Student Support Services Staff

Dr. Erich Merkle is a school psychologist for the Pupil Adjustment Program (PAP), a collaborative partnership between the Akron Public Schools Board of Education and the departments of Child Study and Student Services and Security. In this position, he services students and families referred to the Board for various serious and habitual disciplinary infractions. His practice emphasizes systemic psycho-educational support through consultative and evaluative activities with the purpose of both returning students to a successful educational placement and providing linkages to community resources that may yield additional support.

Dr. Merkle holds numerous advanced degrees from Kent State University, including a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in school psychology and psychology, an educational specialist degree (Ed.S.) in K-12 administration, and dual master's degrees in mental health counseling (M.Ed.) and human development (M.A.). He is licensed by the Ohio Department of Education as a School Psychologist and Administrative Specialist in Pupil Personnel Administration. He also holds the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential from the National Association of School Psychologists. Prior to joining the field of school psychology and retraining, he was a practicing mental health counselor in Stark County, providing assessment, individual and marital/family therapy. Dr. Merkle serves on several community mental health boards as well as on the executive board of the Ohio School Psychologists Association.