KRISTEN D. NOLFI

Licensed Educational Psychologist

They call me Dr. Nolfi. You can call me Kristen.
Every day is a chance to move forward—with purpose, with presence, and with trust in the process. Growth doesn’t require having all the answers. It starts with clarity, builds through consistency, and expands when we recognize the value in every step—no matter how small.

True guidance isn’t about fixing people. It’s about helping them reconnect with their own strength, insight, and direction.
In every decision, every conversation, every challenge—there’s movement. There’s potential.

You don’t have to navigate it all alone.You’re capable. You’re resilient.And with the right support, the next step becomes clear.
As you move through your own growth, it helps to pause and ask yourself:

1.  Where is my attention going?    
2.  What kind of experience am I creating?
3.  How am I shaping myself through what I take in, what I question, and how I adapt?

Whether you’re focused on healing, clarity, or change—consciousness isn’t just something you have, it’s something you use. Pay attention. Experience fully. Evolve intentionally.
Find Your True North.
Blooming Looks Different for Everyone - and that’s okay.
Every stage of life is a bloom—some opening, some in full color, some quietly growing beneath the soil.

~ Maya Angelou


Comprehensive psycho-educational and/or school neuropsychological assessments provide answers to your questions about why your child is struggling. The assessment also examines learning strengths and challenges.

A Comprehensive Assessment is often sought out for the following concerns:

Learning Disability


Dyslexia (Reading Disability)
Common condition, impacting 1 in 5 people, that affects the way a person’s brain processes written and spoken language. Dyslexia is the most common learning disorder affecting the ability to read quickly and efficiently, comprehend as well as can impact writing skills. Warning signs look different at different ages, but can include trouble recognizing the letters of the alphabet, difficulty reading out loud, reading slowly, problems understanding reading material, and difficulty with rote memorization.Dysgraphia (Writing Disability)A student with dysgraphia can have trouble putting words on paper, messy writing, poor spelling or punctuation. Students with dysgraphia often avoid or melt down during writing activities, don’t take notes or write down their assignments, and “hate to write.” A key sign is if a child can tell a story out loud but can’t get it on paper.

Dyscalculia (Math Disability)
A learning disorder that makes it hard to make sense of numbers and math concepts. Students most commonly struggle with number sense, or the basic understanding of how numbers work. Signs of dyscalculia include difficulty recognizing numbers and symbols, counting on fingers, or a hard time coming up with a plan to solve a math problem. If a child’s math ability and number sense is significantly below other abilities, it is a sign that they may have dyscalculia.

Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and selective mutism can greatly impact a student's performance and functioning in school.  An assessment in this area as it relates to the impact of academic performance will be explored.  

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD impacts learning, concentration, and attention. Assessment will focus on memory, attention, planning/executive functioning skills.

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder impacting social interaction, communication skills and often includes an intense interest and/or repetitive behaviors. Autism diagnostic assessment will involve direct testing, rating scale information, as well as observations and interviews.

Parts of an Evaluation
Components included in an evaluation are based on the questions to be answered. Depending on the scope of the evaluation, it may include:

  • Cognitive Functioning 
  • Academic Functioning
  • Visual-Spatial Processing
  • Auditory Processing
  • Social-Emotional Functioning Assessment (ex: anxiety, depression, behavior)
  • Attention and Executive Functioning
  • Learning and Memory Observations & Interviews (ex: developmental history)
I offer individual therapy for children and teens through the Cogntive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modality and/or Growth Mindset lessons to help build healthy habits and to foster new skill development.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The basis for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is that the way that we think affects the way that we feel, which affects the way that we behave. CBT is an evidenced-based modality that focuses on challenging and improving cognitive distortions. My goal is to help your child develop more productive thoughts and behaviors to improve their mental health ultimately.

Growth Mindset Counseling

Why Mindset Matters?
Fixed mindsets are when we believe that our current intelligence and abilities are static and cannot be changed. A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities, skills, intelligence, aptitude and achievements can be improved with perseverance and purposeful practice.

