Director and Therapists
Kara Lemke, Ph.D., Director
DrLemke.HealthyMinds@gmail.com
Dr. Lemke is a licensed psychologist and an expert in psychological assessment and treatment for children. She has extensive experience with group, family, and individual therapy for young children, school age children, adolescents, young adults and their families. She specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorders, developmental concerns, anxiety, depression, attention, and behavioral difficulties. Dr. Lemke has also presented workshops to parents and professionals on topics such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, child development, internet safety for teens, and diagnosis of children.
Dr. Lemke obtained her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Biology at University of California, San Diego. She attended Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at Palo Alto University where she earned her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology and completed specialized training in evaluation and treatment of children. Dr. Lemke completed her internship at Children’s Hospital and Research Center at Oakland in the Behavioral Pediatrics and Early Childhood Mental Health Clinics and her postdoctoral fellowship at Children’s Health Council in Palo Alto, CA. She has also provided assessment and treatment to children and families while working at Edgewood Center for Children and Families in San Francisco and Children’s Health Council in Palo Alto, CA.
In her spare time, Dr. Lemke enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and 3 young children. They spend their free time exploring the Bay Area, biking, hiking, and going to the beach.
DrLemke.HealthyMinds@gmail.com
Dr. Lemke is a licensed psychologist and an expert in psychological assessment and treatment for children. She has extensive experience with group, family, and individual therapy for young children, school age children, adolescents, young adults and their families. She specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorders, developmental concerns, anxiety, depression, attention, and behavioral difficulties. Dr. Lemke has also presented workshops to parents and professionals on topics such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, child development, internet safety for teens, and diagnosis of children.
Dr. Lemke obtained her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Biology at University of California, San Diego. She attended Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at Palo Alto University where she earned her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology and completed specialized training in evaluation and treatment of children. Dr. Lemke completed her internship at Children’s Hospital and Research Center at Oakland in the Behavioral Pediatrics and Early Childhood Mental Health Clinics and her postdoctoral fellowship at Children’s Health Council in Palo Alto, CA. She has also provided assessment and treatment to children and families while working at Edgewood Center for Children and Families in San Francisco and Children’s Health Council in Palo Alto, CA.
In her spare time, Dr. Lemke enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and 3 young children. They spend their free time exploring the Bay Area, biking, hiking, and going to the beach.
Theresa Volpe-Johnstone, Ph.D.
SmilingMinds@sbcglobal.net
Dr. Johnstone (Dr. J) is a licensed clinical and school psychologist (PSY17748) and an expert in diagnostic procedures, evaluation, and, group dynamics. She consults with schools and specialists on child development. Dr. Johnstone has presented workshops to school districts on social disabilities, school readiness, bully behavior, and, research-based therapies. She has worked in day treatment facilities, state special schools, and public schools. Dr. Johnstone obtained her Doctoral degree in Clinical and School psychology from Hofstra University on Long Island, New York. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the California Psychological Association, and, is a Diplomate with the American College of Forensic Examiners. Dr. Johnstone is certified as a Behavior Intervention Manager and has supervised, as well as conducted, group counseling for school age children for the past 20 years. Her most recent contribution is being Harvard trained in the Mind Body Program for Successful Aging. Her experience spans a caseload of over 1800 children and adults which add to her skill and knowledge base.
In her spare time she volunteers with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), the Exceptional Needs Network (ENN), and others, by hosting fundraisers, is an avid hiker, and, a competitive runner. Dr. J. continues to be an active parent in her 3 children's lives, one who is a flight nurse with PHI transporting critical patients, one who is a computer engineer at Google, and her oldest, who is the proud parent of Dr. J's two young grandchildren.
SmilingMinds@sbcglobal.net
Dr. Johnstone (Dr. J) is a licensed clinical and school psychologist (PSY17748) and an expert in diagnostic procedures, evaluation, and, group dynamics. She consults with schools and specialists on child development. Dr. Johnstone has presented workshops to school districts on social disabilities, school readiness, bully behavior, and, research-based therapies. She has worked in day treatment facilities, state special schools, and public schools. Dr. Johnstone obtained her Doctoral degree in Clinical and School psychology from Hofstra University on Long Island, New York. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the California Psychological Association, and, is a Diplomate with the American College of Forensic Examiners. Dr. Johnstone is certified as a Behavior Intervention Manager and has supervised, as well as conducted, group counseling for school age children for the past 20 years. Her most recent contribution is being Harvard trained in the Mind Body Program for Successful Aging. Her experience spans a caseload of over 1800 children and adults which add to her skill and knowledge base.
