Our Team
Board of Directors 2023-2025
Mike Giambona, Ph.D., LEP, President Elect
Mike Giambona, Ph.D., is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with over 20 years of experience across public education, academia, and private practice. He specializes in student mental health within educational settings and has extensive experience developing and supervising Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) programs.
For two decades, Dr. Giambona has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of the Pacific, teaching and mentoring the next generation of school psychologists. Through his private practice and district consulting work, he provides individual therapy, psychological assessments, and Independent Educational Evaluations while guiding school districts in special education policy, audits, and systems improvement.
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Chris Jones, CAGS, LEP, Immediate Past CASP President
Chris is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and credentialed school psychologist who has worked in private practice and public schools for over 25 years. Chris has experience in the areas of Autism, learning disabilities, mental health, and crisis response. He is currently a school psychologist at the Ventura Unified School District, maintains his private practice, and is the Chair of the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
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Gina Beaman, Psy.D., LEP, LMFT, PPSC, President Elect
Dr. Gina Beaman, PsyD, LEP, LMFT, is President-Elect of the California Association of School Psychologists. With more than 25 years of experience as a school psychologist, she has served as Co-Chair of the CASP Ethics Committee for the past four years and is a former Co-Chair and current member of the APA Division 16 Ethics Committee. She also formerly co-chaired CASP’s IDEAL Committee. Dr. Beaman is the founder of AI Literacy Learning Hub, LLC, where she develops training and resources to help education and mental health professionals integrate artificial intelligence ethically, legally, and responsibly into professional practicefering extensive expertise across diverse settings.
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Leticia Zadrozny-Zelaya, MA, Secretary Treasurer
Leticia holds a M.A. in Educational and Counseling Psychology and Ed.S. in School Psychology from the University of the Pacific. Additionally, she has been a school psychologist for over 10 years and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Licensed Educational Psychologist. She specializes in bilingual assessments, utilizing technology to improve learner outcomes, and organizational strategies for school psychologists.
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Richard Juarez, M.A., Ed.S., Affiliate Representative
Richard Juarez is a full-time M.A. Ed.S. school psychologist in Riverside County with over 16 years of experience in education, including 10 years as a school psychologist. He currently serves as President of the Riverside Association of School Psychologists and is a leader in bilingual psychoeducational evaluations. Richard is passionate about advancing the profession and helping students, families, and schools create positive, lasting change.
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April Major, MA, Ed.S., Region I Representative
I hold a M.A. and Ed.S from Brandman University (now recognized as UMass Global). After five years of being a school psychologist in the Napa Valley Unified School District, I am starting the next chapter as the Special Education Coordinator of Alternative and Post-Secondary Placements. In addition, I have served two years as a union board member on the Napa Association of Pupil Services (NAPS). I am passionate and curious about all things legal within the special education world, and I find my best recharging takes place at the beach, lake, and/or river.
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Katie Pettersen, Ed. S., NCSP, Region II Representative
Katie is a nationally certified school psychologist with Santa Clara Unified School District, Secretary of the Santa Clara County Association of School Psychologists, and adjunct faculty with UMass Global’s school psychology program. She specializes in conducting cross-battery psychoeducational assessments with a pattern of strengths and weaknesses analysis, as well as advocating for inclusive practices for LGBTQ+ folks, with an emphasis on transgender and gender non-binary students.
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Connie-Marie King, MS, Region III Representative
Connie-Marie King has been a school psychologist in Kern County since 2020. She has been an active member of her local affiliate and enjoys giving back to her community and advocating for her school psychologists. Prior to becoming a school psychologist, Connie-Marie worked as a behavior therapist and hopes to continue her passion and earn her BCBA.
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Heather Miles, PsyD, LEP, Region IV Representative
Dr. Heather Miles has worked in education for the past 30 years and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to every encounter she has with parents, students, and school district staff. She currently works as a Special Education Specialist in the Los Angeles Unified School District while also maintaining a private practice for clients in Ventura County and surrounding areas. Her expertise is in Trauma-Informed care of specialized populations of students, including foster and adopted youth.
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Crista Gonzalez, MA, PPS, LEP, Region V Representative
Crista is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and UCLA doctoral candidate with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. She has over 27 years in education as a Teacher, Counselor, and currently a School Psychologist. Crista runs a private practice focused on neurodivergent clients using strength-based, culturally responsive assessments. She mentors future professionals and leads union advocacy to support and advance the role of School Psychologists.
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Yolanda Haro, M.Ed, Region VI Representative
Yolanda has been serving as a school psychologist for the last 13 years and is currently the Lead School Psychologist at Hemet Unified School District. She has experience working as a bilingual school psychologist and the school psychologist for the district's Behavioral and Mental Health Team working alongside the ERMHS team. She is also an adjunct professor for California Baptist University in Riverside in the school psychology program.
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Adrienne Barker, LEP, Region VII Representative
Adrienne is an award-winning school and licensed educational psychologist with over 24 years of experience working with at-risk youth. Professionally, she is passionate about learning disabilities, mental health outreach, and crisis prevention. Additionally, as a beach lover and foodie, she enjoys farmers markets, travel, and cooking in her free time. She is also a proud alum of both SDSU and AlliantIU.
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Maya Perales Lee, MA, Region VIII Representative
Maya Perales Lee is a school psychologist in Ventura County, serving the community that raised her. She has worked in various educational roles, including teaching, college and career advising, and as a school psychologist. She graduated with her Master of Science from California State University, Northridge, and is in the process of earning her doctoral degree, researching the intersection of race and class during students with disabilities’ transition to adulthood. She is particularly passionate about strength-based assessments and supporting students in developing self-advocacy skills.
