School Psychologists
Sarah Olitzky, PhD, LP, NCSP
DrSarah@PediatricPsychServices.com
Dr. Sarah, PhD, LP, NCSP is a licensed psychologist specializing in toddlers, preschool- and school- aged children. A native of Michigan, Dr. Sarah attended Columbia University in New York City, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Spanish, Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude. She received her PhD from Fordham University in New York, during which time she received advanced training at the New York University Child Study Center and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Sarah’s Pre-doctoral internship was completed at the University of Minnesota Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic and within Minneapolis Public Schools. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Fraser Child and Family Center in Minneapolis where she continues to provide assessment and treatment services.
In addition to Dr. Sarah’s licensed psychologist (LP) credential, she is also a Minnesota Board of Education School Psychologist and holds distinction as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Dr. Sarah has provided contracted school psychologist and special education evaluation services to Twin Cities area charter schools and private schools for over 12 years. She is passionate about ensuring that charter school students receive excellent evaluation, intervention and special education supports. Dr. Sarah is proud to have cultivated a team of excellent school psychologists ready to meet any charter school’s school psychologist needs. Dr. Sarah is proficient in Spanish and has a master’s degree in the school psychology of bilingual and linguistically diverse students.
Dr. Sarah lives in St. Louis Park her loving partner, Michael, her four children and their puppy Izzy. In her “free time” Dr. Sarah loves to read, stay active outside and sit under her weighted blanket when the world feels chaotic.
Steph Horton, PhD, NCSP
DrSteph@PediatricPsychServices.com
Steph Horton, PhD, NCSP, is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who specializes in working with children of all ages in school-based settings. Dr. Horton earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her Masters and Doctoral Degrees from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in School Psychology. Dr. Horton spent the first twenty years serving students with significant emotional and behavioral needs in the Minneapolis Public School District. She joined the Pediatric Psych services team in 2017 to further her journey supporting students in schools. Dr. Horton also currently works at Spero Academy, a Charter School in Northeast Minneapolis designed to meet the needs of unique learners. She has spent most of her career working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
Dr. Horton’s areas of expertise include: evaluation services, functional behavior assessments, designing and providing behavior and mental health interventions for children, working with students from trauma backgrounds, and consultation with parents and teachers. Dr. Horton enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. When she is not working, she can typically be found on ball fields or basketball courts watching her children play.
Abbey Karich, PhD, NCSP
DrAbbey@PediatricPsychServices.com
Dr. Karich is a Minnesota Board of Education School Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist specializing in school-based assessment and consultation. Dr. Karich was raised in Duluth, Minnesota. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Business Marketing from the University of St. Thomas. Following her undergraduate degree, Dr. Karich became a AmeriCorps member for a nation-wide alternative teaching certification program and was placed in New Orleans, Louisiana. In New Orleans, she taught English Language Arts to high school students in Jefferson Parish. She graduated with her doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Her thesis examined how schools can positively affect intervention integrity among school staff.
In addition to her role on the Pediatric Psych Services School Psychology team, Dr. Karich serves as a school psychologist within Minneapolis Public Schools. Conducting strengths-based comprehensive, ethical, informative, and intervention-driven evaluations that are of value to the student, staff and family is a priority of hers. Beyond that basic tenet, she is most excited about systems-level thinking around Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and the educational opportunity gap that persists in Minnesota.
Dr. Karich lives in Lowry Hill situated between uptown and downtown Minneapolis. She regularly enjoys all of the city’s offerings including biking, walking/running trails, restaurants, music, plays, parks, and lakes. Her favorite summer spot is the shared family cabin in Ely, Minnesota.
Leila Warren, Ph.D., N.C.S.P
LeilaWarren@PediatricPsychServices.com
Leila Warren, PhD, LP, NCSP is a licensed psychologist specializing in school-based assessment. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Biology from Loyola University Chicago, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Following her undergraduate degree Dr. Warren completed her PhD from the University of Minnesota in Educational Psychology. Her thesis work examined the effectiveness of a culturally and linguistically responsive math word problem solving intervention. She completed her pre-doctoral internship in Osseo Area Schools and her post-doctoral fellowship in Minneapolis Public Schools where she continues to serve as a school psychologist. She also currently provides supervision as a Licensed Psychologist for doctoral students from the School Psychology Program at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Warren’s professional interests include supporting systems level change around Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), culturally responsive intervention supports, and equitable psychoeducational evaluations. She values strengths-based assessments that gather data from multiple sources and through multiple methods to address the identified goals and determine a plan to support each child throughout their education.
Dr. Warren lives in Minneapolis with her husband, young son, and dog. She enjoys spending her time completing home DIY projects, reading, and visiting dog parks throughout the metro area. In the summer you can often find Dr. Warren and her family in Minong, Wisconsin fixing up the family cabin and relaxing on the lake.
Laura Jensen, Ed.S., NCSP
Laura@PediatricPsychServices.com
Laura Jensen, Ed.S., NCSP is a licensed school psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Laura received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She completed her Master’s and Educational Specialist’s Degrees at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, in which she graduated with honors. During her graduate program, Laura completed her practicum and internship in her hometown of Owatonna, and is currently working as a part-time school psychologist specializing in early childhood and the assessment of English Learners in Eden Prairie. Beyond her work in schools, Laura has been a board member for the Minnesota School Psychologist Association since 2013.
Throughout her career, Laura has worked with children aged birth through twenty-one years old. She has been trained extensively in Response-to-Intervention (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support), behavioral interventions/strategies, Autism Spectrum Disorder, due process/assessment, functional behavioral assessments, and cultural and linguistic diversity. Her particular skill set has prepared her to work in a variety of educational settings with diverse needs. She looks forward to assisting with the needs of schools ranging from the systematic to individual student levels.
Laura lives in Lakeville with her husband and two children. She enjoys being active by running, swimming, biking and rollerblading throughout the year and spending quality time with her family and friends. Laura also loves to travel and takes every opportunity to explore new countries and cultures.
Rebecca Nelson, EdS, NCSP
Becca@pediatricpsychservices.
Rebecca Nelson, Ed.S., NCSP is a licensed school psychologist in the state of Minnesota. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Communication from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She worked as a Psychometrist for seven years, administering neuropsychological test batteries at a Twin Cities neurology clinic, before transitioning to a career in School Psychology. She completed Master’s and Education Specialist Degrees at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, including a practicum in the Bloomington Public Schools and an internship in the Forest Lake Area Schools. She went on to work as a school psychologist in the Forest Lake, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, and Edina Public School Districts. She is a member of the Minnesota School Psychologists Association and National Association of School Psychologists. Rebecca enjoys working with students of all ages, collaborating with teachers and parents to support student needs, and helping motivate students to perform at their potential.
Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and friends. She also enjoys exploring new cultures and ideas through travel, reading, and film.
Kelly DeGezelle, M.S.Ed.; Ed.S.
Kelly@pediatricpsychservices.
Kelly DeGezelle, M.S.Ed.; Ed.S.; is a licensed School Psychologist in the state of Minnesota She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Human Services from the University of MN Morris, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She completed her Master’s and Educational Specialist’s Degrees from the University of WI, Stout, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Kelly completed a counseling practicum in Wisconsin and her school psychology practicums in MN. Her internship was completed in Prior Lake, MN where she continued to work for the following three years at an elementary school, middle school, and high school. The past twelve years Kelly has worked in a large metro school district where she has worked with early childhood through high school age students. She had the opportunity to work with high needs programming for students with developmental delays, significant mental health concerns, and autism. Additionally, she has worked at schools that are culturally and socioeconomically diverse and at a Spanish Immersion school.
Kelly’s professional areas of expertise and interest include behavior intervention and strategies, functional behavior assessments, culturally responsive assessment, mental health and trauma, autism, and early childhood. Her experience includes facilitating child study and problem-solving intervention teams. She is passionate about advocating for students, consulting with educators, and continuing to grow in her profession. Her training has included nonviolent crisis intervention, conscious discipline, and teacher child interaction training.
Kelly lives in Mahtomedi with her husband, three children, and two pets. She enjoys traveling, reading, yoga, going to concerts, and spending time with her family and friends.
Martha Long MA, MEd.
Martha@pediatricpsychservices.
Martha Leslie Long, MA, MEd is a school psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in public and charter schools. She specializes in evaluation, counseling and consultation with school-aged children ages 3-21. Martha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University, majoring in English Literature. After completing two years as a charter corps member of Teach for America, she returned to graduate school and obtained her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Boston College. She later attained her Masters of Education in School Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Martha is currently licensed by the state of Minnesota as a School Psychologist and also holds previous licensure in Special Education Administration from the state of Ohio.
Martha has worked as a school psychologist across the United States for over 20 years, supporting the special education needs of students ages 3-21. She has been licensed in multiple states, and has held positions as both a School Psychologist and Special Education Director. Her responsibilities have included evaluation assessment and eligibility determination, specializing in gifted, twice-expectational, and dual-language assessments. Her responsibilities have also included leading school-based special education teams and consulting with parents, teachers, and administrators on issues including interventions, referral planning, early entrance, acceleration, section 504, alternative placement, transition services, and post-secondary support options.
Martha enjoys supporting schools by guiding students, parents and teachers through the special education evaluation, eligibility, and implementation process. She will also provide direct or virtual professional development opportunities for staff, consultative support for new and experienced teachers, and independent educational evaluations (IEEs) upon request. Particular PD interests include fostering student independence (for paraprofessionals), Special Education 101 (for general education staff and all new teachers), Building home/school communication, and more.
She is the proud mother of college-aged boy/girl twins. As an empty nester, Martha continues to look forward to working with school staff and families to support special education programs and to develop appropriate plans for student academic, social, and emotional well-being and growth.
Amy Robinson, M.S., LPCC, BCBA
AmyRobinson@pediatricpsychservices.
Amy Robinson, M.S., LPCC, BCBA is a school psychology intern completing her doctoral degree from Capella University. Amy grew up in Wisconsin and then attended the University of Minnesota, where she graduated with Bachelor’s Degree in Child Psychology. She then went back to Wisconsin to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she completed her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling, specializing in children and adolescents.
Upon obtaining her Master’s Degree, Amy began providing in-home ABA therapy at the Minnesota Autism Center. She then went on to work for Fraser, where she provided several services including day treatment, case management, therapy, diagnostic assessment, consultation, and ABA program supervision. After more than 5 years at Fraser, Amy began working at Lionsgate Academy, where she was the special program supervisor.
Amy holds a professional clinical counselor license in Minnesota and obtained her certification as a behavior analyst. The combination of these certifications and current training as a school psychologist uniquely position Amy to support children, adolescents, and their families with their mental health, behavioral, and academic challenges.
Amy lives with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys exploring new places, trying new foods, and reading when she has spare time.
Bethany Smith, Ed.S., NCSP
Bethany@pediatricpsychservices.
Bethany Smith, Ed.S., NCSP is a licensed school psychologist in the state of Minnesota. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Bethel University. She went on to complete her Master of Science and Education Specialist Degrees in School Psychology and School Counseling at the University of Wisconsin – Stout. Bethany has worked in the Mounds View Public School District and Centennial Public Schools. She is a member of the Minnesota School Psychologists Association and the National Association of School Psychologists. Bethany has experience working with students of all ages to support their individual academic, behavioral, and social emotional needs. She has lead student problem solving teams to support students through Multi-Tiered System of Supports and has extensive training in Social Emotional Learning.
Bethany and her husband have three young children and an active dog. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling up north, and watching Minnesota sports.
Nichole Short, Ed.S, NCSP
NicholeShort@pediatricpsychservices.
Nichole is Minnesota Board of Education licensed and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
Nichole’s educational history includes a B.S. in Human Development and Psychology Studies from the State University of New York (SUNY – Empire State College) and M.S. and Education Specialist degrees in School Psychology from UW-Stout. She is a member of the Minnesota School Psychologists Association (MSPA) and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) organizations.
