Our Staff

Administrative

Mr. Frank X. Caragher, Acting Principal, is a graduate of Seton Hall University where he graduated as an education major. He subsequently earned a Masters Degree in Special Education at Kean University. Frank started his professional life as a trainer for teachers for the State of New Jersey and ten years later joined The Arc of Hudson County as Executive Director. He was recruited away in 1990 becoming the Executive Director for The Arc of Union County. Under his leadership, The Arc of Union County has thrived in its delivery of services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Frank has overseen a dramatic expansion of education opportunities for children, including the opening of an inclusive preschool, The Arc Bright Beginnings Child Development Center in Cranford and the growth of The Arc Kohler School into a state-of-the-art facility.
Email: fcaragher@arcunion.org

Shannon O'Regan, Director of Educational Services, received a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology and a Professional Diploma in School Psychology from Kean University. She also received a Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arcadia University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Shannon has worked with children and adults with special needs and their families in Family Support, Residential, and Day Program settings since 1993.
Email: soregan@arckohlerschool.org

Kristin O'Malley, School Social Worker, received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Adelphi University in 2004 and her Masters of Social Worker degree from Kean University in 2007. Kristin is a licensed social worker and certified school social worker. She has worked with children and adults with special needs in both clinical and school based settings since 2003 as well as with children and adults in a psychiatric hospital setting.
Email: KO'Malley@arckohlerschool.org

Aimee Santos, Coordinator of Therapy Services, is a Pediatric Physical Therapist and a graduate of The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She has twelve years experience in Pediatric Physical Therapy, treating children birth to twenty-one years old. Areas of special interest include the medically complex child, the child with cerebral palsy, and family support services for children with disabilities.
Email: asantos@arckohlerschool.org

Teachers

Karen Carter is a primary school teacher. She received her degree from Dominican College with a specialization in Rehabilitation Teacher of the Blind and her Teacher of the Handicapped certification from William Paterson University. Over the last 26 years, in addition to her role as a teacher, Karen has worked with children and adults in camps, group homes, supported employment, and workshop settings. She has been a teacher for 9 years, from primary grades through high school. Karen's focus is to help each child achieve the greatest level of independence as possible.
Email: kcarter@arckohlerschool.org

Michele Hernandez, a preschool teacher, is a 2006 graduate of Kean University. She holds a Teacher of Individuals with Disabilities Certificate for ages birth through 12. Michele is highly qualified and holds a second Certificate as an Elementary Educator K-5. Michele has worked as a Special Education Teacher for 4 years, starting as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher. Now she teaches Preschool. Michele has also worked for the past year in Early Intervention for The Arc of Union County. Outside of the Arc, Michele volunteers in her town for "Rainbow Club," a social club for adults with disabilities.
Email: mhernandez@arckohlerschool.org

Jill Korek, a primary school teacher, is highly qualified with four years of experience in the education field. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education, with a dual major in Social & Behavioral Sciences from Seton Hall University. She also received her Master of Science in English and History Education from Walden University. Jill holds a Elementary (K-5) certificate as well as one for Teacher of Students with Disabilities and P-3. Her areas of interest in the field are Autism Spectrum Disorders, differentiated instruction, the multiple intelligences and behavioral instruction.
Email: jkorek@arckohlerschool.org

Erin Mcmyne received a bachelors degree in psychology with a concentration in school age children from William Paterson University in 2008. Erin then entered the graduate program at William Paterson to receive 46 graduate credits towards a masters in education and her teaching certifications in kindergarten through fifth grade and teaching students with disabilities. While in graduate school Erin gained hands on experience working as a one on one aide in a preschool setting. She will bring to her classroom small group centers, multiple sensory lessons and differentiated instruction.
Email: emcmyne@arckohlerschool.org

Judy Torgrimsen, a preschool teacher of 4 years, is a 2002 graduate of Kean University. She has been a special education teacher at Kohler for 8 years with a N.J Elementary School Teacher certificate, making her eligible to teach preschool through eighth grade. She is also certified as a Teacher of the Handicapped for ages birth through 21. In addition to being a highly qualified teacher, she holds a degree in English.
Email: jmurphy@arckohlerschool.org

