School Psychologists
At DASD, School Psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services. A major responsibility of the School Psychologist is to conduct psychoeducational evaluations to determine if a student is eligible for services through Chapter 15/Section 504 Services or Chapter 14/Special Education Services.
In This Section
Elementary School Psychologists
Bridget Bisaccio
School Psychologist
(610) 269-6021, Ext. 11466
bbisaccio@dasd.org
Bridget Atkins is the School Psychologist at Brandywine Wallace and East Ward Elementary Schools. Ms. Atkins has served as a School Psychologist for more than 20 years in multiple settings and joined the staff in the Downingtown Area School District in January 2016. A native of Bucks County, PA, Ms. Atkins earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology with a minor in French at Bloomsburg University. She pursued graduate studies at Bucknell University where she earned a Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) degree with a certification in School Psychology and School Counseling. Ms. Atkins also holds a certification from the American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP). She is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP).
Degrees and Certifications:
Bucknell University, Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a certification in School Psychology
Member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Schools: East Ward Elementary School, Brandywine Wallace Elementary School
Anja Kotsopoulos
School Psychologist
(610) 458-5324, Ext. 11483
akotsopoulos@dasd.org
Anja Kotsopoulos is the School Psychologist at West Bradford Elementary and shares school psychology responsibilities at Pickering Valley Elementary. She is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). She earned her bachelor’s degree at Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business and worked in the corporate sector before transitioning to education. Mrs. Kotsopoulos earned both her Master of Science (M.S.) and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in School Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). While attending graduate school, Mrs. Kotsopoulos worked as a behavioral therapist and earned the credentials, Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Mrs. Kotsopoulos is also a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP).
Schools: Pickering Valley Elementary School, West Bradford Elementary School
Janice Pietrowicz
School Psychologist
(610) 458-5324, Ext. 11418
jpietrowicz@dasd.org
Dr. Janice Pietrowicz is a certified school psychologist with over 35 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Counseling, and a Doctorate in Education, Policy and Planning. She is currently completing a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Sports Counseling & Student Athlete Mental Wellness. Dr. Pietrowicz completed her school psychology training at Bryn Mawr College and has been a school psychologist for over 25 years.
She has worked with students ages 5-21 and has served students in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, providing mental health support, early intervention services, running groups, evaluating students, created a guidance curriculum, collaborated with school teams to create a life skill/transition program at the secondary level, SAP team member, assist students transitioning from alternative placements, among other duties.
Dr. Pietrowicz has served as an adjunct professor at Arcadia University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate level courses, and is currently an adjunct professor at Immaculata University with the Department of Psychology and Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.
Degrees and Certifications:
Sports Counseling & Student Athlete Mental Wellness, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Penn West University, PA (summer 2025)
ED.D. in Policy, Planning, and Administration, West Chester University, PA
Certificate in School Psychology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
M.Ed. Elementary Counseling, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
B.S.Ed. Elementary Education, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
School: Non-Public Schools, District-wide Support
Amanda Sharp
School Psychologist
(610) 269-2790, Ext. 11471
asharp@dasd.org
Amanda Sharp is a 1997 graduate of Downingtown High School. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware as a Dean’s Scholar and earned a Master of Science in Psychology from Millersville University, along with certification as a School Psychologist.
Before joining the Downingtown Area School District, Amanda served as a School Psychologist with the Chester County Intermediate Unit, where she provided services to districts across Chester, Delaware, and Berks counties. Her professional responsibilities included conducting psychological evaluations through the Attend Program within the CCIU Advanced Clinical Services Department, which supported families and schools in addressing school refusal and truancy. In addition, she provided crisis response services to local school districts.
Amanda has experience working with students from early intervention through grade 12 and has provided services in public, private, and parochial school settings. Her background also includes work with students in residential treatment facilities, therapeutic programs, and a non-profit educational program serving students with autism.
School: Beaver Creek Elementary School, Brandywine Wallace Elementary School
Meghan Sirianni
School Psychologist
(610) 458-8703, Ext. 11456
msirianni@dasd.org
Meghan Sirianni is the school psychologist at Shamona Creek Elementary School and shares school psychology responsibilities at Brandywine Wallace Elementary in the Downingtown Area School District. She is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Mrs. Sirianni earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2003. She earned her Master of Arts degree from Northcentral University in Psychology in 2007, and her Educational Specialist certification in School Psychology from Millersville University in 2012. She completed her school psychology internship in the Downingtown Area School District prior to earning her certification. Mrs. Sirianni is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and holds a Diplomate in School Neuropsychology credential from the American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP).
Schools: Shamona Creek Elementary School, Marsh Creek 6th Grade Center
Lauren Smith
School Psychologist
(610) 942-8950, Ext. 11476
lsmith@dasd.org
Lauren Smith is the school psychologist at Springton Manor Elementary School and Uwchlan Hills Elementary School in the Downingtown Area School District. She is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Ms. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University in 2013 and Masters of Arts and Education Specialist degrees in School Psychology from Immaculata University in 2020. She completed her school psychology internship in the Upper Dublin School District prior to earning her certification. Ms. Smith is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP).
