Collins Middle School

Brigid “Deedee” Schiano holds a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Simmons School of Social Work and has over 30 years of clinical experience. She is trained in working with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, crisis intervention, care coordination, advocacy. and complex medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, end of life care, and hospice. She serves pre-adolescents, adolescents, adults, elders, gender identity, LGBTQIA, dual diagnoses, and chronic medical conditions. Deedee specializes in psycho-social assessments, crisis intervention, care coordination, individual, group and family therapy, interdiscplinary team collaboration, and clinical supervision and holds certifications in substance use and mediation.

Melissa Cruz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker currently providing counseling services to students at Collins Middle School as a School-Based Health Provider. Melissa received her Bachelor of Arts at Merrimack College and majored in Psychology and Sociology. She also went on to obtain her graduate degree of Master of Social Work at Boston College School of Social Work. Melissa enjoys working with children, youth, and families with varying needs including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. She has also taken trainings in various areas including trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, CBT, and art therapy approaches. Melissa is grateful to be a part of such a passionate and dedicated team at NSCH and Collins Middle School.