Description of Research Expertise

Professional Experience

As adjunct associate professor at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Sichel conducts both master’s and doctoral-level seminars and courses for the Applied Psychology and Human Development Division that include assessment, school-based psychological intervention, professional issues in school psychology, special education, guidance and counseling, mental health consultation, and community mental health. She is responsible for the supervision, observation, and evaluation of a number of Psychological Services practicum students and school psychology interns. She teaches in both the programs for Counseling and Mental Health Services and in the Executive Program in School and Mental Health Counseling.

Dr. Sichel also teaches doctoral-level courses and is a dissertation advisor for the Mid-Career Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program. Her position as a school superintendent provides real-life experiences to the students in curriculum and instruction, organizational development, leadership, human resources, fiscal management, designing local inquiries, and other vital topics to becoming the chief executive officer in a school system, independent school, or a non-profit organization.

As superintendent of schools in the Abington School District, Abington, Pennsylvania, Dr. Sichel manages and directs the affairs of the school system. She interprets for the public the purposes, practices, accomplishments, and needs of the school system. Dr. Sichel was recently named the PA 2010 Superintendent of the Year, an E-News Tech Savvy Superintendent, and was the president of the PA Association of School Administrators in 2010-2011. Beyond that, Dr. Sichel has held a variety of positions in public education including assistant superintendent, director of Pupil Services, guidance chairperson, school psychologist, and school counselor.

Research Interests and Current Projects

Dr. Sichel’s primary interests include special education, psychological assessment, and data-driven decision making to promote student achievement. Her expertise ranges from psychological services, including counseling and school psychology, to educational leadership.

Dr. Sichel, a licensed psychologist, has experience in private practice in the areas of assessment and psychotherapy to children, adults, and families by using systems approach with children in regard to their family and schools, developing intervention strategies with schools through ongoing consultation with school personnel, and consulting with other health services professionals.