Welcome to Special Services
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The Department of Special Services consists of personnel responsible for identifying and developing educational programs and support services for children who have educational disabilities. The Child Study Team (CST) consists of a School Psychologist, Learning Disability Teacher Consultant (LDTC) and a School Social Worker. Related service providers include Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapist, Behavior Specialists, and Counselors.
The child study team’s primary function is to evaluate and design appropriate programs for children experiencing learning and /or behavioral difficulties. An Individual Educational Program (IEP) is designed for students eligible for special education.
Please contact the Office of Special Services, 609.296.1719 ext 1029, for additional information. Also, we encourage you to explore our website to find out about resources and upcoming events that might be of interest to you.
District Staff
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Erin Lichtenwalner, Director of Special Services
I have had the pleasure of being the Director of Special Services at Pinelands since 2019. I am currently shared between Pinelands and Little Egg Harbor, and have worked in Little Egg Harbor School District since July 2015.
Prior to my tenure as a director, I was a School Psychologist in Egg Harbor Township School District for five years, and a Special Education Teacher in both Egg Harbor Township and at Eastern Regional High School for seven years. I received my Bachelors of Science in Special Education from Penn State University... WE ARE!! During my years of teaching, I worked towards my Masters in School Psychology and Educational Specialist Degree from Rowan University, obtained my Supervisors Certification from Stockton University and received my Principal Certification from New Jersey Excel Program.
I have always had a passion for helping others and finding strengths in those around me. I truly enjoy the hard work that goes into all areas of Special Education and the most amazing gift is watching our students grow into young men and women!
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my three children Miller (13), Noa (11), and Laila (2) and our puppy Louie!
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Marisa Elwood, Supervisor of Special Services/BCBA
Hello! My name is Marisa Elwood and I am the Supervisor of Special Services for the Little Egg Harbor and Pinelands Regional School District. I am also the district Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
My primary role is to support our special education staff, students, and families, however I also conduct behavior assessments and provide direct IEP driven behavior support to students. I have been with the Little Egg Harbor School District since December of 2011, and I began in Pinelands this past school year.
Prior to my role as supervisor I was a self-contained special education teacher and the district behavior specialist. I attended East Carolina University for my undergraduate education and Georgian Court University for my Masters programs.
I am married and have two amazing little boys who take up all of my time when I am not at work. As so many do today I juggle work life and mom life and understand that school hours are not always the most convenient time for parents to communicate, therefore I do my best to make myself available to families day or night. Little Egg Harbor School District is a family and I am so blessed to be a part of such a student centered community!
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Scott Beaton, Teacher Coordinator
Scott Beaton serves as the teacher coordinator for the special education department. In this role he wears many hats such as developing behavior interventions plans, job coaching, transition planning, and providing coaching for teachers. Mr. Beaton has worked in the district for 15 years in a variety of settings including, ICS, resource, self contained LLD, and self contained Autism. He also brings a variety of experience from outside of the school setting including working in group homes, running summer programs, and serving as a clinical associate providing in home behavior therapy. Mr. Beaton graduated from New Jersey City University in 2006 with a B.A. in Special Education. He takes pride in his work and looks forward to the continued expansion and development of the many programs we offer here at Pinelands.
Our Programs
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In Class Resource
In-Class Resource (ICR)- A general education program that offers specialized instruction with a general education and special education teacher. The student shall be provided modification to the instructional strategies or testing procedures or other specialized instruction to access the general education curriculum in accordance with the students IEP. ICR is offered in various classes in each building throughout the District.
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Pull Out Resource Replacement
Pull out Replacement Resource (POR)- A special education pull out class providing small group instruction to students with disabilities and run by a special education teacher. POR classes are offered at various levels in each school across the District.
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Autism
Autism- A special class program for students with an autism diagnosis. A wide spectrum of classes is offered that fall under the "Autism" umbrella . Programs are available in both buildings in the district.
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Behavioral Disabilities
Behavioral Disabilities (BD)- A special class program, run by a special education teacher, that focuses on students that exhibit behavioral needs and require specialized instruction to address those needs. Our BD programs are offered in both schools within the district.
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Learning & Language Disabilities
Learning and Language Disabilities (LLD)- A special class program, taught by a special education teacher, that is organized around the learning disabilities and/or language disabilities. LLD classes are offered at the Junior High School and High School.
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Multiply Disabled
Multiply Disabled (MD)- A special class program run by a special education teacher. These programs are based on the needs of the students with more than one disabling condition. Our various types of MD programs are offered at both the Junior High School and High School.
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Community Pathways
The Community Pathways program is a multiply disabled program that provides an immersive instructional experience to prepare students aged 18-21 with developmental disabilities for a successful transition into the community when they age out of the school setting. This program will provide individualized vocational instruction based on the needs of the students. In addition the class will allow the students time to work on self care skills, community participation skills, and independent living skills.
Contact Us
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Office of Special Services
609.296.1719 ext 1029
609.296.3225 (fax)
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Junior High School Child Study Team
609.296.3106 ext 4423 (office)
609.857.4105. (fax)
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High School Child Study Team
609.296.3106 ext 2245
609.857.4105 (fax)
