Putnam County Schools’ Department of Exceptional Education members have received state honors that place them among the top members in the field again this year.
School psychologist Debra Layne was named “West Virginia School Psychologist of the Year” and Exceptional Education Director Pat Homberg was named “Special Friend of Children” by the West Virginia School Psychologists’ Association.
Layne, who began her career in Putnam County Schools in 2000, holds a Master of Arts in Diagnosis and Intervention Psychology and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S) in School Psychology. She is certified by the West Virginia Department of Education and the National Association of School Psychologists.
In addition to providing services to students, Layne is a member of the county’s Crisis Response Team; past Project Coordinator for the Response to Intervention Project at Winfield Elementary School; field supervisor for psychology students from Marshall University Graduate College; and a member of numerous committees and offices, including past president of the West Virginia School Psychologist Association. Layne received this award for outstanding service to the profession of school psychology and for providing exemplary services to the field of school psychology in the state of West Virginia.
Homberg, who earned the distinction of being named “Special Friend of Children,” won that title for her dedication and service to the youth in Putnam County Schools and by being a pioneer in exceptional education. Homberg came to Putnam County Schools as Director of Exceptional Education in 1988, but began her career as a classroom teacher. She holds a Master of Arts in Special Education, with certifications in English, Social Studies, Elementary Education, Learning Disabilities, Mental Impairment, Behavior Disorders, and Autism; she is also certified as a school administrator at all levels, and has a Master’s of Business Administration.
Homberg has dedicated herself to serving children with exceptionalities and advocating for all children in West Virginia. Homberg was named West Virginia Exceptional Education Administrator of the Year in 2006.
