Welcome to The Pupil Services 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

Serving as the Director of Pupil Services, Dr. Lucas 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. Lucas joined the Pottsgrove school community on August 1, 2022. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Lucas worked within the Commonwealth in the North Penn School District, the Perkiomen Valley School District, and the Owen J. Roberts School District. She has served in the administrative roles of Special Education Supervisor and Director in K-12 districts for the last 11 years. Dr. Lucas also served as a district Elementary IEP facilitator, special education teacher, and special education assistant (2002-2012). She has been a mental health committee chair, participated in School Wide Positive Behavior Supports leadership groups, and has been a county, statewide, and national presenter on the topic of student mental health needs and services in schools. She is also a board member for the Pennsylvania Council for Administrators of Special Education (PaCASE). Dr. Lucas brings a wealth of experience and understanding of supporting the Pupil Services needs of a District.

Dr. Lucas is looking forward to continuing to support the mission of the Pottsgrove School District "to educate and inspire all students to excel as productive, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners." Her goal this year as a new Pottsgrove staff member and Director is to listen, learn, and build relationships with the students, community, families, and staff groups.

As the mother of three sons, she understands the parent's perspective.  Throughout her life, different family members have required special education services and supports. Therefore, she has understood the importance of ensuring equitable opportunity and access to those services. She is thrilled to be part of an amazing community that focuses on developing partnerships and ensuring positive outcomes for all students. 

Education:

Doctorate of Educational Leadership and Superintendent Letter, Delaware Valley University

Special Education Supervisory Certification, Penn State University

Masters of Education, West Chester University

Bachelors of Science, West Chester University

Mrs. Matz joined the Pottsgrove team in 2022.  She has a background in elementary and special education and worked as a special education teacher for twelve years.  Mrs. Matz has previously worked in the Reading School District, Governor Mifflin School District, and Boyertown School Districts. She completed her Supervisor of Special Education Certification at Slippery Rock University. 

Mrs. Matz serves as the Special Education Supervisor for grades K-5.

Mrs. Matz enjoys spending time with her family, including her two nieces, Sadie and Savannah, and her husband, Scott.  Mrs. Matz and her husband can often be found vacationing in their favorite spot, Cape May, New Jersey! Mrs. Matz looks forward to serving the families, students, and staff of the Pottsgrove community.

Education:

Supervisor of Special Education Certification, Slippery Rock University

Masters of Education, Reading Specialist Certification, Wilkes University

Bachelors of Science, Elementary and Special Education, Kutztown University

Miss Petrillo joined the Pottsgrove administration team in 2019.  She has a background in elementary and special education and worked as a special education teacher for ten years.  Miss Petrillo spent four of those years working as a Special Education Teacher at West Pottsgrove Elementary School. She completed her Supervisor of Special Education Certification at Immaculata University. 

Miss Petrillo serves as the Special Education Supervisor for students attending Pottsgrove Middle and High School. 

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 

Miss Pappano began her career at Pottsgrove School District in 2015 as the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for all of Pottsgrove School District. In November 2022, she joined the administrative team as the Coordinator of Special Services. Miss Pappano also is the lead instructor in verbal de-escalation and crisis management techniques for Pottsgrove School District, a member of the Student Assistance Programs for the Elementary teams, the supervisor of the Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in the district, and a member of the PBIS teams across the district. She has a background in Education as an Autistic Support teacher and as a Behavior Specialist Consultant in wraparound services prior to obtaining her certification as a BCBA. Throughout her 25 years of experience, Miss Pappano has worked with early childhood education, school-aged children, and adults in the role of a BCBA and Special Educator.

Miss Pappano enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working in her flower and vegetable garden, and is an avid football and basketball fan. Miss Pappano also enjoys being a Volunteer Firefighter, when time permits from being a “Mom Taxi”. Miss Pappano is very excited to continue working with the students, staff, and families of Pottsgrove School District supporting their behaviors and educational needs so that they may be successful in all endeavors in and outside of the school setting.

Education:

BCBA Certification, Penn State University

M.Ed. with Special Education Certification, Cabrini College

B.S.Ed. with Elementary Education Certification, Cabrini College

Paige Petrillo
Supervisor of Special Education, 6 - 12
Phone: 610-327-2277 ext. 1038
ppetrillo@pgsd.org