Through my practice and thousands of hours with kids, I've found the latter to be crucial in providing a well-rounded and strong foundational mindset in children.

My Approach
I will work with your child or adolescent one-on-one to develop their growth mindset. Every child is different and presents various challenges. I will use a mix of the following to instruct them towards a healthy mindset

  • Workbooks and Worksheets that deal with specific challenges around growth Mindset
  • Breaking down presenting challenges in home (and at school if you wish)
  • Past success reviews
  • Anxiety coping skills
  • Positive Behavior charts
  • Reinforcement Survey's (to see what your child wants to work towards)
  • Identifying fixed vs. growth language
  • Planning for success
  • Mindset goals
  • Mindfulness
Topics We'll Discuss
  • Understanding a growth mindset
  • Healthy Mistakes
  • Changing your perspective
  • Positive self-talk
  • Using the power of "yet"
  • Coaching around specific child challenges and developing a growth mindset framework for that challenge
What is Educational Therapy?

Educational therapy is the practice of providing personalized remedial instruction to children and adults with learning challenges, including but not limited to dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning deficits, and language, visual and auditory processing issues. The ultimate goal of educational therapy is to foster development of self-confident, independent individuals who feel positively about themselves and their potential as lifelong learners.

Educational therapists possess a deep understanding of the social, behavioral and emotional factors that influence an individual's ability to learn. With extensive training and experience, they are highly skilled in conducting academic assessments, developing targeted intervention plans, and implementing evidence-based strategies to address challenges in literacy, composition, mathematics, executive functioning, and metacognitive skills.

A vital role of the educational therapist is to serve as a case coordinator, facilitating collaboration among families, educators, and other allied professionals to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive support system.

-Association of Educational Therapists (AET)
Kristen works with school districts in Massachusetts that require assessment support for initial evaluations, triennial evaluations, or Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs).

My Approach:
All reports will be provided to the school team in advance of the IEP meetings and offered to be informally reviewed with team or parent, in advance. School assessments are conducted in person, and IEP meetings are attended either in person or on Zoom.

Throughout the process, I strive to understand the students needs and work collaboratively with the school team, parents and student. I am thoughtful about aligning with the districts values and expectations.

Kristen Nolfi, LEP
Fee Schedule

School Contracts: Psychoeducational Assessment – Triennial Assessment $3000
Includes records review, an assessment of cognitive abilities, processing abilities (visual, auditory, attention), and social-emotional functioning. It also includes teacher feedback, parent feedback/interview, psychoeducational report, and attendance for an IEP meeting. + academic testing $3300

Psychoeducational Assessment – Initial Assessment $3800
Includes records review, an assessment of cognitive abilities, processing abilities (visual, auditory, attention), social-emotional functioning, and any other areas of need. It also includes teacher feedback,
parent feedback/interview, psychoeducational report, and attendance for an IEP meeting. + academic testing $4000

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) $5500
Includes: intake interview/forms; records review; rating scales; observation, as assessment of cognitive abilities, processing abilities in areas related to the referral reason, academic achievement; report/recommendations, IEP meeting


Results can support evidence of reasoning ability for placement in gifted programs. The assessment can help you understand how your child learns best, to provide you with individualized strategies. Some private schools require cognitive testing as a component of the admission process. I have worked closely with prospective parents.

Tests Administered:  IQ Test results can illuminate areas of cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Wechsler Scales are used such as
Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV);  Ages 6 - 16, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V); Ages 17:00 + Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)

Why Work With Me

Quick Turnaround Time
The report is typically sent to you within 3-5 days from the assessment

Convenient Location
The assessment takes places at your child’s school, or library office

Kid Friendly
I am skilled at supporting students and adjusting to various needs. The environment is warm and friendly.

Assurance
When you book online, you are booking only with me. I manage my scheduling and can be easily reached. If you need me to send additional copy of the report on your behalf, I do this at no additional cost

The Process

Step 1
Your child and I will spend a few minutes building rapport to ensure they are comfortable. The test will be presented as "activities."  My many years of experience in elementary schools helps support this process easily.

Step 2
I will send you the report to review through mail. With your request and authorization, I can send the results to the prospective schools.

Step 3
A follow-up zoom call to review the meaning of the results, if requested, at no additional charge.

Q & A

1.  How do I prepare my child for the assessment?

There is nothing to do to prepare your child for the assessment. The purpose of the examination is to assess your child's true abilities without preparation.  In fact, prior exposure to test materials and questions will invalidate the results.

2.  How long does it take to receive the report?

The report is most often sent to parents 3-5 days after the assessment. Once you receive the report, you can let me know where to send the report (ex: which schools). There is no additional cost for sending the report to multiple schools.

3.  What is included in the follow up session?

In the follow up session on Zoom, after reading the report, you are welcome to bring questions about your child’s cognitive profile. We will discuss strengths and challenges as well as general recommendations.

4.  When can my child take an IQ test again?

You will need to wait at least one year and one day to take the same IQ test again. This is due to test-retest reliability.  Schools in the area require you to wait at least a year as well.

5.  If my child scores very high on the IQ test, does this mean they are fit for a gifted and talented program?

IQ tests are not necessarily the only way to evaluate a child's potential or readiness for a high-performing school. As a parent, considering other factors such as your child's personal strengths, interests, and learning style are important to weigh out. Some parents seek to send their child to a gifted and talented, while others prefer to seek out supplemental resources in addition to their current school program.

6.  What do I tell my child about this assessment?

You can tell your child that they are working with me to see how they learn best, through different activities. Many activities feel like games.  There are approximately 10 subtests (about 5 minutes each), which makes the process feel engaging for your child. You can also mention they are welcome to take breaks and ask questions. They are welcome to share information about their interests as we get started too.

7. What if my child is sick?

No problem at all. We will reschedule at a time soon that works for both of us. Your child likely will not perform their best if they are not feeling well.

8.  Is it better to take the test later in the admissions season?

This is a personal choice for you and your family.  The IQ test is normed based on your child's year and month (ex: 6 years - 6 years & 3 months is one band), not just on their entire year.  It may not always be better to wait. However, please remember that the sessions become full as the new year approaches. The time best for your child's attention may not be available if you wait.

9. Where do I wait during the testing session?

The assessment session will take place in room with a window, and a “waiting room” for parents directly outside.  If the child is anxious, you are more than welcome to stay for the first few minutes and/or stay close to the office testing space.  Parents often leave to walk around, get a coffee, read a book, and come back about an hour later. We exchange numbers in case I need to reach you, or you need to reach me.
1) Intake
I seek to understand the reason for the assessment referral. Information such as developmental history, reviewing any previous assessments, and understanding historical and current school performance is important. This information will guide the specific neurocognitive, academic, and processing areas (ex: attention, auditory, visual) to assess.‍ (About 30 minutes)

2) Assessment
The assessment often consists of an IQ assessment, a broad academic assessment, additional academic/neuropsychological assessments in the area of referral concern, cognitive processing assessments, and a social-emotional assessment (ex: anxiety, depression, adaptive skills). Information is typically gathered from parents, the child, and teachers to comprehensively understand your child's functioning.‍(ranges from 4-8 hours; typically 2-3 sessions)

3) After the Assessment
Once the assessment is complete, several hours are spent scoring the assessments, interpreting the results and synthesizing the information to be shared in an informative and reader-friendly report. From the assessment report, parents will be able to understand how to help their child better at home and in the community.

Recommendations will be made for school support (ex: IEP or Section 504 Plan, if appropriate). The section of the recommendations in the report is called the Action Plan.‍ (2-3 weeks)

4) Parent Follow Up
A parent follow-up will be held to discuss the findings from the report and the Action Plan for support. This is a great time for parents to ask any questions and understand more ways to support their child. After this conversation, I am still available to answer questions as parents engage with new resources.‍ (45 minutes -1 hour)

A History of Positive Results & Effectiveness since 1995

Image Caption

The Warming Tree

 87 Shaker Road | East Longmeadow, MA  01028

2000_600a23d54c8b0.png


To Whom It May Concern,                                                                                                                                   1/15/2021

      Dr. Kristen Nolfi has been working with me as a fellow colleague at The Warming Tree Women’s Wellness Centre now for three years. As a Psychologist and Clinician, she is highly sought after for her expertise and knowledge of Child & Family Issues.  Clients remain active by meeting regularly with her and have reported that she is very effective with her interventions and recommendations.  It has been stated by more than a few clients that she has a very warm and welcoming presence, with keen evaluating and listening skills.  When we have consulted with each other on various options for clients, she is always available to give sound suggestions and receives any constructive feedback with an open mind.

If you should need further information, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Pamelah Stevens, LMHC

413-695-5382

The WarmingTree.com

2000_600a27173c524.png

My Profile on Psych Today

Sent from my iPhone

February 09, 2018


Dear Committee Members,

I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Dr. Kristen Nolfi in a professional setting for 8 years. Kristen is hard working. knowledgeable, and above all compassionate. In our Team meetings for students she would present her findings in a thoroughly professional manner yet would avoid 'jargon' when talking to parents. Kristen is unfailingly professional, competent, and has a wonderful way of sincerely interacting with students, teachers, and parents. Kristen has the ability to really listen and offer thoughtful strategies to students and parents facing challenges.


Sincerely,

Mary Roccanti M.Ed

Special Education Teacher



                                                                                                                                                                     3/20/2018


To Whom It May Concern:

It is with pleasure that I provide a recommendation on behalf of Dr. Kristen Nolfi . I have known Dr. Nolfi throughout her tenure while she worked at Chicopee Public Schools. I have worked with Dr. Nolfi in different capacities. In my seventeen years here, I have worked as a Speech and Language Therapist, Special Education Teacher, Reading Consultant, and currently a Special Education Coordinator. In all of these positions we shared cases and collaborated as team members. Dr. Nolfi was a valued member of the Special Education Department who worked as a school psychologist. She brought enthusiasm, energy, and knowledge to the department.

Dr. Nolfi consistently demonstrated strength in working with diverse groups of students in our urban school district.  More specifically, she has at one time or another worked with all age groups Pre K-High School.

Dr. Nolfi has the ability to stay positive while working collaboratively with fellow educators, family members, and students. She was a valued member of the Special Education Department who could always be counted on to assist with complicated situations. Her high standard of practice provides guidance and resources to her peers.  She is a self-directed and motivated learner who wants to stay current in the field of education.

Finally, Dr. Nolfi is always bright, optimistic, and straightforward. Therefore, I strongly recommend her for any position that she chooses to apply, as I know that she has a fine grasp of what she is capable of and where she would best continue to do excellent work.

Please feel free to contact me if you wish to speak further. I can be contacted at my office number 413-594-3478.

Sincerely,

Colleen Hennessey , M.ED.

Special Education Coordinator

Sent from my iPhone

Observer: Karen Tierney, PhD Licensed Psychologist

Setting: IEP Meeting- three year revaluation
Date of Observation: November 25, 2014

A three year reevaluation meeting was held to determine the continued eligibility of a nine year old fourth student at Litwin Elementary school for continuation of special education services. Present were the child's parent, a speech/language pathologist, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, the student's fourth grade teacher, the team chairperson and the school psychologist. The meeting was held in a small conference room at the school. Each specialist reported on assessment findings and the student's teacher discussed his progress in the classroom. Eligibility for the continuation of special education services was determined and then an individualized plan was written with everyone's input.





I A1- Professional Knowledge 
A review of Kristen's psychoeducational report shows that she is very effective at conducting accurate individual evaluations for students that inform the evaluation team. Her report assessed student learning, behavior, and development using a variety of assessment methods (i.e. review of records, observation, rating scales and cognitive and academic testing). As a result of using these assessment tools Kristen was able to determine appropriate recommendations for student learning.

I B1 Variety of Assessment Methods

During the team meeting, Kristen discussed the student's psychoeducational evaluation that included the WISC-IV, WIAT-III, ABAS-II, and observation of student. She was very adept at weaving her summary with information from previous assessments and the student's current functioning in the classroom. Her description of the student's background was illuminating to the team in explaining the student's strengths and weaknesses. Kristen's clear and supported evaluation consistently helped the evaluation team and the parents understand child's developmental status.

I A3 Plan Development
Kristen is skilled at sharing responsibility within the team to develop individual education plans. Kristen participated very effectively at an IEP meeting of an involved fourth grade student with a variety of learning needs. Kristen was able to align the specific cognitive and academic skill weaknesses found through testing with those reported in the classroom. She was skilled at sharing the strategies that would support the student's academic success. Kristen was able to blend her ideas with other ideas and as a result of her collaboration and open problem-solving process with the team, the student's developed educational program was of high quality

I C3 Sharing Conclusions with families
Kristen communicated her testing results to the student's parents in language that was easy to comprehend. During Kristen's approx. 10-minute verbal report, she explained in 'parent-friendly' terms how the child was functioning in the areas of cognition, academics and social/emotional. Kristen asked and answered the parents' questions with clear responses and frequently validated the parents' concerns in a soft gentle manner and always had direct eye contact with the parents.





II A1 Quality of Effort and Work 
Kristen's written report was very complete and well organized. She provided substantial information on the student's history and how lack of significant change in test scores did not mean lack of academic progress. This information was provided in language that was easily understood by the parent and other team members. The result of including this amount of important information is to show the whole picture of the student. Also, in this way, the parent and team recognized the relevance of and the connection between the psycho-educational test results and the child's classroom performance.

II D3 Access to Knowledge 
Kristen effectively drew accurate and specific conclusions from several sets of data. Kristen shared that the student met the diagnostic criteria for Intellectual Impairment. She presented educational history, behavioral observations, a cognitive assessment and achievement assessment to support her conclusion. As a result, the team was able to work with the diagnosis in determining eligibility and planning for the individualized education plan so the student will receive appropriate intervention.











Signature of Evaluator KAREN TIERNEY, PhD (KAREN TIERNEY 2014-11-25 10:21)


CHICOPEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Department of Special Education

Chicopee, MA 01020

September 1, 2017

      I recently worked with Kristen Nolfi on a case involving a 17-year-old young man who was in a coma for several weeks after experiencing a near deadly car accident.  The student suffered from traumatic brain injury and eventually ended up rehabilitating at Spaulding Hospital in Boston, MA.  He had gone blind as a result of the accident and was in very poor spirits.  Kristen was the first member of the Team to meet with this young man and she built quite a rapport with him.  We were each required to drive out to Spaulding a couple times to do observations to complete our educational recommendations.  She had told me at our initial consult meeting that she had not been exposed to anyone with his level of injuries before.  When I had the chance to read her evaluation report I remember feeling blown away because she wrote an outstanding and thorough evaluation. Kristen is known to be a thorough and very compassionate individual.   I'm sure that this student’s mother was comforted by the way you Kristen got to know her son, and how she was able to see his strengths even through his memory loss.  She assessed the student’s short term and long term memory and compared differences between them.  She also described how when she began working with this young man he would blink once for ‘no’ and twice for ‘yes’.  Her report was also so educational and sensitively written. The Team felt comforted working with someone so knowledgeable.

Helen  Skerritt, CCC-SLP

Chicopee Public Schools

Ph. 413-594-3437 x 2113


Name: Kristen Nolfi
School:  Chicopee Comprehensive High School

Setting: Unannounced observation, testing, and IEP Meeting presentation
Date of Observation: May 23, 2014

On May 23, 2014, Kristen was observed conducting an assessment with a high school child. Psychoeducational testing was conducted to determine the continued eligibility for special education services of a tenth-grade student presently attending Chicopee Comprehensive High School. The testing was held in a conference room at the school. The school psychologist sat across from the student and administered the WISC-IV and the WIAT-III.

