What I Do and How I Can Help You

I’m a licensed psychologist and school psychologist with over 40 years of experience helping individuals and schools solve their most challenging behavioral problems. In 2016, I was named New Jersey School Psychologist of the Year. I’m a consultant for the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) and the Center for the Promotion of Social-Emotional Learning (CPSEL).

Every school leader I work with tells me some version of the same thing: 'We're doing everything we're supposed to do, but it's not working.' More students are struggling, staff are exhausted, and the approaches that used to work don't anymore. You don't need another initiative to roll out - you need tools that make what you're already doing actually work

I help school leaders, staff, and students harness psychological flexibility- the ability to adapt or shift under pressure while staying connected to what matters. Psychological flexibility leads to behavioral flexibility for responding to crises, having difficult conversations, and supporting struggling students. Psychological flexibility doesn’t replace your systems; it gives you the tools to make them more effective.

My approach is also informed by aikido, the martial art I practice. In aikido, you don't fight force with force - you blend with it and redirect it toward resolution. I use this same principle - inner aikido - in working with behavioral challenges. One conversation at a time, using a simple diagram and respectful questions, I help people redirect struggles toward what matters most.

Individuals, teams, and organizations who work with me learn how to use the ACT Matrix. It's deceptively simple - a four-quadrant diagram that helps people sort their inner experiences from their actions, notice what's working and what isn't, and make choices aligned with their values. Students use it. Teachers use it. Administrators use it. It works across every role and situation because it builds psychological flexibility.

My background with the Matrix:

In 2009, I sought out Dr. Kevin Polk, the creator of the Matrix, and trained with him. For ten years, I worked directly with students and educators across elementary and secondary settings to implement the Matrix into their daily routines. In 2014, I wrote the chapter “Promoting Psychological Flexibility in Education” in the book The ACT Matrix: A New Approach to Building Psychological Flexibility Across Settings and Populations. In 2020, I published the laminated guide, “The ACT Matrix: A Mindful Process for SEL, Mental Health, Collaboration and Achievement” with National Professional Resources.

I continue to partner with Dr. Polk to provide international training and consultation across educational, mental health, and business settings.

Through Evolving Solutions, I focus specifically on schools - working directly with administrators, supervisors, teachers, counselors, and school psychologists who need practical tools for the challenges they're facing right now.

What I offer:

• In-service workshops and training for school staff
• Crisis intervention consultation
• Implementation support for teams and schools
• Individual and group coaching
• Online courses and webinars

I am available for in-person training and for virtual sessions. 

Questions? Email me at [email protected] 

Ready to bring psychological flexibility to your school? Email me or schedule a free consultation.