In her spare time she volunteers with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), the Exceptional Needs Network (ENN), and others, by hosting fundraisers, is an avid hiker, and, a competitive runner. Dr. J. continues to be an active parent in her 3 children's lives, one who is a flight nurse with PHI transporting critical patients, one who is a computer engineer at Google, and her oldest, who is the proud parent of Dr. J's two young grandchildren.
Tara Anvar, LCSW; PPS
msTara.healthyminds@gmail.com
Tara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her PPS credential in school counseling in 2013. She has been working with children of all ages for many years. While earning her Master’s in Social Work, Tara taught parenting classes to foster parents and provided counseling to homeless youth. Tara has worked extensively with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other learning disabilities as a behavioral therapist and a school counselor. She has developed a curriculum to educate students about bullying behaviors and presented it to school wide to children from first to eighth grades.
Tara is also a mom to two wonderful baby boys and enjoys every minute of it!
With her family, Tara likes to travel, hike, and camp.
msTara.healthyminds@gmail.com
Tara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her PPS credential in school counseling in 2013. She has been working with children of all ages for many years. While earning her Master’s in Social Work, Tara taught parenting classes to foster parents and provided counseling to homeless youth. Tara has worked extensively with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other learning disabilities as a behavioral therapist and a school counselor. She has developed a curriculum to educate students about bullying behaviors and presented it to school wide to children from first to eighth grades.
Tara is also a mom to two wonderful baby boys and enjoys every minute of it!
With her family, Tara likes to travel, hike, and camp.
Vanessa Varrelman, MS, PPS, LMFT
vanessa.healthyminds@gmail.com
After graduating in 2006 with a BA in Psychology, Ms. Vanessa began her career working with children. In 2011 she returned to school at California State East Bay where he earned her Masters of Science in Counseling and School Counseling Credential. Her therapeutic training and experience includes working with individuals and families from all age ranges and abilities. In addition to her work at HMHBI she works as an Elementary School Counselor in a local school district and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Ms. Vanessa is passionate about helping clients reach their fullest potential.
When Ms. Vanessa is not working, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, playing soccer, or hanging with Delilah, her puppy.
vanessa.healthyminds@gmail.com
After graduating in 2006 with a BA in Psychology, Ms. Vanessa began her career working with children. In 2011 she returned to school at California State East Bay where he earned her Masters of Science in Counseling and School Counseling Credential. Her therapeutic training and experience includes working with individuals and families from all age ranges and abilities. In addition to her work at HMHBI she works as an Elementary School Counselor in a local school district and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Ms. Vanessa is passionate about helping clients reach their fullest potential.
When Ms. Vanessa is not working, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, playing soccer, or hanging with Delilah, her puppy.
Debra Prado, Ed.S, LEP, BCBA
MsDebra.HealthyMinds@gmail.com
Debra Prado is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #3725) and a school psychologist for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. She received her undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara and holds both her master's and education specialist's degrees in School Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. In addition to her training as a school psychologist, she completed coursework for a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology and is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She is currently completing a professional certificate program in Neuropsychological Assessment at University of California, Berkeley. During her career, Debra has gained experience working with children of all ages and with a variety of social, emotional, and developmental needs. Within her field, her passions are psychological assessment, social skills instruction, social-emotional literacy, and creating behavioral supports to support students' success in school.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exercise, cooking, reading, Giant's baseball, and spending time with her friends and family. She currently resides in San Ramon with her husband.
MsDebra.HealthyMinds@gmail.com
Debra Prado is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #3725) and a school psychologist for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. She received her undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara and holds both her master's and education specialist's degrees in School Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. In addition to her training as a school psychologist, she completed coursework for a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology and is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She is currently completing a professional certificate program in Neuropsychological Assessment at University of California, Berkeley. During her career, Debra has gained experience working with children of all ages and with a variety of social, emotional, and developmental needs. Within her field, her passions are psychological assessment, social skills instruction, social-emotional literacy, and creating behavioral supports to support students' success in school.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exercise, cooking, reading, Giant's baseball, and spending time with her friends and family. She currently resides in San Ramon with her husband.
Nicole Lodato, LCSW, PPS
ms.nicole.healthyminds@gmail.com
Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with her Master’s in Social Work, and a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. Nicole has 12 years experience working as a school counselor with students in elementary, middle and high school levels. Currently, Nicole currently provides mental health services to students with an individual educational plan and provides school based counseling services. Nicole has an extensive experience working with children with anxiety, children on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, depression, and trauma.
In her spare time, Nicole enjoys challenging herself and participates in triathlons in the Bay Area. She believes that a strong body leads to a strong mind which fits flawlessly into the Healthy Minds Healthy Body philosophy. She loves cooking, camping, and, anything outdoors. In addition, she continues to be very involved raising her 14 year old son who is active in sports.
