Y.A.L.E. School NJ Ellisburg Campus
Y.A.L.E. School NJ’s Ellisburg campus, located at Connecticut Avenue and Rt. 70 in the Ellisburg section of Cherry Hill, serves students 5 to 21 years old with emotional and behavioral difficulties and specific learning and/or multiple disabilities.
Some students may have a clinical diagnosis of anxiety disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (A.D.H.D.), mood, personality, obsessive-compulsive, or oppositional-defiant disorders, and/or specific learning disability. Most struggle with effective relationships with peers and adults.
Classrooms are equipped with state-of-the art educational technology, including computers for each student and interactive white boards. Science classrooms have abundant lab materials for inquiry-based learning. Students also access a visual arts and graphic design lab, a full-size gymnasium with fitness area, nurse’s office, and more.
Students 14 years and older receive individualized transition services to prepare them for life after graduation. The program’s intensive school-to-work curriculum includes vocational planning and support, job skills training and mentoring, and practical on-the-job experience in the community.
The Ellisburg campus offers:
- Low student-to-staff ratio
- Highly qualified teachers
- Small group instruction
- ABA-based instruction
- Counseling services for students and families
- A strong therapeutic focus
- Data-based instruction and intervention
- Work-based learning opportunities
- Social skills instruction
- Ongoing program review
- Curriculum that stresses academics, independence, social, and communication skills
- Community-based instruction
- Extensive parent training and support
- Opportunities to participate on athletic teams
- Pre-driving instruction on state-of-the art driving simulator
- Individualized transition planning and post-graduation placement and services assistance
- Frequent communication between school, home, and the referring district
- An extended school year program
Vocational Preparation at Ellisburg Campus
Developing career awareness and the skills needed for competitive employment is a priority at Ellisburg. Our well-rounded skills training and school-to-work program ensures that students have opportunities to transfer what they have learned to actual work settings. Work-based learning environments are designed to offer an increasing level of challenge and responsibility in a variety of school and community settings. Job coaching and mentoring is provided to monitor progress and provide feedback for continued improvement.
On-Campus Opportunities:
- Internal paid jobs in a variety of departments
- Service learning opportunities for leadership development
- Weekly interest-based clubs for exploring and developing skills, strengths, and preferences
Off-Campus Opportunities:
- Green Vision – electronic recycling at the Y.A.L.E. School Co-op
- Visual Arts – graphic arts, photography, printing at Y-2 Visual Arts Lab
- Industrial Arts – woodworking, design, assembly, and carpentry at the Y.A.L.E. Annex
- Community internships through business partnerships
- Paid jobs with local employers
- Additional work-based learning opportunities for eligible students at the Y.A.L.E. School Co-op for hands-on experiences in laser printing, direct to-garment printing, and more
Y.A.L.E. School Ellisburg Team Leaders:
Kathy Hogan, M.S., BCBA – Director
A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) with over 20 years of experience working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, Kathy has been with Y.A.L.E. School since 2014. She earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Chestnut Hill College before completing the BCBA course sequence through Florida Institute of Technology.
Kathy has presented several research projects at various conferences, including ABAI. She has worked as a behavior therapist for children and adolescents with a diagnosis of autism and/or emotional behavior disorder in home and school settings. Kathy has experience in creating behavior programs designed to reduce maladaptive behavior, academic programs and communication protocols for various learners. Currently, Kathy works with school administration, BCBAs, and school staff in developing, training, and implementing the School Wide Positive Behavior Support programs specifically designed the Y.A.L.E. School.
Kristen Deslauriers – Admissions Representative
Kristen began working at Y.A.L.E. in 2020. She has nearly 13 years of experience in the field of Special Education. Kristen earned her bachelor’s degree from Arcadia University before obtaining her master’s degree in school counseling and preventative health from Creighton University. Her passion has always been to help, support, and guide students in special education setting. Since working at Y.A.L.E., Kristen has strived to help students work towards and achieve their goals.
Matt Heinkel, M.Ed. – Principal
Matt began working at the Y.A.L.E. School in 2014 as a classroom assistant before becoming a Middle School teacher, then Academic Supervisor. He earned master’s degrees from Wilmington University in Special Education and School Leadership. Matt holds both a New Jersey Supervisor and Principal Certification. Matt believes in building a strong Y.A.L.E. community through internal investments in staff performance and morale. He is an educator who grows relationships with students and families by identifying needs, developing skills, and guiding students towards paths beyond their time Y.A.L.E.
Reilly Staub, M.Ed. – Supervisor
Reilly joined Y.A.L.E. School in 2016 as a special education teacher in the kindergarten through 3rd grade classroom. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s University before obtaining her master’s degree in education. In 2018, Reilly was the recipient of the Ruth K. Newman Award for Excellence from the Council of Private Schools for Children with Special Needs. She completed her supervisor certification at Rutgers University, which led to her current position as School Supervisor at Y.A.L.E. Ellisburg campus. Reilly is committed to fostering teacher growth and mentorship.
Kelsey Decker, M.Ed., BCBA – Behavior Analyst
Danielle Roselli, M.A., BCBA – Behavior Analyst
Meghan Green, M.S. Ed, BCBA – Behavior Analyst
