About The Counseling Staff

Guidance Counselor
  Lynn Schofield is the Guidance Counselor at Strong Middle School for students in grades 7 and 8. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology from the State University of New York, College at Oswego.  She also earned a Master of Arts Degree, with a concentration in School Counseling from Fairfield University.  Lynn has experience in working with students from sixth through twelfth grade.  While pursuing her master’s degree, she completed a practicum experience at Shelton Intermediate School and an internship at West Haven High School.  She worked in the Stratford Public School System and the Milford Public School System before working for Region #13.  Lynn has worked as a guidance counselor at Strong Middle School since 2002.  She is a current member of the the Connecticut School Counselor Association.  Lynn is the Advisor of the Peer Mediation Program and Advisor of the Service Club.  Lynn, who is married with three children, resides in Madison.

School Psychologist

 Melissa Stephens is the School Psychologist at Strong Middle School for students in grades 7 and 8. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Albertus Magnus College and her Master’s Degree and Sixth Year Professional Diploma in School Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University.  Melissa has experience working with students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.  She has provided support to these students while working in the Hamden Public School System, Yale Child Study Center, the North Haven Public School System, and Regional School District 13.  Melissa has worked in Region #13 since 1999 where she has serviced students at Coginchaug High School, Brewster Elementary School, John Lyman Elementary School and Strong Middle School. Her affiliations have included the National Association of School Psychologists NASP, as well as the Connecticut Association of School Psychologists CASP. Melissa is the E.D.G.E Advisor and the Co-Advisor of the Yearbook and Mentor Program.  Melissa, who is married with two teenage sons, resides in North Haven.

School Social Worker

 Kathy Bottini is the Social Worker at Strong Middle School for students in grades 7 and 8.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Bowling Green State University and has a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver.  Kathy has been with District #13 for nine years and splits her time between Strong and Coginchaug High School.  Prior to joining Strong, she worked as the Director of a Women’s Center focusing on domestic violence, crisis intervention and child abuse in California.  She also has worked as a Medical Social Worker at hospitals in Hawaii, Florida and Ohio.  Kathy is affiliated with the Connecticut Association of Social Workers.  She is the Co-Advisor of the Yearbook and the Mentor Program at Strong.  Kathy resides in East Lyme with her husband and teenage son.  

Speech & Language Pathologist

 Diane Mancino is the Speech & Language Pathologist.  Diane earned her masters degree from Southern Connecticut State University.  She has 25 years of experience providing services through DMR with adults and birth to three, nursing homes and rehab centers.  In addition, Diane worked for Yale University School of Medicine as a Project Coordinator on a 6 year grant for a research project related to phonology and literacy.  Following her work at Yale University, Diane became a private practitioner contracting services to public schools and other facilities.  This work included Region #13, working at Memorial, Korn and Brewster.  Diane resides in Middletown.

Kathleen Davidson is a Speech Pathologist working at Strong School.  She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Iona College and her Master's Degree from Adelphi University in New York.   This is her 6th year working in District 13, sharing her time between Strong and Coginchaug High School. Kathleen has also worked with students at the Brewster and Korn Schools.   Prior to coming to District 13 she worked in New York with students in public schools, grades K through 12 with a range of communication needs.  She also coordinated and supervised a program in a private school for students with autism and emotional needs.  While in New York Kathleen also provided services to students in the birth to three program as a private practitioner. Her affiliations include the Connecticut and American Speech/Language/Hearing Associations. Kathleen resides in Clinton with her husband.

School Secretary

 Karen Bransfield is the secretary for the guidance office.  She has been employed by Regional School District 13 since 1988.  Karen resides in Cromwell with her husband.