Role of the Interventionist

Pupil Services Interventionists are new staff added for the 2011-2012 school year. Four of these staff are school psychologists and one staff member is a school social worker. The school psychologists, purposefully called "Interventionists", support staff in the provision of interventions as the title implies. One of their roles is to guide and facilitate the "Response to Intervention" process known as "RtI." For example, when a student becomes challenged by their school work, their progress may be monitored by the school's Intervention Team. The Interventionists would assist staff in the progress monitoring process. If students show a need, the Interventionists may also assist staff in the provision of instructional or behavioral interventions to support the child's success in the classroom. Instructional and behavioral interventions are designed to assist the student in making progress more quickly to enable their participation in standards-based curriculum to the greatest extent. The Interventionists are also supporting special education students in the monitoring of their progress, as Completion of individual evaluations for students when needed is also part of their role. The social worker interventionist also assists families with family wrap services, which may include connection to resources in the community, communication with school personnel and supports within in the home setting when such services are recommended by school teams. For further information regarding the Interventionists, Christine Igoe, Special Education Director may be contacted.

The interventionists are listed below.

Lissa Ericson: CHMS, Walker
Lissa Ericson completed her internship in school psychology at Washington Junior High and Mill Street Elementary School in Naperville District 203. Ms. Ericson also spent one year as a research assistant with the Illinois Positive Behavior Supports Network. She has bachelor’s degrees in education and psychology from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, and a master’s degree in educational psychology and an education specialist degree from Loyola University, Chicago.

Jane Herron: Elm
Jane Herron has been a school social worker for over 20 years, serving special education cooperatives and school districts in Chicago’s western suburbs.  She holds Type 73 and Type 75 certificates and is an IL Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a School Social Work Specialist with NASW.  Her education includes a BA in Psychology from North Central College, an MSW from Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois at Chicago, and an MEd. in Leadership and Administration from Benedictine University.  She has been a board member in an elementary school district and a community college trustee, totaling 14 years of board service.

Ashley Johns: The Lane, Madison, Monore
Ashley Johns served as a school psychologist for the past two years in St. Louis Special School District and Ritenour School District. She also worked in Niles Township High School District 219 and in the Niles Township District for Special Education. Ms. Johns earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Louis University in Missouri, and a master’s in school psychology and education specialist degree from Kent State University, Kent, OH.

Catherine Thompson: Oak, Oak ECE, Prospect
Catherine Thompson previously served as a school psychologist for three years with LADSE, working with District 181’s Early Childhood and elementary programs. Last year, her assignment with LADSE was in District 181 classrooms. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida State University in Tallahassee and an education specialist degree in school psychology from Florida International University, Miami.

Randy Wooten: Assistive Technologist
(630) 310-1571 Besides his technology expertise, Randy has experience as a Special Education Teacher and an Instructional Paraeducator. Randy was involved in a district-level Special Education Council and a University Career Center collaboration prior to joining the District 181 team. In addition to teaching credentials, Randy has experience in instruction, case management and evaluation of students across disability areas. He was involved in developing and implementing behavioral management systems for students as well as developing curriculum-based assessments.

George Vinci: HMS, Oak Specialized
George Vinci comes to District 181 from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where he worked as the Director of Applied Professional Practice in the Applied Behavioral Analysis Department for six years. He also has over 15 years experience as a school psychologist in Bensenville District 2, Indian Springs District 109 and Naperville District 203. His bachelor’s degree in education and master’s in special education and psychology are from Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos.