When a student walks into Tracy Nagengast’s office on their own for the first time, she knows real progress has been made.
“I had been working with a student who was slow to connect with me. One day, they independently came into my office to talk—it felt like a breakthrough,” she says. Moments like these are why Tracy became a school psychologist.
As the new school psychologist at Tuxedo Union Free School District, Tracy works with students from pre-K through 12th grade. Her passion for childhood development began at Binghamton University, where she worked with autistic children. She later earned her degree at Queens College while gaining hands-on experience in group homes and schools. Over the years, she has worked in a variety of educational and support settings, preparing her to make a meaningful impact at TUFSD.
No two days are the same in her line of work, and Tracy wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love the variety in my day,” she says. At any given moment, she might be meeting individually with students, collaborating with teachers, attending IEP meetings or working closely with parents. She emphasizes play therapy and a problem-solving approach to help students develop coping skills, social understanding and emotional awareness.
Tracy strives to bridge the gap between educators, families and students. “I always try to make sure students and parents feel heard,” she says.
As a mother of four—including twin girls—she understands the challenges parents face. “People are surprised to learn I have four kids,” she says. “Sometimes that personal connection helps parents relate to me.”
Her goal at TUFSD is clear: to strengthen student support so every child can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. “When general education, special education and support services align, students get the best chance to succeed,” she explains.
And for Tracy, success is measured in small victories—like that hesitant student who came in on their own to chat.
“I don’t know everything—I’m learning every day,” she says. “But if I can help a student feel understood and supported, then I know I’m in the right place.”