Hello! I’m Miriam…
educational PSYCHologist & behavior analyst
I’m a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #4368) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA #1-12-10527) with nearly 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families.
I provide comprehensive psychological assessment, counseling, and consultation services for families in San Luis Obispo and throughout California. My work focuses on helping families better understand complex patterns related to autism, ADHD, learning differences, emotional regulation, and neurodevelopmental functioning.
My background includes training in school psychology, applied behavior analysis, mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, meditation, and trauma- and resilience-informed practices. In addition to private practice, I teach future educators at California Polytechnic State University, host the Mindful Miri Podcast, and facilitate workshops for parents and helping professionals. My doctoral work focuses on more accurately assessing autism in high-masking females.
Outside of work, I’m the daughter of Soviet refugees, an avid salsa, swing, and bachata dancer, a longtime yogini, devoted friend, partner, and mom and stepmom to four amazing children.
At the core of my professional mission is unlocking potential.
As a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), I help children, teens, and families make sense of behavioral, emotional, academic, and neurodevelopmental challenges—especially when things feel harder at home than they look on paper.
Many of the families I work with feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure why everyday life feels so difficult. They may be navigating meltdowns, shutdowns, school stress, anxiety, disorganization, or a child who seems to be working much harder than expected just to get through the day.
My approach is trauma-informed and neurodivergence-affirming, and focused on understanding how each child thinks, learns, and regulates—not just what they are doing, but what’s driving it.
Rather than generic strategies, I provide clear insight and practical recommendations tailored to your child and your family.
Whether you are seeking an evaluation, cousneling support, or help with parenting and school challenges, my goal is to help you feel more supported, more confident, and less alone in understanding what your child needs.
THE OFFICIAL STUFF
Throughout my education, I have had the privilege of engaging with a wide range of learning environments, the benefits of a traditional academic curriculum, and the rewards of experiential learning, each contributing to my growth and shaping my passion for promoting academic and personal wellbeing.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Psychology, University of South Africa, in progress
Ed.S. in School Psychology, California State University, Fresno, 2011
B.A. in Art History, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2003
Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP#4368)
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA#1-12-10527)
200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (200 RYT)
ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) Certification
EXPERIENCE
Founder/CEO, SLO Psychological Services, 2025-Present
Adjunct Professor, School of Education, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2024-Present
Adjunct Professor, Psychology & Child Development Dept, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2025-Present
Founder, The Assoc. for the Wellbeing of Educators, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, 2023-Present
Program Specialist, San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, 2024-2025
PPS Credentialed School Psychologist
Santa Maria-Bonita School District, 2018 - 2024
Orcutt Union School District, 2012 - 2018
Central Unified School District 2010 - 2012
Yoga Instructor, Empower Yoga & Mindfulness, 2023-2024
Do you think we could be a good match?
Begin creating positive change and cultivating a thriving future.
We will work together to address obstacles, set meaningful goals, and develop a roadmap toward your personal and academic success.