Last year was, to put it mildly, obviously a not-as-expected school year. While things are hopefully looking better for the coming year, you and your children may have some concerns. On Wednesday, September 1st at 7:00 p.m. a panel of childcare and School District professionals will be on-hand to answer questions and discuss what to expect in this school year. During Back to School: Alleviating Anxiety and Concerns, our panelists will cover recurring themes of questions and concerns submitted below. Note: the panel will not be able to answer questions specific to individual children or families during the program.

Join the program and our panelists on Zoom Wednesday, September 1st at 7:00 p.m. here.  A Spanish language translator will be present during the Zoom program.  Thank you to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital for providing translation services.

Please submit your questions or concerns to be provided to our panelists here:

Meet the Panel

Rachel Goldman, Ph.D. is an Instructor of Psychology in Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine with expertise in evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents exhibiting anxiety and mood difficulties. She provides cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response prevention (ERP) for children and adolescents with anxiety and related disorders. In conjunction with pediatric services, Dr. Goldman provides parenting interventions to teach necessary skills for parents to best support their child. She offers individual and group therapy, diagnostic assessments and consultation.

Joseph L. Ricca, Ed. D. is the Superintendent of Schools of the White Plains City School District. He has twelve years’ experience as a Superintendent of Schools serving in both New York and New Jersey. Joe started his career as a history teacher; then served as an assistant principal and principal prior to becoming a superintendent of schools. With a Bachelor’s Degree from Seton Hall University, Dr. Ricca earned his Masters in Education from Harvard University, a Master of Arts from Caldwell College, and an Educational Doctorate from Walden University.

Dr. Ricca is committed to the community and is involved in many professional and civic organizations. Joe was named by the Westchester Business Council to their “40 Under 40” group, and was named the 2019 Leadership Westchester Alum of the Year. Dr. Ricca is currently President of the Southern Westchester BOCES Chief School Administrators Association and President of the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents. In this dual leadership capacity, Dr. Ricca guides and supports all superintendents in the Lower Hudson region of the State of New York. Due to his outstanding work, his peers bestowed Dr. Ricca with the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents Distinguished Service Award in May 2021. In addition to this service, Joe serves on the Commissioner’s COVID-19 Task Force for reopening schools and the Westchester County Department of Health’s COVID-19 Taskforce. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morris County College. Dr. Ricca served on the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Task Force and is also a member of the New Jersey State Board of Education, appointed by former Governor Chris Christie in 2017. A regular contributor to local and national media, Dr. Ricca speaks in support of public schooling, the promise of all children and the need for a national focus on the support of America’s school-aged children.

Peter Richel, MD, FAAP has practiced on Smith Avenue in Mt. Kisco since 1990. Dr. Pete has authored “Happy and Healthy,” a book on wellness in the first year of life, and he produced a CD of children’s songs entitled “Welcome to Dr. Pete’s Office.” These are intended to educate and entertain children and their families.

This program is made possible with support from: