About IVONNE BORRERO
IVONNE BORRERO, PSY.D.
Dr. Ivonne Borrero, Psy.D., is the Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools, where she supervises over 100 school psychologists across 120 schools. With a robust career spanning over three decades, Dr. Borrero has held significant roles including adjunct professor at Lasell University, bilingual school psychologist for Newton Public Schools, and clinical psychologist in private practice. Her extensive experience encompasses developing bilingual special education programs, providing individual and group counseling, and training educators in classroom management and social-emotional learning. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Borrero's commitment to inclusive education and mental health is reflected in her work across various educational settings.
Professional Experience
Boston Public Schools Behavioral Health Services Assistant Director, Boston, MA (September 2018-Present)
As the Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Ivonne Borrero supervises over 100 school psychologists across 120 schools. She supports the department’s efforts in racial equity, multilingual education, and staff coaching. Additionally, Dr. Borrero collaborates with various district departments to provide comprehensive support to families on a wide range of social-emotional topics in multiple languages. She is also an active member of the School Committee’s English Language Task for Students with Disabilities.
Lasell University School of Education Adjunct Professor, Newton, MA (September 2019-2023)
In her role as an adjunct professor, Dr. Borrero taught graduate-level courses in Sheltered English at the Master level. Her teaching focused on preparing educators to effectively support English Learners, integrating her extensive experience in bilingual education and special education.
Professional Experience (Cont'd)
Boston Public Schools Office of English Language Learners Supervisor, Boston, MA (September 2016-2018)
As a supervisor, Dr. Borrero acted as a liaison between the English Language Learners and Special Education departments, ensuring cohesive support for students across the district. She prepared and presented professional development workshops for district employees and was a key member of the OELL Instructional Team, supporting schools and teachers with curriculum needs.
Newton Public Schools Bilingual School Psychologist, Newton, MA (2008-2016)
Dr. Borrero provided school-based and district-wide bilingual psychological services and assessments to elementary and high school students. She developed bilingual special education programs for English language learners and supervised graduate students during their internships, pre-practicum, and practicum.
Professional Experience (Cont'd)
Boston Public Schools Bilingual School Psychologist, Boston, MA (2004-2008)In this role, Dr. Borrero provided bilingual psychological services and educational assessments to students from preschool to 22 years old. She participated in IEP meetings, offered consultation services to teachers, and supervised graduate students during their pre-practicum, practicum, and internships.
St. John’s School Bilingual School Psychologist, San Juan, PR (1990-2004)
Dr. Borrero created and implemented a preventive program for grades Pre-K through high school, developed a Character Education Program, and trained teachers in classroom management, learning disabilities, and social-emotional learning. She also provided individual and group counseling to students and was part of the School’s Admissions Team, administering entrance exams.
Private Practice Clinical Psychologist, Caguas, PR (1992-2004)
In her private practice, Dr. Borrero provided psychological assessments to students from ages four to young adults. She offered psychotherapy, marriage counseling, and family therapy to a diverse population and worked with various companies’ EAP programs, implementing brief counseling, responding to critical incidents, and providing wellness training and management consulting.
Education
Carlos Albizu University, San Juan, PR (1982-1989)
Dr. Borrero earned both her Psy.D. and M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Carlos Albizu University. Her rigorous training equipped her with a deep understanding of clinical psychology principles and practices, preparing her for a successful career in various educational and clinical settings.
New York University, San Juan Campus, PR (1981-1982)
Dr. Borrero completed graduate courses in Educational Psychology at New York University’s San Juan Campus. These courses provided her with a foundational knowledge of educational psychology, enhancing her skills in supporting diverse student populations.
St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, IN (1977-1981)
Dr. Borrero graduated with a major in Psychology and a minor in Education from St. Joseph’s College. Her undergraduate studies laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in both educational and clinical psychology.
Honors
Ivonne Borrero has been honored as one of the 2023 Hispanic Leaders in School Psychology during Hispanic Heritage Month. This award recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field. In her interview, she emphasized the need for representation in school psychology to effectively advocate for students and ensure their voices are heard. Reflecting on her journey, Ivonne shared that her initial exposure to school psychology came from her experience as a teacher. She noticed that many students were being segregated due to disabilities. This motivated her to combine her love for teaching and psychology to better understand and support these students. Ivonne's recognition reflects her dedication and positive impact on the school community.