Skip To Main Content

Schools Panel

Sidebar Container

Sticky call to action buttons

Prevention Specialists

Erin Connolly
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-8460, Ext. 24508
econnolly@dasd.org

Erin is the Prevention Specialist at Lionville Elementary and Shamona Creek Elementary.  She collaborates with students, families, and staff, offers support in the school buildings, and connects students and families to community resources.

Erin earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Temple University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Widener University. Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified School Social Worker (PK-12), and a Certified Yoga Instructor. Erin is a lifelong community advocate for children, youth, and families in the field of health and well-being. Her career has included working as a Medical Social Worker, Director of Nonprofit Programs, and Mental Health Therapist. Prior to joining Downingtown Area School District, she was a School Social Worker in the Upper Darby School District.

Erin grew up in Kimberton, PA and after spending some time living in New York City and the Philadelphia area she returned home to Chester County. Erin loves spending time with family and friends and traveling the world, especially anywhere near the ocean.

Degrees and Certifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) – Temple University
  • Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)-Widener University
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSW)
  • School Social Worker PK-12 Certification

Schools: LE, SC

 

Rena Davis
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-8460, Ext. 11478
redavis@dasd.org

Rena works with students and families in the district by helping them access behavioral health resources in the community. She is another resource in the school for students who are experiencing mental health needs.  Rena began her professional career working as an adoption case worker for Chester County Children, Youth and Families. She transitioned to a mental health agency for children in Chester County, working as a blended case manager and psychiatric assistant. Rena then expended her professional experience and began working with homeless Veterans. Rena attended Millersville University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She continued her education at West Chester University and received a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She currently holds a School Social Worker Certification and License in Social Work.

Rena has strong ties to the Downingtown community and her “blue and gold pride” runs deep. She was born and raised in Downingtown and is a current resident. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She looks forward to working with the students, staff and community members in the district.

Degrees and Certifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) – Millersville University
  • Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)-West Chester University
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • School Social Worker PK-12 Certification

Schools: BH, PV

Karen Giannone
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-8460, Ext. 11479
kgiannone@dasd.org

Karen Giannone is the Prevention Specialist at West Bradford and Brandywine Wallace Elementary Schools.  She is dedicated to working with students and their families, connecting them to community resources and providing the emotional, behavioral and mental health supports necessary to succeed in school and life.

Karen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from West Chester University and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Widener University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has received her School Social Work Certification. Karen started her career working in outpatient and inpatient community mental health. She transitioned to school social work in 2010 and has enjoyed working with both elementary and middle school students since then.

Karen has resided in the Chester County community for 22 years and is excited to be a part of the Downingtown Area School District. In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, cooking and entertaining.

Degrees and Certifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology – West Chester University
  • Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work - Widener University
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSW)
  • School Social Worker PK-12 Certification

Schools: WB, BW

Natalie Martinez
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-8460, Ext. 20515
nmartinez@dasd.org

Natalie Martinez is the Prevention Specialist at Beaver Creek Elementary and Uwchlan Hills Elementary School. She works with students offering social, behavioral, and mental health supports. She also works with family to connect them with community resources.

Natalie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Arcadia University and later earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research. Soon after earning her Master’s Degree, Natalie obtained her Home and School Visitor Certification as well as her Social Work License (LSW). Natalie has experience working in truancy, community mental health, and school social work over the last 9 years.

Natalie has lived in Downingtown since 2000 and truly loves the community. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and making new memories. Natalie is excited to work with the students, staff and families of Downingtown.  

Degrees and Certifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology – Arcadia University
  • Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work -Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • Home & School Visitor Certification

Schools: BC, UH

Laura Sirico
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-8460, Ext. 11474
lsirico@dasd.org

Ms. Sirico is the Prevention Specialist at East Ward Elementary School, Lionville Elementary School, Springton Manor Elementary School, Shamona Creek Elementary School, and Uwchlan Hills Elementary School, and has been in this position since 2019. She works with students and families by connecting them with behavioral and mental health resources in the community, and providing support within the school building.

