Behavioral Specialists

Behavioral specialists are trained marriage and family therapists or social workers who specialize in working with children and teens to change behaviors.  Using evidence-based behavioral principles, they focus on helping kids develop new productive behaviors to replace problematic behaviors.  Behavioral specialists provide parent coaching to help you manage problem situations more effectively.  Areas of expertise:  autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, inattention and oppositionality.

Andy Sweet, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Andy Sweet, MSW

    Andy has over 10 years’ experience working with children and families. He specializes in autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, ADHD and behavioral difficulties.

    From 1999 through 2007, Andy was a Golden Gate Regional Center Social Worker. He has been employed as an assessment worker for Regional Center eligibility and as an Early Start Social Worker for early intervention services.

    Education and Degrees

    • BA, San José State University (Psychology)
    • MSW, San José State University

    Licenses - Board Certifications

    • California Board of Behavioral Sciences (Licensed Clinical Social Workers)

Ashley Taggart, MA
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

  • Ashley Taggart, MA

    Ashley is experienced with treating children and teens who have emotional and behavioral challenges. Using a collaborative, family-oriented approach, she seeks to empower parents to better understand and meet the needs of each child.

    Education and Degrees

    • MA, Santa Clara University (Counseling Psychology)
    • BS, University of Colorado

    Licenses - Board Certifications

    • California Board of Behavioral Sciences (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)

    Professional Affiliations

    • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Bridget Stolee, MA
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy Intern

  • Bridget Stolee, MA

    Bridget has experience working in schools and homes treating teens and school-age children who are challenged with depression, anxiety, mood disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is also a registered art therapist.

    Education and Degrees

    • MA, Notre Dame de Namur University (Art Therapy and Marriage and Family Therapy)
    • BA, University of Puget Sound (Psychology)

    Licenses - Board Certifications

    • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Intern #61752
    • Registered Intern for California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (Psychologist)

    Professional Affiliations

    • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
    • American Art Therapy Association

Heather Kaech, MA
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

  • Heather Kaech, MA

    Heather cares for children and teens whose behaviors are affecting family relationships or academic success. She also provides therapy and art therapy to children and teens who struggle with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and abuse.

    Education and Degrees

    • BA, Saint Mary’s College (Psychology, Childhood and Adolescent Development)
    • MA, Notre Dame De Namur University (Marriage and Family Therapy;
      Art Therapy)

Jennifer Hammond, PhD, BCBA
Behavior Analyst

  • Jennifer Hammond, PhD, BCBA

    Dr. Hammond specializes in the assessment and treatment of problem behaviors exhibited by children and adults with developmental disabilities and special needs.

    Education and Degrees

    • PhD, University of Florida
    • MS, California State University, Stanislaus
    • BA, University of California, Santa Cruz

    Licenses - Board Certifications

    • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (since 2005); #1-05-2256

    Professional Affiliations

    • Association for Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA)
    • Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA)
    • Editorial Board, Clinica y Salud
    • Guest Reviewer, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
    • Guest Reviewer, Behavior Analysis and Practice

    Languages

    • Some Spanish

    Awards

    • Applied Dissertation Award, American Psychological Association (APA), Division 25 (Behavior Analysis) – 2009
    • Behavior Analysis Research Award, University of Florida – 2009
    • Graduate Research Fellowship, California State University, Stanislaus – 2002