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Jennifer Strong, Ph.D., ABSNP, LEP, Region IX Representative
Dr. Jennifer Strong is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and the founder of Cognitive Diagnostic Associates, the largest provider of Independent Educational Evaluations in the nation. CDA operates across California, Texas, and other states, offering comprehensive evaluations through a multidisciplinary team. She has contributed to shaping policies and procedures, including Special Circumstances Instructional Assistance (SCIA). She is passionate about supporting families, mentoring professionals, and helping shape the future of school psychology.
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Stephanie Hewitt, Ed.S., NCSP, LEP, ABSNP, Region X Representative
I am a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist with 15 years of experience supporting children, families, and school teams. I have a Master's and an Education Specialist degree from CSUS. I worked for school districts for 8 years and then founded Learning Pathways Educational Psychology PC, a group practice in Folsom, California, where I lead a team of LEPs providing independent educational evaluations and private psychoeducational evaluations for families and school districts across Northern CA.
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Specialists
Position | First | Last | Email |
|---|---|---|---|
CSP Editorial Board, Editor Emeritus | Michael | Hass | |
CSP Editorial Board, Editor in Chief | Meagan | O’Malley
| |
Co-Specialist, Assessment | Diane | Gilbert | |
Co-Specialist, Assessment | Amy | Merenda | |
Historian | Christine | Toleson | |
NASP Delegate | Jeannine | Topalian | |
SPEC Liaison | Kelly | Kennedy | |
SELPA Liaison | Tracy | Peyton-Perry |
Committee Chairs
Position | First | Last | Email |
|---|---|---|---|
Co-Chair, Legislative and Advocacy | Michele | Custer | |
Co-Chair, Legislative and Advocacy | Jeannine | Topalian | |
Co-Chair, Membership | Adrienne | Barker | |
Co-Chair, Membership | Emily | Bersaglia | |
Co-Chair, Communications | Barbara | D’Incau | |
Co-Chair, Professional Learning | Terri | Foster | |
Co-Chair, Professional Learning | Sarah | Rodriguez | |
Co-Chair, Ethics/Professional Standards | Gina | Beaman | |
Co-Chair, Ethics | Melissa | Wood | |
Co-Chair, IDEAL | Nel | Romo | |
Co-Chair, Mental Wellness | Tom | Sopp | |
Co-Chair, Mental Wellness | Stephanie | Murray | |
Co-Chair, Student Leadership | Lore’K | Garofola | |
Co-Chair, Student Leadership | Yolanda | Haro | |
Co-Chair, Convention | Giniena | Tan | |
Co-Chair, Convention | Cassie | Rivera | |
Co-Chair, LEP/Private Practice | Wendell | Callahan | |
Co-Chair, LEP/Private Practice | Chris | Jones |
Join a Committee
Not quite ready to serve on the Board, but want to get more involved in CASP? Think about joining a committee! Whether you’re interested in recruiting members, advocating for your profession, or organizing educational events, we have a committee for you. You’ll meet new people, become part of the inner circle, learn new skills, and be recognized for your contribution to the profession.
Past Presidents
From 1950 to present – view a list of every past CASP president.
CASP Staff
Paul Cauchi, Executive Director
Paul recently joined the team as the Executive Director. With 20 years of senior level association experience, he is mission-oriented and focused on providing world-class programs, education, advocacy and services to the 2,000 CASP members. Prior to association management, Paul worked in marketing and finance. He loves music (both listening and playing) as well as hiking and spending time with his wife Magdalena and two kids Karolina and Jake.
Please contact me for:
- Board of Directors
- Volunteering
- Strategic Partnerships
- Advocacy & Policy
- Media Inquiries
- Accounts Payable
Beth Bettencourt, Meetings and Events Manager
Beth is an experienced association and hospitality executive with over 25 years of leadership in meeting management, event strategy and association operations. She prides herself on delivering high-quality events and programs that enhance member engagement, strengthen industry relationships, and support organizational growth. Outside of work you can find Beth at the baseball field along with her husband Todd, cheering on their two sons Tyler and Ryan.
Please contact me for:
- Continuing Education
- Events
Josh Johnson, Information Technology Manager
Josh has been CASP’s Information Technology Manager since 2011. Before joining this talented team, he freelanced for graphic design and web development. His hobbies include photography, graphic design, video games, and home automation.
Please contact me for:
- Issues with the CASP website or CASP emails
- Suggestions or feedback for the CASP website
- The LEP Directory
Tamara Warta, Administrative Assistant
Tamara recently joined CASP as an administrative assistant. Formerly a freelance writer, she has long held a passion for non-profit work, and serves as Creative Director of Royal Stage Christian Performing Arts. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, she loves to travel to other countries, teach dance, participate in community theater, and have adventures with her husband, two children, and their histrionic dog, Maple.
Please contact me for:
- Administrative responsibilities
- Accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Member support
Cody Zimmer, Membership Marketing and Communications Manager
Cody is CASP’s Membership Marketing and Communications Manager and brings a background in content marketing, education, account management, and digital communications. He previously worked in marketing for technology companies in the Bay Area, where he focused on shaping communication that is useful, straightforward, and effective. In his free time, Cody enjoys cooking, language learning, going to concerts with his wife, and serving as a private chef to their very picky cat.
Please contact me for:
- Membership support
- Marketing Inquiries
- Newsletter Sponsorships
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