) and I am the full-time school psychologist at MSL. I have been working at MSL for the past 18 years which has nurtured many friendships with colleagues that will last a lifetime. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology (minor in criminology & Spanish) from Marquette University and my master's degree in educational psychology with an emphasis in school psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a school psychologist, I truly enjoy making connections with youth, listening to students who often feel they don’t have a voice, and empowering youth to be their best self. I love being a catalyst for shifting adults’ perspectives to see a student in a new, positive, and hopeful light. I feel so fortunate to be in a position where I am able to advocate on behalf of students and families, working towards ensuring equity and promoting growth.

When I am not working, I love to workout, bake delicious desserts, camp with my family, and take walks with my French Bulldog, Bear.

The School Social Worker serves as a primary link for the student between school, home, and the community. School social workers use a strength-based approach to provide support and resources to students who are struggling with emotional, behavioral, and/or social issues that may be interfering with their academic success or impacts their peer and family relationships. School social workers connect families to community resources to ensure that their basic needs are being met. School social workers conduct social academic intervention groups and can provide individual counseling, when appropriate. School social workers support youth who may be dealing with a mental health crisis and need a risk assessment due to suicidal ideation. School social workers work collaboratively with students and families to reduce barriers that can impact a student's school attendance.

Hi! My name is Rachel Gaffke (pronouns: she/her/hers) and I am the full-time school social worker at Milwaukee School of Languages. I have previously worked at other MPS schools and in the School District of Menomonee Falls. Before becoming a school social worker in 2010, I worked as a social worker at La Causa and the AIDS Resource Center. I have also worked at Rogers Memorial Hospital. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology and my master's degree in social work, with a certificate in school social work, from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

I am a proud MPS graduate and attended Longfellow Elementary, Walker Middle School and Milwaukee High school of the Arts. As a teenager, I volunteered at Walker's Point Youth and Family Center. This experience, along with my MPS and Milwaukee upbringing, lead to my desire to be a school social worker in MPS. I truly enjoy being able to collaborate with our students and families to help them achieve the best educational experience possible and eliminating barriers that can impact their success.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My hobbies include walking my dog, reading, dancing, baking and yoga!

Hello! My name Bonness Greer and 2020 is my first year with Milwaukee School of Languages. I am a part time school social worker. I also spend the other half of my time at MacDowell Montessori School. Before becoming a school social worker, I was a crisis stabilizer for Wraparound Milwaukee. I have also created resume building classes and facilitated sporting events in the community for the youth. I received my undergraduate degree in Social Work, and my master’s degree in social work at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

I am an MPS alumni and I attended Allen Field, Morgandale, and Hamilton High School. I am excited to now be servicing the same district that I grew up in. My goal is to empower children and leave them with the emotional and mental tools to think for themselves and be successful. I also strive for eliminating the achievement gap.

When I am not working, I enjoy working out, listening to music, play video games and cooking!

Pronouns: He/Him/His