- Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
- Psychological Services
Psychological Services
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Welcome to our website. You will find information about our department and staff as well as its APA accredited Internship Program. For more specific information about the district and the surrounding area please return to the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD home page at www.cfisd.net. As noted this site also contains information about our APA accredited Internship Program. We utilize the APPIC "Universal Application" and verification forms that you may download from the APPIC website at: www.appic.org
Responsibilities
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The Department of Psychological Services strives to provide quality, broadly based psychological services to the entire school district through a comprehensive service delivery system. Responsibilities of the department include:
- Assisting in the development, implementation, training, and on-going operation of preventative programs including staff/teacher in-service trainings, district and campus wide crisis intervention efforts, and suicide prevention.
- Providing indirect services such as consultation to teachers/staff/parents on behalf of students considered at risk for emotional/behavioral interference with their education.*
- Providing direct services to small targeted groups of students who are determined to be in most extreme risk of school failure due to emotional/behavioral factors. These services include comprehensive psychological evaluations for the purpose of qualifying students under Texas Education Agency (TEA) criteria for handicapping conditions such as Emotional Disturbance or Autism as well as the provision of regularly scheduled individual and/or group counseling sessions.*
* With written informed consent or as part of a special education program, district psychologists and psychology interns provide direct/indirect psychological services to students following referral by appropriate school district personnel/IEP committee. Sometimes in a crisis situation psychologists/psychology interns may meet with a student without parent/guardian consent.
THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
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The Department of Psychological Services staff appreciates the support of CFISD principals and administration for our service delivery model to the entire 115,000+ student population, their parents, and district employees.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
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The district's Department of Psychological Services employs thirty-three professional staff, all of whom are licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) as Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP). Thirty-one professional staff members are doctoral level professionals with twenty-one staff also having dual licensure through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists as Licensed Psychologists. There are two psychologists who are dedicated to serve on the Mental Health Intervention Team. Currently, our internship program has ten doctoral intern positions in its APA accredited Professional Psychology Intern Training program. Two full-time secretaries and one part-time student assistant complete the members of our department.
The CFISD Department of Psychological Services has been recognized three times in the past as the most outstanding psychological division of the Texas Psychological Association (TPA) and twice by the Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP) in 2002 and most recently in 2018. The department received the last Award of Excellence for School Psychological Services given jointly by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Members of the department have been named the "Outstanding School Psychologist" in Texas by the Division of School Psychology, Texas Psychological Association.
In 2004 the department opened the Family Interaction Training (FIT) Clinic in order to serve students and families in our district. The department’s psychology interns are able to act as therapists under the supervision of licensed staff through “live and video supervision” as well as supervision and processing after the night’s sessions.
Many of our former psychology Interns are employed as psychologists in schools across the country. Others have chosen a career in academia. Several have become Directors of their own Psychological Services Departments in other districts. Finally, many interns have elected to remain within our department when staff positions become available.
Staff Bios
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Megan Anderson
Megan Anderson is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and completed her doctoral coursework for School Psychology at Mississippi State University. She completed her doctoral internship in CFISD during the 2020-2021 school year. Megan’s dissertation focused on training caregivers of individuals with CHARGE Syndrome to complete functional analyses. Currently, Megan focuses on supporting young adults with intellectual disabilities, students with severe behavior concerns and students in elementary adaptive behavior programs within CFISD. Megan also participates and provides support for the Incredible Years Program within CFISD. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her Golden Retriever, Gryff and being a member of the Houston Masterworks Chorus.
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Wes Baker
Dr. Baker (Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology) has been with Cypress Fairbanks ISD since his internship in 2009. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Wes learned that “starving artist” was not nearly as exciting a lifestyle as it was made out to be in the movies and so entered the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a Doctorate in School Psychology. In January 2019, Wes joined CFISD’s Mental Health Intervention Team, which works at the district, campus, and student-level to support safety. He is a trainer for the NASP PREPaRE (Workshops 1 & 2) crisis prevention and response model, as well as the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG). He has a certification in violence risk assessment from the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA), and is an accredited School Suicide Prevention Specialist with the American Association of Suicidology. Outside of his work with CFISD, Wes spends his time as a proud father and husband while pursuing his passions for carpentry, comic books, and gaming.
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Jennifer Barbee
Jennifer Barbee is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. She has been working in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD since the 2013-14 school year in the role of an educational diagnostician, but she is excited about switching to the psychological services department for the 2022-23 school year. Jennifer received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master's of Education in School Psychology from Texas State University. She has seventeen years of experience working as an LSSP at schools in the Austin area before moving to Houston, including a wide variety of evaluations and counseling at all grade levels. Her areas of professional interest include treatment of ADHD, depression and anxiety. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and writing fiction and nonfiction stories.
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Brittney Brown
Brittney Brown completed internship in Las Vegas with Clark County School District. She attended the University of Alabama (Roll Tide) for her graduate degree in school psychology. Prior to attending the University of Alabama she obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois. Dr. Brown’s research and clinical interest include gifted students, early intervention/assessment, and prevention strategies. Dr. Brown is also interested in crisis management and is PREPaRE and NOVA trained as well as a certified PREPaRE trainer. She currently serves four elementary schools in Cy-Fair and serves as the social chair on the Diversity Committee in the department.
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Latoya Brown
Dr. Latoya Brown is a postdoctoral fellow at Cypress Fairbanks ISD. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Behavior Analysis from Savannah State University and her master’s in Community Psychology from Florida A&M University. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology from Florida State University. She completed her predoctoral internship with Cypress Fairbanks ISD during the 2020-2021 academic year. Dr. Brown’s graduate research focused on parenting styles and aggression. Dr. Brown provides psychological services to students at the elementary and middle school level.
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Gayle Callahan
Dr. Callahan is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who has served children, adolescents and their families as well as school staff since 1991. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Louisiana State University, Master’s and Doctorate degree in Educational Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin, and a postdoctoral Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. Callahan has experience in school district, inpatient, community mental health, and private practice settings including having worked overseas as a school psychologist with students from military families. Currently, Dr. Callahan is interested in evidenced-based treatment strategies for middle and high school aged youth experiencing depression and/or anxiety, promoting well-being and the prevention of mental health challenges, and mindfulness. She enjoys supervising pre-doctoral interns at her campuses and participating on the diversity committee.
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Rebecca Clayton
Dr. Clayton is Licensed Specialist in School Psychology who completed her doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship with CFISD during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. She obtained her M.Ed. in Counseling and Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Houston. Prior to her graduate work, Dr. Clayton obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She has worked with students across developmental levels and currently provides psychological services to students at the elementary school level. Areas of professional interest include treatment of anxiety and behavioral consultation within the school setting.
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Michelle Delaune
Dr. Michelle Delaune is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and a Licensed Psychologist who has been employed in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD since 1993, completing her pre-doctoral internship in CFISD during the 1993-94 school year. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin in May,1995. Dr. Delaune provides psychological services in elementary and high school settings, and she is a supervisor for doctoral interns at each of her assigned campuses. Dr. Delaune also co-leads group supervision and training for post-doctoral fellows. In addition, she is on the team that develops and implements the department’s parent training workshops for parents of children and early adolescents, and she also coordinates child development training for teen parents. Dr. Delaune is particularly passionate about assisting students with special needs successfully transition from high school to post-graduation and adult life. Outside of work, Dr. Delaune enjoys working in the children’s and youth ministries at her church, spending time with family and friends, and participating in outdoor activities and exercising.
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Erin Faith
Dr. Faith is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and a Licensed Psychologist who has been working within the Cypress-Fairbanks school district since August 2017. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship within the Cypress-Fairbanks school district and received her Doctorate in School Psychology and master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Currently, Dr. Faith provides psychological services at both the high school and elementary school levels. She also is a supervisor for the Family Interaction Training Clinic (FIT) and has assisted with the development and implementation of the department’s parent training workshops for the community.
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Artesia Franklin
Artesia Franklin is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Agnes Scott College, and her M.Ed. and Ed.S. in School Psychology from Georgia State University. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Georgia State University and is currently completing her dissertation. Ms. Franklin completed her doctoral internship in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD during the 2020-2021 school year. Throughout her career, Ms. Franklin has worked with students from early childhood education settings through post-secondary education, including two years teaching English in Japan and South Korea. Her research and clinical interests include diversity, equity in education, and training and professional issues in school psychology. She currently serves Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in the elementary, middle, and high school settings.
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Sara Glennon
Dr. Glennon is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Licensed Psychologist who has been working within the Cypress-Fairbanks school district since August 2007. She currently serves as a Lead Psychologist for the Department of Psychological Services. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southwest Missouri State University and her doctorate in School Psychology from the University of Arizona. In addition to providing psychological services within the high school setting, Dr. Glennon provides supervision for doctoral psychology interns and postdoctoral fellows as well as conducts colloquia for interns and new staff on various topics, including the provision of cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy within the schools. Dr. Glennon also co-leads Treatment Group supervision for the internship program. In addition, she is a member of a district-wide committee addressing disparity in discipline practices, and she develops periodic newsletters for department colleagues that address advocacy-related issues and opportunities. Dr. Glennon currently spearheads a research study that focuses on training school-based mental health providers in their response to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in youth. Areas of professional interest include restorative discipline practices, NSSI, therapeutic interventions, and advocacy within the field of School Psychology.
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Jamie Griffin
Dr. Griffin is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Licensed Psychologist who began working within Cypress-Fairbanks school district as an intern in August 2004. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Oklahoma State University. She also obtained her Masters of Science in Applied Behavioral Studies and her Doctorate in School Psychology from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Griffin has been on staff since August 2005, with the exception of a short hiatus in which she worked at a residential high school for gifted and academically advanced students. Dr. Griffin has been the intern coordinator/training director of the department’s APA Accredited Internship since August 2014. Dr. Griffin also provides field-based supervision within the schools for doctoral psychology interns and co-leads group supervision with the Director of Psychological Services, Dr. Traci Schluter. Dr. Griffin is a trainer for NASP PREPaRE Workshop 1 and Workshop 2 and Psychological First Aid- Schools. Current research involves universal classroom prevention strategies.
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Jaime Guillot-Dykes
Dr. Jaime Guillot-Dykes is a postdoctoral fellow at Cypress Fairbanks ISD. She earned her master’s in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern State University of Louisiana and her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Texas A&M University. She completed her predoctoral internship with Cypress Fairbanks ISD during the 2021-2022 academic year. Dr. Guillot-Dykes’s graduate research focused on peer relations, victimization, and aggression. She has provided psychological services to students across developmental levels.
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Melissa Hamilton Grisdale
Dr. Melissa Grisdale is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Licensed Psychologist. She completed her doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship within CFISD. She graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology, as well as a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Houston. She then completed her Doctorate in School Psychology at Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!). Dr. Grisdale has conducted research on the relationship between multicultural competency and classroom variables such as exclusionary discipline practices, teacher-student relationship, and teacher-self efficacy. Currently, Dr. Grisdale provides psychological services within the elementary school setting. She is particularly interested in restorative justice practices at her campuses. Outside of work, Dr. Grisdale enjoys being outside, running, exploring new places in Houston, and spending time with her husband and two children.
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Charles Hallmark
Dr. Hallmark completed his internship with Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in 2016. He received his Doctorate in Combined Counseling/School Psychology from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Previous research has focused on the measurement of parental responsiveness for parents of children with ADHD and disruptive behavioral disorders. Current interests include parent training programs and bilingual school psychology. He is co-implementing an evidence-based manualized parent training intervention for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or speech-language delays. He is also interested in issues related to diversity and multiculturalism and serves on the Diversity Committee for the department.
