MEET OUR STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM!!

School Psychologist - April Tapper

Hi! My name is Mrs. Tapper. I am a School Psychologist and part of the Student Support Team. I am here to help support students with their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. While I am often working with school staff and students to figure out how to help students during their most challenging times, I am here for ALL students at Harvey Austin! I love when I get a chance to play game of UNO, design something out of play dough, or build an awesome Lego design with students. 

When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two sons (also BPS students), and my giant dog Roxy. Together we enjoy reading books, eating doughnuts and tacos, and walking Roxy. I love meeting new people, so please be sure to stop by my office and say, "Hi!" 

School Social Worker - Erika Vertigan

My name is Erika Vertigan and I am part of the Student Support Team. This is my third year as a school social worker at Harvey Austin School 97. I engage and build relationships with students daily through counseling, crisis intervention, and social-emotional lessons. I know that students today face unique challenges and that relationship building must come first: my door is almost always open to talk, calm down with a fidget or slime, or play with one of my dozens of games. I pride herself in learning the latest dance trends, much to students’ dismay, and greeting every student by name. My eleventh grade dream of being a school social worker pushed me to double major in Psychology and Sociology at SUNY Geneseo and receive my Master of Social Work from University at Buffalo in 2019. I holds my New York State School Social Worker certification and am a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker. I love being outdoors and terrible jokes, but my true passion is my corgi, Edwin.  

School Guidance Counselor - Stacia Young

Hi, my name is Miss Young, I’m the School Counselor and member of the Student Support Team. This is my second school year as a counselor, and I’m super excited to be here at Harvey Austin School #97. I’m looking forward to helping all students in every grade level that need crisis intervention, social emotional support and assisting students with creating an academic plan for their future. I’m especially looking forward to working with grades 6-8 on the High School Ahead program. I love working with people from different backgrounds, but my passion is working with children. I enjoy making people smile and feeling comfortable when people are in my presence. Fun facts about me: I love to travel, Mexican food is my favorite, and I love spending time with my family and friends.