Student Services

Message from our Student Services Director:

Welcome to GOVS! My name is Sharin Green, and I am the Student Services Director. I began my career in education as a school psychologist and served in that role for eleven years before transitioning to special education administration in 2016. I earned my M.A., M.S., Ed.S, and superintendent licensure from Miami University and principal licensure from Mt. St. Joseph University. When not involved with family activities, I spend my spare time reading, exercising, and am passionate about animal rescue. I reside in Butler County with my husband Jim, a teacher, and children Victoria (college freshman) and A.J. (high school freshman).

What falls under Student Services?

The Student Services Department oversees special education programming, mental health services, Section 504, resource coordination, and English Learners (EL). Please follow each link for information on programs we offer to students and families.

Choose from the options below:

Special Education

ODE Parent Rights in Special Education

ODE Parent Rights in Special Education

The Greater Ohio Virtual School is committed to providing a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities identified in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations. The Greater Ohio Virtual School is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children suspected of, or identified with, an educational disability under the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA). If you know of a child with a suspected disability, please contact the Student Services Director at 513-695-2900.

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against qualified students with a disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The main purpose of Section 504 is to prohibit discrimination while assuring that students with disabilities have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students.

Mental Health Services

At GOVS, mental health supports are provided on a continuum. Services range from check-ins with a mental health professional, social emotional learning activities for all students, peer support groups, and clinical therapy services.

The Mental Health Team at GOVS includes Jackie Rusche

Jackie Rusche, MS Ed., LPCC, CCTP

Mental Health Therapist

Jackie.rusche@mygovs.com

Text/call: (513) 239-7701

Jackie Rusche is a licensed professional clinical counselor. She earned her BS in psychology with a minor in peace studies and Master of Science in education and health sciences. Jackie’s favorite techniques to use in therapy include DBT, CBT, and mindfulness. She provides both in person (individual and group) and telehealth services.

GOVS Resource Coordinator

GOVS has a full-time resource coordinator, Sommer Bradds, at the Mason student center.

What does that mean for you? A school resource coordinator practices in the broad field of social work, school counseling, workforce development, and other specialties. One thing a resource coordinator does daily is bring a strong knowledge to the innerworkings of government assistance, medical and insurance programs, and can connect students to those who can assist with mental health, behavioral, academic, and social concerns. The goal of a school resource coordinator is to break down the barriers preventing GOVS students from living a healthy life and enjoying a positive academic career.

Students who may have a one-on-one case worker in our resource coordinator are many, but examples include students from low socio-economic backgrounds, justice-involvement, non-native English-speaking households, foster/adoption situations, expecting mothers, young parents, homeless/couch surfing/doubled up living situations, and more. Overall, Sommer will work with your support system to create a life in which you are no longer surviving but thriving while at GOVS and beyond.

List of Services

List of Services

Sommer Bradds - sommer.bradds@mygovs.com

Sommer got her undergraduate degree in education from Bowling Green State University (Go Falcons!), her graduate degree in school counseling virtually (loved it) from Lamar University and spent over a decade at home raising her babies. Sommer is a full-time mom of two hysterical, fun, and ornery teens. She loves to spend her free time reading (any genre), hanging out with her fur babies (one golden retriever, one mini goldendoodle, and one super fat orange cat), and would rather be on a beach than anywhere else in the world. You are always welcome in room 503, text her at (513) 278-3171 or call (513) 695-2900 extension 3105. She would love to hear from you.

English Learner Coordinator

Sara Melendez - sara.melendez@mygovs.com

(513) 695-2924 ex. 2725

I have been in the education field for over 20 years and since the 2018-2019 school year, I have had the great opportunity to work with GOVS students who speak other languages but also are learning English. I strongly believe in the effectiveness of the ESL Program because it was the support that made a great impact and benefited my family when we arrived in the US in 2006. Occupying this position is not my job, but definitely my passion.

ODEW Survey

Dear Parent/Caregiver,

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) would like to invite you to participate in a short, 25 question survey about your involvement in your student’s education. Research suggests that parental involvement is a key predictor of positive educational outcomes. You may be eligible to participate if your child has an IEP and receives special education services. The purpose of collecting this information is to improve services for students with disabilities across Ohio. If you are eligible to participate and you enroll in the study, you will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift card. Your chance of winning a gift card is approximately 2.0%. Please click on this link or use the QR (Quick Response) code (see below) to find out more about the survey and if you are eligible.

Sincerely,

David Julian, Ph.D.

Special Education Family Survey Director

(Collecting surveys on behalf of the Ohio Department of Education)

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