Meet Policy Services

Janell Hallgren, M.S.Ed. - Manager

Janell Hallgren has been with Policy Services at Erie 1 BOCES since November 2002. She began as a policy coordinator and has been manager of the department since August 2008. In her role, Janell is responsible for overseeing the policy coordinators and administrative team who assist almost 400 school districts across New York State with policy and regulation development and maintenance, as well as researching the changes in law, regulation, and guidance and the potential impact of these developments on school districts. In addition to maintaining a small caseload of policy districts, Janell also manages administration of BoardDocs, proposals for potential new districts, cross contracts, and the budget process. In addition, Janell directs the Home School Monitoring and Residency Verification Services. Janell has a B.A. in Psychology and Human Services from the University of Buffalo, an M.S. in Counselor Education and School Administration from Canisius College of Buffalo, and Certification as a School District Administrator.

Phone: (716) 821-7084
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Patricia "TC" Ferrito, M.P.A. - Senior Policy Coordinator

Patricia “TC” Ferrito has worked for Erie 1 BOCES Policy Services since 2009.  She has a master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hobart & William Smith Colleges. Before coming to Ere 1 BOCES, TC worked at a variety of nonprofit agencies including the United Way and also worked in county government.

Phone: (716) 821-7612
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Ashley Watkins, J.D., M.B.A. - Senior Policy Coordinator

Ashley Watkins has been with Policy Services at Erie 1 BOCES since December 2017. She began as a policy coordinator and has been a senior policy coordinator since December 2021. In her role, Ashley researches and analyzes changes in law, regulation, guidance, and other related sources that may impact school districts. Based on this research and analysis, Ashley drafts and revises sample policies, regulations, and forms. Ashley also assists school districts across New York State with policy and regulation maintenance. Ashley has a J.D. from the University at Buffalo Law School, an M.B.A. from the University at Buffalo School of Management, and a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University at Buffalo. 

Phone: (716) 821-7183
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Cynthia Gross, J.D., M.B.A. - Policy Coordinator

Cindy Gross is responsible for researching and analyzing changes in law, revising sample policies and regulations and assisting school districts throughout New York State with policy and administrative manual creation and maintenance. Cindy has a J.D. from the University at Buffalo Law School and an M.B.A. from Canisius University. 

Phone: (716) 821-7553
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Hannah Holden, M.B.A., L.M.S.W. - Policy Coordinator

Hannah is a Licensed Master Social Worker with specialized training and experience in Quantitative Methods of Social Research; Child Welfare Practices; Solution-focused Trauma Informed Care; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); Motivational Interviewing; Race Equity and Cultural Competency; and Restorative Justice Circles and Practices. In her role with Erie 1 BOCES, Hannah provides policy services and home school monitoring support to districts across New York State. Hannah earned a bachelor’s degree cum laude in political science from Middlebury College, a master’s degree in business administration from Canisius College, and a Master of Social Work degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Hannah serves on the board of the Family Help Center in Buffalo.

Phone: (716) 821-7081
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Katherine Peterson, J.D., M.S.Ed. - Policy Coordinator

Katie Peterson has been with Policy Services at Erie 1 BOCES since November 2018. In her role, Katie researches and analyzes changes in law and regulation that may impact school districts, and their policies and regulations. Based on this research, Katie drafts and revises sample policies, regulations, and forms. Katie assists districts across New York State with policy and administrative manual creation and maintenance. Katie has a J.D. from the University at Buffalo Law School, an M.S. in Childhood Education from Canisius University, and a B.S. in Educational Studies from Vanderbilt University. 

Phone: (716) 821-7428
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Justine Stephan-Cole, M.B.A., M.S.T. - Policy Coordinator

Justine Stephan-Cole was hired as a policy coordinator in July 2020 and primarily works with district clients on policy audits, new policy and administration manuals, and policy research questions.   Additionally, she also assists other coordinators in policy and regulation review. Justine is a permanently certified teacher in the area of special education (ages 3-21) and has worked as a high school resource room teacher, CSE Chairperson, 504 Coordinator and as a staff developer in the areas of special education and curriculum.   Justine has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo in political science and public administration, a master’s degree from LeMoyne College in the science of teaching, an M.B.A from St. Bonaventure University and is working to complete her M.Ed. in School Leadership and Administration from Canisius University. 

Phone: (716) 821-7363
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