Director and Therapists
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 critical care nurse and works at the VA and in a cardiovascular ICU, one who is a computer programmer in SoCal, and her oldest, who is the proud parent of Dr. J's 2 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 critical care nurse and works at the VA and in a cardiovascular ICU, one who is a computer programmer in SoCal, and her oldest, who is the proud parent of Dr. J's 2 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.
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.
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Denise Kirvan Lair, MA, CCC-SLP
MsDenise.healthyminds@gmail.com Denise Kirvan Lair is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who recently retired from the Pleasanton Unified School District. Thirty-nine years of experience has given Denise the opportunity to work with ages 3-22 in all areas of phonology (speech sound production) and language (grammar, vocabulary, social skills) development. Most recently, Denise has worked with the preschool population allowing her to realize the importance of connecting with families post therapy session so they can carry on the “work of therapy” at home. Denise has an undergraduate degree in Human Development from CSU, Hayward and a Master of Arts degree in Speech Pathology from the University of San Francisco. Denise loves to read and travel and is looking forward to crossing projects off the to do list. Although retired from her job, Denise is not ready to stop being a Speech Pathologist! |
Mollie Driscoll, MS C.C.C-SLP
MissMollie.smilingminds@gmail.com
Mollie has been a licensed and credentialed Speech-Language Pathologist for 4 ½ years. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Montana in Communicative Sciences and Disorders in 2011. In 2013 she received her Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of the Pacific. Mollie completed her medical externship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. She has worked for San Ramon Valley Unified School District as a Speech Therapist for 4 years and we are happy to have her join our team at the Healthy Minds Healthy Body Institute.
Tiffany Wilson, LCPP
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 in 2010 with her BA in psychology, she moved to Austin, TX. She now works as a teacher at the California School for the Deaf and is head of their clinical counseling program. Prior to, and including, her current position, Tiffany's therapeutic training and experience included outreach, family education, social emotional, behavioral, and, linguistic work with children and families from all walks of life. She has attained her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counseling and is happy to work with HMHBI.
When not working, you might find Ms. Tiffany camping with her family, 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 in 2010 with her BA in psychology, she moved to Austin, TX. She now works as a teacher at the California School for the Deaf and is head of their clinical counseling program. Prior to, and including, her current position, Tiffany's therapeutic training and experience included outreach, family education, social emotional, behavioral, and, linguistic work with children and families from all walks of life. She has attained her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counseling and is happy to work with HMHBI.
When not working, you might find Ms. Tiffany camping with her family, practicing yoga, traveling or enjoying a good book.
Suzy Hites, MS, CCC-SLP
MsSuzy.healthyminds@gmail.com
Suzy Hites is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara and received her Master of Science degree in Communicative Disorders at California State University, Hayward. WIth 16 years of experience and a private practice in Livermore and now with the HMBHI team, she helps individuals with articulation, language, fluency, vocal quality, social language and executive function impairments. She is passionate about teaching individuals with social pragmatic disorders, language disorders associated with Autism, and articulation and phonological disorders. In addition, she has extensive training in the area of orofacial myofunctional therapy. She strives to foster communicative independence, facilitate positive feelings about communicating and to reach every child’s speech and language potential. "I absolutely love my job!"
MsSuzy.healthyminds@gmail.com
Suzy Hites is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara and received her Master of Science degree in Communicative Disorders at California State University, Hayward. WIth 16 years of experience and a private practice in Livermore and now with the HMBHI team, she helps individuals with articulation, language, fluency, vocal quality, social language and executive function impairments. She is passionate about teaching individuals with social pragmatic disorders, language disorders associated with Autism, and articulation and phonological disorders. In addition, she has extensive training in the area of orofacial myofunctional therapy. She strives to foster communicative independence, facilitate positive feelings about communicating and to reach every child’s speech and language potential. "I absolutely love my job!"
Jamie Edwards, MS, LEP
jedwards.healthyminds@gmail.com Jamie Edwards is a practicing Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP# 3419) and school psychologist for San Ramon Valley Unified School District. She holds a Masters of Science degree in School Psychology and Pupil Personnel Services credentials in both School Psychology and School Counseling from San Francisco State University. Jamie has completed University of California Berkeley’s professional certificate program in Neuropsychological Assessment. Jamie has worked in the public school setting since 2006 in various capacities providing services ranging from school-based play therapy, group and individual counseling, conducting comprehensive psychological assessments, and providing consultative support services to students of all ages. Jamie’s areas of expertise include identification and treatment of children with learning differences, autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit disorders, in addition to providing positive behavior intervention and counseling support for children with social-communicative challenges. She additionally serves as Cadre Member of the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) representing her Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) at annual summit meetings and by providing regional in-service training on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Evidenced-Based Practices, implementation and monitoring. In her spare time Jamie enjoys spending time with her family, husband, and, 2 sons, and being involved in outdoor activities such as running, boating, snow skiing, and, camping. |
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Jenn Simpson, MS, PPS, MFTi
msjenn.healthyminds@gmail.com Ms. Jenn received her Master's degree in Counseling along with her PPS Credential from California State University, East Bay in 2012. While in graduate school she worked therapeutically with individuals, couples, children, and families. Ms. Jenn works as a Middle School Counselor and has also had experience as an Elementary School Counselor and Crisis Counselor at the high school level. She is currently registered as a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern (MFTI) through the Board of Behavioral Sciences. When not working Ms. Jenn enjoys running, hiking, Giants baseball, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and puppy. |
John Kravitz, MA, CHT, MFTi #84111
john.healthyminds@gmail.com
John is a native Californian that has lived and traveled all over the state and a fair bit the world. He is a father to 3 adults including one with special needs. He is a beneficiary of the joys and struggles involved in sustaining a long- term marriage in light of the daily challenges of supporting a special needs child.
John is closely supervised by Theresa Volpe Johnstone and is nearing the end of his supervised clinical hours prior to licensure. He was awarded a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill in 2014 and completed his BA at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. He is also a certified Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master.
John comes to Healthy Minds after working with a broad array of clients during his practicum at the JFKU Holistic Counseling Center in Oakland. He spent last year working with elders in a community setting utilizing an existential-humanistic therapeutic stance. He has a year of focused training in group processes and has facilitated groups at the Holistic Counseling Center as well as in the elder community.
John is a practiced meditator and believes in integrating mindfulness with his individual and group therapeutic work. Working mindfully with children creates the opportunity to access teachable moments when it is possible for them to internalize new skills to cope with ongoing experiences. He feels strongly that small group therapy as practiced at Healthy Minds allows the therapist to address each child’s individual needs while guiding them to practice their new skills in a safe supportive environment
john.healthyminds@gmail.com
John is a native Californian that has lived and traveled all over the state and a fair bit the world. He is a father to 3 adults including one with special needs. He is a beneficiary of the joys and struggles involved in sustaining a long- term marriage in light of the daily challenges of supporting a special needs child.
John is closely supervised by Theresa Volpe Johnstone and is nearing the end of his supervised clinical hours prior to licensure. He was awarded a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill in 2014 and completed his BA at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. He is also a certified Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master.
John comes to Healthy Minds after working with a broad array of clients during his practicum at the JFKU Holistic Counseling Center in Oakland. He spent last year working with elders in a community setting utilizing an existential-humanistic therapeutic stance. He has a year of focused training in group processes and has facilitated groups at the Holistic Counseling Center as well as in the elder community.
John is a practiced meditator and believes in integrating mindfulness with his individual and group therapeutic work. Working mindfully with children creates the opportunity to access teachable moments when it is possible for them to internalize new skills to cope with ongoing experiences. He feels strongly that small group therapy as practiced at Healthy Minds allows the therapist to address each child’s individual needs while guiding them to practice their new skills in a safe supportive environment
Nancy McGhee, OTR/L
Nancy is a pediatric occupational therapist receiving her degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University in 1978. She is registered by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), is licensed by the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT), and, a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.She has worked with children of all ages and their families in many different settings: home, hospital clinic, infant program, public school and private clinic. Her work has spanned clients with a variety of functional disabilities, including autism, non-verbal learning disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorder as well as those who may not have a "diagnosis" but who struggle with dysgraphia (handwriting difficulty), visual perceptual processing, problem solving, self regulation and other issues that interfere with successful function.
When Nancy is not "being an OT", she enjoys gardening, dancing, cooking, playing the bass in a local old-time band and spending time with her husband and two grown children. She also enjoys making pysanky, which are intricately decorated easter eggs in the Ukranian tradition.
Nancy is a pediatric occupational therapist receiving her degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University in 1978. She is registered by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), is licensed by the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT), and, a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.She has worked with children of all ages and their families in many different settings: home, hospital clinic, infant program, public school and private clinic. Her work has spanned clients with a variety of functional disabilities, including autism, non-verbal learning disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorder as well as those who may not have a "diagnosis" but who struggle with dysgraphia (handwriting difficulty), visual perceptual processing, problem solving, self regulation and other issues that interfere with successful function.
When Nancy is not "being an OT", she enjoys gardening, dancing, cooking, playing the bass in a local old-time band and spending time with her husband and two grown children. She also enjoys making pysanky, which are intricately decorated easter eggs in the Ukranian tradition.
Kimberly McFadden, MA, BCBA
Substitute Therapist
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.
Substitute Therapist
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.
Rebecca Dreyfus, BA Summa Cum Laude
rdreyfus.healthyminds@gmail.com
Rebecca Dreyfus has been working in schools since 2007 but as a resource teacher as of 2015. She holds a Bachelors of Arts from UCLA and is working toward her Masters in Special Education and Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credential at UCSF. She has leadership skills, teaching experience, research experience, and provided volunteer work with younger elementary students in reading, writing, and, math skills. She speaks French and English fluently and has a basic knowledge of Hebrew and Spanish. In 2009, Rebecca won the Future Leaders Institute Collaboration Award. We welcome her as a tutor to the Healthy Minds Healthy Body Institute family.
rdreyfus.healthyminds@gmail.com
Rebecca Dreyfus has been working in schools since 2007 but as a resource teacher as of 2015. She holds a Bachelors of Arts from UCLA and is working toward her Masters in Special Education and Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credential at UCSF. She has leadership skills, teaching experience, research experience, and provided volunteer work with younger elementary students in reading, writing, and, math skills. She speaks French and English fluently and has a basic knowledge of Hebrew and Spanish. In 2009, Rebecca won the Future Leaders Institute Collaboration Award. We welcome her as a tutor to the Healthy Minds Healthy Body Institute family.
