Director

Mrs. Erin Weir, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
716-686-3609
eweir@ccsd-k12.net

Ms. Cara Santoro Rasnick, District Special Education Coordinator
716-686-3609
crasnick@ccsd-k12.net

Mrs. Melanie Bodecker, CPSE, CSE, 504 Plans
716-686-3643
mbodecker@ccsd-k12.net

Ms. Patricia Pozdyn, Special Transportation, OT/PT Scripts, Home/Hospital Instruction, Special Education Records Requests
716-686-3644
ppozdyn@ccsd-k12.net

Mrs. Melanie Bodecker, Office Assistant, CPSE, CSE
716-686-3643

Ms. Patricia Pozdyn, Office Assistant, CSE
716-686-3644

School Psychologists

Ms. Jeanne Kornowicz, High School / Middle School 
716-686-3632
jkornowicz@ccsd-k12.net   

Ms. Alison Napier, Union East Elementary
716-686-3620
anapier@ccsd-k12.net

Speech 

Mrs. Teri Manna, Speech Language Pathologist, 686-3620
Mrs. Leah Campagna, Speech Language Pathologist, 686-3660
Mrs. Theresa Bernys, Speech Language Pathologist, 686-3620
Mrs. Jennifer Schlesinger, Speech Language Pathologist, 686-3620

Occupational Therapy

Mrs. Susan Wasner, Occupational Therapist, 686-3660 or 686-3620
Mrs. Hannah Field-Nazzarett, Occupational Therapist,
Ms. Ashley Bajer, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, 686-3620

Physical Therapy

Dr. Jocelyn Massaro, Physical Therapist, 686-3620
Dr. Jacqlyn Hensley, Physical Therapist, 686-3620

CSE & CPSE Chairpersons Serving the Students and Families of the CCSD

Mrs. Erin Weir
Ms. Cara Santoro Rasnick
Dr. Jocelyn Massaro
Ms. Jeanne Kornowicz
Ms. Alison Napier
Mr. Brian Pane

Special Education Services

The Cheektowaga School District is committed to providing all students with a free and appropriate public education.  In order to meet the needs of a diverse population, the district offers alternative programs, supplementary aids and special education services.

Special Education consists of specifically designed instruction for students (ages 3-21 years) who are identified by either the district committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) or the Committee on Special Education (CSE) as having a disability which interferes with learning.  The CPSE and CSE are multidisciplinary teams of parents and professionals responsible for determining eligibility, coordinating evaluations, and recommending programs or services.  

The committees, appointed by and responsible to the Board of Education, hold meetings on a regular basis to respond to initial referrals.  The District is committed to identifying children with disabilities and providing necessary, appropriate services and support within the least restrictive environment. If you suspect your child has a disability, please contact the Pupil Services Office. 

Child Find

Child Find is a continuous process of public awareness activities, screening and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and refer as early as possible, young children with disabilities and their families who are in need of an Early Intervention Program or Preschool Special Education services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

To receive an Early Intervention Program or Special Education, children must meet eligibility guidelines according to IDEA. IDEA requires all states to have a “comprehension Child Find System” to assure that all children who are in need of early intervention or special education services are located, identified and referred. If you believe that your child may be a child with a disability or in need of support services, please contact the Pupil Services Office.