Laura received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Skidmore College, and Masters Degrees in Social Work and Human Sexuality from Widener University. She currently holds a Home & School Visitor Certificate and a License in Social Work. Prior to coming to DASD, Laura worked as a school social worker for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit from 2016-2019, and for Upper Darby School District from 2014-2016. Laura has also officiated 5 weddings for friends and cousins, and loves cooking, hosting picnics, reading, and traveling.

Schools: EW, SM

Michelle Cello
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-8460, Ext. 11470
mcello@dasd.org

Michelle Cello is the Prevention Specialist at Marsh Creek 6th Grade Center.  She is a graduate of Downingtown Senior High School and is proud to be a member of the Downingtown family and is looking forward to working with the students and families. Michelle earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Millersville University and then attended Widener University earning her Master’s in Social Work.  She currently holds a Home & School Visitor Certification and License in Social Work.  Michelle comes to Downingtown with 15 years of experience as a School Social Worker working with students K-12.

As the Prevention Specialist, Michelle will meet with students to offer social, behavioral, and mental health support.  Also, she will work with families, providing community resources and strengthening relationships with their children and with the school.  Michelle will collaborate with the school staff, including teachers, administrators, and counselors to support the students of Marsh Creek.   Michelle is also a member of the Student Assistance Services (SAS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) teams.   

School: Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center

Karen Cook
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-8460, Ext. 11464
kcook@dasd.org

Karen is the Prevention Specialist at Downingtown Middle School.  She works with students and families to provide social, behavioral and mental health support and connects them to community resources.

Karen obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from University of Delaware and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Bryn Mawr College. She is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and holds a Home and School Visitor (HSV) Certificate.  After living in England, she returned home and has been working in the Mental Health field supporting and advocating for youth for a number of years.  Prior to coming to DMS, Karen has been working in the school system for 8 years and most recently was a Mental Health Therapist at a nearby middle school.

Karen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, outside at the pool or beach and travelling the world.

School: Downingtown Middle School

Kristen Walsleben
Prevention Specialist
(610) 524-6300, Ext. 36240
kwalsleben@dasd.org

Kristen is the Prevention Specialist at Lionville Middle School where she provides mental health support to students and connects them to community resources for behavioral and mental health services. She is passionate about promoting the mental health of all students and does this by collaborating with school staff, families and community resources to support these needs.

Kristen has been a Licensed Social Worker since 2016. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Bucknell University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to coming to LMS, Kristen worked as the School Social Worker for an elementary and middle school in Newark, NJ.

In her free time, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking and baking. She grew up in Downingtown and attended LMS. She is excited to be back at LMS in this role and to be able to support students and families in the Downingtown community.

School: Lionville Middle School

Renee Welsh
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-8460, Ext. 11459
rwelsh@dasd.org

Renee is one of the Prevention Specialists at Downingtown High School East, providing services to at-risk youth. Renee has experience working in Residential Treatment, Emotional Support, and School Social Work over the last ten years. Prior to joining the Downingtown Area School District, she was a Mental Health Therapist in the Coatesville Area School District.

Renee earned her Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University and her Masters Degree from Widener University. Renee is a Licensed Social Worker and holds a School Social Worker Certification.

Renee has lived in Downingtown since 2014 and has three children in the school district. In her free time, Renee enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working out, and traveling.

Degrees and Certifications:
Penn State University: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies
Widener University: Master’s Degree in Social Work (LSW)
Licensed Social Work (LSW)
School Social Worker Certification
Treating Trauma Certification-Widener University

School: Downingtown High School East

Beth O'Rourke
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-8460, Ext. 11460
borourke@dasd.org

Beth is the Prevention Specialist at Downingtown East High School, providing services to at-risk youth.  She came to DASD in 2018 with 11 years of school-based experience in elementary and high school levels combined.  Beth works with students and families by connecting them with behavioral and mental health resources in the community and providing support within the school building.

