Ada Catalano

Background

About Ada Catalano

I am currently employed as a school psychologist at New Haven Public Schools. I evaluate students who are outplaced at various schools, as well as therapeutic and residential settings across Connecticut. I also act as a family-community liason, and recommend various services to parents based on their child's specific needs. Some of my specific interests include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Response to Intervention, and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports. A summary of my skills and areas of expertise are listed below: • Proficient in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of academic, cognitive, and social-emotional-behavioral assessment instruments • Practice based on data-based decision making, team-oriented problem solving, and service delivery that is consistent with NASP’s model for services • Accomplished counselor with experience in both individual and group settings; emphasis on aligning student needs with a targeted counseling approach • Experience and advanced training in SRBI (RtI) and PBIS, including knowledge of data tracking tools and progress monitoring • Integral member of the SRBI Team, PBIS Team, and Special Education Team • Crisis management experience, including the assessment, evaluation, and delivery of short-term services to students presenting with acute symptoms of emotional distress • In-depth knowledge of psychological and behavioral theories • Experienced in developing IEP’s as part of a multidisciplinary team, which includes utilizing IEP Direct and IEP Plus • Extensive knowledge of IDEA, Connecticut Special Education Regulations, and NASP Professional Guidelines • Exceptional organizational skills, including maintaining a school’s educational files, and completing all assessments and their accompanying reports within the mandated timeframe • Certified in Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS)