I earned my Ph.D. in School Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling and Human Development from Texas Woman’s University. During my graduate program, I taught undergraduate and graduate courses in developmental psychology and assessment. At TWU, I spearheaded a large research project in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area that developed into my dissertation, which focused on behaviors, emotional functioning, and social skills of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

As a school psychologist, I have worked closely with students (preschool to high school) with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, attention and executive functioning disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and emotional disturbances in public and private schools. I have conducted Functional Behavioral Assessments and developed positive Behavior Intervention Plans (for school and home). I have also been an active member of trans-disciplinary assessment teams evaluating preschool children and have had specialized training in autism assessments, interventions, and teaching strategies.

I have worked at the Diagnostic Center of Northern California where I had the opportunity to conduct “second opinion” assessments of complex cases that were referred to us after school districts were unable to determine a diagnosis.

Currently, I am working as a school psychologist in a public school district, I attend regular professional trainings, and I consult regularly with other professionals. These activities allow me to stay current with changes related to the public school system, special education law, and educational research.

I bring all of my knowledge and experiences into my private practice in Orinda, conducting comprehensive psycho-educational assessments, providing accurate diagnostic impressions, offering practical and targeted recommendations, supporting families through the IEP process, and working with individual students to enhance overall functioning and educational progress.

Licenses and certificates:

Licensed Educational Psychologist (lic#3305)

Licensed Psychologist (lic#25619), currently inactive

Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)

Pupil Personnel Services, School Psychologist Credential (PPS)

Crisis prevention Institute (CPI) Certified Instructor

Professional organizations of which I am a member:

American Psychological Association (APA)

California Psychological Association (CPA)

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

California Association of School Psychologists (CASP)