Special Programs
Wellness Department
CPDLF is committed to supporting the wellness of our learners: socially, emotionally and physically as they embark on their academic journey.
Our Wellness Department consists of:
Kim Salyards, Special Programs Director
Alyson Miller, School Counselor
Kelli Mercurio, Social Emotional Wellness Coordinator
Renee Weidlich, School Nurse
The Wellness Department will offer:
- Wellness Drop-in Hours for Staff: 8:00 -9:00 am M/W/F
- Wellness Drop-in Hours for Learners: 2:00 - 4:00 pm Tue/Thu; 10-11am Weds
- Learner Coach Cafe and Monthly Coffee with the Counselor: Fridays at 12:30pm
- Bimonthly newsletters for CPDLF families / staff
School Counselor
"Being a school counselor is more than managing schedules, grades, transcripts, and career planning. It is about fostering hope, supporting emotional well-being, and embracing the quiet moments that can change a learners life. It means staying up late, worrying about the learners who remain silent, and celebrating both the small and significant victories of those who find their voice.
With three years of experience as a school counselor, I am deeply committed to guiding learners through academic challenges, personal struggles, and future aspirations. My role allows me to be a source of encouragement, a trusted listener, and a champion for learners as they navigate their journeys. Sometimes, I may be the first person to truly hear them, the one to offer hope in overwhelming moments, or the guide who helps them discover their strengths and passions.
Being a school counselor is more than a profession to me—it is a calling. It means being a lifeline, a motivator, and an advocate for every learner’s well-being. I take great pride in being a part of their journey or being apart of their "why", often believing in them before they believe in themselves.
Before coming to CPDLF, I worked in a traditional brick-and-mortar school, where many asked what a school counselor would do in a cyber setting or what counseling looks like in a cyber school. I quickly learned that the essence of my role remains unchanged. Whether it’s recognizing a tear through a Zoom call and turning it into a smile or ensuring that every learner feels seen, heard, and valued, my impact remains just as profound. CPDLF has positively transformed my life, and I am honored to serve in this role, continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our learners." - Alyson Miller, CPDLF School Counselor
SMART Student Health
SMART® (School Health Model for Academics, Reaching ALL, Transforming Lives)
We are excited to announce the launch of our partnership with SMART® for the 2024-2025 school year. They will offer diagnostic, treatment, and prescription services via telehealth, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, with some pre-scheduled in-person availability at our two Learning Centers. This will help us identify and address health-related barriers
to classroom success.
The results from these partnerships have been impressive, with notable increases in attendance and academic achievement—outcomes that align perfectly with CPDLF’s mission to Connect, Engage, and Empower.
Educating English Learners
Contact Information for CPDLF Educating English Learners Coordinator
Information About Educating English Learners
There are more than 61,000 English Learners (ELs) speaking more than 200 different languages in Pennsylvania. The education of students whose dominant language is not English and who are ELs is the responsibility of every Local Education Agency (LEA). Title 22, Chapter 4, Section 4.26 of the Curriculum Regulations requires the LEA to provide a program for every student who is an English Learner (EL). The goal of language instruction educational programs (LIEPs) is to facilitate the development and attainment of English proficiency and academic achievement of students whose native or first language is not English. Without instruction in social and academic English and appropriate support for learning academic content, these students are at risk of losing the educational opportunities provided to non-EL students.
Educating English Learners (ELS) outlines program regulations and guidance related to the education of ELs in Pennsylvania. This information is from the PDE Website.
Homelessness and CHIP Resources
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act & ECYEH (Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness)
The term "homelessness children and youth" means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Resources
Find free or reduced cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care and more by going to findhelp.org
Find your way to resources, services, and information: findingyourwayinpa.com
Homelessness Information
CPDLF Homeless Liaison
Kelli Mercurio, LSW
Contact: (570) 266-7450
Contact: (570) 266-7450
CHIP
High-quality health care coverage from CHIP helps keep kids strong.
CHIP covers uninsured kids up to age 19 in Pennsylvania. It doesn't matter why your kids don't have health coverage right now; CHIP may be able to help. Most kids receive CHIP for free. Others can get the same benefits at a low cost.
CHIP is brought to you by leading insurance companies who offer quality, comprehensive coverage.
There is no limit on income. If your income is below CHIP guidelines, your child may be enrolled in Medical Assistance.
CHIPcoversPAkids.com
800-986-KIDS