Expert Learning, Behavior & Social Emotional Evaluations in the North Bay Area
Worried About Your Child’s Learning or Behavior? We Can Help.
Comprehensive evaluations and expert guidance for dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, and other developmental and learning challenges, so your child can thrive at school and at home.
You know your child. And you can tell they experience the world a little differently.
When children are misunderstood, their potential remains locked away, impacting their confidence, sense of belonging, and future.
You might notice:
They mix up sounds in words, struggle to spell, or avoid reading altogether
Following multi-step directions is a daily challenge
Certain sounds, textures, or changes in routine lead to meltdowns
They get “stuck” on a topic or activity and have trouble shifting gears
They’re smart and curious, but reading and writing feel like a battle
Teachers say they’re “not trying” or “disruptive,” but you know there’s more to the story
The sooner you get clarity about what’s really going on, the sooner you can take action.
Transform Confusion into Clarity
Find out what’s going on with your child and get guidance on the best way to support them.
Move forward with:
A thorough evaluation tailored to your child's needs
Expert recommendations for immediate and effective support
Compassionate help navigating the education system
Guidance to strengthen learning, behavior, and confidence
We Understand the Journey You're On
With over 5,000 children served collectively, our team brings expertise in learning, developmental, and emotional challenges, plus a heartfelt commitment to helping children thrive.
Annalise Puentes
Co-Owner,
Licensed Educational Psychologist,
ABSNP
Bethany Deniz
Co-Owner,
Licensed Educational Psychologist,
ABSNP
Stephanie Dow-Romero
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Cara Vidano
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Kassie Parnow
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, BCBA
Brianna Semple
Administrative Assistant
3 Simple Steps to Understanding Your
Child’s Needs
STEP 1
Free
Consultation
Schedule a time to chat with us about your concerns, and we’ll determine the right path
forward.
STEP 2
Personalized
Evaluation
We’ll conduct a thorough, individualized evaluation to uncover your child’s unique
strengths and challenges.
STEP 3
Confident
Next Steps
Receive expert recommendations and a clear action plan so you can support your child with confidence.
EmpowerED Services
Psychoeducational Evaluations
If you’re wondering why your child is struggling with learning, focus, or emotional or behavioral challenges, our comprehensive evaluation uncovers how your child learns and where they may need support. We assess for Autism, ADHD, and learning differences like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. You’ll get clear answers and a plan to help them thrive.
Executive Functioning Coaching
If your child has a hard time with organization, planning, or staying focused, they’re not alone. We offer one-on-one coaching to build practical skills that will support their academic and personal success for years to come.
IQ Testing for Private Schools
Need an IQ test for private school admissions or placement? We make the process smooth and supportive, with assessments that meet school requirements and put your child at ease.
Dyslexia Evaluations
If your child struggles to sound out words, avoids reading, or has trouble spelling, a dyslexia evaluation can help uncover the reason behind those challenges. When dyslexia is identified early, the right support can lead to meaningful progress.
School Neuropsychological Evaluations
Bethany and Annalise are trained to conduct School Neuropsychological Evaluations, which provide a deeper, more detailed look at how your child’s brain processes information. Because of this training, both our Psychoeducational Evaluations and School Neuropsychological Evaluations are comprehensive and based on an understanding of neuropsychological functioning.
Behavior Support & Coaching
We work with you to create plans to address behaviors wherever you need them most. This could be a parenting approach, home strategies, or a school support plan—especially helpful for families navigating ADHD, autism, or anxiety.
IEP Consulting & School Meeting Support
If you’re feeling unsure about your child’s school evaluation or what to do next, we’re here to help. We’ll walk you through the results, explain your options, and support you at school meetings if needed, making sure you feel confident, informed, and heard every step of the way.
IEEs: Independent Educational Evaluations
If a school-based evaluation didn’t tell the full story, you have the right to request an IEE. We provide comprehensive, student-centered evaluations that offer a clear, unbiased understanding of your child’s needs.
The Right Support Makes All the Difference
“They have gifted me and my child a more positive relationship and experience with schooling, homework and life-long learning.”
“My daughter's evaluation was so thorough and was able to identify a rare form of dyslexia, which was able to change our relationship and progress with reading. It had been a struggle since kindergarten and now for the first time, she is reading at grade level (in 5th grade).”
“Professional, ethical, on time, compassionate, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. I HIGHLY recommend EmpowerED!!”
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No. You do not need a referral to schedule an evaluation. If you suspect a learning disorder or other condition, or if your child is struggling and you want to understand why, you can reach out to us directly. We’re here to help you get clear answers and the right support.
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Dyslexia is diagnosed through a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation that looks at how your child reads, writes, spells, and processes language. We use standardized tests, observations, and input from parents and teachers to understand your child's learning profile. The goal is to determine whether your child shows signs of dyslexia and to identify the best ways to support their success at school and at home.
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Yes. Educational psychologists can assess for ADHD as part of a comprehensive evaluation. We look at attention, focus, impulsivity, and executive functioning, using standardized tools, observations, and input from parents and teachers. If your child shows signs of ADHD, we provide clear findings and recommendations to support them at home and in school.
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All of our evaluations are conducted in person to ensure accuracy, comfort, and the highest quality of results.
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We’re located in Sebastopol, California, and serve families throughout the entire North Bay Area.
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We do our best to keep wait times extremely short. Please contact us directly to find out our current availability and schedule your child’s evaluation.
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Our services are not typically covered by insurance. However, you may be able to receive reimbursement for “out of network” services. We’re happy to provide you with a superbill that includes diagnostic and service codes for you to submit to your insurance company.
FAQs
There’s a Way Forward
It can feel overwhelming when your child is struggling and answers are hard to find. That’s why we’re here: to listen, evaluate, and show you the path forward.
Based in Sebastopol and serving Sonoma, Marin, and surrounding counties, we specialize in supporting families just like yours. Whether you're navigating school challenges, behavioral concerns, or learning or developmental differences like Autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, you don’t have to do it alone.