Our Staff

Transition Program Coordinator/Special Education Teacher

Jessica has worked for Ridgefield Public Schools for 4 years and has 10 years of experience working as a Transition Coordinator, supporting young adults to obtain their post-school goals. Jess shares that the Ridgefield Community has been one of the most inclusive communities for individuals to develop skills needed to live meaningful, engaging and active adult lives . Since the start of her time in RPS, Jess has had the amazing opportunity to cultivate over 30+ fantastic community partners who continue to support the growing needs of the transition program. Jess enjoys cooking, baking and spending time with her adorable "staffy" pup, Hazel Mae.  

Special Education Teacher

Hi, my name is Whitney Lok-DeFino.  This is my first year in the Ridgefield Transition Program.  For the previous fifteen years, I taught general education in a nearby district; and prior to that, I spent five years as a special education teacher in New York and Virginia.  As a Ridgefield resident and a proud mother of two recent RHS graduates, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to this community through my work with RTP.  My favorite part about RTP is empowering students to achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency by providing tailored support in employment readiness, independent living skills, and postsecondary education.  It gives me great joy to help my adult students develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in adulthood and in our community at large.  When I am not working, I love to practice mindfulness to stay grounded, take long walks with my husband and our dog, Teddy, and spend time with family and friends.

School Psychologist

My name is Megan Calderwood and I am one of the school psychologists working with the Ridgefield Transition Program.  I have been a school psych in Ridgefield since 2014, and I started at RHS/RTP in early 2015.  Back then, our transition program only had three students, and I am so proud of how the program has grown and expanded to meet the needs of our students and the community.  My favorite thing about RTP is the flexibility that we have to truly individualize programs for all of our students so that we are not only able to meet their needs, but also match their personal goals and interests.  When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I love to travel.  A fun fact about me is that I have dual citizenship in Ireland, which is one of my favorite places to visit.

School Social Worker

I have been a social worker since 1996 and have primarily focused on the well-being of children and families.  Prior to working in the public school system, I worked as an LCSW for Danbury Hospital in the CCATS program and as the Clinical Supervisor for Children's Services at the Arch Bridge Therapeutic School.  My favorite thing about the RTP program is the space it gives adult students to grow their independence while still supported by the RHS School community.  The staff is fantastic and are student centered.  I feel fortunate to stay connected with some of my students from RHS who are attending RTP. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy building adult LEGO sets as a hobby.

Speech and Language Pathologist

I have worked for 27 years as a Speech and Language Pathologist and this is my 2nd year at RPS. My favorite part about Ridgefield Transition Program, is the team approach everyone takes in supporting students. A Fun fact about me is - I incorporate humor into everything I do!

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

My name is Jess Lyons. I'm one of the district-wide Board Certified Behavior Analysts for Ridgefield Public Schools. I've been a BCBA for almost 11 years, and I've been at Ridgefield Public School for five years- all of which have been with the Transition Program (in addition to other programs in district)! My favorite thing about RTP is seeing the students become active members of their community through recreational and vocational opportunities. When I'm not working, I teach colorguard and marching band at Cheshire High School. 

School Psychologist

Occupational Therapist

Speech and Language Pathologist

Matilda is one of our Speech and Language Pathologist's (SLP). This is Matilda's third year working at Ridgefield Public School's and her 19th year as an SLP. Matilda shares that she "absolutely loves being a part of Ridgefield Public Schools... The town is beautiful, the students are amazing and the staff members are all wonderful, welcoming and knowledgeable." In her spare time, Matilda enjoys caring for her chickens, her garden and cooking.