Peggy Yorkovich, a primary school teacher, is a graduate of the College of New Jersey. She received her Bachelor Degree in the Education of the Deaf. She also holds teaching certificates for Teacher of the Handicapped, Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She is a highly qualified teacher with 16 years experience. She centers her teaching on behavior management techniques, multisensory lessons and differentiated learning.
Email: pyorkovich@arckohlerschool.org

Therapists

Laura Carew, speech-language pathologist, received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Rhode Island. She has experience working in outpatient clinics, early intervention, preschool settings, adult medical day centers, skilled nursing facilities, public education schools, and special education schools. Her areas of interest include augmentative and alternative communication and autism.
Email: lcarew@arckohlerschool.org

Shannon Dippold, physical therapist, graduated from Quinnipiac University with her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. She has 5 years of experiece working with pediatrics in school, inpatient, and early intervention settings. She has taken educational courses in neuro-developmental technique, kinesio taping, therapeutic positioning, and orthotics.
Email: sdippold@arckohlerschool.org

Lana Furman, physical therapist, received her MS degree in physical therapy from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. She has nine years of clinical experience working in a pediatric school setting and early intervention. She is an authorized provider of the Listening Program Method. Lana is a certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner.
Email: sfurman@arckohlerschool.org

Kristin Geraghty, a speech-language pathologist, received her Bachelor Degree from the College of New Jersey and her Masters Degree from James Madison University. Her areas of interests include autism, AAC, apraxia, and sensory/behavioral feeding.
Email: ksperanza@arckohlerschool.org

Tara Giuliano is an occupational therapist with six years of pediatric, school-based experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Villanova University and a Bacherlor's degree in occupational therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. She is trained in the Handwriting Without Tears Program and has experience in sensory integration and applied behavior analysis.
Email: tgiuliano@arckohlerschool.org

Cindy Kratsch, physical therapist, graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has seven years of pediatric clinical experience in school settings and early intervention.
Email: ckratsch@arckohlerschool.org

Kerri O'Connor, PT, DPT received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Seton Hall University School of Graduate Medical Education, South Orange , NJ and her Bachelor's of Science in Biology as well. Currently, Kerri is also a Senior Physical Therapist at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison, NJ. Kerri conducted research titled, "The Effects of Back Pack Weight on the Gait of Children 10-18 yrs old" and presented it at the Seton Hall University School of Health & Medical Sciences' 17th Annual Research Colloquium and at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts. Kerri has taken multiple continuing education courses on Neurodevelopmental Techniques and Gait. She is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Email: koconnor@arckohlerschool.org

Lisa Preisler, Occupational Therapist, received her Bachelors Degree from The Pennsylvania State University and Masters Degree from New York University. She has 4 years of pediatric occupational therapy experience. Lisa holds certifications in both Sensory Integration Testing/Therapy and The Handwriting Without Tears Program.
Email: lpreisler@arckohlerschool.org

Nichol Vohden, speech-language pathologist, received her undergraduate degree from Nazareth College of Rochester NY and graduate degree from Montclair University. She has experience working in a pediatric hospital with both outpatients (birth to twenty-one) and inpatients (birth to four) with a focus on feeding and swallowing disorders. She is a certified provider of Vital Stimulation and DPNS. Areas of interest include autism, basic sign language, and PROMPT.
Email: nfrusteri@arckohlerschool.org

Nurses

Shalini Ascalon,RN, BSN, CSN graduated from New York University (NYU) with a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Nursing (BSN). She was on the Dean's List and earned 18 credits towards Master's Degree of Science in Nursing Education under the Dual Degree Program (RN-BS/MA) in Nursing of NYU. As a nurse since 1997, she has also completed The New Jersey City University's (NJCU) School Nursing Certification Program to become a Certified School Nurse (CSN).
Email: sascalon@arckohlerschool.org

Robin Freed, RN, MSN, MPH, CSN graduated from SUNY Downstate with a bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing (BSN). She furthered her studies at Columbia University where she received a Master's degree in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Master's of Public Health in Health Administration. She comes to Arc Kohler School with experience working with special education students and is a certified school nurse.
Email: RFreed@arckohlerschool.org


