I am a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in diagnostic and psychoeducational assessment across the life span. I also provide empirically-supported psychological interventions to children, parents, and families, including individual psychotherapy, behavior therapy, parenting and behavior management interventions, and sibling/family interventions. I have specialized my training on neurodevelopmental issues, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, cognitive concerns, and learning difficulties.
I am well versed in the research on neurodevelopmental issues, assessment, and intervention, and use my knowledge to provide empirically-supported best practice care to individuals and families. I utilize research-supported interventions to inform my treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In addition, I am trained and experienced in several parent behavioral management interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, ADHD, and Disruptive Behavior Disorders.
My approach in intervention with clients is primarily behavioral or cognitive-behavioral; however, I feel strongly that involving and supporting the family system is an essential component of treating a client. To this end, I am able to provide a range of research-supported, goal-directed services to families, including initial diagnostic evaluations; ongoing assessments of progress; and individual, parent, family, and group interventions to address problematic behaviors, internalizing symptoms (withdrawal, anxiety), and social concerns. I also advocate for my clients in the community and provide consultative services to special education teams and schools.
I have provided consultation to school districts and community organizations who serve individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, and Gifted/Twice Exceptional Children and I have over 20 years of professional experience helping children with ASDs and their families.I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with Child and Family Specialization from Northern Illinois University. I completed my predoctoral internship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University, focusing my training in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Track. I then continued my specialization through a concentrated postdoctoral fellowship in child clinical psychology and developmental disabilities through the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Early in my career, I provided in-home intervention services, behavioral and educational consultation, and supervision of in-home behavioral programs for children and adolescents with ASD. However, I have experience working with children and their parents in a wide range of settings, including university –based clinics, multidisciplinary outpatient pediatric teams in hospitals, private practices, and schools. I am a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the North Carolina Psychological Association (NCPA).
