#United States #New Jersey #Sage Alliance #Dr. DePinto #Dr. Gibson-Delaney

Sage Alliance Schools Enhances Clinical Leadership in New Jersey

In a significant move to bolster mental health support in education, Sage Alliance Schools has announced key clinical appointments aimed at serving families and districts throughout New Jersey. The organization, well-regarded for its therapeutic education with a college-preparatory focus, has appointed Dr. Lauren M. DePinto as the Clinical Director at the Mahwah campus. Additionally, Dr. Olivia M. Gibson-Delaney has been named the School Psychiatrist at Rochelle Park, effective September 2025.

Elevating Clinical Leadership

As articulated by Samantha Messer, Vice President of Sage Alliance Schools and Thrive Alliance Group, enhancing on-campus clinical leadership is essential for addressing the mental health needs of students while ensuring they remain focused on their academic objectives. This initiative is determined to provide greater support for students requiring mental health care, promoting not only well-being but also academic achievement.

Dr. DePinto, who steps into her role as Clinical Director, will be responsible for coordinating therapeutic services and care strategies with teachers and families. Her extensive background, including nearly 25 years of experience in educational settings, makes her particularly well-suited for this role. Most recently, she served as the K–12 Coordinator of School-Based Mental Health Services at Ridgewood Public Schools, bringing a wealth of knowledge in crisis intervention and support.

Her diversity of experience includes a Doctor of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, an MSW from Columbia University, and a BS in Social Work and Sociology from Seton Hall University. She holds licensure as a Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and has advanced training in trauma-informed care, psychological first aid, and risk assessment protocols. Furthermore, her contributions as a chapter reviewer and author on the New Jersey Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Guide underscore her expertise.

Expanding Access to Specialized Mental Health Care

Dr. Olivia M. Gibson-Delaney, a board-certified psychiatrist, will enhance the mental health resources available at the Rochelle Park campus. Her role will involve offering on-site psychiatric consultations, clarifying diagnoses, and collaborating with families and external providers to support individualized care plans. Additionally, she aims to enhance staff training on mental health issues pertinent to the educational environment.

Dr. Gibson-Delaney earned her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, complemented by a psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai West in New York. Her experience spans inpatient, emergency, community mental health, and telehealth settings, providing a broad perspective on the diverse needs of students facing mental health challenges.

The Way Forward

Both appointments signify Sage Alliance Schools' commitment to providing comprehensive support for its students, ensuring that mental health care is integrated seamlessly with academic services. The new leadership team is dedicated to tailoring therapeutic interventions to match the goals outlined in students' Individualized Education Plans (IEP), which aligns with essential objectives like attendance and classroom engagement.

Under the guidance of Samantha Messer, who brings over 25 years of educational leadership experience, this initiative is poised to create a supportive educational environment where students with special needs can excel. With a strong background in special education and mental health program development, she will oversee the effectiveness of these appointments and ensure they meet the increasing demands of students in need of mental health support.

As a part of Sage Alliance's ongoing mission to create impactful educational experiences, the schools will accept students across their three New Jersey campuses on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. For those interested in learning more about Sage Alliance Schools, further details can be found on their website.

Sage Alliance Schools remains steadfast in its mission to integrate therapeutic services with college-preparatory academics, fostering an environment where every student can achieve their full potential, both personally and academically.