	Our Staff Administrative Mr. Frank X. Caragher, Acting Principal, is a graduate of Seton Hall University where he graduated as an education major. He subsequently earned a Masters Degree in Special Education at Kean University. Frank started his professional life as a trainer for teachers for the State of New Jersey and ten years later joined The Arc of Hudson County as Executive Director. He was recruited away in 1990 becoming the Executive Director for The Arc of Union County. Under his leadership, The Arc of Union County has thrived in its delivery of services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Frank has overseen a dramatic expansion of education opportunities for children, including the opening of an inclusive preschool, The Arc Bright Beginnings Child Development Center in Cranford and the growth of The Arc Kohler School into a state-of-the-art facility. Email: fcaragher@arcunion.org Shannon O'Regan, Director of Educational Services, received a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology and a Professional Diploma in School Psychology from Kean University. She also received a Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arcadia University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Shannon has worked with children and adults with special needs and their families in Family Support, Residential, and Day Program settings since 1993. Email: soregan@arckohlerschool.org Kristin O'Malley, School Social Worker, received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Adelphi University in 2004 and her Masters of Social Worker degree from Kean University in 2007. Kristin is a licensed social worker and certified school social worker. She has worked with children and adults with special needs in both clinical and school based settings since 2003 as well as with children and adults in a psychiatric hospital setting. Email: KO'Malley@arckohlerschool.org Aimee Santos, Coordinator of Therapy Services, is a Pediatric Physical Therapist and a graduate of The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She has twelve years experience in Pediatric Physical Therapy, treating children birth to twenty-one years old. Areas of special interest include the medically complex child, the child with cerebral palsy, and family support services for children with disabilities. Email: asantos@arckohlerschool.org Teachers Karen Carter is a primary school teacher. She received her degree from Dominican College with a specialization in Rehabilitation Teacher of the Blind and her Teacher of the Handicapped certification from William Paterson University. Over the last 26 years, in addition to her role as a teacher, Karen has worked with children and adults in camps, group homes, supported employment, and workshop settings. She has been a teacher for 9 years, from primary grades through high school. Karen's focus is to help each child achieve the greatest level of independence as possible. Email: kcarter@arckohlerschool.org Michele Hernandez, a preschool teacher, is a 2006 graduate of Kean University. She holds a Teacher of Individuals with Disabilities Certificate for ages birth through 12. Michele is highly qualified and holds a second Certificate as an Elementary Educator K-5. Michele has worked as a Special Education Teacher for 4 years, starting as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher. Now she teaches Preschool. Michele has also worked for the past year in Early Intervention for The Arc of Union County. Outside of the Arc, Michele volunteers in her town for "Rainbow Club," a social club for adults with disabilities. Email: mhernandez@arckohlerschool.org Jill Korek, a primary school teacher, is highly qualified with four years of experience in the education field. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education, with a dual major in Social & Behavioral Sciences from Seton Hall University. She also received her Master of Science in English and History Education from Walden University. Jill holds a Elementary (K-5) certificate as well as one for Teacher of Students with Disabilities and P-3. Her areas of interest in the field are Autism Spectrum Disorders, differentiated instruction, the multiple intelligences and behavioral instruction. Email: jkorek@arckohlerschool.org Erin Mcmyne received a bachelors degree in psychology with a concentration in school age children from William Paterson University in 2008. Erin then entered the graduate program at William Paterson to receive 46 graduate credits towards a masters in education and her teaching certifications in kindergarten through fifth grade and teaching students with disabilities. While in graduate school Erin gained hands on experience working as a one on one aide in a preschool setting. She will bring to her classroom small group centers, multiple sensory lessons and differentiated instruction. Email: emcmyne@arckohlerschool.org Judy Torgrimsen, a preschool teacher of 4 years, is a 2002 graduate of Kean University. She has been a special education teacher at Kohler for 8 years with a N.J Elementary School Teacher certificate, making her eligible to teach preschool through eighth grade. She is also certified as a Teacher of the Handicapped for ages birth through 21. In addition to being a highly qualified teacher, she holds a degree in English. Email: