Rhode Island School Psychologists Association (RISPA)

12/07/2024

Celebrating our scholarship recipient! Happy Friday! Thanks for coming out! National Association of School Psychologists

11/15/2024

Happy Friday of NSPW!
RIDE is looking to have School Psychologists participate in a survey to share our important perspective and knowledge regarding roles and responsibilities of school-based mental health professionals. This information will support advancement of guidance and supports state-wide that help to enhance awareness of the roles of school-based mental health professionals (including School Psychologists!). Please see the message below from RIDE and consider completing the survey--they have responses from 33 School Psychologists out of approx. 200 so far.

The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) is conducting a survey to gather information about the services provided by school mental health professionals in RI. This survey will help improve the consistency and effectiveness of mental health services across districts and schools. Responses are anonymous, voluntary, and can be paused and resumed later. We encourage all school mental health professionals to participate and share their insights.

Please use this link to access the survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQOFiT429mXWfTjp7dVlsa9KgHQ4BCZB03lgE8qM89YmqHUA/viewform

Thank you for contributing to stronger mental health supports in our schools!

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. The purpose of this survey is for the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) to gather information about the types of services school mental health professionals working in RI are providing as part of their current....

11/15/2024

We are closing out by announcing that Maria Dinobile, a school psychologist at Central Falls High School, has been selected as the 2024 RISPA Supervisor of the Year. National Association of School Psychologists

Maria, a dedicated school psychologist with over 20 years of experience, has been a transformative mentor for practicum students, setting a high standard for training aligned with the NASP practice model. Her commitment to quality education shines through in her supportive, student-centered approach, emphasizing "quality over quantity" and fostering her trainees' growth without overwhelming them. As a bilingual school psychologist, Maria’s ability to connect with diverse students and families is invaluable, as is her active collaboration with the School Based Mental Health Project. Her contributions to CFHS go beyond individual support, helping to build a positive school climate through her work with special education, counseling, and social work teams. Maria’s dedication, expertise, and compassion have made an exceptional impact, and we are proud to honor her as this year’s award winner. Congratulations, Maria!

11/14/2024

We are thrilled to announce that Mia Goyette has been awarded the 2024 Rhode Island School Psychologists Association (RISPA) Ethnic Minority Scholarship. National Association of School Psychologists

Mia is currently a third-year student in the Rhode Island College School Psychology Program. She has shown a deep commitment to supporting culturally diverse students in urban high schools. Mia is passionate about fostering students’ ethnic identities and sense of belonging. Her dedication to cultural humility and trauma-informed care shines through in her daily work, where she builds meaningful connections with students and encourages open discussions about ethnicity, self-identity, and academic growth. Mia’s commitment to cultural understanding extends beyond the classroom—she has traveled to Guatemala to strengthen her Spanish skills and to Vietnam to deepen her connection with her heritage. These immersive experiences have enhanced her empathy and perspective, which she brings back to her work with students in Rhode Island. Please join us in congratulating Mia on this well-deserved award and her inspiring contributions to the field of school psychology!

11/13/2024

We are thrilled to announce that Melissa Gill has been selected as the 2024 Rhode Island School Psychologist of the Year. National Association of School Psychologists

As the sole School Psychologist for Jamestown School District, Melissa exemplifies exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership. She brings an analytical and compassionate approach to her work, expertly using data-driven strategies to support students' academic and behavioral growth. Melissa's leadership in multi-tiered support systems (MTSS) and her role in the district's behavior support initiatives have been instrumental in fostering a positive, inclusive environment. Known for her collaborative spirit, Melissa is a trusted advisor to teachers, staff, and administrators, offering valuable insights that empower her colleagues and enhance school-wide practices. Her commitment to equity and holistic support has left a lasting impact on students, families, and the Jamestown community. Please join us in congratulating Melissa Gill on this well-deserved honor for her outstanding contributions to school psychology.

11/12/2024

We are proud to announce that Cristina Pistacchio has been awarded the 2024 Rhode Island School Psychologists Association (RISPA) Exemplary Graduate Student Award! Cristina graduated from the Rhode Island College School Psychology program in May 2024, and she completed her internship in the Providence Public Schools. A bilingual school psychologist, she has since joined the Providence district full-time. Known for her dedication and leadership, Cristina has excelled academically and served as a NASP Student Representative, where she effectively engaged her peers and represented her program. Her commitment to professional growth is evident through her attendance at NASP conferences, her volunteer work with prospective school psychology applicants, and her role as an RI LEND Fellow. Through her fellowship, Cristina developed expertise in supporting individuals with disabilities and completed a needs assessment on secondary trauma among Providence Public School staff. She will deliver a professional development session on this critical topic during the upcoming school year. Cristina’s accomplishments and her proactive approach to supporting students and mental health professionals exemplify the qualities of an outstanding graduate in school psychology. Please join us in congratulating Cristina Pistacchio on this well-deserved honor!

11/05/2024

10/09/2024

Hey RI School Psychs, please consider nominating a colleague for 2024 School Psychologist of the Year! Nominations are due 10/25/24. We will announcing the recipient at our hosted Happy Hour to wrap up National School Psychology Week!

On behalf of the Rhode Island School Psychologists Association, it is our pleasure to invite you to nominate a RI School Psychologist in your district and/or community for the 2024 RI School Psychologist of the Year Award! This online Nomination Form must be received by October 25, 2024. Selection o...

03/21/2024

In loving memory of Dr. Lou Ruffolo, we share this message from his family and opportunity to support if you would like to. Forever in our hearts ❤️

Hello, this is Jessica Ruffolo, Lou Ruffolo’s wife. As you may know, he recently passe… Jessica Ruffolo needs your support for In loving memory of Lou Ruffolo

03/20/2024

RIDE's School Health Team is conducting their second round of the SBMH Professional Development Survey. Please take a moment to share your insight and perspective to state-wide professional learning opportunities related to school-based mental health by completing the survey linked below. This will greatly help with increasing ideas and perspectives of RI School Psychologists. THANK YOU!

RIDE is seeking input on what professional development sessions you would find most helpful.

03/19/2024

Dear RISPA Family,

It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we share the news of the unexpected passing of a beloved member of our RI school psychology family. Dr Lou Ruffolo has touched so many lives in his 20+ years as a school psychologist. His loss is deeply felt by so many. Lou will be remembered for the incredible person he was, for his contribution to the field and countless students and professionals he mentored and cared for. We know so many of you are sharing our grief as we mourn the loss of our beloved friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with his family and the Coventry Public Schools community during this incredibly difficult time.

RISPA Board

03/06/2024

Happy School Social Work Week to all of our work wives and work husbands-our social worker besties and teammates! 😆😉🙌🏼