Dr. valerie Roth, psy.d.
Dr. Valerie Roth is a certified and licensed school psychologist in the state of Florida. She has her Doctorate in Psychology with a specialty in School Psychology. She completed her doctorate dissertation on "Autism Spectrum Disorder Characteristics in the General Education Classroom: A Case Study" and incorporated in her dissertation an intervention that was successful with a student who had Autism. Her dissertation allowed her to understand the difference between a clinical diagnosis and an educational diagnosis as well as have a better understanding on educational procedures.
Dr. Roth is also an adjunct faculty member of Nova Southeastern University, teaching graduate level school psychologists about academic assessments.
Prior to her employment with a public school district, Dr. Roth completed two full year internships in two different school districts in Florida (Manatee County and Hillsborough County). Therefore, she is well versed with school district requirements for educational intervention and planning. As an intern, she was awarded with a NASP Tiny Grant to assist students in low poverty schools to obtain access to better mental health curriculum.
Dr. Roth has attended and volunteered at Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP) Conferences in Florida and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Conference that was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She wrote an article for the FASP Newsletter about her experience and the importance of attending NASP Conferences. Expanding your knowledge and keeping up to date with the latest research in psychology is important to Dr. Roth.
Before working as a school psychologist, Dr. Roth assisted in special education classrooms in a school district in Delaware after she graduated from the University of Delaware with her Bachelors in Psychology. Additionally, she worked for the Delaware Autistic Program for two summers after obtaining her Bachelors degree.
Learning individual strengths and weakness of students to help them be successful in the areas of academics, social, emotional, and behavioral skills is a passion of Dr. Roth’s. She enjoys completing psychological assessments and providing recommendations to promote students success. Personally, she enjoys running, crafts, and watching sporting events. One of her greatest accomplishments is running the Disney Marathon with her husband.
desiree mahiquez, ed.s., ncsp, bcba
Desiree is a licensed, Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with 10 years of experience working in multiple school districts in Florida (Broward, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties).
She obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Florida. While at UF, she was a Sibshops facilitator for CARD, a phone counselor at a local crisis center, and a research assistant in both a cognitive-developmental lab and in an Applied Behavior Analysis lab.
Through working in schools, she understands educational procedures and has experience evaluating, counseling, and developing interventions for students in preschool through 12th grade. In addition, to psychoeducational evaluations, Desiree has extensive training in conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP). She has worked in positions as a behavioral consultant for schools and as a behavior coach providing direct training, support, and feedback to teachers. She is passionate about working collaboratively with parents and schools to identify and support students’ emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.
Desiree currently lives in Manatee County with her husband and three young children. She is excited to be working at Children’s Psychological Services, LLC with Dr. Roth and the rest of the team.
Rachel conway, ed.s., ncsp
Rachel is a licensed, Nationally Certified School Psychologist with four years of experience working for Hillsborough County in a variety of school settings. Rachel completed her Master of Science (M.S.) and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in School Psychology and Human Systems at Florida State University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in School Psychology with a focus on neuropsychology, psychoeducational assessment and a specialty in counseling and intervention.
Prior to her employment with Hillsborough County public schools, Rachel worked as a Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) certified teacher in early learning centers with children ranging from newborns up to the age of six. This allowed her to study the development of young children, apply social skills training as well as gain experience using early intervention within the classroom setting.
Whilst attending Florida State University, Rachel designed and presented a group counseling curriculum at the Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP) annual conference. Additionally, she worked as an evaluator and diagnostician in the Adult Learning and Evaluation Center and as an intern, was contracted to schools using animal therapy to engage adolescent children in social skills training. Additionally, Rachel worked as a research assistant in a social psychology lab, studying risk-taking behaviors in children and adults.
Currently, Rachel runs multiple counseling and social skills training groups as well as provides individual counseling to school-aged children. She also conducts comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations, providing feedback and recommendations to parents, teachers and school administrators. Rachel’s passion is working to reach students with diverse levels of social, emotional, academic and behavioral needs so that they experience success both at home and school.
Tisha conaway, ms, BCBA
Tisha is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and a certified teacher in the state of Florida for students grades 1-6 and students identified as having specific learning disabilities. She has worked in the Manatee County Schools for over 26 years in a variety of capacities. Tisha has experience working with children and adults of varying exceptionalities in the home, school, and community settings. She has a solid understanding of laws and regulations and enjoys assisting families find the help they need for their child. Tisha currently works with early educators and families on identifying interfering behaviors and finding ways to reduce those behaviors. Tisha earned her masters in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis through the University of Southern Maine in 2021.
kim wortz, ed.s., ncsp
Kim is a Nationally Certified and Licensed School Psychologist in the state of Florida. She has nine years of experience working in the public school system in Florida in two different districts (Hillsborough and Sarasota). Kim received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from the University of Miami and then received her Master’s and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in School Psychology from the University of Kentucky.
Kim offers comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations tailored to the needs of each student. She is passionate about uncovering each student's strengths and weaknesses in order to help them reach their full potential and is able to provide extensive information regarding how your child thinks and learns. She also believes that understanding the whole child is an essential tool in improving all aspects of a child's life- socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
She provides evaluations for gifted learners, learning disabilities, ADHD and related concerns, anxiety, the Autism spectrum, and possible college board accommodations. Due to Kim’s experience in the public school setting, she has deep knowledge of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support/ Response to Intervention process and its requirements in the identification of students with disabilities.
Kim lives with her husband in Sarasota and enjoys boating and fishing, reading, cheering on her sports teams, and riding her Peloton in her free time.
Jennifer Hatcher, LCSW
Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience in both the public school systems and nonprofit organizations. She also has more than 15 years of experience working with U.S. Service members and their families.
Jennifer has versed knowledge in mental health as she has worked with many students of varying ages. She also enjoys working with families to provide the support they need. In addition to her knowledge about mental health, she also understands the school systems and how mental health may impact school performance.
University of South Florida is where she obtained her Bachelors of Social Work Degree in 1999 and went on to achieve her Masters of Social Work Degree from USF in 2001. Jennifer also has a post master specialization in both infant family mental health and maternal mental health.
Jennifer is a proud mother of two teenagers and a military spouse. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and going to the beach.
Rochelle c. poole, psy.s.
Rochelle is a certified and licensed school psychologist. She has been in education for nearly 20 years, beginning as an elementary school teacher in Miami, Fl. She obtained her Specialist in School Psychology degree at Nova Southeastern University. The last 11 years have been spent as a school psychologist in Hillsborough and Manatee Counties. In addition to working as a school psychologist, she was a board member on the Florida Association of School Psychologists for 4 years.
Her experience includes teaching general education students, gifted education, and inclusion. She also has an abundance of experience collaborating with school teams to problem solve, provide professional development to school staff, conduct comprehensive evaluations, and provide individual counseling. Her passions include helping children with anxiety, developing social skills, and other adjustment issues. With a background in education, helping children navigate through other school-related concerns is also a welcomed challenge.
Rochelle is very excited to continue working with children and families outside of schools in a different capacity. Though this endeavor is new, she is a friendly team player, with an easy-going demeanor who loves getting to know new people and helping to problem solve.
zoe christenson, LMHC
Zoe is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. She attended Monmouth University in New Jersey, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and attended Argosy University where she earned a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Zoe has been licensed for the past 11 years and has over 20 years of experience working with children, families and adults in both community mental health agencies and school settings. Zoe currently works as a School Counselor for Manatee County in an elementary setting. She has extensive knowledge in Manatee County School District’s Multi-tiered System of Supports and the intervention process. Zoe has experience with and enjoys facilitating small groups in emotional awareness/self regulation, worry/anxiety, grief and loss, friendship/peer relationships, anger management and self-esteem. She believes the therapeutic relationship is key to successes in counseling.
Zoe lives with her husband and three children in Bradenton. When she isn’t traveling to sporting events with her children, Zoe enjoys time outdoors, visiting new places, shopping and practicing yoga.
Jackie Anderson, LCSW
Jaquelinne Anderson is a compassionate and experienced licensed clinical social worker dedicated to supporting adolescents and their families in navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience. With a specialized focus on parenting, children’s mental health, and child development, Jaquelinne brings warmth and expertise to her practice.
Her therapeutic approach is characterized by a unique blend of evidence-based modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques. Through these modalities, she empowers her clients to cultivate self-awareness, develop coping strategies and foster positive change.
Jaquelinne believes in the healing power of laughter and incorporates humor into her sessions, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their emotions and experiences. She has a special passion for helping children enhance their social skills, fostering meaningful connections and building confidence in their interactions with others.
