The Child Study Team involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals responsible for locating, identifying, and evaluating students to determine eligibility for Special Education and related services and, where necessary, develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students suspected of having educational disabilities.
The Norwood Child Study Team comprises a Learning-Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC), a School Psychologist, and a School Social Worker. If there is a concern regarding speech and/or language impairments, a Speech-Language Specialist or other specialists may also join the team as needed.
The CST has several important roles and responsibilities, which include:
Evaluating students to assess their academic, behavioral, and emotional needs.
Determining eligibility for special education services based on the evaluation results.
Providing related services (such as speech therapy, counseling, etc.) to support students' educational progress.
Consulting with both special and general education staff to ensure students are receiving the best support.
Designing and implementing strategies to address and prevent educational difficulties, helping students succeed in school.
Case Manager
Each student who is being evaluated for special education services is assigned a Case Manager, who is also a member of the Child Study Team. The Case Manager plays a critical role in coordinating the development, monitoring, and assessment of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). They ensure the program is tailored to meet the student's unique needs and that it is effectively supporting their learning.
The Case Manager is the primary point of contact for parents, after the classroom teacher. They help facilitate communication between the school and home, ensuring that parents are kept informed and involved throughout the process. The Case Manager also ensures that all aspects of the IEP are being followed and provides support to both families and educators as needed.
Bonnie Malora, LDT-C
201-768-6363 x60124
Mrs. Malora is an experienced Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant and educator with a passion for supporting children's learning and development. She earned her B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Delaware and went on to obtain her M.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University. As a certified Learning Disability Teacher Consultant, Bonnie has been an integral part of the Norwood Public School community since 1994, initially teaching kindergarten for 19 years before transitioning to her current role. A dedicated member of the New Jersey Association of Learning Consultants, Bonnie is committed to advocating for children and ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive. Her deep care for children drives her work and inspires those around her.
Debra Cicchetti, LCSW
201-768-6363 x 60125
Mrs. Cicchetti is an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She works with families to address issues that may impact a student's learning and well-being, connecting them with resources and support services. Mrs Cicchetti provides direct services to students, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and case management.
Mrs. Ciccheti is also Norwood's SEL Specialist. As a social emotional learning specialist, she helps school staff, including teachers and administrators, understand SEL and how to implement it in the classroom. Mrs. Cicchetti has a background in the mental health field. In addition, she has a deep knowledge of the research behind SEL techniques and knows which techniques work best with different types of students.
For more information, please visit Mrs. Cicchetti's website: Norwood's Social Emotional Learning Toolkit.
Catherine Stanzione, Psy.D.
201-768-6363 x 60130
As a School Psychologist, Dr. Stanzione plays a crucial role in supporting the mental health, emotional well-being, and academic success of students. Dr. Stanzione's work is to assess, diagnose, and provide interventions for students who may be experiencing difficulties related to learning, behavior, or emotional challenges. She regularly collaborates with teachers, parents, and administrators to create effective strategies for improving student performance and addressing any barriers to learning.
Dr. Stanzione provides counseling services to students dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other personal issues and develops individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
Dr. Timothy Gouraige
Superintendent of Schools
Ms. Nicole Kuhrt (as of July 1st)
Supervisor of Special Services
201-768-6363 x60249
Linda Weissenborn
Child Study Team Secretary
201-768-6363 x60122