Her professional background includes working for Fraser, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), UW-Stout Human Development undergraduate program, and a variety of public school settings across the Twin Cities metro. Nichole has extensive experience leading teams through initial and triennial special education evaluations for early childhood, traditional and alternative k-12, and 18-21 year-old transition age students. She also has training in crisis management, threat assessment, and trauma-informed practices. Primary goals for Nichole’s work in schools are to connect with students and families, collaborate with other specialists, clearly communicate evaluation information and recommendations, and advocate on behalf of the student.
Nichole’s personal interests include being active outdoors and spending time with her husband, two young children, and beloved Boston Terrier.
Zach Secrist, Ed.S, NCSP, ABSNP
Zach@pediatricpsychservices.com
Zach Secrist, Ed.S, NCSP, ABSNP is a licensed school psychologist in the state of Minnesota. Zach earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and completed his Master’s and Educational Specialist Degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He completed practicums in Woodbury, MN and River Falls, WI. His internship was completed at Cairo American College, in Egypt. Zach most recently earned an American Board Certification in School Neuropsychology in 2021. Over the last 15 years, Zach has worked as a school psychologist in kindergarten through grade 12 schools internationally, in Cairo, Egypt and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, as well as schools in Minnesota.
Zach’s professional interests include culturally/linguistically responsive assessment, positive behavioral interventions and supports, parenting skills/consultation and neuropsychological assessment. In addition to his school psychologist contract work, Zach teaches classes at an outdoor school for homeschooled students ages 6-13.
Zach lives in St. Paul with his wife and two daughters. Zach enjoys doing outdoor projects at his home and activities with his family such as camping, hiking and biking.
Special Education Consultants
Sarah Rabe, MA
SarahR@PediatricPsychServices.com
Sarah Rabe, M.A. is a licensed Minnesota special educator with certifications in Deaf Education, Elementary Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She completed her Master’s Degree at the University of St. Thomas in St Paul, MN, in which she graduated with high honors. She was awarded the Top Minnesota Teacher award in 2009.
Sarah has been working with students with a variety of unique needs aged birth through twenty-one years old for the past fifteen years. She has highly qualified working with students who have language delays, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, and/or Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is also extensively experienced in due process/assessment, whole-to-part reading interventions and adaptive educational strategies and is proficient in American Sign Language. She looks forward to assisting schools in supporting students to bring out their full potential. Sarah lives in Eagan with her husband and four children– two sets of twins! She enjoys reading, knitting, and kayaking swimming and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Lori Parisien
Lori@pediatricpsychservices.
Lori Parisien is a licensed Minnesota special educator with certifications in specific learning disability and emotional behavioral disorder. She received her bachelor’s degree from Mankato State University and completed her master’s degree at St. Cloud State University.
Lori has been working with students with a variety of unique needs kindergarten through high school for the past twenty-four years first as a paraprofessional, then as a special education teacher and finally as a special education coordinator in administration. She is also extensively experienced in due process and special education assessment,
Lori lives in Forest Lake Minnesota with her husband and 2 dogs. She enjoys hiking, reading and baking in her free time.
Special Education Social Workers
Quinn Johnson, MSW, LICSW
Quinn@PediatricPsychServices.com
Quinn Johnson, MSW, LICSW is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker through the Minnesota Board of Social Work and is a Licensed School Social Worker through the Minnesota Department of Education. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, majoring in Social Work and minoring in Spanish and Sociology. After working as a medical social worker for five years, she returned to graduate school to complete her Master of Social Work degree in the field of Clinical Social Work through the then joint program at the University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.
After graduate school, Quinn worked in Centennial Public Schools and Robbinsdale Area Schools as a school social worker. She is a member of the Minnesota School Social Workers Association. She has experience working with school staff, community agencies, families, and students of all ages to meet students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs, and to promote and support students’ academic, emotional, and social success.
Quinn and her husband have three young children (including identical twins!). She enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the lake, cheering on the USWNT, reading, camping, and ice fishing.
