Berlin CSD is excited to welcome Mrs. Samantha Higgins, Berlin Central School District MTSS District Coordinator, and Ms. Shayna Davner, Berlin Middle High School Student Assistance Counselor, to the district. Learn more about Mrs. Higgins and Ms. Davner below.
Samantha Higgins
Berlin Central School District
MTSS District Coordinator
Mrs. Samantha Higgins joined the Berlin Central School District in November as the Berlin CSD Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) District Coordinator.
A multi-tiered system of supports is a proactive and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student achievement and support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs from a strengths-based perspective. Mrs. Higgins has immersed herself in her role at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, helping staff with frameworks to engage in emotional learning and positive behavioral supports, using data-based decision-making to assist with identifying the correct interventions to ensure positive outcomes for students and teachers. The district is happy to officially welcome Mrs. Higgins, who has already spent the past couple of months rolling up her sleeves, joining committees, and offering her support wherever it is needed. She is excited for the many opportunities Berlin has presented to get involved with the school community. Please learn more about Mrs. Higgins in her own words below.
What is your education background?
I have my Bachelors degree from The College of Saint Rose in Early Childhood Education and Childhood Education with a minor in English. I then went to SUNY Albany for my Masters which is in Literacy. I also have my School Administrator degrees from The College of Saint Rose.
What do you like most about Berlin?
I love the small community and sense of togetherness. I grew up and went to a small school like Berlin and I feel like I am at home. Everyone has been so welcoming and wonderful since my first day!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am an avid reader – I usually read over 100 books a year. I am also part of a book club that meets monthly.
What are your interests outside of school?
Outside of school I enjoy reading, working out, and time with my family. I have a rescue dog who is very spoiled and loves to go on car rides to get his Pup Cup from Starbucks. My husband and I also enjoy traveling.
Welcome Mrs. Higgins, it has been wonderful to have you so involved and making a positive impact in just the short time you have been here.
Shayna Davner
Berlin Middle High School
Student Assistance Counselor
The BMHS Counseling Office would like to welcome Ms. Shayna Davner to their staff as the BMHS Student Assistance Counselor. Ms. Davner has taken over for Mrs. Augustine, who recently retired. Ms. Davner is excited to join the BMHS Counseling staff; please take a moment to learn more about Ms. Davner in her own words.
I attended high school at Edgemont Jr./Sr. HS in Scarsdale, NY, where I grew up. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Business from St. Lawrence University, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from UAlbany. What I like most about Berlin is that it is a small, tight-knit community, which gives you the chance to get to know everyone. A fun fact about myself is that I have a twin sister who lives in Brooklyn and works in Public Relations. Outside of school, I enjoy hot yoga and barre, spending time with my dog Okie, trying new restaurants, and reading fiction.
Welcome Ms. Davner! Ms. Davner would love to meet you! BMHS Mountaineers, please stop by the counseling office to say hello so she can get to know you.