School Refusal Unpacked: MPG’s Unique Model for Treatment
Join Drs. Ariel Kornblum and Francyne Zeltser as they explore the complexities of school refusal. This session will cover foundational knowledge about school avoidant behavior, including its impacts and common causes, as well as evidence-based interventions. Drs. Kornblum and Zeltser will provide an in-depth overview of MPG’s integrated model for treating school refusal, offering actionable insights for practitioners and families.
Learning Objectives
- Define school refusal, understand when it occurs, and recognize how it typically presents.
- Explore evidence-based programs and interventions for addressing school avoidance.
- Gain insight into MPG’s unique, integrated model for school refusal treatment.
About Instructor(s)
Dr. Ariel Kornblum is a New York State Licensed Psychologist (#021301), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (#1-16-23753) and New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst (#001532). She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from The George Washington University, and completed her graduate degree at St. John’s University.
Dr. Kornblum is the Senior Director of Clinical Operations, Behavioral & Educational Services, as well as a child/adolescent/adult psychologist and a former Assistant Director at Big Apple Day Program. Dr. Kornblum is additionally licensed to practice via telehealth in Florida, New Jersey and Michigan. In her role as Senior Director, Dr. Kornblum oversees a staff of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBA), behavior therapists and certified special educators who provide academic and therapeutic support in schools, homes and communities throughout the NYC metro area for learners ages 2-21+.
She additionally coordinates with special education attorneys, families and school staff in order to provide needed testimony and support, as well as to maximize treatment integrity and outcomes. Dr. Kornblum provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), behavioral parent management training (PMT), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), school/teacher consultations, executive function coaching, as well as applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Dr. Kornblum employs evidence-based treatments to facilitate long term positive change, and integrates neurodiversity affirming practices into all of her clinical work. Dr. Kornblum regularly presents to parents and professionals on a variety of topics, including treatment of anxiety, behavior management, and evidence based treatments.
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In her role as Director of Mental Health and Testing, Dr. Francyne Zeltser oversees a team of Licensed Psychologists, Neuropsyc- hologists, and Psychotherapists who provide counseling and assessment services to children, adolescents and adults. Additionally, she coordinates the psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship training program which prioritizes direct care learning opportunities, supervision and professional growth.
Dr. Francyne Zeltser is a New York State Licensed Psychologist (#020690). She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Binghamton University, and completed her graduate degree at St. John’s University. Dr. Zeltser is the Clinical Director of Psychology, Training & Special Projects at MPG, as well as a child, adolescent and adult psychologist, certified school psychologist, adjunct professor and mother of two.
Dr. Zeltser provides cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and parent management training (PMT). Her primary specializations are in child and adolescent development, behavior management, family counseling, educational interventions, psychological and educational assessment, effective parenting strategies, consultation and educational advocacy. The focus of her clinical practice includes, treatment of ADHD, anxiety and depressive disorders, conduct and disruptive disorders, family therapy, psychological testing and school-related behaviors.
She decided to pursue her Masters in Education at the Graduate School of Education (GSE) at Rutgers University in New Jersey while providing home-based ABA therapy to her own clients. She became a certified Special Education and Elementary Education Teacher in New Jersey.
Her goal is to help other professionals and parents to utilize these evidence-based practices in the natural environment with all learners. She is passionate about helping students to be successful at school, and being independent and successful learners at home as well.
Her main goal is to work with teachers and parents so that they utilize effective strategies to increase positive behavior in both neurotypical and neurodiverse clients.