Welcome!!

Meet the Social Worker:

Hi everyone! My name is Diana Afonso and I am so happy to be part of the Marlboro Township Public Schools community as a General Education Social Worker for grades K-5. This is my 2nd year in the district and I am based primarily at Defino Central Elementary School, Robertsville Elementary School, and Asher Holmes Elementary School. I am extremely passionate about my helping profession! I look forward to being an integral support and resource for all of the students, teachers, and families within my schools and the district at large during this school year.

All About Me:

I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University and am a NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I also have my Clinical Supervision Certification. I have been practicing clinical social work with children and families for the past 16 years. I spent most of my career as a Clinician/Assistant Program Director on a child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit. I later transitioned into the educational setting and spent three years as the Program Coordinator for a Tier 3 therapeutic wraparound program within a public elementary school in Middlesex County. These experiences have provided me with valuable insight into the mental health and social/emotional challenges that many of our children are facing today. I am also a Mom, an animal lover, and my favorite place to be is on the beach with a good book!

Looking Forward:

I value and recognize the important role that Social Workers (in conjunction with other school professionals, families, and the community) play in supporting children within the school environment. I am committed to making a positive impact in my schools and helping to create emotionally intelligent and academically successful students. I look forward to a fun, safe, and happy school year!

Thank you,

Diana Afonso, LCSW

If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at dafonso@mtps.org or through my direct extension, x6283.

Care Solace: Mental Health Services in the Community

Dear Parents and Guardians of the Marlboro Township Public Schools School Community,

Youth mental health is a topic of utmost importance, and we believe that by working together, we can create a supportive environment where our children can thrive.

As we start the new school year, we want to remind you of the invaluable resources available to our community that you can access via our main website: www.mtps.org.

In addition, Care Solace offers mental health care coordination services and can help connect you and your child with appropriate community-based providers. Whether it's counseling, therapy, or other mental health services, Care Solace can assist you in finding the support your family may need.

To access Care Solace's coordination services, simply reach out using the following options:

-Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.

-Visit www.caresolace.com/marlboro On their website, you can explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance through video chat, email, or phone.

By joining hands and working together as a community, we can provide a nurturing and inclusive environment that supports the mental health and well-being of our youth. Let's continue to prioritize their emotional growth, and together, we can create a brighter future for our children.

Thank you for being caring and involved parents and guardians in the Marlboro Township Public Schools. Your dedication to supporting our youth is truly commendable.