Biographical Information:
Mr. Biss earned his B.S. in Psychology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He earned his M.Ed. in Educational Psychology and CAGS in School Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He holds his PA Level II Certification in School Psychology. Mr. Biss joins the Plum Borough School District with experiences in the provision of traditional and nontraditional School Psychology services across rural, suburban, and urban settings. Most recently, Mr. Biss served as a School Psychologist with the Penn-Trafford School District.
Mr. Biss began his professional service as an intern with the Derry Township School District in Hershey, PA. This afforded him the opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and experience with the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) as both a service-delivery model for instruction and for identifying children in need of specially designed instruction using Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtII) data in accordance with best practices. He then spent time with the Grove City Area School District where he continued to provide services to children, youth, and their families using both traditional and nontraditional School Psychology services. Mr. Biss followed this experience up with several years of practice with the Pittsburgh Public Schools that saw him expand into more leadership roles as a Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer, a BrainSTEPS Team Leader, and a Pathway to Graduation (P2G) facilitator in schools all over the city. Mr. Biss has also previously helped develop and lead a pilot program that helps identify and assist children with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties through coordination of school-based and community-based resources. He also has worked on implementing best practices in crisis response, specifically the use of risk and crisis assessment for at-risk youth.
Throughout his entire career, Mr. Biss has been an advocate for youth with disabilities and their families. He recognizes the unique skillset that a School Psychologist can bring to a school and community and believes in building relationships with students, families, and staff; using evidence-based practices at the systems level to improve academic achievement and mental health; and fostering a safe and welcoming school environment. If he can be of service to anyone in the Plum Borough community, he encourages individuals or groups to reach out.
Mr. Biss lives with his wife, Samantha, daughter, Kinsley, and his two dogs in Murrysville. He enjoys all things Pittsburgh sports, working out, spending time with family and friends throughout the AK Valley, and trying not to embarrass himself on the golf course.
B.S. Psychology
M.Ed. Educational Psychology
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) School Psychology
Doctoral Candidate
Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)