Katie Cadigan, MS C.C.C-SLP
MsKatie.healthyminds@gmail.com
Katie graduated from California State University, Chico with a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. While earning her master’s degree she worked in a private practice, a skilled nursing facility, and an elementary school. This enabled her to gain experience working with individuals of all ages. She currently works as a speech pathologist for Pleasanton Unified School District. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, watching the Golden State Warriors, and spending time with her family.
MsKatie.healthyminds@gmail.com
Katie graduated from California State University, Chico with a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. While earning her master’s degree she worked in a private practice, a skilled nursing facility, and an elementary school. This enabled her to gain experience working with individuals of all ages. She currently works as a speech pathologist for Pleasanton Unified School District. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, watching the Golden State Warriors, and spending time with her family.
Tiffany Wilson, APCC
MsTiffany.healthyminds@gmail.com
Ms. Tiffany was born and raised in Boston, MA. While attending the University of Massachusetts, she worked with children and adolescents with mental illness. After graduating with her BA in psychology, she moved to Austin, TX where she continued her experience as an investigator for Child Protective Services. For the last ten years, she has worked in the field of Deaf Education and furthered her education by getting her MS in both Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counseling. She currently resides in the East Bay of California and works both at HMHBI and at the California School for the Deaf as their Student Support Liaison in Early Childhood Education.
Tiffany's therapeutic training and experience includes social emotional literacy, family support and education, accessible behavior supports in the classroom, positive behavior interventions, a variety of therapeutic and linguistic supports for children and families from all walks of life. Tiffany enjoys providing trainings for staff in the school setting as well as families. Her specialties include: deafness, autism, anxiety/depression, behavior difficulties, giftedness, self-regulation, trauma-informed care, emotional disturbance and LGBTQ/non-binary individuals. When not working, you might find Ms. Tiffany camping with her partner, practicing yoga, traveling or enjoying a good book.
MsTiffany.healthyminds@gmail.com
Ms. Tiffany was born and raised in Boston, MA. While attending the University of Massachusetts, she worked with children and adolescents with mental illness. After graduating with her BA in psychology, she moved to Austin, TX where she continued her experience as an investigator for Child Protective Services. For the last ten years, she has worked in the field of Deaf Education and furthered her education by getting her MS in both Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counseling. She currently resides in the East Bay of California and works both at HMHBI and at the California School for the Deaf as their Student Support Liaison in Early Childhood Education.
Tiffany's therapeutic training and experience includes social emotional literacy, family support and education, accessible behavior supports in the classroom, positive behavior interventions, a variety of therapeutic and linguistic supports for children and families from all walks of life. Tiffany enjoys providing trainings for staff in the school setting as well as families. Her specialties include: deafness, autism, anxiety/depression, behavior difficulties, giftedness, self-regulation, trauma-informed care, emotional disturbance and LGBTQ/non-binary individuals. When not working, you might find Ms. Tiffany camping with her partner, practicing yoga, traveling or enjoying a good book.
Kimberly McFadden, MA, BCBA
MsKim.healthyminds@gmail.com
Kimberly has worked in the field of special education for fifteen years including nine years of teaching children with exceptional needs. She graduated with her M.A. in Special Education from Santa Clara University after studying psychology and child development. She has completed coursework for a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of West Florida and is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as of 2015. During her career, Kimberly has primarily focused on the study of developmental disabilities and Applied Behavioral Analysis. Her areas of expertise include serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Speech and Language Impairment, Learning Disabilities, and ADHD, as well as providing professional development trainings on evidence-based practices for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has also received extensive training in TEACCH, DTT, Social Skills Development/Social Thinking, PECS and strategies for people with sensory processing/integration disorder.
During her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, camping and yoga. She currently resides in Pleasanton, CA with her family which includes children ages 14, 11, 8 and 6.
MsKim.healthyminds@gmail.com
Kimberly has worked in the field of special education for fifteen years including nine years of teaching children with exceptional needs. She graduated with her M.A. in Special Education from Santa Clara University after studying psychology and child development. She has completed coursework for a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of West Florida and is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as of 2015. During her career, Kimberly has primarily focused on the study of developmental disabilities and Applied Behavioral Analysis. Her areas of expertise include serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Speech and Language Impairment, Learning Disabilities, and ADHD, as well as providing professional development trainings on evidence-based practices for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has also received extensive training in TEACCH, DTT, Social Skills Development/Social Thinking, PECS and strategies for people with sensory processing/integration disorder.
During her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, camping and yoga. She currently resides in Pleasanton, CA with her family which includes children ages 14, 11, 8 and 6.
