After two and a half years at the High Road School of Hartford, 14-year-old Mel is preparing to transition to a district-run high school. It’s a milestone that reflects how far she’s come and one her family and school team are proud to celebrate. Mel enrolled at High Road after facing behavioral challenges in her previous school, including classroom elopement and physical aggression. At first, the change was difficult. But over time, she began building trusting relationships with staff, accessing support services, and developing coping skills that helped her manage frustration and stay engaged in class. [...]

When Nikalas Campanello joined the High Road Schools of Hartford in 2024, he brought with him more than just training as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – he brought a deep, personal drive to help students overcome challenges and realize their potential. “I had stuff going on when I was growing up,” Campanello said. “I knew I wanted to help people, but I didn’t know how. Once I discovered the world of behavior analysis, I realized I could support students in becoming more independent and successful in their everyday lives.” Named a 2025 Regional Staff of the Year winner [...]