    Recent Presentations

    • Hammond, J.L., Iwata, B.A., Fahmie, T.A., & Harper, J.M. (2010, February). Competing contingencies for escape behavior: Effects of negative reinforcement quality. Paper presented at the California Association for Behavior Analysis conference, Irvine, CA.
    • Bloom, S.E., Iwata, B.A., Fritz, J. N., Hammond, J.L., & Pollard, J. (2010, February). An evaluation of cross-function mand transfer. Paper presented at the California Association for Behavior Analysis conference, Irvine, CA.
    • Hammond, J.L., Iwata, B.A., Bloom, S.E., Fahmie, T.A., & Fritz, J.N. (2008, February). Negative reinforcement for compliance and problem behavior: Effects of stimulus magnitude. California Association for Behavior Analysis conference, Garden Grove, CA. Also presented at the Association for Applied Behavior Analysis conference, Chicago, IL (2008, May), the PSI Division of Behaviour Analysis Annual Conference, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (2008, July), and the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis conference, Bonita Springs, FL (2008, September).
    • Rolider, N.U., Iwata, B.A., Hammond, J.L., & Bloom, S.E. (2008, May). Effects of combined antecedent interventions on problem behavior maintained by escape. Association for Behavior Analysis conference, Chicago, IL. Also presented (by Hammond) at the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis conference, Bonita Springs, FL (2008, September) and presented (by Iwata) at the California Association for Behavior Analysis conference, Irvine, CA (2010, February).
    • Hammond, J.L., Iwata, B.A., Fritz, J.N., & Dempsey, C.M. (2007, May). Evaluation of fixed, momentary DRO schedules under signaled and unsignaled arrangements. Association for Behavior Analysis conference, San Diego, CA. Also presented at the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis conference, Jacksonville, FL (2007, September).
    • Dempsey, C.M., Iwata, B.A., & Hammond, J.L. (2007, September). Structural and functional characteristics of attention as a consequence for problem behavior. Presented (by Hammond) at the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis conference, Jacksonville, FL. Also presented at the California Association for Behavior Analysis conference, Garden Grove, CA (2008, February) and the Association for Applied Behavior Analysis conference (2008, May).

    Recent Publications

    • Camp, E.M., Iwata, B.A., Hammond, J.L., & Bloom, S.E. (2009). Antecedent versus consequent events as predictors of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 469-483.
    • Hammond, J.L., Iwata, B.A., Fritz, J.N., & Dempsey, C.M. (in press). Evaluation of fixed, momentary DRO schedules under signaled and unsignaled arrangements. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Karlie Guthrie, MA
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

  • Karlie Guthrie, MA

    With over 10 years’ experience helping children and their families, Karlie uses the principles of DBT to guide her work. She works with families to help improve communication and build relationships between teens and their parents.

    Education and Degrees

    • BA, Seattle University (Psychology, Childhood and Addiction Studies)
    • MA, National University (Counseling Psychology)

    Licenses - Board Certifications

    • California Board of Behavioral Sciences (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
    • License # MFT43761

    Professional Affiliations

    • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Kendra Evans, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Kendra Evans, MSW

    Kendra has nearly 20 years' experience working with children and their families in outpatient, residential, school and home settings developing strategies with parents and teachers and using social cognitive and behavioral interventions with children who have difficulties with peers, impulse regulation or anxiety.

    Education and Degrees

    • BA, San Francisco State University (emphasis in Clinical Psychology)
    • MSW, San José State University
    • Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Studies Program, Pennsylvania State University

    Licenses - Board Certifications

    • California Board of Behavioral Sciences (Licensed Clinical Social Workers)
    • California-Designated Subjects Adult Education Teaching Credential (authorized subjects: social sciences, elementary and secondary basic skills, parent education, human development, family management)

    Professional Affiliations

    • California Association for Behavior Analysis
    • Council for Exceptional Children
    • National Association of Social Workers

    Languages

    • Spanish

    Recent Presentations

    • “Behavior Management- Classroom Strategies to Promote Positive Behaviors.” Calaba Annual Conference, 2006; EPA Charter School Staff, 2007; Stanbridge Academy Staff, 2007.
    • “Strategies to Promote Positive Behaviors.” Palo Alto Community Child Care, 2007; SELPA II Community Advisory Committee Training, 2008.
    • “Skills for Teaching Diverse Populations- Module 2 Course for Adult Education Teacher Credential Program.” Metropolitan Education, 2007 & 2008.
    • “Anger Management Strategies for School Aged Children.” CHC Parent Education Class, 2008.
    • “Managing Difficult Behaviors of Children with Autism Disorder.” CHC Parent Education Class, 2008.