Welcome to The Pupil Servies and Special Education Department. Our department is committed to supporting the needs of our diverse learners through the provision of quality programming and a team approach. The Pupil Services Department operates in accordance with Federal and State laws and oversees the implementation of the following programs and services:

• Special Education (Chapter 14)
• Section 504 (Chapter 15)
• Gifted Education (Chapter 16)
• School Health Services
• Wellness Services
• Student Assistance Program
• Social Work Services 
• Board Certified Behavioral Analysis

Dr. Pacitto joined the Pottsgrove team in the spring of 2015. She has a background in elementary education and worked as a Kindergarten teacher in both Delaware and Pennsylvania. She also served as a secondary school counselor for many years in Chester County as well as a Director of Student Services at Collegium Charter School. She has prior experience in community-based mental health and in interior design. She is currently completing her Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Immaculata University and conducting a research study on the benefits of content specialization at the elementary level. Mrs. Pacitto is a strong believer in Growth Mindset (Dr. Carol Dweck) and maximizing the potential of all of our district’s students through partnerships with teachers and families.

Serving as the district’s Director of Pupil Services, Dr. Pacitto is responsible for programming and supervision of the following departments:

• Special Education & Related Services
• Gifted Education
• Nursing & Health Services
• School Counseling Services
• Behavior Analysis
• School Psychological Services
• School Social Work
• Non-public Services
• Alternative Education

Dr. Pacitto enjoys the outdoors with her husband, two sons, and their Westie. She spends her free time volunteering for her boys’ youth sports teams and in her local school community.

Education:

Doctor of Education, Immaculata University

Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, Immaculata University

Supervisor of Special Education Certification, Immaculata University

Principal Certification K-12, Immaculata University

Masters of Counseling & Educational Psychology, West Chester University

Bachelors of Science, Early Childhood Education, University of Delaware

Dr. Kanter joined the Pottsgrove team in July of 2016. His background includes teaching at both the middle school and secondary level for the School District of Philadelphia. Subsequent to teaching in the School District of Philadelphia, Dr. Kanter taught in the private academic sector at both the elementary and secondary levels. After teaching in both the public and private sectors, Dr. Kanter accepted an educational leadership position for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, which included roles as both Supervisor of Special Education and principal. Subsequent to his time working for the DCIU, Dr. Kanter accepted a position as Supervisor of Special Education for the Norristown Area School District and was the Director of Special Education prior to accepting his current position for the Pottsgrove School District.

Serving as the district’s Supervisor of Special Education, Dr. Kanter works collaboratively with the district’s parents, leaders, building principals, and special education teachers to support students receiving special education services. It is his goal to ensure equitable support and services for all students who attend the Pottsgrove School District.

Dr. Kanter enjoys spending time with his family and friends, relaxing at the beach, and supporting all Philadelphia sports teams.

Education:

Doctor of Education, Arcadia University

Master of Education, Arcadia University

Bachelor of Arts, Temple University

Principal Certification K-12, Holy Family University

Supervisor of Special Education, Arcadia University

Special Education Teaching Certification K-12 Saint Joseph University

Secondary Social Studies Teaching Certificate, Temple University

Private Academic Teaching Certificate 

Miss Petrillo joined the Pottsgrove team in the fall of 2015.  She has a background in elementary and special education and worked as a special education teacher for the past ten years.  Her most recent position was working as a Special Education Teacher at West Pottsgrove Elementary School. She is currently completing her Supervisor of Special Education Certification at Immaculata University.

Miss Petrillo is serving as a Teacher on Special Assignment. She is working with the special education department to support students, staff and families grades K-12. 

Miss Petrillo enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.  She also enjoys the beach, traveling, cooking, and cheering on the Eagles.  Miss Petrillo looks forward to supporting the families of the Pottsgrove School District.

Education:

Supervisor of Special Education Certification, Immaculata University

Masters of Education, Cabrini College

Bachelors of Science, Elementary and Special Education, West Chester University