Hello everyone! I’m Serena, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this community. Originally from New York, I spent the first 27 years of my life there, earning degrees in Early Childhood & Elementary Education and Psychology from Hofstra University.

My journey into the world of special needs began at Camp A.N.C.H.O.R on Long Island, a comprehensive, year-round program that serves thousands of children and adults with special needs in Nassau County. It was at A.N.C.H.O.R. that I discovered my knack for patience and connecting with people on a more intimate level.

While my educational background initially led me to traditional teaching, I soon realized my true calling extended beyond the classroom. Relocating to California in 2010, I explored various roles, including a stint as a marketing and sales director for a San Francisco chocolate company. However, the one-on-one impact of supporting children’s growth and development drew me back to my roots as a Special Education teacher and Academic Support Specialist.

In my role, I have the privilege of actively collaborating with teachers, providing personalized attention to students, offering homework assistance, and focusing on foundational skills. These elements, coupled with my background as a certified life coach, allow me to bring a holistic approach to education.

In my personal life, I find joy in the company of my husband, two daughters, two dogs, and seven chickens on our California homestead. A lover of skiing and snow, I appreciate the contrast to our beautiful and mild Bay Area surroundings.

I look forward to the opportunity to support and inspire you on your journey!

Hello everyone! I’m Serena, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this community. Originally from New ... Read More

I began my career in the nonprofit sector nearly 30 years ago, providing services for young autistic children. For over two decades, I have worked in the public school system, supporting children with a wide range of disabilities from ages two to twenty-two. In 2008, I became a licensed educational psychologist, expanding my ability to support families beyond the school system. This journey has led me to Mind By Design, where I am truly inspired by the dedication and compassionate approach of Jana Parker and the entire team.

I take a whole-child approach to assessment, recognizing both the challenges and unique strengths of each child. I firmly believe that every child has a special talent or “superpower” that, with the right support and interventions, can help them overcome academic challenges and thrive. As a parent to a neurotypical child myself, I understand the vast potential within every child and am deeply committed to identifying and nurturing their strengths to foster growth and success in both school and life.

My professional interests and expertise include ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Anxiety Disorders. I began my educational journey by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating with honors. I then pursued a Master of Science in Counseling/School Psychology and obtained my licensure as a Licensed Educational Psychologist. Currently, I am further expanding my knowledge through advanced post-graduate coursework in school neuropsychology.

Outside of work, I cherish time with my teenage twin boys-snowboarding, hiking, and traveling the world. We’ve explored five out of seven continents and are eager to visit more. You can also find me on a stand-up paddleboard, in a Yoga or Pilates class, or unwinding with a good book.

I look forward to connecting with you and discovering ways we can collaborate to support your child’s educational journey.

I began my career in the nonprofit sector nearly 30 years ago, providing services for young autis... Read More

My passion is empowering families to recognize and harness their student’s strengths while understanding their challenges.

I place a strong emphasis on building connections with families and children, offering clear insights and actionable strategies to support their educational journey.

Having dedicated nearly 15 years to serving as a school psychologist within the public education system, my expertise spans across various settings and age groups, from preschool to high school. My work has encompassed supporting children with a wide range of disabilities and levels of need. In pursuit of deepening my impact, I obtained my Licensed Educational Psychologist licensure in 2019, enabling me to work as a contractor within the public school system, assisting families and educational teams more directly. My academic journey in psychology was always aimed towards specializing further, which led me to complete a certificate in School Neuropsychology (ABSNP) in 2020. This program offered me invaluable training, enhancing my skills in conducting educational assessments for learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and other brain-based learning challenges.

I am eager to connect with you and explore how we can work together to support your child’s educational path.

My passion is empowering families to recognize and harness their student’s strengths while unders... Read More

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Hello all! I’m Nat, and I am so excited to be joining the Mind by Design community. I’ve dedicated the last 6 years to working in the education field, specifically in elementary schools. Currently, I serve as the Literacy Specialist at Mind by Design, a role I embrace with passion and dedication. What excites me about being part of the MBD team is getting to work individually with students to enhance their confidence and joy around reading. I’m committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.

Educational Background:

I embarked on my journey in the education field working as an instructional aide before becoming a elementary school teacher. Since then, I have worked with students to find mastery and joy in being a learner, especially in their literacy skills! As an educator, I find joy in collaborating with other educators, parents, and clients to tailor my sessions percisely to what each client needs. What keeps me motivated? That “lightbulb,” I-got-it! moment when a skill finally clients for a client.

Professional Passion:

At the heart of my work is a deep-seated passion for literacy. I believe in individualized, differentiated and engaging reading instruction, and I strive every day to find what each client is uniquely interested in and motivated by. My goal is to help clients feel confident and empowered while learning how to read, write, and be an overall successful learner.

Beyond the Office:

When I’m not at work, you’ll likely find me reading, trying new hobbies, or relaxing with my dog, Ellie. These activities help me recharge and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle, which I believe is crucial for anyone in the education field.

Hello all! I’m Nat, and I am so excited to be joining the Mind by Design community. I’ve dedicate... Read More

I have worked in the communication field for over ten years. After working exclusively with Autistic children in a private setting as a Speech Assistant, I returned to graduate school to receive my Master of Education in Communication Disorders. Following graduate school, I worked at a Bay Area charter school, supporting students with a range of needs. During that time, I learned an immense amount about inclusion from a skilled group of special education educators. My caseload included students with articulation and phonological disorders, language disorders, social pragmatic deficits, fluency, and voice disorders. I felt a need to grow my skill set and pivoted to a private practice both in a clinic and home-based setting. My treatment focused on parent education and child-centered practices with a foundation rooted in play-based therapy. I was lucky enough to work with clients for individual and group-based sessions. I expanded my clinical skills and became PROMPT certified, as well as took courses on play-based therapeutic techniques, gestalt language processors, Social Thinking, and Apraxia.

I continue to learn from my clients and value the trust we build as we teach their goals.

I have worked in the communication field for over ten years. After working exclusively with Auti... Read More

I am passionate about helping families better understand their student’s strengths and weaknesses and implement actionable steps to support their growth.

I empower both students and their parents with tools and support, and consider myself a wellness coach for education.

Learning that your child is struggling at school is anxiety-provoking, and navigating the educational system is challenging. My goal through assessment is to answer your questions about how your child learns and provide recommendations and strategies to help them thrive.

The purpose of Mind by Design is to provide quality services to children and their families in a way that is compassionate and empowering so that they are held accountable and grow. I founded this practice out of my passion for the work and the families I serve.

I graduated with Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California Santa Cruz in 2000 and earned my Master’s Degree in School Psychology from San Francisco State University in 2006. I have been a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) since 2011 and actively practicing since 2013. I began my private practice career at the Center for Developing Minds in Los Gatos, CA, and left only to open Mind by Design in January 2020. I have worked with students with special needs from preschool through adulthood. I worked in public education as an administrator for special education programs from 2018-2022 after serving over a decade as a school psychologist. Because of my experience in the public education system, I am prepared to support families in navigating it, whether in the public or private domain.

I continued my education after graduate school and became a Board Certified School Neuropsychologist (ABSNP) and a Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP). I have participated in professional panels for families at Parents Helping Parents and provided numerous workshops for various school districts and private schools, as well as school psychology associations at the local, state, and national level. I was the 2022 President of the Santa Clara County Association of School Psychologists. I lead the only collaborative group of Licensed Educational Psychologists in the state, Empower LEP, where I support aspiring and practicing LEPs.

Besides evaluating for learning disabilities (dyslexia/dysgraphia/dyscalculia), ADHD, processing issues, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other diagnoses that interfere with learning, I have a passion for coaching parents who have questions about the educational system and how to navigate it for their child. I help answer questions, provide guidance, and develop a plan.

When I’m not at my practice, I spend time with my family and my dogs. I enjoy physical fitness, good food, and being in nature.

I am passionate about helping families better understand their student’s strengths and weaknesses... Read More

Hey everyone! My name is Maddy and I’m excited to be a part of the Mind by Design team as an Education Support Specialist. I’m passionate about empowering students by embracing their creativity and building their problem-solving skills. Growing up with an executive functioning coach as a mom, I’ve had first-hand experience with the challenges that parents and children face in the education system.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Systems from the University of Nevada, Reno, a well-rounded program that was creative and technical in content. During my time at Reno, I continued to build my diverse skill set by pursuing a role as a writing and speaking consultant at our university writing center. There, I supported students one-on-one from all majors with a variety of assignments. In addition, I have spent the last seven years working in youth recreation in the City of Santa Clara’s junior theater program (RJJT).

In my downtime, I enjoy watching the newest tv shows, decorating, and organizing anything I can get my hands on. I also like being creative with personal writing projects, social media essays, and woodworking.

I look forward to learning your story and helping you on your journey!

Hey everyone! My name is Maddy and I’m excited to be a part of the Mind by Design team as an Educ... Read More

Hello! I’m Christina, and I’ve dedicated the last ten years to working in the field of School Psychology and mental health. Currently, I serve as a Licensed Educational Psychologist at Mind by Design, a role I embrace with passion and dedication. What excites me about being part of the MBD team is the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of talented individuals whose passion and drive allow us to create meaningful solutions, and I’m committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.

Educational Background:

I embarked on my journey in mental health with a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling from California State University, East Bay, a foundational experience that equipped me with the knowledge and skills to pursue my career. My professional path began as a Paraprofessional in a Therapeutic Special Day Class (TSDC), evolving over time to my current position as a Licensed Educational Psychologist at Mind by Design.

Professional Passion:

At the heart of my work is a deep-seated passion for connecting with families and empowering them through assessment and psychoeducation. By providing research-based interventions and support, I strive to ensure equitable opportunities for individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. I believe in taking a holistic approach, considering the interconnectedness of intellectual, emotional, and mental well-being. I endeavor to create a safe and nurturing environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to identify their strengths and overcome obstacles. My goal is to foster growth and knowledge, equipping clients with the tools and strategies they need to lead fulfilling lives. I’m constantly seeking new ways to support and empower our clients on their journey to mental wellness, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

Beyond the Office:

When I’m not at work, you’ll likely find me traveling, hiking, and spending time with family. These activities help me recharge and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle, which I believe is crucial for anyone in a caregiving role.

A Glimpse into My Life:

Favorite Quote: “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” – Mulan Professional Achievements: After earning my certification as a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-200), I helped create and facilitate an after-school program to teach elementary-aged students yoga and mindfulness techniques, guiding them to enhance their physical and mental well-being through movement and meditation. Making an Impact: I’m proud of the difference we make in the lives of our clients and their families. Through my work as a Licensed Educational Psychologist and School Psychologist, I’ve witnessed transformative changes in individuals’ academic achievements, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients gain confidence, overcome challenges, and thrive academically and personally with the support and guidance provided.

Hello! I’m Christina, and I’ve dedicated the last ten years to working in the field of School Psy... Read More

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Knowing your child is struggling in school and understanding their unique needs while navigating the education system can be overwhelming. My goal is to help families learn and understand more about each child’s unique needs and learning style in order to provide the best support.

I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from George Mason University and continued on at George Mason University to receive my Master’s Degree in School Psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. In addition, I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and a Licensed Educational Psychologist. I have been completing comprehensive assessments for 13 years. In addition, I have ten years of experience working in education, including four years of management experience.

Throughout my career, I have worked hard to build relationships to support students and families. With over a decade of experience completing comprehensive assessments, I have developed a deep understanding of how to identify and address the unique needs of each student. I have experience working with students with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders, and other diagnoses that may impact a student’s ability to learn.

I am passionate about helping families understand and participate meaningfully in the educational processes to support their child. My goal is to work with you to answer questions, provide support, and develop a plan for your child.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside, cooking, and crocheting. I love to travel and find new places to explore. When I am at home, my two cats keep me entertained.

Knowing your child is struggling in school and understanding their unique needs while navigating ... Read More