What is a school social worker?

School social workers pick up where teachers leave off.  They are trained mental health professionals with a degree in social work who provide services related to a person's social, emotional and life adjustment to school and /or society.   School social workers are the link between the home, school and community in providing direct as well as indirect service to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social success.
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​Through counseling, crisis intervention and prevention programs, they help young people overcome the difficulties in their lives, and as a result, give them a better chance at succeeding in school.   Social workers mobilize family, school, and community resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible in his or her educational program.  In addition, social workers provide staff with essential information to better understand factors (cultural, economic, health) affecting a student's performance and behavior.

Vanessa Urbano Ochoa, MSW

My name is Vanessa Urbano Ochoa. I received my Bachelors degree from SUNY Plattsburgh majored in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I earned my Masters degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University.

 I am excited to join the team at Hampton Bays Elementary School. As a graduate from our district I have close ties to the community and school. I have previously worked with elementary kids in recreational and youth empowerment programs. I am bilingual and bring my prior community based experience to support our student and families.

Kaitlyn Gange, LMSW

My name is Kaitlyn Gange. I received my Bachelors and Masters degree in social work from Stony Brook University. ​I am a licensed social worker and certified school social worker.

I have experience working with children and adolescents in foster care, private practice and school settings. I am excited to have joined the incredible support staff at Hampton Bays elementary and middle school this school year.

What is a school psychologist?

School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. We often partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.
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All children and youth can face problems from time to time related to learning; social relationships; making difficult decisions; or managing emotions such as feeling depressed, anxious, worried, or isolated. School psychologists help students, families, educators, and members of the community understand and resolve both long-term, chronic problems and short-term issues that students may face.

Christine Anselmo, Psy.D

My name is Christine Anselmo. I received my Masters in School Psychology from St. John's University and my doctorate  in psychology from Hofstra University.  I am a certified school psychologist and a NYS licensed clinical psychologist.

I received my initial tenure as an employee of the East Hampton School District where I worked and resided for 10 years. When I moved further west in 2001 to further my education, I was lucky enough to find a position in the Hampton Bays Schools. I am happy to say that I have lived and worked here ever since.