jmurphy@arckohlerschool.org Peggy Yorkovich, a primary school teacher, is a graduate of the College of New Jersey. She received her Bachelor Degree in the Education of the Deaf. She also holds teaching certificates for Teacher of the Handicapped, Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She is a highly qualified teacher with 16 years experience. She centers her teaching on behavior management techniques, multisensory lessons and differentiated learning. Email: pyorkovich@arckohlerschool.org Therapists Laura Carew, speech-language pathologist, received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Rhode Island. She has experience working in outpatient clinics, early intervention, preschool settings, adult medical day centers, skilled nursing facilities, public education schools, and special education schools. Her areas of interest include augmentative and alternative communication and autism. Email: lcarew@arckohlerschool.org Shannon Dippold, physical therapist, graduated from Quinnipiac University with her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. She has 5 years of experiece working with pediatrics in school, inpatient, and early intervention settings. She has taken educational courses in neuro-developmental technique, kinesio taping, therapeutic positioning, and orthotics. Email: sdippold@arckohlerschool.org Lana Furman, physical therapist, received her MS degree in physical therapy from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. She has nine years of clinical experience working in a pediatric school setting and early intervention. She is an authorized provider of the Listening Program Method. Lana is a certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner. Email: sfurman@arckohlerschool.org Kristin Geraghty, a speech-language pathologist, received her Bachelor Degree from the College of New Jersey and her Masters Degree from James Madison University. Her areas of interests include autism, AAC, apraxia, and sensory/behavioral feeding. Email: ksperanza@arckohlerschool.org Tara Giuliano is an occupational therapist with six years of pediatric, school-based experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Villanova University and a Bacherlor's degree in occupational therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. She is trained in the Handwriting Without Tears Program and has experience in sensory integration and applied behavior analysis. Email: tgiuliano@arckohlerschool.org Cindy Kratsch, physical therapist, graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She has seven years of pediatric clinical experience in school settings and early intervention. Email: ckratsch@arckohlerschool.org Kerri O'Connor, PT, DPT received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Seton Hall University School of Graduate Medical Education, South Orange , NJ and her Bachelor's of Science in Biology as well. Currently, Kerri is also a Senior Physical Therapist at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison, NJ. Kerri conducted research titled, "The Effects of Back Pack Weight on the Gait of Children 10-18 yrs old" and presented it at the Seton Hall University School of Health & Medical Sciences' 17th Annual Research Colloquium and at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts. Kerri has taken multiple continuing education courses on Neurodevelopmental Techniques and Gait. She is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Email: koconnor@arckohlerschool.org Lisa Preisler, Occupational Therapist, received her Bachelors Degree from The Pennsylvania State University and Masters Degree from New York University. She has 4 years of pediatric occupational therapy experience. Lisa holds certifications in both Sensory Integration Testing/Therapy and The Handwriting Without Tears Program. Email: lpreisler@arckohlerschool.org Nichol Vohden, speech-language pathologist, received her undergraduate degree from Nazareth College of Rochester NY and graduate degree from Montclair University. She has experience working in a pediatric hospital with both outpatients (birth to twenty-one) and inpatients (birth to four) with a focus on feeding and swallowing disorders. She is a certified provider of Vital Stimulation and DPNS. Areas of interest include autism, basic sign language, and PROMPT. Email: nfrusteri@arckohlerschool.org Nurses Shalini Ascalon,RN, BSN, CSN graduated from New York University (NYU) with a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Nursing (BSN). She was on the Dean's List and earned 18 credits towards Master's Degree of Science in Nursing Education under the Dual Degree Program (RN-BS/MA) in Nursing of NYU. As a nurse since 1997, she has also completed The New Jersey City University's (NJCU) School Nursing Certification Program to become a Certified School Nurse (CSN). Email: sascalon@arckohlerschool.org Robin Freed, RN, MSN, MPH, CSN graduated from SUNY Downstate with a bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing (BSN). She furthered her studies at Columbia University where she received a Master's degree in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Master's of Public Health in Health Administration. She comes to Arc Kohler School with experience working with special education students and is a certified school nurse. Email: RFreed@arckohlerschool.org