Kristen effectively assessed the student by making her feel relaxed and encouraging her to do his best work. During the evaluation session, Kristen did an exceptional job of relaxing the student into the situation, giving very clear instructions, and then encouraging her to do her best work. Kristen was very respectful of the student ("You tell me when you need a break", "Nice job, you worked really hard"). Kristen also used age-appropriate reinforcements ("I don't mind telling you that the questions get harder and you won't know all the answers, but I'm going to try them anyway", "Because you got some of those right, I'm going to do a couple more"). The impact of these kinds of statements was to keep the child engaged in the activity and elicit her very best effort throughout the session. This child left the session obviously feeling proud of her accomplishments. Kristen consistently sets and reinforces behavioral expectations thus maintaining safe environments for children.





Kristen consistently provides the Team Chairperson with timely assessment reports. In addition, her knowledge of psychoeducational assessment is demonstrated by the inclusion of a variety of assessment measures. She fulfills her role at Team meetings, utilizing the above to identify student needs and appropriate services. Kristen has been consistent with completing assessments within the prescribed assessment windows.




I A1- Professional Knowledge 
A review of Kristen's psychoeducational report shows that she is very effective at conducting accurate individual evaluations for students that inform the evaluation team. Her report assessed student learning, behavior, and development using a variety of assessment methods (i.e. review of records, observation, rating scales and cognitive and academic testing). As a result of using these assessment tools Kristen was able to determine appropriate recommendations for student learning. Kristen effectively used her knowledge of the effects of traumatic brain injury to guide the assessment process and choose the appropriate test instruments accordingly. She provided appropriate cautions about test interpretation based on her knowledge of neurologic deficits. As a result, she chose instruments that would be most useful in answering referral questions.

I A3 Plan Development
Kristen is skilled at sharing responsibility within the team to develop individual education plans. Kristen participated very effectively at an IEP meeting of an involved fifth grade student with a variety of learning needs. Kristen was able to align the specific cognitive and academic skill weaknesses found through testing with those reported in the classroom. She was skilled at sharing the strategies that would support the student's academic success. Kristen was able to blend her ideas with other ideas and as a result of her collaboration and open problem-solving process with the team, the student's developed educational program was of high quality

I B1 Variety of Assessment Methods
During the team meeting, Kristen discussed the student's psychoeducational evaluation that included the WISC-IV, WIAT-III, Brown ADD Scales, ABAS-II, LDDI, and observation of student. She was very adept at weaving her summary with threads from each assessment. Her descriptions from the student rating scales were illuminating to the team in explaining the student's strengths and weaknesses. Kristen's clear and supported evaluation consistently helped the evaluation team and the parents understand child's developmental status.

Kristen collected data from multiple sources and considered ecological factors (e.g. student's ability to use his hands, to speak, to tolerate length of assessment etc.). The assessment was very extensive, using rating scales, observation, neuropsychological assessment, cognitive assessment, and interviews. She used valid and reliable assessment techniques that were appropriate for the student's condition. Kristen's clear and supported evaluation consistently helped the evaluation team and the parents understand the child's status.

1-C-1. Analysis and Conclusions
Kristen incorporated all available assessment information in recommending strategies to meet the individual learning needs of this student. Kristen's written report was very complete and comprehensive. She provided substantial background information as well as explanation of test scores. This information was provided in language that was easily understood by the parents and other team members. The result of including this amount of clear and concise information is to show the importance of this information in guiding the psychological assessment. Also, in this way, the parent and team recognize the relevance of and the connection between the psycho-educational test results and the child's predicted performance.

I C3 Sharing Conclusions with families
Kristen communicated her testing results to the student's parents in language that was easy to comprehend. During Kristen's approx. 15-minute verbal report, she explained in 'parent-friendly' terms how the child was functioning in the areas of cognition, academics and social/emotional. Kristen asked and answered the parents' questions with clear responses and frequently validated the parents' concerns in a soft gentle manner and always had direct eye contact with the parents. The impact these strategies had on the team was to organize the material into very manageable bite-sized pieces with a regular check-in to be insuring each piece of information was understood by all members of the team.

