Deb DeGennaro

School Counselor

860-354-5430, ext. 130

[email protected]

American Counselor Association 

The guidance counselor helps to coordinate school services and resources to provide a successful school environment for the children.  The counselor is available to all students who may need help with problems that interfere with their learning.  The counselor also gives classroom developmental guidance lessons (SEL) that focus on important character traits, choices, and good behavior.

Teach developmental guidance curriculum through lessons aligned with the New Milford Public Schools Character Education Program. The guidance lessons promote positive character traits such as respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion, perseverance, citizenship, integrity, loyalty, courage and cooperation, as well as career exploration, social skills and coping skills.

Provide short-term individual and group counseling based on teacher referrals and parent requests. These sessions will be facilitated with parent permission.

Promote and encourage successful academic, personal/social, and career development to ensure every child succeeds.

Periodically I will put links on my site that are relevant to situations at Hill and Plain.  There are many kids going through many situations.  If your child is having a difficult time, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your concerns.  I am here to help make your child’s day go smoothly in conjunction with his/her teacher.

Laura Ayres

School Psychologist

860-354-5430, ext. 206

[email protected]

Assessment: In order to help determine a child’s learning aptitudes, strengths, and weaknesses, personality and emotional development and social skills and behavioral concerns. I am a member of the team that considers Special Education eligibility

Consultation: I help teachers, parents, and others understand a child’s development and learning and communicate with others to determine the best way of managing or improving a particular concern.

Intervention: I help to implement data-based interventions, effective instruction and behavior management to help children succeed at home and in school.

Mental health care: Delivering school-based mental health services such as group, individual and crisis counseling; coordinating with community resources and health care providers to promote mental health in the school setting.

Kathleen Hamilton

School Social Worker

860-354-5430, ext. 170

[email protected]

Assessments: Actively address barriers within the child, home, school and community that affect adjustment to school or interfere with student achievement. Provide various services to students and families such as: supportive counseling and therapeutic services to individual students, groups of students, or families; assessments; crisis intervention; and home visits.

Advocacy: Provide consultation with parents, teachers and administrators to assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, or social concerns, as well as collaborate to develop intervention strategies to increase academic and personal success.

Support: Mobilize and coordinate family, school, and community resources to meet student needs.

Intervention: Utilize a variety of tools to help students, families and school, including: Classroom Management, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, self-acceptance, home-school communication, and family support.