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Wellness Center Staff:
Our staff consists of two Student Assistance Counselors (SACs), whose education and interests prepare them to offer counseling and other programs relative to a variety of personal, social, and academic-related issues. The SAC counselors work collaboratively with our school nurse to bridge the physical and mental health needs of students. A full-time supervisor of wellness oversees the center and further enhances the variety and scope of services we offer.
Dr. Jessica Verdicchio, DSW, LCSW
Wellness Center room 223A
201-327-8700, ext. 589
verdicchij@northernhighlands.org
Dr. Verdicchio has been a social worker at Northern Highlands for the past 16 years. In July 2020, Dr. Verdicchio began as the Supervisor of Wellness & Special Projects at NH, where she will oversee the wellness center and its programming. Dr. Verdicchio received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University and her Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) from Rutgers University in 2015. Outside of school, she enjoys yoga, meditation, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Mr. Jason Grabelsky, LSW
Wellness Center room 223C
201-327-8700, ext. 597
grabelskyj@northernhighlands.org
Mr. Grabelsky has been at Northern Highlands for six years as a Student Assistance Counselor (SAC). Mr. Grabelsky previously worked as a Child Study Team member for Dumont Public Schools and Wanaque Public Schools. Mr. Grabelsky is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Human Services from Lycoming College and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from The University of Chicago. Mr. Grabelsky enjoys reading and working out in his spare time.
Ms. Allison Rocca, LSW
Wellness Center room 223B
201-327-8700, ext. 599
Ms. Rocca is beginning her first year as a Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) at Northern Highlands. Prior to coming to Northern Highlands she worked within the Guidance department at Don Bosco Prep. Ms. Rocca is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who completed her undergraduate and graduate social work degrees at Ramapo College. She currently holds a Master of Social Work (MSW). When not at school she enjoys cooking and taking kickboxing classes.
Ms. Anne Rutkowski, MSN, RN, NJ-CSN
Nurse’s office
201-327-8700 ext. 513
rutkowskia@northernhighlands.org
Anne Rutkowski has been a School Nurse at Northern Highlands for the past 7 years. Her career spanned a variety of specialties including Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. Prior to Northern Highlands she worked at a Special Needs High School for ten years. During her time off she enjoys spending her days with family and her dog Rosie. Hiking, the beach, and pickleball are some of her favorite activities.