School: Springton Manor Elementary School, Uwchlan Hills Elementary School
Jennifer Stout
School Psychologist
(610) 363-6580, Ext. 11455
jstout@dasd.org
Jennifer Stout is the school psychologist at Lionville Elementary School and Uwchlan Hills Elementary School in the Downingtown Area School District. Ms. Stout earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Temple University in 2004 and a Master of Science Degree from Eastern University in 2011. Ms. Stout holds certifications in early elementary, and special education, as well as school psychology. Ms. Stout is a member of the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania. (ASPP)
Schools: Lionville Elementary School, Uwchlan Hills Elementary School
Jonathan Veser
School Psychologist
(610) 269-6021, Ext. 11456
jveser@dasd.org
Mr. Jon Veser is the School Psychologist for Bradford Heights and Pickering Valley Elementary School in the Downingtown Area School District. He has been certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for nearly twenty years. Mr. Veser earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from West Chester University in 1996. After earning his undergraduate degree, he worked at the Devereux Foundation's Brandywine and Mapleton campuses, where he directed residential treatment programs. It was while he was directing programs for Devereux that he attended Immaculata University and earned his Master's Degree in Counseling in 2006.
Since earning his certification, Mr. Veser spent a year as a Family-Based Therapist (also through the Devereux Foundation) before accepting a School Psychologist position in Pottsgrove School District. From 2007-2017, Mr. Veser served as the School Psychologist at Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School and the seventh grade soccer coach. In 2017, Mr. Veser transferred to Pottsgrove High School, where he continued to coach students as the JV volleyball coach. Mr. Veser also enrolled in a supervisory program at Point Park University. He completed the program in 2021 and became Pottsgrove High School's Dean of Students. Mr. Veser served in this role for two years before transferring to Downingtown Area School District in September of 2023.
Mr. Veser lives in Downingtown with his wife and three children, who are all currently students in the district. He enjoys traveling and coaching his children in community soccer.
School: Bradford Heights Elementary School, Pickering Valley Elementary School
Secondary School Psychologists
Jennifer Bender
School Psychologist
(610) 363-6400, Ext. 11461
jbender@dasd.org
Jennifer Bender is the school psychologist at Downingtown High School East. She has served as a School Psychologist since 2009 and joined the team in the Downingtown Area School District in January 2016. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from the Pennsylvania State University in 2005 and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with a certification in School Psychology from Immaculata University in 2009. She completed a school psychology internship in the Unionville Chadds-Ford School District before earning her certification. She is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Jennifer also holds a certification from the American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP) and is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
School: Downingtown High School East
Megan Dietterick
School Psychologist
(610) 646-0080, Ext. 11458
mdietterick@dasd.org
Ms. Dietterick serves as the School Psychologist at Marsh Creek 6th Grade Center and has been a dedicated member of the district for the past five years.
She holds a National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP) and brings a strong academic foundation to her role. Ms. Dietterick earned both a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study and a Master of Science in Educational Psychology from Northeastern University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from James Madison University.
Ms. Dietterick is passionate about supporting students' academic, emotional, and social development. She is committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive school environment where all learners can thrive.
School: Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center
Jean Hirst
School Psychologist
(610) 269-4400, Ext. 11457
jhirst@dasd.org
Dr. Jean Hirst is a PA Certified School Psychologist who is assigned to Downingtown High School West. She has been a practicing school psychologist since 2005. Dr. Hirst graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Villanova University. She earned her Doctorate in School Psychology from Penn State University. Dr. Hirst worked in a variety of settings prior to joining the Downingtown Area School District. She lives in Downingtown with her family.
School: Downingtown High School West
Tony Nordone
School Psychologist
(610) 524-6300, Ext. 11473
tnordone@dasd.org
Dr. Tony Nordone is the School Psychologist for both Lionville Middle School and Downingtown High School East. He also previously serviced Brandywine Wallace Elementary, East Ward Elementary and Pickering Valley Elementary Schools, as well as being a consultant to the SAILS program at the Downingtown High School during its first three years of inception. Tony has periodically provided in-service training for paraprofessionals in the district on the topic of understanding and supporting students with ADHD. Other areas of professional interest include childhood development, developmental disorders, mental health, prevention and resiliency in children and adolescents.
Before taking a position with the DASD, Tony graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, earning a B.A. in Psychology. Following this, Tony furthered his training at Widener University in Chester, PA, earning both a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology. Tony’s graduate training included working with children in foster care at Children & Youth Services in Chester, PA; individual and group counseling at a substance abuse clinic at Crozer-Chester Hospital in Chester, PA; school psychology internship at Unionville-Chadds Ford School District; inpatient psychological assessment at the Rockford Center in Newark, DE; and both partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment for patients at the Philadelphia Center for Human Development in North East Philadelphia. Tony specialized and earned certifications from Widener University in the areas of School Psychology and Prevention/Community Psychology. Tony is in his 15th year with the Downingtown Area School District.
