The Harbor School Team
Below is just a sampling of those that are here to support our children through their challenges and to be a pivotal part in helping them achieve their goals to the best of their abilities.
Amy Brandon, Principal
Amy Brandon graduated from Concordia College with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Brandon started working at Harbor School in 2014 as a paraprofessional. She went on to obtain a dual Master’s in Special Education and Childhood Education. After earning her teaching certifications in Elementary Education and Special Education, Ms. Brandon accepted a teaching position at the Gateway School in November 2014. Ms. Brandon rounded out her educational career with a certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC). She continued her journey at the Harbor School, in July 2020 as the Supervisor of Instruction mentoring our teachers and supporting the needs of our students and families. In July 2022, she became co-principal and in January 2023 became the full-time principal. Ms. Brandon brings exceptional experience and knowledge to this position.
Mary Beth Ward, Related Services Supervisor
Mary Beth Ward has had the pleasure to work with the students of Harbor School as an Occupational Therapist for the past 15 years both directly treating students and managing OT, PT, and ST services. Her previous experience was the traumatic brain injury and rehabilitation in various hospital settings. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Boston University in 1981. Sensory integration, functional life skill training, and classroom seating / positioning remain her area of expertise as she continues to assist the students at Harbor School with their educational and medical needs.
Pat Sterling, Transition Teacher
Pat Sterling graduated from Trenton State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. Pat started as a classroom teacher at Harbor in September of 1989. Starting in September 1997, Pat became the Transition Coordinator for our high school program and has remained in this position since that time. Mrs. Sterling works closely with our high school students and their families to develop appropriate vocational skills to help facilitate job placement after graduation.
Amanda Latham, Music Teacher/Therapist
Amanda received her BA degree in Music Therapy and her minor in Psychology from Montclair State University. She completed her internship at the Center for Discovery in Harris, NY; and went on to receive her Music Therapy Board Certification in December 2012. Amanda started working at Harbor School in 2009 as a paraprofessional. She started the music position at Harbor and Alpha School in September 2014, where she uses music to address goals such as increasing socialization skills, communication, and self-expression.
Jennifer Bogin, Adaptive Physical Education Teacher
Jennifer Bogin graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor Degree in Science and a teaching certificate for grades K-12 in Physical Education and Health. She is also certified in Drivers Education. Jennifer brings 9 years of teaching and coaching experience with her to Harbor School. She is excited to continue to create a positive learning environment for her students and motivate them to continue living a healthy active life.
Barbara Getz, Administrative Assistant
Barbara Getz has worked for RKS Associates for over 15 years. She has been an administrative assistant for the past seven years at Harbor School. Barbara’s experience at Harbor includes knowledge of students, staff and many other office responsibilities that take place daily. She says that her favorite part of working in a special education school, is greeting students and families, and seeing their joy in being part of this wonderful school.
Kelly Zweig, BCaBA, Behavior Therapist
Kelly Zweig has joined Harbor School as our BCaBA. Kelly graduated from Northeastern University and is finishing her Master in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Georgian Court University. Kelly has been pursuing effective practices to educate students with Autism for over twenty years. She has been a Behavioral Therapist for nine years and a BCaBA for over five years. Kelly has worked in private school, public schools and home therapy settings to reduce problem behavior and increase functional and social skills. Kelly has unique experiences that will be an asset to Harbor School as she is both a therapist and a parent of a son with autism.
Debra Shanin, MSW, Social Worker
Ms. Shanin provides individual and group counseling to Harbor students and works closely with all the classroom teachers. She graduated with an MSW degree from NYU and brings almost 30 years of experience in the field of Social Work and Human Services to her position here at Harbor.