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Neighbor News

NJASEPS Welcomes New Board Leadership

Dr. Rachel Tait of Eden Autism Named New Board President

Left to right: Annmarie Scorzo, Windsor & Shepard Schools; Kenneth Alter, Deron School; Rachel Tait, Ed.D., Eden School; Michael Farrelly, The Gramon Family of Schools; Brian Detlefsen; The Forum School. Not pictured: Regina Irwin, Hampton Academy.
Left to right: Annmarie Scorzo, Windsor & Shepard Schools; Kenneth Alter, Deron School; Rachel Tait, Ed.D., Eden School; Michael Farrelly, The Gramon Family of Schools; Brian Detlefsen; The Forum School. Not pictured: Regina Irwin, Hampton Academy. (NJASEPS)

The New Jersey Association of Special Education Partner Schools (NJASEPS) has announced its Board Officers and Trustees for the 2026-2027 term. NJASEPS represents New Jersey’s private special education schools that provide highly specialized services to more than 10,000 infants, children, and young adults with disabilities. Formerly known as ASAH, the nonprofit organization announced its new name, NJASEPS, in 2025.

The following members were introduced as the Association’s officers:

  • Rachel Tait, Ed.D., Eden School – President
  • Kenneth Alter, Deron School – First Vice President
  • Michael Farrelly, The Gramon Family of Schools – Second Vice President
  • Regina Irwin, Hampton Academy – Secretary
  • Annmarie Scorzo, Windsor & Shepard Schools – Treasurer
  • Brian Detlefsen, The Forum School – Immediate Past President

“It is a privilege to collaborate with our Board and advocate for our member schools during my presidency,” said Tait. “I am committed to advancing initiatives that support long-term sustainability for our schools, while continuing to strengthen the services and resources we provide to our members.”

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Tait also recognized the leadership of her predecessor, Brian Detlefsen noting, “Thanks to Brian’s leadership, we are well-positioned to build upon NJASEPS’s current momentum and further advance our collective mission.”

Board of Trustees Appointments:

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At Large Members

Lauren Bell, Lakeview School

Kenneth Berger, Spectrum360

Peter Petrou, ECLC of New Jersey

Region I Representatives

Christopher Lynch, Windsor Learning Center & Windsor School (Regional Chair)

Rachel Herrington, North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency

Ryan Kimmins, Honor Ridge Academy

Region II Representatives

Anthony G. Gebbia, Montgomery Academy (Regional Chair)

Colleen Motzel, Green Brook Academy

Michael Somers III, Chapel Hill Academy

Region III Representatives

Michael Carpino, SEARCH Day Program (Regional Chair)

Cynthia D’Arcy, Collier Schools

Lisa Graul, LADACIN Network

Region IV Representatives

Michele McCloskey, Archbishop Damiano School (Regional Chair)

Jennifer Amoroso, Durand

Chris Sarandoulias, Y.A.L.E. Schools

To learn more about NJASEPS, please visit https://www.njaseps.org.

About NJASEPS

The New Jersey Association of Special Education Partner Schools (NJASEPS), formerly known as ASAH, is a nonprofit organization representing New Jersey’s private special education schools that provide highly specialized services to more than 10,000 infants, children, and young adults with disabilities. Since 1974, NJASEPS has worked in partnership with public school districts, state agencies, and communities to promote excellence, equity, and collaboration in special education across the state.

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