Ms. Tania Symmons is thrilled to serve as the Director of Special Services for the Verona Public School District.  She joined Verona with ten years of administrative experience, having previously served as the Director of Special Services at the West Essex Regional School District since 2012.

Ms. Symmons is a dedicated and highly motivated administrator committed to helping create an inclusive and supportive community of learners.  She is a firm believer in advocating for the professional growth of teachers and sustaining a culture of high expectations in collaboration with families and the community to prepare students for a successful future.  Ms. Symmons is skilled in the areas of conceptualizing, developing, and implementing effective special education programming.    

Ms. Symmons started her career in education as a School Psychologist, which ignited her passion for addressing mental health issues that impact students’ well-being.  She had the opportunity to cultivate programming that specifically addressed students’ mental health needs while providing continuity of education.  Ms. Symmons presented on this topic at the Annual Conference of the Association of Middle-Level Educators in Nashville TN (2019): WE Rise: A School-Based Program for Emotionally Fragile Students; and at the 2022 Annual Conference of the National Association of Pupil Services Administrators in Pittsburgh, PA on the topic of School Avoidance and Emotionally Fragile Students.

Ms. Symmons holds her BA in Psychology from North Carolina State University, a Master's in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.  She continues to be actively involved in professional development and currently serves as the Secretary for the New Jersey Association of Pupil Services Administrators.

Outside of school, Ms. Symmons enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and a large extended family.  Together, they enjoy traveling, fitness, and hosting family and friends.

Contact Information:

973-571-2029 Ext. 7516

tsymmons@veronaschools.org