brenda downey


School Psychologist


I’m mother to three and grandmother to one. Growing up, I spent my early years in Chicago, then lived in central Wisconsin for several years. I later returned to Illinois for graduate school and subsequent work. Most of my years since graduate school have been in the Milwaukee area. I started working as a licensed school psychologist in 2005. I love my work and am passionate about using what I’ve learned through the years to help others. I’m proud to have worked with many amazing people over the years from whom I’ve learned and have built lifelong relationships. I’m excited to bring that experience to ICS and am eager to continue to build relationships and support staff and families.

At ICS, I work with various teams to provide support and guidance regarding the academic and social-emotional needs of students. I write and manage individual learning plans for students who require accommodations. I write behavior intervention and crisis response plans when needed. I provide disability-related assessment and/or consultation, advocating for student needs. I guide functional behavior analysis, develop behavior plans, and provide student support. As part of the Student Support team, I assist in reviewing our service delivery system and the processes for determining and planning supports and interventions. I’m part of the Data Analysis Team working with progress monitoring tools, interventions, and data analysis. I support the Student Intervention Team and PBIS teams, as we review system needs and student needs. I work with the College & Career Ready team developing the graduate profile, and I work with the safety committee and the equity committee.

Please feel free to contact me. I am always happy to talk through concerns, answer questions, offer guidance, or help you find other supports needed for your family.


To contact me, please email me at: bdowney@ics-edu.org

Physical Education & Health Teacher E.J. Higgins