Willingboro Special Educators Recognized for Excellence

Willingboro, NJ - Garfield Park Academy, a private school serving students with disabilities, has announced that two of their educators have been recognized by ASAH, a statewide association of more than 150 private schools serving students in need of special education.

Sheri Roseman was selected as Region IV Related Services Provider of the Year, and Beverly Thomas Layton was selected as Region IV Paraprofessional of the Year. Both women were nominated for the award and chosen from among scores of other nominees.

Ms. Roseman, who has been with Garfield Park Academy for more than 20 years, pioneered the art therapy program at Garfield Park Academy in 1996, and has built community relationships around art with organizations including Virtua Mt. Holly Hospital, and CAMWERK, a work training program in Camden. Ms. Thomas Layton, who has also been with the school for more than two decades, works directly with students in the classroom, helping them build academic and social skills. She serves as a facilitator and peer mentor for students, has been the Dance and Drill Team Coordinator, Fashion Show Coordinator, and has helped students and staff at the school raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

As educators at Garfield Park Academy, both are trained in the use of the Teaching Family Model to help students with emotional and behavioral disabilities learn. They use a range of instructional strategies, including hands-on and interactive lessons, to engage students in the learning process, and to create a positive classroom environment.

“We are incredibly proud of both Sheri and Beverly,” said Dr. Steven Morse, Superintendent of Garfield Park Academy. “They are outstanding role models and have a true passion for their work with students who have unique challenges,” he added. “They have earned the respect of colleagues and the leadership here.”

Roseman and Thomas Layton will be recognized in November at a statewide ceremony in Atlantic City, which is expected to draw more than 1,200 attendees.

About: Garfield Park Academy is a state-approved, not-for-profit school that provides effective, evidence-based special education services for students in grades K-12 who have a history of learning, social, emotional and behavioral challenges. The school's comprehensive services and programs are designed to wrap around each student and his or her family to ensure success. Students are placed by their local school district at no cost to parents. For more information, visit www.garfieldparkacademy.org