Beth earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from West Chester University and then attended Widener University, where she received a Master’s Degree in Social Work.  She currently holds a Home & School Visitor Certification and License in Clinical Social Work.
Beth is a graduate from Downingtown and is excited to be working where she attended high school.

School: Downingtown High School East

Matthew McFadden
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-4400, Ext. 11467
mmcfadden@dasd.org

Matt McFadden is one of the Prevention Specialists at Downingtown West High School. He began working for DASD in August of 2019. Matt earned his BA in History and a certification to teach secondary (7-12) Social Studies from St. Joseph’s University in 1992. Matt has a Master’s in Social Services (MSS) degree from Bryn Mawr College (1998) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in PA. He also obtained his Home and School Visitor (HSV) certification while at Bryn Mawr.

Matt has worked with at-risk youth and their families in a variety of settings over many years, including outpatient and school-based mental health therapy services, as supervisor of an adolescent drug and alcohol recovery house, a wilderness treatment counselor, and foster care case manager. Matt has also provided counseling services to adults and couples, and to terminally ill patients and their families.

Matt is very happy to be providing support to the students and families of Downingtown. He lives in the district with his wife and two sons.

Degrees and Certifications:
St. Joe's University: BA in History; Secondary Teaching Certification- Social Studies
Bryn Mawr College: Master’s in Social Services (MSS), 1998
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Home and School Visitor (HSV) certification

School: Downingtown High School West

Jocelyn White
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-44000, Ext. 11462
jwhite@dasd.org

Jocelyn White is a Prevention Specialist at Downingtown West High School, and came to DASD in January of 2020 after working in education and the mental health field for 13 years.  
 
Jocelyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified School Counselor who also operates her own outpatient therapy private practice.  Jocelyn worked as a School Counselor for 8 years before transitioning to the role of Prevention Specialist at West.  She is passionate about helping at-risk students and their families, and is able to provide counseling support to students at school, while also assisting families with accessing community mental health resources.
 
Jocelyn earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Penn State University and her Master’s Degree in Counseling from West Chester University.  She has experience working in public and private schools, community mental health centers, and in outpatient practice.  In addition to her work as a School Counselor, she has worked as a Family Based Therapist, School-Based Behavioral Specialist, and Camp Director for children with emotional support needs. Jocelyn facilitates the Student Assistance Program (SAP), and is a member of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) teams at West.
 
Jocelyn is a Downingtown graduate and feels fortunate to be able to give back to her hometown community.  She is an avid Penn State Football fan, and she loves to travel and spend time with her husband and son.

Degrees and Certifications:
Penn State University: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
West Chester University: Master’s Degree in Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Certified School Counselor

School: Downingtown High School West

Jennifer Stull
Prevention Specialist
(610) 269-8460, Ext. 11452
jstull@dasd.org

Jenn is the Prevention Specialist at STEM Academy; she works with students and families by connecting them with behavioral and mental health resources in the community and providing support within the school building.

Jenn earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Georgia State University and later earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Immaculata University, as well as, a Professional Certification in School Counseling and a Certificate in Addictions Studies and Therapeutic Practice.  Jenn is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Jenn is a Chester County native, after living in GA and CA she chose to return to Chester County to raise her son, Finn. Jenn is an avid Philly sports fan; she enjoys yoga, meditation, hiking, travel, and spending time with her friends, parents, 5 sisters and many nieces and nephews.

 

Degrees and Certifications:

Georgia State University: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Immaculata University: Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Professional Certification in School Counseling
Certificate in Addictions Studies and Therapeutic Practice
Nationally Board Certified Counselor

School: Downingtown STEM Academy

Ann Berrios, Ed. D.
Director of Pupil Services
aberrios@dasd.org
Ext. 11401
Biography

Susan Schemering
Administrative Assistant to the Director of Pupil Services
sschemering@dasd.org
Ext. 11407