Dana Jeffrey’s Biography
Helping children to feel successful at school, at home, and in their community is what motivates me. I have extensive experience working in a range of educational settings as credentialed adult education teacher, counselor, psychologist and administrator. I am also licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an educational psychologist in addition to being a nationally certified school psychologist. I have worked with a diverse population of students over the years that includes all ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. Parents often feel lost and are not sure how to make school a better experience for their child.
I would like to help. I offer psychoeducational assessments to answer questions about a possible learning disorder including dyslexia dyscalculia and dysgraphia. An assessment may also be useful in determining the presence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism or an intellectual delay. You may be seeking to understand your child’s learning strengths and weaknesses as part of the process for developing a 504 plan or an individualized education plan. Assessments can also be valuable for finding out about a child’s learning potential or for determining if your child may be eligible to participate in a program for gifted learners? Whatever the issue, I can tailor an assessment that will offer insight, answer questions and provide relevant information. When the assessment is completed, I can also work with you child’s school to develop and implement interventions and supports.
In addition to assessment, I also offer counseling and support for students struggling with a wide range of emotional issues including depression, anxiety and trauma. Students who lack organizational skills, study skills and/or social skills may also benefit from individualized support. My goal is to help students manage their thinking and develop skills to regulate their behavior so they are able to function better at school and in their personal lives.
I am also available to provide advocacy services. I can attend IEP and 504 meetings to ensure that your child receives adequate support to meet his or her individual learning needs. I can also assist your child’s school with developing and implementing the appropriate accommodations and interventions to promote academic success. All children are capable of learning and reaching their maximum potential.
What Is A Licensed Educational Psychologist?
The practice of educational psychology is the performance of any of the following professional functions pertaining to academic learning processes or the education system or both: Educational evaluation. Diagnosis of psychological disorders related to academic learning processes. Administration of diagnostic tests related to academic learning processes including tests of academic ability, learning patterns, achievement, motivation, and personality factors. Interpretation of diagnostic tests related to academic learning processes including tests of academic ability, learning patterns, achievement, motivation, and personality factors. Providing psychological counseling for individuals, groups, and families. Consultation with other educators and parents on issues of social development and behavioral and academic difficulties. Conducting psycho-educational assessments for the purposes of identifying special needs. Developing treatment programs and strategies to address problems of adjustment.
Career Highlights
I regularly attend continuing education courses to maintain my PPS credential, state licensure, and national certification. Over the course of my career, I consider the following experiences to be some of the highlights:
*Several years ago, I participated in a bilingual certification program through the University of Arizona. I lived in Mexico for a month with a group of school psychologists from all over the United States. We visited schools and took courses through the university. The experience culminated in obtaining certification as a bilingual school psychologist.
*I attended a training though the Yuba County SELPA in 2016. The topic of the training was on facilitating difficult IEP meetings using alternate dispute resolution techniques. The tools I gained during this training have proven valuable in nearly every IEP meeting I have attended since.
*Last year, I completed a training through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which resulted in my membership in the Board of Institutional Review. I now serve on accrediting committees and review school psychology programs for California colleges and universities requiring renewed accreditation.
"Ms. Jeffrey supported me during my senior year of high school. She also worked with the university I am now attending to make sure I received the necessary supports and accommodations".
"I really look forward to seeing Ms. Jeffrey. She has helped me cope with feeling anxious at school".
I learned strategies from Ms. Jeffrey to help me stay focused.
Have Further Questions?
Take a step in resolving whatever issue is getting in the way of your child’s academic and personal development. Contact me for a consultation and we can discuss your needs and you can ask me any questions about the services I provide. I look forward to helping you on your journey to prepare your child for the future.