One of WTA’s core values is commitment to best self (מצוינות עצמית). We are thrilled to continue to build an even more robust student services team to support this core value. Under the oversight of Nellie Harris, Associate Head of School, our support staff will ensure that each student and family is guided through the process of assessing and addressing their learning, developmental and social-emotional needs.

Early Childhood

In partnership with Westchester Jewish Community Services Project Seed, our Early Childhood Social Worker, Jen Schmelkin, works closely with our twos, threes, fours, their teachers and families. Jen brings extensive early childhood experience from her work as a Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) social worker in both preschool programs and elementary schools. When areas of challenge are identified, Jen collaborates with teachers and parents to ensure proper support is put in place, through coaching, existing services, applying for and implementing new services. Note that since WJCS and District Services identify kindergarten as Lower School, our student support services will follow this model.

Lower School

Our School Psychologist, who we will introduce soon, works directly with Kindergarten-4th grade for social emotional questions and challenges. She meets not only with children, teachers and parents on an individualized basis, but also implements social-emotional learning in the classrooms. She will also actively assess student academic needs when challenges arise.

Lois Rednick, our Lower School Student Services Coordinator, facilitates the Student Learning Center, guides parents through the process of obtaining and implementing district and private services, and meets with students one on one or in small groups as needed. With decades of special education experience and three years running WTA’s Student Learning Center, Morah Lois brings a wealth of familiarity with our students, district services and child development. 

Middle School

Rachel Mendelson, now entering her third year at WTA, continues to serve as Dean of Students for the Middle School. She meets regularly  with students to address social and emotional needs, directs middle school special programming, and partners with Morah Ingrid to ensure a seamless integration of student services.

Ingrid Hauptman is the Director of Middle School Student Services. With a background in special education and IEP development, Morah Ingrid is deeply familiar with advocating for and implementing systems and services for student learning. Under Morah Ingrid’s leadership, students' needs are assessed, in consultation with both parents and teachers, to determine what supports would best meet each student’s needs. Morah Ingrid offers resources, group work, and one-on-one support for executive functioning, skill-based remediation, as well as general curricular support. 

Financial Model

Our school is committed to helping children qualify for CPSE or CSE services when possible. WTA’s financial model provides a base tuition that prioritizes financial attainability. When a student requires a school resource room or private services, the support team will ascertain how best to meet those needs. Parents of students who can benefit from the Student Learning Center and agree to participate, will pay an additional fee, less than half that of a personal tutor, without having to extend the length of the child’s day or arrange transportation to and from a tutoring session.