Degrees and Certifications:
Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, B.A. in Psychology
Widener University in Chester, PA, a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology
Widener University, Chester, PA, Certificates in School Psychology and Prevention/Community Psychology
Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, B.A. in Psychology
Widener University in Chester, PA, a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology
Widener University, Chester, PA, Certificates in School Psychology and Prevention/Community Psychology
School: Downingtown High School East, Downingtown STEM Academy
Janice Pietrowicz
School Psychologist
jpietrowicz@dasd.org
Dr. Janice Pietrowicz is a certified school psychologist with over 35 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Counseling, and a Doctorate in Education, Policy and Planning. She is currently completing a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Sports Counseling & Student Athlete Mental Wellness. Dr. Pietrowicz completed her school psychology training at Bryn Mawr College and has been a school psychologist for over 25 years.
She has worked with students ages 5-21 and has served students in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, providing mental health support, early intervention services, running groups, evaluating students, created a guidance curriculum, collaborated with school teams to create a life skill/transition program at the secondary level, SAP team member, assist students transitioning from alternative placements, among other duties.
Dr. Pietrowicz has served as an adjunct professor at Arcadia University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate level courses, and is currently an adjunct professor at Immaculata University with the Department of Psychology and Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.
Degrees and Certifications:
Sports Counseling & Student Athlete Mental Wellness, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Penn West University, PA (summer 2025)
ED.D. in Policy, Planning, and Administration, West Chester University, PA
Certificate in School Psychology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
M.Ed. Elementary Counseling, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
B.S.Ed. Elementary Education, West Chester University, West Chester, PA
School: Non-Public Schools, District-wide Support
Dr. Valerie Ross
School Psychologist and Licensed Psychologist
610-524-6300 x11469
vross@dasd.org
Dr. Valerie Ross is the School Psychologist for Lionville Middle School in the Downingtown Area School District. She is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Dr. Ross earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences at Penn State University in 2003 and was a member of the Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences. Dr. Ross is trained in both clinical and school psychology and earned her Doctor of Psychology degree (Psy.D.) at Immaculata University in 2010.
While earning post-doctoral hours for licensure, Dr. Ross worked at Devereux Residential Treatment facility in Malvern, PA as a primary therapist, where she provided individual, family, and group therapies as well as case management for a caseload of adolescent girls and boys. She has extensive training in trauma-based cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy modalities. She was an adjunct faculty member at Immaculata University, teaching in both the undergraduate program as well as the graduate psychology program from 2006-2018. After completing her post-doc requirement and prior to coming to DASD, Dr. Ross was a School Psychologist through the Chester County Intermediate Unit, assigned to Tredyffrin Easttown Middle School, from 2013-2022.
Dr. Ross is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania (2013) and a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP), and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA).
Degrees and Certifications:
Penn State University, Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences
Immaculata University, Doctor of Psychology degree (Psy.D.)
School: Lionville Middle School
Penn State University, Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences
Immaculata University, Doctor of Psychology degree (Psy.D.)
School: Lionville Middle School
Samantha Tarloski
School Psychologist
(610) 518-0685, Ext. 11465
starloski@dasd.org
Samantha Tarloski is the school psychologist at Downingtown Middle School in the Downingtown Area School District. She is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Mrs. Tarloski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Gettysburg College in 2010 and a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology with a School Psychology Certification from Immaculata University in 2013. She completed her school psychology internship in the Owen J. Roberts School District prior to earning her certification. Mrs. Tarloski is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Gettysburg College
Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology with a School Psychology Certification from Immaculata University in 2013
Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Gettysburg College
Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology with a School Psychology Certification from Immaculata University in 2013
School: Downingtown Middle School
Anne Wiest
School Psychologist
(610) 518-0685, Ext. 11463
awiest@dasd.org
Anne Wiest is the School Psychologist at Downingtown West High School, a position she has held since 2014. She is also the School Psychologist at Downingtown Middle School. Prior to working at DHS-West, Anne was the school psychologist at Beaver Creek Elementary and West Bradford Elementary. Before taking this position at Downingtown Area School District Anne spent two years as a school psychologist in the Reading School District. Anne has a B.A. in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and a M.A. in School Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She also has post-graduate certificates in both Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis from The Pennsylvania State University's World Campus.
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University
M.A. in School Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas
Post-graduate certificates in both Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis from The Pennsylvania State University's World Campus
B.A. in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University
M.A. in School Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas
Post-graduate certificates in both Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis from The Pennsylvania State University's World Campus
Schools: Downingtown Middle School, Downingtown High School West
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. 11405