Services, Programs & Supports

Instructional 'Home Bases'

In order to provide the highest level of individualization, students have access to instructional 'home bases'--Learning Center, Supported Learning Center, Pathways, Language & Academics--which provide them with a variety of consistent supports according to each student's individual needs. Students who participate in any of the instructional 'home bases' have access to the range of academic programming at BHS. Course selection is based on the recommendations of the student's IEP Team. 

Specialized Programs

Highly specialized programs are available at BHS to provide students with the most intensive needs a higher level of individualization and support, as well as structured, separate environments when deemed necessary by a student's IEP team. All content areas are instructed by special educators in the context of the program.

Bridge Alliance Services

Brookline High School offers a continuum of highly individualized services that support students' post-secondary goals and vision. These services may include career development classes, travel training, and employment support. 


For more information, contact Andrea Lynch, Brendan McCarthy or Elaine Shields.




  • Bridge Alliance Program
Return to BHS Special Education Homepage

Learning Center
Instructional 'Home Base'

Learning Center small group specialized instruction is a non-categorical support service for students enrolled in primarily general education courses. The primary goal of the Learning Center is to help students become independent learners. Specialized instruction is provided in the areas of reading comprehension, written expression, executive functioning (organization, time management, and study skills), self-advocacy and other areas of need outlined within students' IEPs. 
Staff

Jake Barrett

Erin Blette
​
Carol Davidson

Betty Differ

Mark Fiedor

Cathy Heller
Jim Henry

​Holly Irvin
​
​Andy Kelly

Jason Montrose

LIndsay Strauss

Karen Wong
​
Hayley Wells

Supported Learning Center
Instructional 'Home Base'

Supported Learning Center serves students who may need regular monitoring and support due to primarily social/emotional needs. This class provides a supportive learning community with close case management to facilitate student progress.
Staff

Natalie Labouchere
Matt DuBois
​John Lee

Pathways
Instructional 'Home Base'

Pathways provides a continuum of services to students with difficulties in self regulation, social communication and executive functions. Students must be able to navigate the building independently (or be able to reach that goal after an initial transition period) and access standard level curriculum. Typical intellectual ability is in the average to superior range. 
Staff

Susan Moreno

Language & Academics Home Base
Instructional 'Home Base'

LAHB supports offer students access to the general education curriculum with additional intensive interventions in reading and writing. Students also access a specialized, language-based learning center. LAHB students exhibit language-based challenges with average to above average cognitive abilities; those who are self-motivated and independent benefit most from this model. 
Staff

Jake Barrett
Science

Monica Camara
Math

Brenna Mahoney
English

Indra Ong
Reading

Shelley Stevens
Speech/Language

Peter Meagher
History

BRIDGE ALLIANCE
Specialized Program

Bridge is a self-contained classroom that serves students ages 18-22 with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, who require highly structured, individualized transition services. Applied behavior analysis, social communication expansion, vocational training, and life skills development are all encompassed in the Bridge teaching methodology. Bridge teaches skills to promote independence in the home, community, and vocational settings. This program services students who have already completed grades 9-12.



Staff
Andrea_Lynch
​Brendan_McCarthy
Elaine Shields

ExCEL Program
Specialized Program

The ExCEL Program is a substantially separate therapeutic learning environment for students with emotional and/or behavioral disabilities who need support to access academic instruction. Programming includes modified academics, instruction in self-management, and community experiences.
Staff

Joslyn Vendola
Lead Teacher & Math 

Kyle Beaulieu-Jones
History

Sarah Kornell
English

Amanda Lehman
Science
​
G.S. Toledo
School Adjustment Counselor

RISE Community
Specialized Program

The RISE Program is a home base for students with autism spectrum disorders as well as students with similar profiles and needs. Students in RISE benefit from a highly structured program. They may participate in the full range of course offerings; highly individualized discrete trial teaching is also available. Integrated programming includes social learning instruction, communication services, organizational support, BCBA services and daily living skill instruction. 
Staff
Nicole Muldowney
Katelyn Parisi
​Coral Rondeau
​Robin Ross
​Matt Schiff

Winthrop House
Specialized Program

Winthrop House, an off-site component of Brookline High School, provides a therapeutic special education alternative for students whose social and/or emotional problems have hindered success in a traditional setting. 
Staff

Owen Minott
Coordinator

Jennifer Polk
Social Worker

Lesley Allison
Science

Mike DeYoung
Social Studies

Sarah Ladner Apollo
Math

Amy Sawyer Delano
ELA
Return to BHS Special Education Homepage