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Taryn H. Gore
Dr. Gore is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology with experience working with youth and families in school, residential, inpatient, outpatient and forensic settings. Dr. Gore received her Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from Boston University and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University. Prior to her graduate work, Dr. Gore obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Neuroscience from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. She completed her APA Accredited Doctoral Internship within the Cypress Fairbanks school district. Following internship, Dr. Gore completed her Post-Doctoral Fellowship with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, TRIAD Prevention Program which focused on the areas of assessment and trauma. Her research and clinical interests include trauma, youth violence, and positive youth development for traditionally underserved populations. Outside of work, Dr. Gore serves on the Board of Directors for Legacy Community Health and as the President of the Mount Holyoke Club of Houston. In addition to volunteering, Dr. Gore enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two sons.
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Elizabeth Kenney
Dr. Kenney is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology who has been working within the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District since August of 2017. She has undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Education/School Psychology, and a doctorate degree in School Psychology, all from the University of Florida. Currently, Dr. Kenney provides psychological services at both the elementary school and high school levels and is actively involved in the department’s Family Interaction Training (FIT) Clinic. In addition, she has helped with the development and implementation of the department’s parent training workshops, which help provide parent behavioral management classes for parents of elementary and middle school-aged parents, and is involved with Write Club, a within-department organization focused on research. Outside of work, Dr. Kenney enjoys baking, cooking, running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
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Alicia Knight
Dr. Knight is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and a Licensed Psychologist who has been employed in Cypress Fairbanks ISD since 2011. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2006 and a Doctorate in School Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2011. Dr. Knight provides psychological services in middle and high school settings as well as field-based supervision for both pre-doctoral psychology interns and post-doctoral fellows. She has a passion for providing support for early career psychologists and co-leads a group supervision for post-doctoral fellows in the department. Dr. Knight serves as a member of the Diversity Committee and also has experience as an adjunct professor.
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Karen Lake
Dr. Karen Lake is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Licensed Psychologist who has been working with Cypress-Fairbanks ISD since 2014. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Psychology (with an option in School Psychology) from Oklahoma State University in 2008, her masters in School Psychology from Oklahoma State University in 2004 and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Mary’s College of South Bend, Indiana in 2002. Dr. Lake joined the Cy-Fair ISD team from Union School District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to that she worked as a School Psychologist with the Aldine Independent School District and completed her doctoral internship with the Dallas Independent School District. Dr. Lake provides field-based supervision in the schools for doctoral interns. She is particularly interested in effective pre-referral intervention and consultation at the elementary school level. When not at work Dr. Lake can be found running, crafting, reading, or just hanging out with her husband and two young sons.
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Trinh Le
Dr. Trinh Le is a Texas Licensed Psychologist (LP) and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1985, and her Master’s degree (1989) and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (1998) from Kent State University. Since she was awarded the Texas Psychological Associate (PA) license in 1992, Dr. Le has had broad and extensive experience working with children and adults. She has worked with school-aged children in public and charter schools, and with adults and the geriatric population in skilled nursing homes, independent living communities and memory care facilities – all in the Houston metro area. Throughout her professional career, Dr. Le’s focus has been to serve the culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations in the community through identification of mental health conditions, areas of emotional and/or behavioral needs, and to provide appropriate consultations and interventions as warranted. Outside of work, Dr. Le’s hobbies include making traditional Vietnamese dresses (áo dài), writing non-fiction books, gardening and traveling. She also enjoys engaging in pro-bono work including teaching U.S. Naturalization Preparation courses to first generation immigrants and Vietnamese language classes to second and third generation immigrants.
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TK Nguyen
Dr. Nguyen is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Licensed Psychologist who has been working within the Cypress-Fairbanks school district since August 2011. She received her Bachelor of Science in Management degree from Tulane University Freeman School of Business and her Master’s degree in General Psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University. Dr. Nguyen obtained her Doctorate in School Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Her primary theoretical orientation is cognitive-behavioral with influences from interpersonal theory. Dr. Nguyen also serves as one of the supervisors for the pre-doctoral psychology internship program and a supervisor for a postdoctoral fellow. Dr. Nguyen’s areas of interest include internalizing disorders and cultural diversity.
