Embedded Files
District Administration
District Administration
Raphael Morales
Director of Student Services
Director of Student Services
Blair Eiseman
Blair Eiseman
Director of Programs & Professional Development
Director of Programs & Professional Development
SEL Team Leaders
SEL Team Leaders
Dr. Brian Eichert, Psy.D.
Behavioral Health Coordinator
"My experience with SEL started when I was a pre-doctoral graduate student at Rutgers, where I worked as an SEL Facilitator and then Project Lead in the Rutgers Social-Emotional and Character Development lab led by Dr. Maurice Elias. I believe SEL is important because it is the gateway to effective education. Research shows us that effective learning occurs through an emotional experience. Therefore, students need to be able to understand how to regulate their emotions and navigate social situations effectively in order to be able to fully access their academic learning. Additionally, SEL is the foundation to help students prepare for the ever-evolving world outside of the school setting."
Michele Santamaria-Collado, Ed.M.
Supervisor of Special Education
"My experience w/SEL began in 2012 under the supervision of Dr. Maurice Elias. Together with a team of colleagues & RU graduate students, I created, implemented & supervised an SEL curriculum. I collected feedback & data from students/staff & continued to monitor & adjust the curriculum & positive school climate change. Through the SEL curriculum & on behalf of the school, I accepted the award for a Promising SEL Practice in 2016, a School of Character Award & a National School of Character Award in 2017. In 2019, I joined the SBSD's SEL team and in 2020 I began RU's advanced SEL certification program. I believe SEL is important because it provides individuals with the prerequisite skills for success in all areas of life. It teaches us how to manage our emotions in order to feel empathy for others & make sound, responsible decisions throughout our lives."
Amy Finkelstein, LCSW
Supervisor of Student Assistance and Wellness
"I have been helping to develop and oversee district SEL practices in my role as the supervisor of school counselors, as well as a member of the district's core SEL team. My focus has been on embedding the core competencies in all aspects of curriculum, providing SEL supports to all students, and working with our district's nurses and counselors to incorporate SEL practices in their lessons and daily activities."
"I believe all students and staff would benefit from improving skills that will help them to be better problem-solvers and communicators. Whatever path our students choose to follow, they should leave our district knowing how to empathize with others, understand opposing points of view, and manage their own emotions."
Dr. Rebecca Hye, Psy.D.
Behavioral Health Coordinator
"Throughout my 20+ years working in education, I have worked to support students as a school psychologist, behavior specialist, and now behavioral health coordinator. I am passionate about supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral growth. I believe that social-emotional learning (SEL) is the foundation for student success, helping children develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, positive relationships, and effective problem-solving skills. By fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment, we empower students to build resilience, navigate challenges, and thrive both academically and personally. My goal is to help every student feel understood, connected, and equipped with the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond."
SEL Team
SEL Team
Laura Cervino - Assistant Principal, Brunswick Acres Elementary School
"As an elementary assistant principal, I am proud to serve on the district SEL Committee because I believe social-emotional learning is fundamental to students’ academic success and overall well-being. In my daily work, I strive to create a school environment where students feel safe, valued, and connected. Whether supporting students through challenges, helping them navigate peer relationships, collaborating with teachers, or fostering a positive school climate, I recognize the importance of intentionally building social-emotional skills into everyday experiences. SEL isn’t something we teach only during a lesson; it’s built into our everyday interactions, the relationships we develop, and the way we support students as they grow."
Dr. Jack Medina - Supervisor of Middle School ELA & 6-12 Social Studies
"As a 6–8 ELA and 6–12 Social Studies supervisor, my SEL foundation stems from my background as a middle school teacher, coach, and instructional leader. I view SEL as key to secondary academic success, helping students engage with real-world issues, grapple with diverse viewpoints, and build community in a complex world."
Alicia Dinis - Preschool Social Worker
As a Preschool social worker, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is important to me because it helps build a strong foundation for our youngest learners in developing positive relationships, emotional regulation, and essential social skills. SEL is important in my role because it allows me to support the whole child by helping students develop coping skills, positive behaviors, problem-solving strategies, and healthy ways to express their feelings and emotions. It also allows me to collaborate with teachers and families to provide individualized support that meets each child's unique needs.
Lisa Manganello - Librarian, South Brunswick High School
As a school librarian, I make reading recommendations, book purchases, and plan library programs that support the social emotional learning of my students. My partner librarian, Kate Hanusosky and I work hard to make the SBHS Library a safe space by offering mirrors, windows, and doors for all students through literature and learning. Through community programs like South Brunswick Reads, our Multiple Perspectives Book Club, and other reading initiatives, we build an environment of inclusion and kindness that benefits all.
Sue Dailey - School Counselor, Crossroads North
Laraub Prizada - School Counselor, Crossroads North
Alice Priano - School Counselor, Brooks Crossing
Hillary Jenne - Substance Abuse Counselor, Monmouth Junction
Bruce Boehm - Dean of Students, Crossroads South
Chad Tieger - Doctoral Behavior Specialist Intern, SBHS
Do you have resources to share?
Do you have resources to share?
For inquires, contact the SBSD SEL Committee at selcommittee@sbschools.org
For inquires, contact the SBSD SEL Committee at selcommittee@sbschools.org
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