Meet our School Psychologists

Marianne Ellis | School Psychologist | marianne.ellis@apsva.us | 703-228-8528

Who are school psychologists?

School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.

What do we do?

Assessment: One of the primary duties of school psychologists is assessment. School psychologists assess students suspected of having a disability as part of the process in determining eligibility for special services. A strong aspect of assessment is the collaborative process in which the school psychologist obtains the teachers’ and parents’ perspectives. This allows the school psychologist to develop a comprehensive picture of the student, his or her functioning, and how interventions can be developed.

Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health: School psychologists may work with students individually or in groups to promote social problem solving, anger management and conflict resolution, reinforce positive coping skills and resilience, and encourage positive peer relationships.

Interventions and Progress Monitoring: School psychologists are also a member of the school’s Student Support Team (SST), which are meetings intended to be a cooperative process between school psychologists, parents, teachers, counselors, administration, etc. as an effort to promote success in students who are struggling. It can be used to help intervene with children displaying behavioral, emotional, or academic difficulties and help prevent the development of a more serious problem.

Together, the school psychologist and the teacher identify the problem, develop specific goals, brainstorm interventions, and create a plan to help the student become more successful.

To learn more about the role of school psychologists visit The National Association of School Psychologists website at  https://www.nasponline.org/