Special Services Office
Special Services Office
Heather Gilgallon, LCSW
Director of Special Services
hgilgallon@rpsd.org
908-241-3944 ext. 1022
Mission Statement - To empower every student with diverse learning needs by providing individualized, inclusive, and supportive educational experiences. We are committed to fostering a nurturing environment where all students can reach their full potential, celebrate their unique abilities, and develop the skills necessary for lifelong learning and success. Through collaboration with families, educators, and the community, we strive to create opportunities that promote respect, acceptance, and achievement for all.
The Department of Special Services provides special education and/or related services to students who meet the criteria according to NJAC 6A:14. Specialized instruction and/or related services are designed to provide learning in the “least restrictive environment” and include a variety of placements. Parents, teachers, administration, guidance counselors, nurses, and I&RS teams may refer a child to the Department of Special Services.
In the event of a crisis situation where your child might be considered unsafe, please contact the Roselle Park Police, 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
-
Child Study Team:
Child Study Team Case Managers coordinates the IEP process and serves as the primary point of contact for students, families, teachers, and service providers. The case manager helps ensure that each student’s IEP is developed, implemented, monitored, and reviewed in accordance with the student’s individual needs.
School/Program
Case Manager
Role
Email
Aldene Elementary School
Elizabeth Buttiglieri
LDT-C
Robert Gordon Elementary School
Roselle Park Middle School (Grade 6)
Angelique Francois
School Social Worker
Sherman Elementary School
Jennifer Fonseca
School Psychologist
Roselle Park Middle School (7&8)
Erika Tsimaras
School Psychologist
Roselle Park High School (A-L)
Angela Longo
School Psychologist
Roselle Park High School (M-Z)
Meghan Flatley
LDT-C
Preschool
Heidi Becker
School Social Worker
Related Services ProvidersRelated services are provided when determined necessary by the student’s Individualized Education Program. Services are based on each student’s individual needs and may be delivered individually, in a small group, within the classroom, or through consultation with school staff.Speech TherapistsSpeech-language services support students who have needs related to communication. Areas of support may include articulation, language development, fluency, voice, social communication, and the use of augmentative or alternative communication.
Speech-language specialists work with students, families, teachers, case managers, and other school staff to support communication skills across educational settings.
School/Program
Provider
Email
Aldene
Rachelle Langavin
Robert Gordon
Stephanie Klein
Sherman
Kimberly Ciprian
Middle School
Jordan Stimmell
High School
Jennie Zemel
Preschool
Dani Castelli
Occupational Therapy/Physical TherapyOccupational therapy supports a student’s ability to participate in school activities and routines. Areas of support may include fine-motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory regulation, handwriting, self-care skills, classroom access, and the use of adaptive tools or equipment.
Occupational therapists may provide direct services, consultation, classroom strategies, and recommendations to support student participation and independence in the educational environment.
Physical therapy supports students whose mobility, balance, strength, coordination, positioning, or physical access needs affect their ability to participate safely in the school environment.
Physical therapists may provide direct services, consultation, equipment recommendations, and strategies to support safe participation in classrooms, school activities, transitions, and other educational settings.
Primary Assignment
Provider
Email
Aldene, Robert Gordon, RPPK
Lauren Marica, OT
Sherman, Middle School, High School
Taylor Jablonski, OT
District Shared
Sean Hoban, PT
Behavior ConsultationBehavioral consultation supports students whose behavioral needs affect learning, participation, communication, or access to the school environment.
The district behavior consultant works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, case managers, related-service providers, and building staff to review student needs, collect and analyze data, develop and support behavior intervention strategies, and build staff capacity to implement appropriate supports.
Behavioral consultation may include classroom observation, staff consultation, data review, support with functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans, and assistance with school-based interventions.
Assignment
Provider
Email
Sherman, Aldene, PK
Jennifer Leiva
RPHS, RPMS, Robert Gordon
David DeFranco
Nurse TeamSchool Nurses supports student health and wellness and serves as the primary point of contact for health-related concerns. The nurse manages student health records, medications, screenings, care plans, and medical needs that may affect a student’s participation and success in school.School/Program
Provider
Email
Aldene
Ana Dippolito
Robert Gordon
Ana Pereira
Sherman
Melissa Sherman
Middle School
Kaitlyn Barber
High School
Sally Kelly
Preschool
Sabina Ryan
-
-
-
To help families reach the appropriate staff member, please use the guidance below.
Requesting an Initial Evaluation
Parents or guardians who would like the district to consider an initial evaluation to determine whether their child may be eligible for special education and related services should submit a signed written request to:
Heather Gilgallon, LCSW
Director of Special Services
Roselle Park School District
510 Chestnut Street
Roselle Park, NJ 07204The request should include the student’s name, school, grade, and a brief description of the parent or guardian’s concerns.
Questions About an Individual Student
Questions regarding an individual student’s special education program should be directed to the student’s assigned case manager. This includes questions about eligibility, evaluations and reevaluations, Individualized Education Programs, accommodations and modifications, placement and programming, transition planning, progress toward IEP goals, and concerns regarding implementation of the IEP.
Questions About Related Services
Questions regarding a student’s related services may be directed to the student’s assigned related-service provider or case manager. Families who are unsure whom to contact should begin with the student’s case manager.
For all other questions refer to FAQ below:
-
Feel Free to use the google form below to submit questons or concerns.
Roselle Park Middle School was recently recognized as the 2026-2027 Inclusion Honoree at the All In for Inclusive Education Annual Spring Conference. This honor was awarded in recognition of the school’s ongoing commitment to inclusive practices and the meaningful work completed over the past three years through the New Jersey Inclusion Project State Grant.
Through this grant, Roselle Park Middle School has continued to strengthen inclusive opportunities for students by promoting access, belonging, and collaboration across general education and special education settings. Staff have worked together to support instructional practices that allow all students to learn, participate, and thrive as valued members of the school community.
This recognition reflects the dedication of Roselle Park Middle School’s educators, related service providers, support staff, administrators, students, and families who have helped advance the district’s vision for inclusive education. Congratulations to Roselle Park Middle School on this well-deserved honor.
