SEPAC Shoutout Program

The Arlington SEPAC Shoutouts program was created to enable Arlington parents or caregivers to recognize members of APS staff (Special Ed or otherwise) who have made a positive impact in some way on their Special Education student(s). Checkout the staff who have been “shouted out” in June!

Let’s Congratulate Our June “Shout Outs”!

  • Mandi Bistran, School Counselor, Ottoson

  • Michael Culp, Social Worker/Counselor, Ottoson

  • Keren Deneny, K-2 SLC Teacher, Hardy

  • Heather Dooley, Classroom Teacher, Peirce

  • Erica Gorton, Social Worker, Brackett

  • Marisa Holland, Special Education Liaison, Peirce

  • Jenna Lossio, Paraprofessional, Brackett 

  • David Schaye, Special Education Liaison, Ottoson

  • Nanci Siegel, Guidance Counselor, Ottoson

  • Kara Smith, K-1 Learning Specialist, Hardy

  • Justine Strickland, Reading Specialist, Ottoson 

  • Kerrie Simoneau, Lead Teacher, Menotomy Preschool

  • Rachel Quarrell, Social Worker, Dallin

  • Cali Thompson, Classroom Teacher, Brackett

We also want to extend a huge “THANK YOU” to the APS educators and staff who supported all students who learn differently this year.

APS Hosts FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid Training this summer

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training for adults who frequently interact with youth. Learners receive free comprehensive materials on how to recognize common signs of mental health concerns in adolescents, the language and skills to talk to youth about suicide, how to connect youth to care, and a list of community and national referral resources. Training is for anyone 18+.

Upcoming training dates:

  • Wednesday, July 22

  • Wednesday, August 5

  • Tuesday, August 11

Informational flyer | Register: tinyurl.com/ArlingtonYMHFA

Questions? Contact Julia Vitagliano at [email protected]

Programs, resources, and services in and around the community

NOTE: SEPAC is sharing this information as a courtesy. An endorsement should not be inferred. Have a program or service to share? Please fill out this form.

  • Registration is now open for Transition Journeys 2026: Tools for Today, Hope for Tomorrow, The Arc of Massachusetts’ premier conference for families, self-advocates, and professionals navigating the transition to adulthood for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism.

  • July Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) for Students with Disabilities (ages 16-21)

    • Emerson College, Boston June 25 - 19th or

    • Worcester State University July 26 - 29th

    YLF is a free, accessible summer conference where students with disabilities (ages 16–21) can stay overnight on a college campus, build leadership skills, prepare for employment, and meet peers. Learn more | Informational flyer

    Questions? Contact Ari Fleisher (she/her), Director of Youth Programs, [email protected], 617-556-4075 ext. 171

Thanks for a great year!

We’ll be formally signing off for the summer but board members will be available on and off checking the SEPAC inbox at [email protected].

Detailed SEPAC Zoom information:

Link: us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=iKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1

  • Meeting ID: 854 1205 2274

  • Passcode: 378204

  • Join by phone: 309 205 3325

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© 2026 Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).
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