School Psychologist

The School Psychologist are employed by the school as members of the Child Study Team. Each School Psychologist has a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Psychology. The school psychologist has expertise in determining a child’s level of cognitive and conceptual development. In addition the psychologist is concerned with the emotional status of the student, and how both internal and external factors may affect behavior and performance in school.

There are currently four School Psychologists employed in the Hackettstown Public Schools.

 

Sarita Rao Hackettstown High School 908-852-8150 Ext. 2261 [email protected]	Dr. Rao is originally from Texas and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin. After completing her undergraduate studies and due to her growing interest in psychology and working with children, particularly in the educational setting, she decided to further her education and enrolled at Texas A&M where she received her  Doctorate in Philosophy. While in graduate school, she was provided opportunities to work with children of all ages in the school and counseling setting. She moved to New Jersey in 2014 and has been a School Psychologist with the Hackettstown Child Study Team for 5 years.
Nicole Janiec-Stark Willow Grove Elementary School 908-852-2805 Ext. 4232 [email protected]	Ms. Stark graduated from Montclair State University where she received an BA in Psychology and a certificate in Child Advocacy. She obtained a Master's in School Psychology at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. Upon graduating in 2016, she began working in the Keansburg School District at the high school level, and has been a School Psychologist within the Hackettstown School District for the past 4 years at the elementary level.
Barbara Benincasa-McIntyre Hackettstown Middle School 908-852-8554 Ext. 3340 [email protected]	Mrs. Benincasa has been working in the field of psychology and counseling over the past 23 years. She began her education at Fairleigh Dickinson  University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. While pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling, Mrs. Benincasa worked at St. Clare’s Children’s Crisis Intervention Services as a counselor. Her increasing interest in child development and education, ultimately led her to continue her graduate studies, receiving her Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from Seton Hall University. Mrs. Benincasa has enjoyed working with students from pre-K through 8 th grade at her former school district and is now excited to begin a new adventure at Hackettstown School.
Adrienne Huddy Hackettstown Middle School  908-852-8554  Ext. 3335 [email protected]	Mrs. Huddy is so excited to be joining the Hackettstown School District this year!  Mrs. Huddy received a BA in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz and then obtained a Master's degree in School Psychology from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY.  She has worked with children of all ages across several states.  Mrs.Huddy decided to pursue one of her dreams and moved out to Phoenix, Arizona.  She was employed in a public school serving students from preschool through eight grade.  After working there for 13 years, Mrs. Huddy decided to move back to the east coast and bought a home in Sussex County, NJ.  She is very eager to begin her 22nd year as a School Psychologist now employed in the Hackettstown School District.