About Us
The Wakefield Public Schools Student Support Services Team
strives to assist our students in successfully managing their school day in order to support learning
strives to assist our students in successfully managing their school day in order to support learning
- Social emotional health and wellness are important factors in finding success at school and a priority for our team.
- We address challenges daily that arise during the school day with all members of our student community.
- If these challenges become persistent or pervasive, our team's specific school and grade liaison will contact you to discuss more formal communication and support arrangements.
- If you have a concern about your child's social emotional success at school, please contact the specific school liaison team member below.
- This student support services team member will assess your concerns, consult with the academic and administrative team to determine support offerings, and follow up with recommendations.
- This team is also available as a resource to parents and guardians to provide information regarding additional community support services within Wakefield and the surrounding communities.
- These external services can be valuable in supporting the whole child.
- The student support team collaborates with students, families, faculty, administrators, community members, and partner agencies.
Mental Health and Wellness
Wakefield residents of all ages can use the free, confidential INTERFACE referral service to get matched with licensed mental health and wellness providers. Each referral is tailored to the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the individual. You can call 1-888-244-6843 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or start the process online. If you are in a crisis, call or text the 24-hour Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445, visit www.masshelpline.com, or call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Recovery and Support
The Town of Wakefield, in partnership with Eliot Community Human Services, has a recovery coach supporting those in need of assistance with substance-use related issues. Tracy Ascolillo Rizzo helps individuals navigate the care system, builds relationships throughout their transition, and helps support behavior changes in their journeys toward recovery. Tracy introduces treatment options that best address her clients’ needs and provides guidance and support through all phases of the recovery process. Tracy can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 781-879-2117. If you or a loved one is interested in attending self-help meetings or support groups, view our local schedule guide.
Children and Family Resources
Wakefield Public Schools has a Student Support Services Team with expertise in the unique needs of our young residents. In addition to the challenges students face in the classroom, the team can also assist with concerns outside of the school environment. They are able to suggest resources for students facing feelings of anxiety and depression, exhibiting signs of self-harm or eating disorders, or working through a divorce or family trauma. Learn more about the team and find contact information.
Food Insecurity
According to a recent Greater Boston Food Bank study, one in three adults living in Massachusetts experiences food insecurity. Wakefield’s Food Pantry has seen increasing needs in our community over the last few years and, in 2022, served approximately 575 households here in Wakefield.
The Pantry, located in the Americal Civic Center, is open to residents on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In addition to the main facility at 467 Main Street, the Pantry operates specialized programs for seniors, Veterans, and children. Learn more about their programs or call 781-245-2510.
Several Wakefield-based organizations host free community dinners each month so residents can enjoy a hot meal and conversation. Refer to page two of our resource guide for locations, times, and contact information (in English or español).
Domestic Violence
Mollie Bracken, Domestic Violence Counselor, provides counseling and support to survivors of domestic and dating violence. She can guide Wakefield residents on legal rights, connect survivors to emergency shelter and financial support, and help families navigate resources. Mollie can be reached at [email protected] or 617-625-5996.
Get in Touch
If the websites, guides, and contact lists overwhelm you, feel free to get in touch for personal guidance. Jason Stone, Wakefield’s Social Services Manager, can help connect you to the programs you need, including fuel assistance, SNAP and MassHealth, mental health and wellness resources, and more. Jason has office hours at the Health and Human Services office at 5 Common Street and at the Civic Center at 467 Main Street. Connect with him at 781-670-4935 or [email protected].
Wakefield residents of all ages can use the free, confidential INTERFACE referral service to get matched with licensed mental health and wellness providers. Each referral is tailored to the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the individual. You can call 1-888-244-6843 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or start the process online. If you are in a crisis, call or text the 24-hour Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445, visit www.masshelpline.com, or call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Recovery and Support
The Town of Wakefield, in partnership with Eliot Community Human Services, has a recovery coach supporting those in need of assistance with substance-use related issues. Tracy Ascolillo Rizzo helps individuals navigate the care system, builds relationships throughout their transition, and helps support behavior changes in their journeys toward recovery. Tracy introduces treatment options that best address her clients’ needs and provides guidance and support through all phases of the recovery process. Tracy can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 781-879-2117. If you or a loved one is interested in attending self-help meetings or support groups, view our local schedule guide.
