Ellen joined SAU 16 in 2008, first serving as a school liaison and then transitioning in roles that would evolve until being promoted to assistant director of student services in 2019. Her role includes conducting training on policies, procedures and legal updates, overseeing school nurses, 504 coordinators and ESOL teachers ensuring compliance with state rules and regulations, assisting LEA administration and IEP teams with inter-agency activities, resources and other information regarding students with disabilities who are at-risk. She also serves as court liaison for students involved with abuse, neglect, CHINS and/or delinquency and as the Title IX & ADA coordinator and SAU 16’s homeless liaison, supporting McKinney-Vento students and conducting ongoing training sessions.

Ellen’s prior experience includes serving as a building level special education coordinator and as a special education teacher at the high school level, as a paraprofessional for a local high school, a grassroots organizer for a nonprofit organization and as a legal assistant for the NH Superior Court.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women’s Studies and her Master of Education in Special Education from the University of New Hampshire. She received her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership from Plymouth State University. She is a trained RENEW coach, facilitator and member of the implementation team. Ellen is a member of the Diversion Advisory Board for Chase Home for Children and a member of the New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administers (NHASEA) and also serves on its legislative committee.

Ellen believes that every student is capable of greatness and highly values the unique learning styles that SAU 16 students possess. She thrives in helping students recognize their strengths, cultivate a sense of self-efficacy and setting them up for success. Ellen enjoys learning and growing and feels grateful to work in a field where she can encourage this in others in such a wide variety of ways.

Ellen’s personal interests include, traveling, cooking, reading, kayaking, hiking and practicing yoga. She enjoys surrounding herself with people that inspire and challenge her, make her laugh and bring her joy.

Special Education

Section 504

Student Safety and Violence Prevention

Discrimination and Sexual Harrassment