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John Nomura
Dr. Nomura is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Licensed Psychologist who has been employed by the psychology department in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD since August 2006. He is the Lead Psychologist for psychological assessment services. Dr. Nomura obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in educational psychology from Oklahoma State University, and a doctoral degree in school psychology from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Nomura has additional experience as an outpatient clinician and an adjunct professor, and he is a doctoral level behavior analyst (BCBA-D). Dr. Nomura provides frequent training and consultation to psychology staff and interns regarding emotional behavioral disorders, assessment practices, and legal issues. Dr. Nomura is particularly interested in complex differential diagnosis and implementation of research supported practice. His interests also include cultural influences, both on students and on psychologists.
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Michelle Pastorek
Dr. Pastorek is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology who has worked in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD since her internship in 2007. She is currently one of the psychologists on the Mental Health Intervention Team. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of St. Thomas, her master’s degree in developmental psychology from the University of Houston, and her doctorate in educational psychology with a specialization in school psychology from Oklahoma State University. She is a National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)-approved Basic Crisis Response Team trainer and a PREPaRE trainer for Workshops 1 and 2. Additionally, she is a trainer for the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) and has a certification in violence risk assessment from the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA). She is an accredited School Suicide Prevention Specialist with the American Association of Suicidology.
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Elizabeth Perdue
Dr. Perdue is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Nationally Certified School Psychologist who has worked in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD since her internship in 2018-2019. She double majored in Psychology and International Studies at Elon University prior to receiving her Doctorate in School Psychology from Texas A&M University with emphases in Neuropsychology/Pediatric Psychology and Child/Family. During her graduate training, Dr. Perdue completed various practicums in hospital, school, and clinic settings. Dr. Perdue currently provides psychological services within the elementary school setting including Early Childhood Special Education and Adaptive Behavior populations. Within the Psychological Services department, she is involved in Write Club and Parent Training. Dr. Perdue is particularly passionate about neuropsychology, including concussion and Return to Learn factors in the school setting, and crisis response.
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Kelsey Perez
Dr. Perez is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Nationally Certified School Psychologist, who has worked in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD since her pre-doctoral internship with the district in 2015-16. She received her Doctorate in School Psychology from Louisiana State University. Dr. Perez has conducted research on classroom management interventions and the use of screening measures for identification of students at-risk for emotional and behavioral disorders. Her interests in behavioral consultation and intervention originated from her background in elementary education and developed with her graduate training with a behavioral emphasis, including applied behavior analysis. Dr. Perez enjoys working with teachers, school staff, and parents to improve student behavior, specifically through teacher consultation, presentations to district and school staff, and parent training. She currently provides psychological services at the elementary and middle school levels, specializes in early childhood assessment, co-leads Assessment Group supervision and didactics, supervises pre-doctoral interns, and provides training on autism assessment techniques within the department.
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Traci Schluter
Dr. Schluter is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. She currently serves as the Director of the Psychological Services Department, a role she began in July 2013. Dr. Schluter began her work in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD as a psychological services intern in July 1997. Dr. Schluter is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Psychology, MA in Educational Psychology, and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a Specialization in School Psychology. Dr. Schluter supervises intern led parent training classes, is a member of the department’s Diversity Committee and co-leads weekly group supervision with the Intern Training Director, Dr. Jamie Griffin. She also supervises the two psychologists who are on the Mental Health Intervention Team (MHIT) and works closely with department leads/district teams in both Guidance & Counseling and Student Services to ensure best practices district-wide regarding crisis prevention and intervention.
