NH Wellness - About

The Wellness Center is led by a full-time Supervisor of Wellness who oversees the coordination and delivery of comprehensive services that support students' physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Our team also includes a licensed Mental Health Social Worker and two social work interns who provide counseling and mental health support. Working collaboratively with our School Nurses, we take an integrated approach to addressing the diverse health needs of our students and fostering their overall well-being.

Our Team

Dr. Jessica Verdicchio, DSW, LCSW

Supervisor of Wellness & Equity

Dr. Verdicchio has been a Social Worker at Northern Highlands for the past 22 years. In July 2020, Dr. Verdicchio began as the Supervisor of Wellness & Equity at NH, where she oversees the Wellness Center and its programming along with the Physical Education & Health department. 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, Rook coffee, reading, and spending time with friends and family at the beach.

Ms. Natalie Molion, MSW, LCSW

Wellness Social Worker

Ms. Molion, will be joining Northern Highlands this year as a School Social Worker in the Wellness Department. While she is new to Northern Highlands, she has five years of experience working in schools with students in grades K–12. Ms. Molion earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Ramapo College and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from NYU. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and binge-watching TV shows. She is excited to be part of the Northern Highlands community!

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.

Ms. Rebecca Kaye

Ms. Kaye will be joining the wellness team this year as a social work intern in the Wellness department. She is currently pursuing her Advanced Standing Master's in Social Work, along with a certificate in Promoting Child & Adolescent Well-Being, at Rutgers University. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a minor in Secondary Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of school, she loves spending time with family, going on long walks, and doing Pilates. She is so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community!

Ms. Erin VanAlstyne

Ms. Van Alstyne will be joining the wellness department this year as a social work intern. She is currently working toward her master's in social work at Ramapo College and completed her Bachelor's in psychology at the College of Charleston, with a minor in environmental and sustainability studies. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her kitten. She is excited to become a part of the Northern Highlands community!