Exceptional Learners (Spec. Ed)
General Information
The NECSD is dedicated to the goal of improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities and their families. Students with disabilities are identified through a referral and evaluation process as defined through the Part 200 Regulations of New York State.
Once identified, students are eligible to receive supports and services designed to provide access to the general education curriculum. As required by law, supports and services must be provided in the least restrictive environment possible in which a student can realize educational benefit.
In the event you suspect your child may be struggling academically, please contact the principal of the school your child attends and request a meeting to discuss possible interventions. Once interventions are provided and progress is appropriately monitored, a referral to the Committee on Special Education may be completed.
Contact Exceptional Learners
Main Line Phone: (845) 563-8520 | Fax: (845) 563-8529
Michelle McKitty-Bromley — Assistant Superintendent of Exceptional Learners
Email: mmckittybromley@necsd.net
Support Staff
Denise Scanlon
Email: dscanlon@necsd.net | Phone: (845) 563-3415
Rachel Bellarosa
Email: rbellarosa@necsd.net | Phone: (845) 563-3479
Paula Soule
Email: psoule@necsd.net | Phone: (845) 563-8534
VIRTUAL PARENT COUNSELING & TRAINING SESSIONS
A training series for students with disabilities and learning differences and their families. Funded by OPWDD Family Support Services
Oct. 15, 2026 |
6-7 pm |
What is OPWDD? |
This webinar is for parents interested in learning what the Office of People with Disabilities has to offer, what the criteria are for eligibility, and how to begin the process of application. |
Nov. 18, 2026 |
6-7 pm |
Behavior Management/School Discipline |
This training provides understanding of behavior, and its roots. Additionally, we will discuss the district’s responsibly in supporting behaviors and their legal responsibilities regarding discipline. |
Jan. 14, 2027 |
6-7 pm |
IEP 101 |
This workshop will take a deep dive into the Individualized Education Plan. We will look at each section and discuss the purpose/importance of accurate information. |
Mar. 11, 2027 |
6-7 pm |
Guardianship / Power of Attorney / Supported Decision Making |
This training will go over each legal designation and the applications. We will discuss the difference between the three and their implications for a family with an adult who needs support after reaching adulthood. |
To participate in any (or all) of the above parent training sessions, please email Lisa Cohen at cohen@myindependentliving.org for link and any materials we will provide. Any questions regarding the sessions, please feel free to reach out to Lisa Cohen at 845-415-2511, Diane Troeller at (845) 565-1162, ext. 243 or Jennifer Sutton at 845-565-1162, ext. 231.
Exceptional Learners Files
Annual Report to
the Board of Education
A Parent/Guardian Guide to Understanding the CPSE to CSE Transition Process
English | Spanish
Other Documents
(NYSED)
Preparing for your Child's Annual Review | Session Information
Upcoming Events
Guardianship Information Session 2025
Tuesday, March 25th at 6pm
Transition Expo | Moving Beyond High School
Tuesday, April 8th from 6pm - 8pm
TEAM A
| School/Program | Supervisor | Chairperson | Support Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director: Georgia Patchen, 563-3527, gpatchen@necsd.net | |||
| GAMS | Deborah N. Fox, dfox@necsd.net Cell: 845-762-6087 |
Dena Betterton, dbetterton@necsd.net |
Kaylee Politi 563-8531 khurley@necsd.net |
| Fostertown | Deborah N. Fox, dfox@necsd.net Cell: 845-762-6087 |
Dena Betterton, dbetterton@necsd.net |
Kaylee Politi 563-8531 khurley@necsd.net |
| Horizons | Deborah N. Fox, dfox@necsd.net Cell: 845-762-6087 |
Dena Betterton, dbetterton@necsd.net |
Kaylee Politi 563-8531 khurley@necsd.net |
| Heritage Middle School | Denise Blair, dblair@necsd.net Cell: 845-972-2631 |
Dena Betterton, dbetterton@necsd.net |
Kathryn Cramer, 568-6664 kcramer@necsd.net |
| New Windsor | Denise Blair, dblair@necsd.net Cell: 845-972-2631 |
Dena Betterton, dbetterton@necsd.net |
Samani Henry, 568-6663 sahenry@necsd.net |
| ODD, Parentally Placed | Denise Blair, dblair@necsd.net Cell: 845-972-2631 |
Dena Betterton, dbetterton@necsd.net |
Kathryn Cramer, 568-6664 kcramer@necsd.net |
TEAM B
| School/Program | Supervisor | Chairperson | Support Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director: Sherida Moore | shmoore@necsd.net | 845-563-3487 | |||
| South | Amanda Depew, adepew@necsd.net
Cell: 845-745-0521 |
Michelle Quattrone, mquattrone@necsd.net | Kathryn Cramer, 568-6664 kcramer@necsd.net |
| Temple | Amanda Depew, adepew@necsd.net
Cell: 845-745-0521 |
Michelle Quattrone, mquattrone@necsd.net | Monica Perez-Ho, 563-8515 mperezho@necsd.net |
| Balmville | Amanda Depew, adepew@necsd.net
Cell: 845-745-0521 |
Michelle Quattrone, mquattrone@necsd.net | Samani Henry, 568-6663 sahenry@necsd.net |
| Meadow Hill | Heather Bonham, hbonham@necsd.net Cell: 845-685-0575 |
Michelle Quattrone, mquattrone@necsd.net | Monica Perez-Ho, 563-8515 mperezho@necsd.net |
| Gardnertown School | Heather Bonham, hbonham@necsd.net Cell: 845-685-0575 |
Michelle Quattrone, mquattrone@necsd.net |
Kaylee Politi, 563-8531 |
| Vails Gate | Heather Bonham, hbonham@necsd.net Cell: 845-685-0575 |
Michelle Quattrone, mquattrone@necsd.net |
Kaylee Politi, 563-8531 |
TEAM C
| School/Program | Supervisor | Chairperson | Support Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director: Sasha Silverman | shmoore@necsd.net | 845-563-3487 | |||
| NFA Main, NFA North, NFA W - NFA CTE | Melisa Bertuccio, mbertuccio@necsd.net Cell: 845-743-2870 |
TBD | Samani Henry, 568-6663 sahenry@necsd.net |
| CPSE | Melisa Bertuccio, mbertuccio@necsd.net Cell: 845-743-2870 |
Steffanie Jurgens, sjurgens@necsd.net & Jessica Smith, jsmith@necsd.net |
Kathy Foster, 563-8526 kfoster@necsd.net |
