The School Psychologist helps students in the Saint John XXIII Catholic School Community to succeed spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally.

We collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students that will strengthen connections between home, school, and community.

Mrs. Mary Hepsen, M.Ed., M.S.Ed.
Certified School Psychologist

Roles of the Saint John XXIII School Psychologist

Consultation

• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems
• Help others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior
• Strengthen working relationships between teachers, parents, and service providers in the community
• Work along with our local school district and private practice professionals to access services for our students with special needs
• Collaborate with medical professionals regarding physical/mental health conditions treated with medications

Evaluation

• Evaluate individual student eligibility for special services
• Assess academic skills and aptitude for learning
• Assess school readiness/developmental level of incoming primary grade students
• Determine social-emotional development and mental health status
• Evaluate learning environments

Intervention

• Provide psycho-social input to help resolve interpersonal or family issues that interfere with school performance
• Work directly with children and their families to help resolve issues in adjustment and learning
• Provide training for students in social and life skills
• Help families and school manage crises such as death, illness, or community trauma
• Develop programs for academic intervention
• Work with students individually and in groups
• Use different strategies to address student needs
• Develop programs to train teachers and parents about effective teaching and learning strategies
• Implement techniques to manage behavior at home and in the classroom
• Create plans to improve school support systems
• Provide emotional supports for all members of our school community (students, staff, parents)
• Work with students with disabilities or with special talents
• Address health and safety issues

Prevention

• Design programs for children at risk of failing at school
• Promote tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity within, as well as outside, our school community
• Develop programs to make our school safer and a more effective learning environment
• Develop crisis prevention and management plans
• Collaborate with school staff and community agencies to provide services directed at improving psychological and physical health
• Develop partnerships with parents and teachers to promote healthy school environments