Y.A.L.E. School NJ Northfield Campus
Y.A.L.E. School Northfield Team Leaders:
Alvin Doyle, Jr., M.Ed. – Campus Director
Al has been with the Y.A.L.E. family of programs since 1982. He earned his master’s degree in education from Lehigh University and holds a principal certification in New Jersey, along with a teacher of the handicapped certification in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. A veteran educator, he is a strong advocate for at-risk children and youth. Al is deeply committed to building a community of support and works to build positive relationships with parents, law enforcement, and child advocacy organizations.
Kareem Spence, M. Ed. – School Counselor
Kareem has been with the Y.A.L.E. family since 2014 and makes student success his main priority. He continues to build and support student skills, such as confidence and motivation, as a strong foundation. He also values relationships and collaboration with other professionals as a means to help students succeed in all aspects of their school and life experiences. His youth advocacy efforts not only include students at Y.A.L.E., but also young people in the surrounding community, where Kareem is a mentor and coach. He earned his master’s degree in school counseling from Wilmington University.
Katharine Gutshall, MA, BCBA – Behavior Analyst
Kate joined the Y.A.L.E. Northfield team in 2019. She earned her master’s degree in human services psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Kate has gained experience working in diverse environments developing and using strategies to allow youth to learn appropriate means of expressing their needs and desires. She fully utilizes and contributes to the multi-disciplinary team approach that is highly valued at the Northfield campus. Because of this team, students can confidently rely on a strong network of adults who are invested in their success.
Noah McKay, M. Ed. – Structured Learning Experiences (SLE) Coordinator
Noah has been with Y.A.L.E. School since 2006. He earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Bethany College and a master’s degree in school leadership from Wilmington University. Additionally, Noah holds a supervisor’s certification and is a certified SLE Coordinator, cultivating and overseeing structured learning experiences for students with business partners in the community.
Noah was instrumental in establishing the Green Vision recycling program, a work-study program at Y.A.L.E. He has delivered workshops in the areas of schoolwide positive behavior support, effective communication with parents, and building community relationships. As a school leader, Noah manages and organizes the operations of a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment, and also collaborates with families, district representatives, and the community to meet the individual needs of each student, especially as when preparing for jobs and careers.
Jacqueline Freund, B.A. – Structured Learning Experiences (SLE) Coordinator
Jacquie has been with Y.A.L.E. School Northfield since 2015. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Stockton University and is currently pursuing her master’s in education and learning disabilities as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant at Rutgers University. Jacquie holds a standard certification as teacher of supplemental mathematics and reading. She is also a certified SLE coordinator for Northfield, assessing student interests and abilities, and developing realistic goals targeting independent living, meaningful employment or volunteer activities. Jacquie works hand-in-hand with community agencies and partners to cultivate relationships and longstanding employment opportunities for students. She also supervises and supports Job Coaches by providing staff development opportunities, on-site training, behavioral support, and advocacy for student interns with a variety of community employers.
Jacquie has focused her work on the importance of reaching students where they are, and ensuring their lives and backgrounds are reflected in the curriculum and in classroom conversations. She sees her classroom as a platform for empowering students to not only survive, but to thrive.