NH Wellness - About

Our staff consists of a Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) and a Mental Health Social Worker. We work collaboratively with our School Nurses to bridge the physical and mental health needs of our students. A full-time Supervisor of Wellness oversees the center and further enhances the variety and scope of services we offer.

Our Team

Dr. Jessica Verdicchio, DSW, LCSW

Dr. Verdicchio has been a Social Worker at Northern Highlands for the past 21 years. In July 2020, Dr. Verdicchio began as the Supervisor of Wellness & Equity at NH, where she oversees the Wellness Center and its programming. Dr. Verdicchio received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University and her Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) from Rutgers University in 2015. Outside of school, she enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time with friends and family at the beach.

Ms. Allison Rocca, LCSW, LCADC

Ms. Rocca is beginning her 6th year as a Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) at Northern Highlands. Prior to coming to Northern Highlands, she worked within the Guidance department at Don Bosco Prep. Ms. Rocca is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who completed her undergraduate and graduate social work degrees at Ramapo College. She currently holds a Master of Social Work (MSW). Ms. Rocca also holds an LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor). When not at school, she enjoys cooking and taking exercise classes.

Mr. Joseph Torres, LSW

Mr. Torres is beginning his 3rd year as a Wellness Counselor at Northern Highlands. Before coming to Northern Highlands, he worked at Glen Rock MS/HS as a member of their Wellness department. Mr. Torres is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who completed his undergraduate work at Fairfield University and his graduate social work degree at Ramapo College. He currently holds a Master of Social Work (MSW). Mr. Torres is a proud Highlands alumnus. He currently coaches Northern Highlands Boys soccer. When not in school, he enjoys coaching swimming and baseball.

Picture of Ms. Anne Rutkowski school nurse

Ms. Anne Rutkowski, MSN, RN, NJ-CSN

Anne Rutkowski has been a School Nurse at Northern Highlands for the past ten years. Her career spanned a variety of specialties, including Medical-Surgical Nursing, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education. Prior to Northern Highlands, she worked at a Special Needs High School for ten years. During her time off she enjoys spending her days with family and her dog Rosie. Hiking, the beach, and pickleball are some of her favorite activities.

Picture of Mrs. Rachel Weiss school nurse

Mrs. Rachel Weiss MSN, RN, NJ-CSN

Mrs. Weiss is beginning her fourth year as a School Nurse at Northern Highlands. Prior to coming to Northern Highlands, she worked at Paramus Catholic High School as a substitute school nurse. Mrs. Weiss completed her nursing degree at Georgetown University and is currently taking graduate-level classes at New Jersey City University. She has worked in the women and children specialty of nursing for the last 18 years. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog, exercising, and reading.