II A1 Quality of Effort and Work 
Kristen's written report was very complete and well organized. She provided substantial information on how to interpret scores, background information, referral concerns and student strengths in her report. This information was provided in language that was easily understood by the parents and other team members. The result of including this amount of important information is to show the whole picture of the student. Also, in this way, the parents and team recognized the relevance of and the connection between the psycho-educational test results and the child's classroom performance.

II D3 Access to Knowledge 
Kristen effectively drew accurate and specific conclusions from several sets of data. Kristen shared that the student met the diagnostic criteria for Multiple Disabilities. She presented educational history, behavioral observations, a cognitive assessment and achievement assessment to support her conclusion. As a result, the team was able to work with the diagnosis in determining eligibility and planning for the individualized education plan so the student will receive appropriate intervention. Kristen effectively drew accurate and specific conclusions from several sets of data (neurological rating scales, interviews, observation, cognitive assessment). She applied her knowledge of TBI to design an effective and comprehensive assessment. She presented educational history, behavioral observations, a cognitive assessment and adaptive behavior assessment to support her conclusion. As a result, the team will be able to work with the information in determining eligibility and planning for the individualized education plan so the student will receive appropriate intervention.

 

Standard 3-A1 Parent/Family Engagement
During Kristen's verbal report she gave on May 27, she explained in 'parent-friendly' terms how the child was functioning in the areas of cognition, academics and social/emotional. Kristen answered the parent's questions with clear responses and frequently validated the parent's concerns in a soft gentle manner and always had direct eye contact with her

E-mail comments from parents are very positive. For example: "It was so nice to meet you today. I just want to let you know how much I appreciated the thoughtful and sensitive way you spoke about C.F. today to his teachers and the team. Your insights and the sharing of his testing results were also very helpful and will be a good compass for me with his treatment- thank you!" and

Dear Team,

"We would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your time, effort, and professionalism in regard to assisting with the development of Michael's Individualized Educational Plan that took place yesterday, March 26, 2014. This was our first IEP meeting to take place at CCH. I had approached the meeting with trepidation, as I had anticipated yet another conversation about Michael's weaknesses, both academically and socially. Instead, I found that those assembled were looking closely at who Michael is, and what he is capable of accomplishing, with the support of dedicated educators. I am not sure if I can fully articulate how deeply we value this. Not just this one isolated meeting, but the ongoing day to day practice of meeting his needs and challenging him to meet his own.

With the current trend of evidence-based evaluations for teachers, we felt it necessary to write to you to state transparently that, where our son Is concerned, you are clearly working to provide communication, education for all learners, and high expectations."

Standard 3 B1 Learning Expectations
Kristen provided the parents and team members with an exceptional presentation of expectations for learning, behavior, and/or wellness based on developmentally and culturally-appropriate standards. Kristen included a diagram of brain-based learning and clearly explained strengths and weaknesses that have implications for his performance in the classroom. As a result, the parent expressed her appreciation of Kristen's presentation and both parent and team members were then able to contribute their opinions and acceptance of the results in an informed manner.

Standard 4 A1 Reflective Practice
Kristen consistently provided the parent with clear, user-friendly expectations for student learning, and behavior. Kristen directed her presentation of findings directly to the parent, took time to ask if she had any questions, and offered to be available for questions she might have in the future. As a result, the parent was very comfortable with the assessment findings and the IEP process in general.

Standard 4 A2 Goal Setting
Kristen effectively proposed challenging, measurable student learning goals that are based on thorough assessment and analysis of student data. Kristen presented the assessment data in a very understandable manner that was strength based and goal oriented. As a result, effective and appropriate educational strategies were reported.








Signature of Evaluator KAREN TIERNEY, PhD (KAREN TIERNEY 2014-06-03 12:02)

Contact Me

+1 (413) 475-9835