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.

Tara Copskey, M.A. – Principal

An educator with more than a decade of experience in special education, Tara joined Y.A.L.E. School in 2005. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education, and psychology from Immaculata University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Wilmington University. Tara is responsible for the educational and behavioral progress of over 100 students, supervising a robust curriculum in all content areas. She is a special education professional who recognizes the importance of concrete data, collaboration, and fidelity to a stated plan.

Carla L. Butts, MSW – Admissions Coordinator

Carla began working at Y.A.L.E. in 2018. With nearly 30 years of experience in the field of social work and education, Carla is a certified school social worker, licensed social worker, and licensed therapist. Carla earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh before obtaining her master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University. Her passion for helping at-risk and vulnerable children has helped her become a strong asset to the Y.A.L.E. Ellisburg team. Carla strives to ensure students’ safety and comfort during their time on campus.