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Elizabeth Storey
Dr. Elizabeth Storey is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist who has worked in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD since her doctoral internship in the 2018-2019 school year. She received her PhD in School Psychology from the University of South Florida with an area of emphasis in school-based mental health services. Prior to completing her doctorate, she received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Mary Washington. Currently, Dr. Storey provides psychological services to students at the elementary and high school levels. Her professional interests include providing school-based counseling services using cognitive behavioral and motivational interviewing approaches. Dr. Storey is a supervisor for the Family Interaction Training (FIT) Clinic and serves on the department’s Diversity Committee. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Houston, reading, cooking, and exercising.
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Meredith Takahashi
Dr. Meredith Takahashi is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Nationally Certified School Psychologist with experience working with children and families in a variety of school and clinical settings. Since August 2014, she has worked in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, where she completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship. She received her Doctorate in School Psychology and Master’s in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. Prior to her graduate work, Dr. Takahashi obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Smith College in western Massachusetts, and worked in a treatment program for children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and disruptive behavior disorders. Her clinical interests include early childhood assessment and internalizing disorders. Dr. Takahashi currently provides psychological services at the elementary school level, co-leads Assessment Group and supervises pre-doctoral interns. Dr. Takahashi is passionate about collaborating with families and school staff to help students grow. Outside of work, Dr. Takahashi enjoys running, baking, crafting and spending time with her husband and two children.
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James Upright
Dr. James Upright is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and received his Ph.D. in School Psychology from Louisiana State University. Dr. Upright’s graduate research focused on classroom behavior management strategies and strategies to facilitate the adoption and maintenance of evidence-based practices in schools. Additionally, he is experienced with psychoeducational assessment, cognitive-behavior therapy, social-emotional learning programs, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. He currently works with students and staff at the elementary and high school level.
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Sonia Varkey
Dr. Varkey is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Licensed Psychologist who has been working within the Cypress-Fairbanks school district since August of 2017. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship within the Cypress-Fairbanks school district and received her Doctorate in School Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. Currently, Dr. Varkey provides psychological services at both the elementary school and middle school levels. She is the lead supervisor of the Incredible Years Program, an evidence-based, manualized parent training intervention for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or speech-language delays. She has also assisted in the development and implementation of parent training workshops that target behavior management for elementary aged children, as well as provided teacher trainings that target supporting students with anxiety. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, traveling, playing with her dog, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.
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Sarah Wehrly
Dr. Wehrly is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology who has been working in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD since 2014. She completed her doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship with CFISD. Dr. Wehrly received a Doctorate in School Psychology from Texas A&M University. She received a Master’s degree and Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study in School Psychology from Northeastern University. She completed her specialist school psychology internship with Fort Bend ISD and obtained her NCSP (Nationally Certified School Psychologist) in 2011. Her interests include internalizing disorders and early childhood assessment. She enjoys working with elementary school students. Dr. Wehrly provides supervision to postdoctoral fellows.
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Emily Wingate
Dr. Emily Wingate is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology who has worked within the Cypress Fairbanks Psychological Services department since 2019. Prior to joining CFISD as a staff member, Dr. Wingate earned her PhD in School Psychology with an emphasis in school-based mental health services at the University of South Florida. Her graduate research focused on tensions between care and control in the classroom setting and the impact on classroom relationships. Dr. Wingate completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship in CFISD and has provided psychological services to students in grades K-12. With students, she adopts an empowering, strengths-based stance and borrows from a number of evidence-based approaches to help students cope with difficulties and move in the direction of a workable, values-driven life. Outside of work, Dr. Wingate enjoys sitting on her porch, going on bike rides and appreciating live music.
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Allyson Woodberry
Dr. Allyson Woodberry is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rhodes College in 2015 and a Master of Science degree in General Psychology from the University of Memphis in 2017. Dr. Woodberry received her Doctorate in School Psychology from the University of Memphis in 2021. Her graduate research focused on positive psychology and factors of adolescent well-being, including hope, life satisfaction, and ethnic identity development. She completed her predoctoral internship with CFISD during the 2020-2021 school year. She currently provides psychological services in elementary and middle school settings. Outside of work, Dr. Woodberry enjoys exploring nature and trying new restaurants in the greater Houston area. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.