With over 15 years of experience in the field, Jaquelinne is committed to providing personalized and effective care to each individual she serves. Whether your child is suffering from anxiety, depression, family changes or even those teenage angsty years, Jaquelinne is here to walk with your child on their journey towards growth and well-being.
In Jaquelinne’s free time, she loves spending time with her family, playing with and talking about her dogs and sitting in the sun.
Erin Moore, LMHC
Erin’s dedication to helping others grow and tackle life’s challenges has led to over a decade of service in the mental health and education fields. She has a passion for working collaboratively with clients to help them find balance, healing, and live a fulfilling life.
As a counselor, Erin strives to provide a safe place where clients are not only listened to but heard. Her vision is to empower clients to become the best version of themselves.
Erin has supported children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a range of difficulties, including mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as social issues and behavioral concerns. She uses therapeutic modalities and interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, social skills building, mindfulness exercises, emotional regulation, and psychoeducation to help clients reach their goals.
Tarah B. Allen, MA, NCSP
Tarah is a licensed, Nationally Certified School Psychologist with over 20 years of experience across several school districts in New York, Illinois, and Florida. Currently serving as a school district administrator in Sarasota County, she supervises both the School Psychology department and the Proactive Behavior Response teams. Previously, she worked as a School Psychologist in the Manatee County School District.
Tarah earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Oswego, followed by a Master of Arts in School Psychology from the University at Buffalo, and a K-12 School Administration Degree from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.
Before joining Sarasota County Schools, Tarah gained extensive experience as a school psychologist and behavior specialist, focusing on executive functioning disorders, anxiety, depression, and social skill deficits. She developed evidence-based interventions for students with ADHD, Autism, and Emotional Behavior Disorders, and has a deep background in conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and creating Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) to address challenges affecting learning, socialization, self-regulation, and independent functioning.
Tarah’s previous role as School Principal at the Ann Reid Early Childhood Center in Naperville, Illinois, involved leading diagnostic teams and advocating for inclusive education programs for young children with disabilities, ensuring they learned alongside neurotypical peers. She is highly proficient in various intervention and counseling techniques, including the Zones of Regulation, Social Thinking, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Positive Behavior Supports, and Homework Organization and Planning Skills (HOPS) for students with ADHD or executive functioning difficulties. Tarah is dedicated to partnering with parents and guardians, helping them to understand and implement effective intervention plans at home and in the community.
With advanced training in Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluation, Specific Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Behavior Disorders, and Gifted learner identification, her assessments lead to practical and meaningful intervention strategies and accommodations, both in school and home settings.
Now residing in Lakewood Ranch with her husband and two sons, Tarah is thrilled to join Children’s Psychological Services. In her free time, she enjoys running, practicing yoga, boating, and traveling. She is eager to apply her background and expertise to support both children and families, addressing their educational, emotional, social, and behavioral needs.
Kaitlin kodak, MA, NCSP
Kaitlin is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist with three years of experience working in a variety of public school settings in both Massachusetts and New York. Kaitlin earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) at James Madison University in Virginia and her Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in School Psychology at Adelphi University in New York. In addition, she attended courses through the Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensitivity which develops practices, tools, and other resources to help teachers and schools who want to become more trauma-sensitive. She is trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA), which aims to reduce stress symptoms, build resilience and assist in a healthy recovery following a traumatic event, natural disaster, public health emergency, or even a personal crisis.
Kaitlin’s experiences range from the elementary to secondary levels, including using multifaceted approaches to evaluation and intervention. She offers comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations that are tailored to each individual’s needs. Kaitlin enjoys working with students and their families to better understand a child’s learning style, including their strengths and weaknesses, as well as developing strategies to support them across settings.
Kaitlin is trained in the RULER approach, an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. She has supported students with a range of mood and social skill challenges, using a range of modalities including mindfulness exercises, CBT, social skill building, REBT, and emotional regulation. Kaitlin’s passion for building resilience, forming meaningful connections and supporting the whole child is driven by her desire to help students reach their maximum potential academically, socially and emotionally.
Kaitlin recently relocated to Sarasota from Quincy, Massachusetts in April of 2024. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach and taking pilates classes. However, you will mostly find her at the dog park with her Golden Retriever!