Sparta Township Public Schools views public education as a continuum of instruction, programs, interventions and services that respond to individual student needs.  In the event that a child with a disability requires special education and related services, the district will provide the child with an individualized education program.  Progress monitoring is on-going to ensure the child has the supports necessary to make meaningful progress. Children will have the opportunity to interact with, and be educated with, children who do not have disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.  Sparta Special Services recognizes the value of a home/school partnership and is committed to parent involvement for the purpose of our students.

Dr. Castorina has been a proud member of the Sparta School District since 2010, when she began her career as a school social worker on the Child Study Team at both the middle and elementary school levels. She later served as the Supervisor of Special Services, PreK–12, before stepping into her current role as Director of Special Services.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University, a Master of Social Work from New York University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Centenary University. In addition to her work in Sparta, Dr. Castorina enjoys teaching as an adjunct professor in a master’s program in special education, where she has the opportunity to support and inspire future educators.

Mrs. Shefferman joined the Sparta School District in 2006.She has taught in every special-education setting as well as fourth and eighth-grade general education, middle-school computer science, and gifted education. After two years as an assistant principal at Sparta Middle School, she moved into her current role as Supervisor of Special Services, PreK–12.

She holds a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from La Salle University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University. She is on track to earn her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with a concentration in Special Education, from Centenary University in December 2026.

Mrs. Shefferman is grateful to collaborate with a strong team of leaders and educators who work together to make Sparta Schools the best they can be for every student.

In order to begin the Referral and Eligibility Process, Special Services requires the Referral Form. Please click here to access this form.

Dr. Adrienne Castorina
Director of Special Services 
973.729.2155 x1426
Email Adrienne Castorina

Cherie Shefferman
Supervisor of Special Services 
973.729.2155 x1425
Email Cherie Shefferman  

Elene O'Leary
Confidential Secretary to the Director
973.729.2155 x1427
Email Elene Oleary

Amanda Cummings
Secretary, Special Services
973.729.6191 x2235
Email Amanda Cummings

Deana Sehnert
Secretary, Special Services
973.729.6191 x2234
Email Deana Sehnert