Dorene Zacher, New Milford School District's Student Assistance Program
& Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Coordinator
I am here to help you find a balance!
201-262-0172 Ext. 2013
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New Milford School District's
Student Assistance Program
&
Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Program
My Qualifications
Experience You Can Count On
Addiction Counselor
1994-1996 Sunrise House Foundation: Addiction Counselor, Lafayette, New Jersey
Psycho-Educational Lecturer
2019 - Present American Addictions Centers headquarters Brentwood, Tennessee
Group Facilitator
2024 - Present Rolling Hills Recovery Center, Chester, New Jersey
Student Assistance Coordinator
2008- Present
New Milford High School: District Student Assistance Coordinator, New Milford, NJ
2005-2008
Bergen Catholic High School: Student Assistance Coordinator, Oradell, N.J
1996-2003
Sussex County Technical School: Student Assistance Coordinator, Sparta, N.J.
1996-2003
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District Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Coordinator
2011 - Present
Buddy Advisor ( Bullying Undermines Developing Diverse Youths)
2011 - Present
SAG Advisor ( Saving A Generation)
2017 - Present
Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor
2025- Present
About Me... Dorene A. Zacher
Student assistance here to guide your child and your family
I have extensive knowledge of the educational system and clinical needs of students that I have acquired through my twenty-five years of experience as a Student Assistance Coordinator. I am a highly motivated, creative problem solver who plays a proactive role in working with the students and their families to address their issues safely and therapeutically.
I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Springfield College, a Masters in Counseling degree from Montclair State University, State Licensure /Certification from the State of New Jersey, and a Substance Awareness Coordinator and Advanced Counseling Certificate from Montclair State University. I also hold a certificate as a Child Adolescent Trauma Professional.
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I have been honored to work as the New Milford School District's Student Assistance Coordinator for the past 18 years.
Since 2011, I have assumed the position of New Milford School District's Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Coordinator. Throughout all these years, the students, administration, faculty and parents, have collaboratively pulled together to be the voice of the students who may not be "heard".
Walking into Mrs. Zacher's office is the first step in feeling better!
M.W. Class of 2019
Services I Offer
With You Every Step of the Way
Stop The Stigma Regarding Mental Health and Substance Abuse
It's time to stop the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse. Struggling does not mean you're weak—it means you're human. Seeking help is not something to be ashamed of; in fact, it's one of the bravest steps you can take. Everyone faces battles, and no one should have to face them alone. There is strength in speaking up, in reaching out, and in saying, “I need help.” You are not alone, and there is no shame in healing. Let’s support one another with empathy, not judgment..
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I am here for you, your family, the New Milford Community
Individual Sessions
A Happier, Healthier You
I will provide students with a safe and nurturing environment where they are free to discuss their current problems and assist them in enhancing their sense of self and coping skills. Together, we will address their behaviors and develop valuable tools to help them handle life’s obstacles.
If the students require clinical services that fall outside the scope of the school, I will assist the student and their family with the referral process.
School Consultation Session
Here For You
Parents if your child is feeling alone and addressing behavioral issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, violence, bullying, depression, suicide, stress, anxiety, gambling, eating disorders, gang involvement, and/or other social/emotional issues, I promise you, they are not alone.
An initial intake can be performed to determine the severity of their situation and how we can address their needs in a safe and therapeutic manner.
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You reaching out is the first step in helping yourself or your child during these difficult times.
Referrals and Consultations
I Will Do The Talking
I will listen to your child and you regarding their needs, and I will discuss with you any recommendations that I professionally believe will assist you, your child, and your family.
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If a recommendation for outside therapeutic services is made, I will communicate your child's fears, concerns, and symptomatic behaviors to the clinical professional in a confidential manner that protects your rights. I will advocate for the rights of your child and your family.
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If you are concerned or have questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me and discuss your concerns. Together, we can make a difference in protecting our school community, your child, or yourself. Call me at 201-262-0172 Ext. 2013, or email me at dzacher@nmpsd.org
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News
Media Buzz
E-Cigarettes and Teens
2018
Teen Depression
2018
School Is Not My Enemy
2020
News
Parents Who Host
Know The Law Before it is TOO Late
Under New Jersey State Law, anyone who purposely or knowingly offers, serves, or makes alcohol available to an underage person or entices or encourages that person to drink alcohol is a disorderly person. It is also a violation of the law for a host to make their property available (including leaving the property in the care of another person) for the consumption of alcohol by an underage person.
http://socialhost.drugfree.org/state/new-jersey
School Violence
Do you know all of the signs?
There are times that the obvious is not apparent.
Help Center
Can parents seek services through the Student Assistance Program directly?
Yes, parents/legal guardians can contact me directly at 201-262-0172 Ext. 2013
If my child does not have insurance, can you still assist my child to receive clinical services outside the scope of the school?
Yes, assistance will be given to assure that your child's needs are being met.
Is my child protected by confidentiality?
Students are, by nature, quite guarded regarding the disclosure of many issues (particularly drug/alcohol use) to adults. Many students worry about the conflict of interest in discussing personal issues with teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors when these are the very faculty members who grade them, discipline them, write their recommendation letters, and frequently communicate with their parents. Congress has recognized these obstacles and created federal confidentiality regulations (42 CFR Part 2), providing student access to confidential treatment for alcohol and drug related issues. In the event that other issues surface, the SAC is best equipped to communicate the nature of the problem with both the student and their family, and develop an appropriate treatment plan, which might involve additional community resources when necessary.
Does the S.A.C. only address substance issues?
No. The creation of the Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) position in many school districts throughout New Jersey has been the most effective strategy to identify, address, and monitor individual students as well as coordinate and oversee district prevention/intervention efforts. The SAC is best suited to address drug and alcohol abuse, violence, bullying, depression, suicide, stress and anxiety disorders, gambling, eating disorders, gang involvement, and other social/emotional issues thatthreaten the well-being of all students, their families, and society as a whole.
Contact Dorene Zacher
145 Madison Avenue
New Milford, New Jersey
07646
201-262-0172 Ext. 2013