Jamestown Public School Psychologist Gary Schaffer was recently named the Chapter G representative to the New York Association of School Psychologists, representing school psychologists in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. Schaffer is currently a school psychologist at Jefferson Middle School, Bush Elementary School and Love Elementary School.

“It is a great honor to be elected as a chapter representative. I couldn’t be more appreciative to receive this honor,” Schaffer said. “I hope that by representing the school psychologists in the Western New York region, together, we will make a significant difference in the lives of the children we serve.”

Schaffer will help advocate and promote the work school psychologists do in the schools by working as a team with administrators, teachers and parents to help children.

Schaffer will be one of 16 representatives across the state.

He will also work with other chapters throughout the state to lobby and advocate for school psychologists.

A school psychologist is a professional with specialized training in psychology and education. School psychologists use their training and skill to work with parents, teachers, and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.

School psychologists understand child development, school systems, and effective teaching, and are prepared to help alleviate difficulties that may otherwise impede successful learning.

A recent NYASP project Schaffer has worked on locally is to gather signatures from educators, parents, and community members to join others across NYS in signing a request to ask the Buffalo Sabres to produce a commercial to raise awareness for the impact of mental illness in children, mental health reform in education, and the field of school psychology.

If you would like to sign the petition, please go to: www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/spu or contact Gary Schaffer directly at NYASPChapterG@gmail.com.

NYASP’s mission is to serve children, their families and the school community by promoting psychological well-being, excellence in education, and sensitivity to diversity through best practices in school psychology. NYASP represents approximately 4,000 school psychologists in New York state.