Silvana Salafia Pepitone, MS, SYC, is a dedicated school psychologist based in Connecticut, with over two decades of experience in supporting students with disabilities. Her academic journey includes the attainment of a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University, as well as a Master’s Degree and 6th Year Certificate in School Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University.

Silvana’s career commenced in an alternative school environment, where she provided essential behavioral support to students with special needs. Following the completion of her 6th year certification, she assumed the role of a Pupil Services Specialist and Chairperson of Planning and Placement Team meetings at the Department of Children and Families, Long Lane School. She subsequently transitioned to public school settings, serving as a dedicated school psychologist for elementary, middle, and high school students. Her proficiency equips her to effectively assist students dealing with social, emotional, and behavioral issues, including those on the Autism Spectrum.

Throughout her professional journey, Silvana has consistently expanded her expertise. She has actively engaged in certification workshops focusing on ADHD, Anxiety, Social Skills, and Executive Function. Her training extends to the application of strategies such as Bal-A-Vis-X within her practice. Additionally, Silvana is adept in educational disabilities and serves as an educational consultant, offering invaluable assistance to families in comprehending and navigating the array of support and services available within public school settings. Her support includes providing clarity to Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504-Accommodation Plans, Behavior Intervention Plans, Functional Behavior Assessments, Psycho-Educational evaluations, and Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS), ensuring families receive the necessary resources in this intricate process.

Silvana’s unwavering dedication is underscored by her belief in the transformative power of education and her commitment to empowering students to achieve their full potential through a combination of diligence and support. She coaches students in academic, social, emotional and behavioral strategies. She focuses on understanding student’s complex academic, behavioral, and social difficulties. In her capacity as a consultant, she imparts her expertise to parents, providing invaluable educational and behavioral support.

In addition to her professional commitments, Silvana is a devoted mother to two accomplished young adults who are currently navigating the academic and social challenges of college life. Her son, Joseph, is on the brink of graduating from Penn State University with a degree in Agricultural Business Management, while her daughter, Sofia, is pursuing a dual degree in Special Education and Political Science at Stonehill College. Silvana’s dedication to her family extends to her roles as a daughter, sister, and aunt, with family gatherings being particularly cherished occasions. During her leisure time, Silvana enjoys activities such as walking, skiing, and golfing, and fosters her love for travel as an avenue for gaining insights into diverse cultures and customs.

Deb Butler, MS, SYC graduated from University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education, St. Joseph’s University with a Masters in Special Education and she completed 30 credits in Reading at Sacred Heart University. Deb is a Connecticut certified teacher in Special Education and Adult Education. She has worked with Special Education students at all grade levels and across all disabilities. She has also worked successfully with adult learners to achieve their GED. She has recently retired from Wethersfield Public School district with 38 years of teaching.

Deb has training in multisensory reading programs (Orton-Gilligham, Wilson Reading, and Sonday System) and training in multisensory math programs (ALEKS and Singapore Math). Deb has worked with elementary up to high school age students with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. Deb has attended many training sessions in Study Skills, Executive Function and Test Preparation (PSAT, SAT10, SAT). She understands the importance of assessing a students skills level and building on success to increase learning and self-esteem in academics.

Deb has had the opportunity to work with many students with ADHD, Process Issues and Autism and enjoys every interaction. Teaching social skills, enhancing conversation and executive function skills comes naturally to her. Safe, consistent learning spaces with scaffolded instruction and genuine direct feedback have always been a priority in her classrooms.

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Teacher/Independent Consultant

Gina Pitruzzello, MS, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and English from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. She is currently a certified teacher within the Windham Public Schools and also works as an academic coach and tutor with MES. Gina has experience working with students across varying grade levels, from elementary through high school.

As an experienced independent consultant, Gina specializes in tutoring elementary-aged children in reading, writing, and mathematics in both one-on-one and small-group settings. She also works with middle and high school students to improve executive functioning in areas such as attention, working memory, task initiation, planning, study skills, note-taking, and organizational skills related to their current classes and assignments. Gina is trained in Bal-A-Vis-X and incorporates these exercises to strengthen the foundation of learning. She maintains open communication with parents and collaborates with school districts to ensure that students continue to benefit from support outside of the intervention setting. Gina strives to foster a love of learning in all of her students. She consistently encourages them to become invested in their own learning process and to challenge themselves in order to grow.

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Special Education Consultant and Advocate

Donna Schilke, MS, SYC, is a retired administrator with extensive knowledge and leadership experience. Known for her warm and caring demeanor, she provides valuable guidance to families. She has been a positive influence during PPTs and is dedicated to advocating for children.

Donna’s career in educational leadership began in 1989 as a special education teacher, and in 2002, she was appointed assistant principal for Glastonbury Public Schools. She then served as the district’s Special Education Director in 2005 and became the principal of Smith Middle School in 2006. Donna was recognized as the Principal of the Year in 2011 and received the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) Citation Award, the association’s highest honor, in 2012. Since 2002, Donna has been an active member of CAS, serving on seven diverse committees and boards. She later became the CAS President in 2014 and upon retiring, joined CAS full-time as the Assistant Executive Director. In her role at CAS, she proved to be a visionary leader and tirelessly advocated for Connecticut’s middle-level schools.

Donna is now an independent consultant and offers her services for parent support, consultation regarding 504 plans, review of Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), testing and assessments, and advocacy during all school meetings, including Planning and Placement Team meetings, 504s, and team meetings. She also serves as a liaison between schools and parents.

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Psychologist/Independent Consultant

BriAnna Rubbo, MS, SYC, graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, a Master’s and 6th Year Certificate in School Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University. She is also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

BriAnna has worked in both public school and therapeutic behavioral settings. She has extensive experience working with students on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Anxiety, Selective Mutism, Intellectual Disabilities, and Emotional Disabilities. Understanding student behavior, she emphasizes the need to individualize approaches to learning to ensure all students find success. BriAnna also has experience with School Avoidant students. She is well-versed in comprehending Behavioral Plans, IEPs, and 504s. She provides social and emotional coaching, as well as executive functioning support, to help students find success and navigate challenges.