Department Overview

Anthony Pizzuti PhD., PC, NCC
Anthony Pizzuti PhD., PC, NCC
Director of Student Wellness
2019 to present
B.S., John Carroll University
MA, John Carroll University
Ph.D., Cleveland State University

Anthony Pizzuti is the Director of Student Wellness for the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio (ESC). Most recently, Anthony held the position as School Climate Regional Field Coordinator with the ESC supporting SST regions 2, 3, 4, and 5 and assisting in the expansion and implementation of Positive Behavioral interventions & Supports (PBIS) across the Northeast Quadrant of Ohio. 

Prior to working at the ESC, Anthony was a Special Education and School Improvement Consultant with the State Support Team Region 4 (SST4) focusing on Positive Behavioral interventions & Supports, Special Education & Family & Community Engagement. Anthony has also worked for over 10 years in the early childhood field as the mental health/ disabilities coordinator at Head Start and as a Resource Teacher with the Achievement Centers for Children. Before entering the Field of Education, Anthony has worked at University Hospitals of Cleveland (UH) in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) in the Department of Behavioral Medicine. 

He received his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, a Master's Degree in Community Counseling from John Carroll University, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (PC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). He completed his Ph.D. in Urban Education (Counselor Education) at Cleveland State University. 

Anthony is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and relocated to the Cleveland area after attending John Carroll University. Anthony and his wife have two children and live in Beachwood, Ohio.
Gina Woodward
Gina Woodward
Administrative Assistant
2024 to present

Gina Woodward is an Administrative Assistant for the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio supporting the director of the Student Wellness department, and 20 consultants. 

Prior to starting with the ESC, she worked 7 years with the Berea City School District working as an intervention associate at J&G Snow School and then moving into an administrative assistant role at Berea Midpark High School. During this time, she developed her passion for working with students with behavioral and mental health disabilities. Gina is excited to be part of a team that provides support for students, families and communities. 

Gina is married to her husband of 15 years and has 3 children. She enjoys family time at the lake, boating, reading, Pilates, and traveling.
The mission of the Student Wellness Department is to empower educators, schools, and communities to create sustainable, systemic change that enhances the health, well-being, and safety of every student. Through high-quality consulting, coaching, and professional development, we help build supportive environments where all students can thrive.

Our Services and Support Include:

  • Systems-Level Support
    We partner with schools and districts to strengthen their PBIS/MTSS leadership teams, implement the PBIS+ Systems Framework, and analyze Climate Survey data. We also assist with preparation for state recognition.

  • Comprehensive Consulting
    Our team provides expert guidance on a range of critical student wellness topics, including
    • Mental health and wellness
    • Attendance and chronic absenteeism
    • Suicide prevention, crisis response and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
    • Threat assessment Training- Comprehensive Student Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG)
    • Non Violent Crisis Intervention Training
    • Social-emotional learning (SEL)
    • Family and community engagement
    • Trauma-informed practices

  • Student-Centered Programs
    We support and promote impactful student initiatives such as:
    • QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention
    • Sources of Strength
    • Youth-Led Programs

  • Legislative and Compliance Guidance
    We provide timely updates and resources aligned with Ohio’s legislative requirements and deadlines related to student wellness and mental health.

  • Funding Strategy Support
    We help districts assess and identify funding sources to support and sustain behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health initiatives.

  • Customized Professional Development
    We offer tailored professional development opportunities for educators, students, families, and community partners, designed to meet the specific needs of your district or school community.

Student Wellness Department

CLICK HERE for the ESC of Northeast Ohio Student Wellness Flyer.