Trauma, Illness, and Grief (TIG) Team

The Consortium on Trauma, Illness, and Grief in Schools


Children and adolescents are affected more than we might assume by major and minor losses.  Traumatic events, serious illnesses, or deaths of family members and friends as well as members of their school family can have a profound impact on these young lives.  Even tragic community events, not directly experienced by a child, can leave a lasting mark.

In recognition of this reality, the Spencerport Central School District has made a commitment to providing needed support for those who have experienced a trauma, illness, or death.  In partnership with the Monroe County Office of Mental Health, over 25 staff members have
received extensive training to assist them in responding to the emotional needs of students, teachers, and other school personnel which arise from trauma, violence, illness, grief and loss.  These trained individuals share their time and talent as members of the Spencerport TIG Team.  The TIG team offers support and resources to help impacted students and staff cope in the school setting.  Team members follow a standardized protocol for intervention throughout the district which ensures response equity across all buildings and highlights sensitivity to the family's wishes in all settings.

In addition, the district has partnered with schools throughout the Greater Rochester area to provide and receive back-up TIG support whenever a response plan exceeds the impacted district's resources. 

If you are aware of a situation that may require the help of the TIG team, please contact your building principal.

TIG Team Members by Building:

Bernabi Elementary School:
Chelsea Didas, School Counselor
Allison Hendricks, School Counselor
Rick Platt, School Psychologist

Canal View Elementary School:
Denise Lemcke, Principal

Cosgrove Middle School:
Christie Balys, School Psychologist
Paige Bauch, School Social Worker
Erin Bell, School Counselor
Tom Burger, Assistant Principal
Traci Powlowski, School Social Worker
Jackquelyn Woodard, School Counselor

District Office:
Danielle Adam, District Nurse Practitioner
Lanette Cypher, Director of Communications
Erin Hassall, Family Support Center Services Manager
Tim O’Connor, Director of Student Services
Mike Sorbera, Director of Special Education
Kate Zobkiw, District Drug and Alcohol Counselor

High School:
Jennifer Davin, School Social Worker
Amy Gillett, School Counselor
Mara Karpp, School Psychologist
Julia Reidy, School Counselor
Jess Silsby, Assistant Principal

Munn Elementary School:
Mike Canny, Principal
Rachel Garno, School Counselor
Katherine Mueller, Special Education Teacher

Jeanne Pacitto, School Counselor
Kimberly Patton, School Psychologist 

Taylor Elementary School:
Danielle Hoch, Principal 
Tabitha Messner, School Counselor

Resources:

SCSD Commemoration Request Form.pdf

TIG Resource Guide.pdf