The art & science of educational psychology in service of
informed decision-making, and durable developmental capacity.
Rooted in Research,
Proven Through Decades of Practice and Results
Since 1995.
WELCOME TO THE STUDIO OF
STRUCTURAL SELF-MASTERY
Most capable people are never taught how their internal system works.
When pressure rises, thinking narrows.
When thinking narrows, decisions fracture.
Temporary strain begins to feel permanent.
We change that.
We teach it.
Specialising in
classical development for modern complexity.
We teach the structure behind clarity.
Through structured orientation and sequencing, individuals learn to stabilize thinking under pressure, so strength becomes consistent, not accidental.
Kristen Nolfi
Build something beautiful.
How the Studio Works
The Structural Self-Literacy Method is delivered in three formats.
About Kristen Nolfi
Professional Biographical Sketch
Her career spans public schools, specialized educational programs, residential treatment settings, correctional environments, and court-adjacent systems,
Dr. Nolfi completed graduate training at American International College’s Curtis Blake Center, working in structured educational settings serving students with developmental and learning differences. These early experiences grounded her in cognitive variability, language differences, and the practical realities of institutional response to complexity.
She holds advanced graduate certification in Special Education and School Psychology and earned a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. In 2006, she pursued postdoctoral study in structural cognition through an empirically grounded framework focused on cognitive organization and adaptive functioning. This training deepened her focus on interpretive structure and regulatory deployment.
Across her career, Dr. Nolfi has conducted more than 2,000 formal evaluations, eligibility determinations, and structured analyses within educational and court-involved systems. Over time, her work increasingly centered on a consistent question:
What breaks down internally when capable individuals begin to destabilize under pressure?
Her answer became the foundation of the Studio’s work.
Dr. Nolfi specializes in applied cognitive translation, making internal regulatory mechanisms visible through structured, teachable models that reduce working memory load and strengthen executive stability across developmental stages.
Resume
EDUCATION
Doctor of Educational Psychology (with honors) American International College, Springfield, MA (2006)
CAGS, Special Education | School Psychology (with honors) American International College, Springfield, MA (2002)
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Teaching (with honors) Western New England University, Springfield, MA (1994)
CAGS, Special Education | School Psychology (with honors) American International College, Springfield, MA (2002)
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Teaching (with honors) Western New England University, Springfield, MA (1994)
LICENSURE
- Licensed Educational Psychologist, Massachusetts (2017–2025)
- Licensed School Psychologist, Massachusetts (2006–2022)
- Licensed Educator, Massachusetts (1996–2022)
SELECTED SPECIALIZED TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS
Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (William James College) | Boston, MA | Child & Family Forensics Certificate Program (2019 - 2021)
Harvard University, Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA | Continuing Education Training, Child Protection and Human Rights Law, J. Bhaba Certificate (2021)
Center of Excellence for Children, Families and the Law, Boston, MA | Continuing Education Training, Overcoming Barriers: Parent-Child Contact Problems (2018, 2021)
Yale Summer Series on Autism & Related Disorders (2020), F. Volkmar
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) UMASS
- Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Standing Order 1-17 (Parent Coordination requirements met)
- Mediation & Conflict Resolution Certificate
- American Board of Vocational Experts (ABVE renewal in progress)
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) peer-group consultancy
PROFESSIONAL ROLES
Educational Psychology Consulting Practice, Longmeadow, MA (2017-2026),
Springfield & Chicopee Public Schools (2006 – 2022) | Licensed School Psychologist
Hampden County Sheriff’s Department (2017 – 2018) | Forensic Mental Health Clinician (Correctional Setting)
Hampden County District Attorney’s Office (1992 – 1994) | Victim-Witness Advocate
Brennan & Couchon Associate (2008 – 2014) | Postdoctoral Research and Training |
Westfield State University & Cambridge College (2005 – 2009) | Professor of Psychology & Education
Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School (1996-2001) | Teacher
PUBLIC SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Educational and School-Based Initiatives
- Dyslexia Resource Guide, Springfield Public Schools, Committee Writer (2019–2020)
- The Renaissance Club, Agawam High School and Pathfinder High School, (1996–2000)
- Psi Chi Honors Society, Western New England University, Secretary (1992)
Youth and Family Programs
- Autism Speaks, Volunteer Referral Support (2017–2018)
- Girls Lacrosse Team, Longmeadow, Assistant Coach (2014)
- Brownie Girl Scout Troop 269, Girl Scouts of America, Longmeadow, Co-Leader (2005–2007)
- Cub Scout Troop 48, Boy Scouts of America, Springfield, Co-Leader (2016–2017)
Community Leadership and Service
- Holy Name Hockey League, West Springfield, Volunteer Coordinator (2016–2017)
- Brightside for Children and Families, West Springfield, Volunteer (1996–1997)
- Richard F. Nolfi Scholarship Foundation, Fairfield High School, Fairfield, CT, Co-President (1995–1999)
PAST & PRESENT AFFILIATIONS
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Autism Speaks
- Massachusetts Association of School Psychologists (MASP)
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
- Citizens for Juvenile Justice (CfJJ)
- American Board of Vocational Experts (ABVE)
- The Personality Assessment System Foundation (PASF)
References
Testimonials
