Snipes Academy psychologist named 2016 Practitioner of the Year

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina School Psychology Association (NCSPA) has named Maureen Kaniuka, school psychologist at Snipes Academy, its 2016 Practitioner of the Year. This award recognizes excellence in school psychological services by honoring a school psychologist who exemplifies the highest level of professionalism in daily practice. According to NCSPA, Mrs. Kaniuka was selected for providing comprehensive school psychological services, practicing in an exemplary manner, earning the respect of co-workers, students, and parents, and staying well informed about professional standards, ethics, and current issues. NCSPA is a professional organization that supports and advocates for school psychologists across NC to provide comprehensive services that reflect best practices in the field of psychology.

Mrs. Kaniuka has been with New Hanover County Schools since 2013.  She has been a school psychologist since 2002 in three school systems in southeastern NC, including a stint as a lead psychologist from 2011 to 2013. She provides outstanding comprehensive school psychological services in her schools, which includes a collaborative school/day treatment program. She works in several New Hanover County schools including Snipes, Rachel Freeman Elementary, and Lake Forest Academy.

Mrs. Kaniuka has developed implementation plans for the school-based Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) teams in her district, including analysis of academic and behavioral data at the individual student, small group, class, grade level, and school level. She served on a district-wide team creating a guidance document for Specific Learning Disability (SLD) eligibility using responsiveness to instruction.

Mrs. Kaniuka has provided many in-service programs on topics including, Poverty & Trauma and their impact on Behavior and Learning, Effective Communications with Parents, Educating Children with Autism, and  MTSS Overview Training. In addition to her work in NHCS, Mrs. Kaniuka serves at the state level on both the North Carolina Traumatic Brain Injury School Based Practice Council and the SLD Implementation Guide Workgroup.