Children and Family Resources
Wakefield Public Schools has a Student Support Services Team with expertise in the unique needs of our young residents. In addition to the challenges students face in the classroom, the team can also assist with concerns outside of the school environment. They are able to suggest resources for students facing feelings of anxiety and depression, exhibiting signs of self-harm or eating disorders, or working through a divorce or family trauma. Learn more about the team and find contact information.
Food Insecurity
According to a recent Greater Boston Food Bank study, one in three adults living in Massachusetts experiences food insecurity. Wakefield’s Food Pantry has seen increasing needs in our community over the last few years and, in 2022, served approximately 575 households here in Wakefield.
The Pantry, located in the Americal Civic Center, is open to residents on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In addition to the main facility at 467 Main Street, the Pantry operates specialized programs for seniors, Veterans, and children. Learn more about their programs or call 781-245-2510.
Several Wakefield-based organizations host free community dinners each month so residents can enjoy a hot meal and conversation. Refer to page two of our resource guide for locations, times, and contact information (in English or español).
Domestic Violence
Mollie Bracken, Domestic Violence Counselor, provides counseling and support to survivors of domestic and dating violence. She can guide Wakefield residents on legal rights, connect survivors to emergency shelter and financial support, and help families navigate resources. Mollie can be reached at [email protected] or 617-625-5996.
Get in Touch
If the websites, guides, and contact lists overwhelm you, feel free to get in touch for personal guidance. Jason Stone, Wakefield’s Social Services Manager, can help connect you to the programs you need, including fuel assistance, SNAP and MassHealth, mental health and wellness resources, and more. Jason has office hours at the Health and Human Services office at 5 Common Street and at the Civic Center at 467 Main Street. Connect with him at 781-670-4935 or [email protected].
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WAKEFIELD MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
David Robinson: Guidance Director
Brian Robertson: Guidance Counselor
Kathryn Healey: Guidance Counselor
Meg Delory: Guidance Counselor
Rick McKenna: Guidance Counselor
Victor Branco: School Psychologist
Rebecca Gordon: School Psychologist
Andrea Keough: School Adjustment Counselor
Suzanne Burns: School Adjustment Counselor
Dylan Scott: School Adjustment Counselor: PAL Program
Justine Thomas: School Adjustment Counselor: Bridge Program
GALVIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Andrew Cedrone: School Counselor: Grade 8
Bonnie Warren: School Counselor: Grade 7
Dorie Blieden: School Counselor: Grade 6
Jennifer Hart: School Counselor: Grade 5
Lauren MacIsaac: School Counselor: Special Programs
Kate Hersman: School Psychologist: Grades 7&8
Caroline Boyd: School Psychologist: Grades 5&6
Andrew Cedrone: School Counselor: Grade 8
Bonnie Warren: School Counselor: Grade 7
Dorie Blieden: School Counselor: Grade 6
Jennifer Hart: School Counselor: Grade 5
Lauren MacIsaac: School Counselor: Special Programs
Kate Hersman: School Psychologist: Grades 7&8
Caroline Boyd: School Psychologist: Grades 5&6
DOLBEARE ELEMENTARY
Diana Greider: School Psychologist: All Grades
Emily Bahnsen: School Adjustment Counselor: All Grades
Diana Greider: School Psychologist: All Grades
Emily Bahnsen: School Adjustment Counselor: All Grades
GREENWOOD ELEMENTARY
Jennifer Beardslee: School Psychologist: All Grades
Jennifer Beardslee: School Psychologist: All Grades
WOODVILLE ELEMENTARY
Lianna Levine: School Psychologist: All Grades
Kirsten Sletterink: School Adjustment Counselor: All Grades
Kristen Green: School Adjustment Counselor: STACK Program
Lianna Levine: School Psychologist: All Grades
Kirsten Sletterink: School Adjustment Counselor: All Grades
Kristen Green: School Adjustment Counselor: STACK Program
WALTON ELEMENTARY
Sara Mestjian: School Counselor: All Grades
Cara Fortin: School Psychologist: All Grades
