Our Team.
At REACH, we are proud to introduce you to our exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about empowering special education. Together, we bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and unwavering commitment to our mission of unlocking the potential of every student with unique learning needs.
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Franklin Urgiles M.SW., M.Ed.
REACH President
Franklin is a bilingual (Spanish) educational professional with extensive experience in special education. He holds a Master's degree in Social Work (Monmouth University, 2010) and a Master's in School Administration (Rowan University, 2021), along with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work (Ramapo, 2009).
Franklin specializes in working with adolescents and children, particularly in special education and mental health services. His expertise includes case management, development and management of Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), group and individual counseling using techniques such as solution-focused and cognitive behavioral therapy, crisis intervention, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. He has held positions as a Supervisor of Special Services, School Social Worker, Family Support Case Manager, Counselor, and Youth Development Specialist. Franklin has also been involved in community outreach and advocacy efforts, working with non-profit organizations and providing volunteer support. Franklin enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and staying active.
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Jessica Billingham, MA, Ed.S
South Jersey REACH Director
Jessica is a certified School Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents. She graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2009. Jessica then pursued her education at Rowan University, where she earned her Master's in School Psychology in 2010 and her Educational Specialist Degree in 2012. Her extensive knowledge includes creating and managing Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), school-based case management, facilitating group and individual school-based counseling, developing crisis intervention plans, and completing threat assessments, as well as conducting Psychological Evaluations as part of the Child Study Team.
Prior to becoming a School Psychologist in 2012, Jessica worked as an Intensive In Community Therapist, Youth Case Manager, Behavioral Assistant, Family Support Advocate, and Adolescent Residential Counselor. Her background includes working with children with Autism Spectrum, Multiple Disabilities, and Emotional Dysregulation. Jessica is passionate about behavior modification and improving executive functioning skills. She resides in South Jersey with her husband, son, and daughter, and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, running, working out, and going to the beach during her spare time.
Juliane Bolt Schmidt, MA in Special Education
North Jersey REACH Learning Disabilities Teacher - Consultant (LDT-C).
Juliane is a highly qualified educator with over 13 years of experience in Special Education. Juliane holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from West Chester University and earned her certification in General Education and Teacher of Students with Disabilities from William Paterson University in 2006 and 2007, respectively. In 2020, Juliane pursued her Master's degree in Special Education Learning Disabilities and also earned her LDT-C licensing from William Paterson University. As an LDT-C for more than 3 years, Juliane has been instrumental in educational testing and uses her extensive background in teaching students with Learning Disabilities to create and manage Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs).
She also provides support to teachers and staff who work with students with individual needs and conducts Educational Evaluations as part of the Child Study Team. Juliane currently resides in Northern New Jersey with her husband and adorable dog, Wahlstrom. During her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her family, kayaking, strength training, attending NY Islander hockey games, traveling, and exploring new activities.
Jessica Guffey
MS
North Jersey OTR/L
Jessica is a passionate pediatric occupational therapist. She gained her love for working with children from her previous job as a nanny and teacher's assistant in a daycare. She earned her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Dominican College, after completing her Bachelor's degree in Biology from William Paterson University. Jessica is licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey.
She previously worked in a special education school and sensory clinic in NYC, where she gained experience working with children from preschool to adolescence. Currently, she supports students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in two New Jersey school districts, dedicating six days a week to her profession. Her expertise includes sensory processing, Handwriting Without Tears, creating and implementing IEP goals, and developing multi-sensory therapy sessions.
Matthew Talley
M.S. CCC-SLP
North Jersey Speech and Language Pathology Services Coordinator
Matthew is an ASHA-certified and NJ-licensed Speech Language Pathologist. In 2020 Matthew graduated with his Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at William Paterson University. Matthew has a wealth of knowledge and a history of quality experience that he utilizes while working with students and clients with communication disorders. Matthew continues to provide his services as an in-district speech therapist and has experience working in Private Practice and Early Intervention.
Matthew is also an adjunct professor at William Paterson University. His background includes working with students/clients between the ages of 2-21. Matthew's specialty is working with fluency disorders (stuttering/cluttering) but loves helping students/clients overcome types of disorders including articulation, phonology, and language-based (expressive and receptive). Matthew is passionate about making meaningful connections with the students/clients he works with and enjoys making speech therapy fun! He resides with his wife, Paola, in Parsippany, NJ where they love to cook, enjoy movies/tv series, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
