Stephanie Jozwiakowski was awarded the Ohio School Psychologist of the Year Award on November 6th, 2024 at the annual Ohio School Psychologist Association’s (OSPA) Fall Conference in Columbus.
Stephanie currently serves as a school psychologist for Osnaburg Local Schools, Minerva Local Schools, and the Early Childhood department at the Stark County Educational Service Center. As a graduate of Kent State and John Carroll Universities, she began her career as a school psychologist for Akron Public Schools in 2010. Prior to her time at Akron, Stephanie worked in the world of mental health as a case manager for youth receiving services from Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health in Canton.
As an advocate for the field of school psychology, Stephanie has held various leadership roles with the Ohio School Psychologist Association as well as Kent-Akron Association of School Psychologists. Stephanie is also a lifelong learner, most recently completing extensive coursework to gain the ability to deeply analyze student abilities through the Texas School of Neuropsychology.
Not sure what a school psychologist is? A school psychologist assesses students' cognitive, emotional, and social development, develops and helps implement interventions to address individual needs, and collaborates with educators, parents, and other professionals to create supportive learning environments. Additionally, they may provide counseling services, crisis intervention, consultation on student behavior or mental health, and professional development for staff.
Outside of her role with the Districts, Stephanie enjoys camping with her family and friends, regular walks with her two dogs, drag racing with her husband Matt, and supporting her children Emma (age 11) and Bruce (age 9) in their activities.
Attributed to Mr. Andrew Burman, Director of Special Services for the Minerva Local School District
“Stephanie's expertise in child development, psychology, and educational practices is unparalleled. She is adept at building rapport and fostering a safe space for open communication with students, staff, and families. Beyond her assessment and documentation responsibilities, Stephanie actively engages in a variety of interventions, such as individual and group counseling, behavior intervention support, and crisis intervention. Her unwavering commitment to student well-being and success is inspiring, and her contributions have significantly benefited countless individuals!"
Attributed to Mrs. Stacy Duskey, Director of Special Programs for the Osnaburg Local School District
“Stephanie Jozwiakowski has been an asset to the Osnaburg Local School District for the past 6 years. Her dedication to the students, staff, and community is immeasurable. Mrs. Jozwiakowski brings a wealth of knowledge, caring, and experience to an important position within our schools. As our district wide school psychologist, Mrs. Jozwiakowski serves students of all ages in a variety of ways. Her role requires flexibility, patience, innovation, and professionalism among many more characteristics. We could not be more proud of how she excels in a variety of capacities; as a leader, creator, support, and resource for many people on our education team. Thank you Mrs. Jozwiakowski for all that you have done and continue to do for Osnaburg Local Schools. We are proud to have you as part of our team!”
Attributed to Mr. Ryan Murphy, Preschool Coordinator for the Stark County Educational Service Center
“Stephanie is a great leader, mentor, and friend to the School Psychologists of the Stark County Educational Service Center. She always provides a listening ear, as well as expert advice to help our entire team be successful. She has single handedly mentored and overseen countless school psychology interns over her time at the ESC, which in turn has greatly impacted the entire field of school psychology in the state of Ohio. She consistently shares updates and changes in the field with our team, as well helps them navigate the changes within their role. Finally, Stephanie’s infectious and engaging personality allows her to uniquely connect with families, so that they feel welcome, heard, and understood throughout the evaluation process. “