Lopatcong School District Office of Special Services
Greetings Lopatcong School District Families,
Our Special Services Department is dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to the
supports they need to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. We provide a wide range
of services including special education, speech and language therapy, occupational and physical
therapy, counseling, and more. Our team is committed to creating inclusive environments where
all learners are valued and supported.
We understand that the success of each student is a collaborative effort between families,
educators, and support staff. Open communication and strong partnerships with parents are
essential, and we are here to listen, guide, and work with you every step of the way.
If you have questions, concerns, or would like to discuss your child’s services, please feel free to
reach out to my office or your child’s case manager. We are here to help and are looking forward
to a year filled with growth, discovery, and success.
Thank you for your trust and partnership. Let’s make this a great year!
Warm regards,
Ryanne Bigelli
Director of Special Services
Please follow the Special Education referral procedures outlined in the document below:
“Special Education Referral Process“
Director of Special Services
Ryanne Bigelli
908-213-2995 x2801
bigellir@lopatcongschool.org
School Social Workers
Danielle LaStarza
908-859-0800 x2809
lastarzad@lopatcongschool.org
Vicki Otto
908-213-2995 x2808
ottov@lopatcongschool.org
Learning Disabilities Teacher/Consultant
Kimberly Jinks
908-213-2995 x2803
jinksk@lopatsd.org
School Psychologist
Cate Proulx
908-213-2995 x2802
proulx@lopatsd.org
Assistant to the Director of Special Services
Gwen Olah
908-213-2995 x2800
olahg@lopatcongschool.org
Speech & Language Therapists
Jocellyn Hayes
908-213-2995 x2804
hayesj@lopatcongschool.org
Cailyn Olah
908-859-0800 x3802
olahc@lopatcongschool.org
Jessica Verrelli
908-859-0800 x3208
verrellij@lopatcongschool.org
Occupational Therapists
Christin Hywel
908-213-2995 x1710
hywelc@lopatcongschool.org
Sarah Weiss
908-213-2995 x1710
weisss@lopatcongschool.org
Physical Therapist
Michelle DeSanto
908-213-2995 x1710
desantom@lopatcongschool.org
Board Certified
Behavior Analysts
Josi Garcia
josi@zimzumcc.com
Lopatcong Elementary School CST Office extension: 2805
2025-2026 IEP Progress Reporting – Tentative Dates
| Progress Reporting Month | Progress Report Completion Date: (Dates are subject to change based on calendar changes) | Approximate availability date in parent portal: |
| November | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | Tuesday, November 10, 2026 |
| January | Thursday, January 21, 2027 | Thursday, January 28, 2027 |
| March | Monday, April 6, 2027 | Tuesday, April 13, 2027 |
| June | Wednesday, June 9, 2027 | Tuesday, June 15, 2027 |
All IEP Progress Reports for this school year will be posted in the Genesis Parent Portal on or around the dates listed above.
Useful Information:
Parental Rights in Special Education
PRISE (English)
PRISE (Spanish)
NJ Human Services Resources Guide (English)
NJ Human Services Resources Guide (Spanish)
The Special Education Referral Process
New Jersey Disability & Related Resources
Early Intervention
Project Child Find
NJ Special Education Code
LMS Student Support Services
Related Links