Meet Policy Services

Janell Hallgren, M.S.Ed. - Manager

Janell Hallgren has been with Policy Services at Erie 1 BOCES since November 2002. She began as a policy coordinator and has been manager of the department since August 2008. In her role, Janell is responsible for overseeing the policy coordinators and administrative team who assist almost 400 school districts across New York State with policy and regulation development and maintenance, as well as researching the changes in law, regulation, and guidance and the potential impact of these developments on school districts. In addition to maintaining a small caseload of policy districts, Janell also manages administration of BoardDocs, proposals for potential new districts, cross contracts, and the budget process. In addition, Janell directs the Home School Monitoring and Residency Verification Services. Janell has a B.A. in Psychology and Human Services from the University of Buffalo, an M.S. in Counselor Education and School Administration from Canisius College of Buffalo, and Certification as a School District Administrator.

Phone: (716) 821-7084
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Cynthia Gross, J.D., M.B.A. - Policy Coordinator

Cindy Gross is responsible for researching and analyzing changes in law, revising sample policies and regulations and assisting school districts throughout New York State with policy and administrative manual creation and maintenance. Cindy has a J.D. from the University at Buffalo Law School and an M.B.A. from Canisius University. 

Phone: (716) 821-7553
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Ashanti Haynes, Ed.D, C.A.S, M. S. Ed. - Policy Coordinator

Ashanti Haynes is a policy coordinator with Erie 1 BOCES.  She is responsible for working with district clients, throughout New York State, on new policy and administrative manuals, policy and administrative audits and researching and analyzing changes in law and regulations. Ashanti has a doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University specializing in culturally responsive teaching. She has a Master’s degree in Childhood Education Grades 1-6 and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Buffalo State University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University at Buffalo.  

Phone: (716) 821-7091
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Katherine Peterson, J.D., M.S.Ed. - Policy Coordinator

Katie Peterson has been with Policy Services at Erie 1 BOCES since November 2018. In her role, Katie researches and analyzes changes in law and regulation that may impact school districts, and their policies and regulations. Based on this research, Katie drafts and revises sample policies, regulations, and forms. Katie assists districts across New York State with policy and administrative manual creation and maintenance. Katie has a J.D. from the University at Buffalo Law School, an M.S. in Childhood Education from Canisius University, and a B.S. in Educational Studies from Vanderbilt University. 

Phone: (716) 821-7428
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 Jennifer Powell, M.P.A. - Policy Coordinator

Jennifer Powell was hired as a policy coordinator in November 2024. She primarily focuses on assisting district clients with policy and administrative manual development, policy audits and policy research. Jennifer brings legal, nonprofit, educational and governmental experience to her role, having worked as a paralegal, program analyst and college access specialist. Prior to her role at Erie 1 BOCES, she was an English as a Second Language teacher and academic advisor to international students. She has a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University and a bachelor's degree in Russian Studies from Wesleyan University.

Phone: (716) 821-7458
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Justine Stephan-Cole, M.B.A., M.S.T. - Policy Coordinator

Justine Stephan-Cole was hired as a policy coordinator in July 2020 and primarily works with district clients on policy audits, new policy and administration manuals, and policy research questions.   Additionally, she also assists other coordinators in policy and regulation review. Justine is a permanently certified teacher in the area of special education (ages 3-21) and has worked as a high school resource room teacher, CSE Chairperson, 504 Coordinator and as a staff developer in the areas of special education and curriculum.   Justine has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo in political science and public administration, a master’s degree from LeMoyne College in the science of teaching, an M.B.A from St. Bonaventure University and is working to complete her M.Ed. in School Leadership and Administration from Canisius University. 

Phone: (716) 821-7363
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