Kristen M (Cunningham) Jones, PsyD
Nova Southeastern University
NSU Office: (954) 262-5884
Business: (561) 342-1003
kristen@childpsyd.com
CURRENT POSITION
Assistant Director, School-related Psychological Assessments and Clinical Interventions
Assistant Clinical Professor, Nova Southeastern University
Adjunct Faculty Instructor, Nova Southeastern University
EDUCATION
Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology August 2006
Nova Southeastern University-Fort Lauderdale, Florida
American Psychological Association-accredited program
Master of Science, Clinical Psychology August 2003
Nova Southeastern University-Fort Lauderdale, Florida
American Psychological Association-accredited program
Post-Baccalaureate, Pre-Medicine August 2000
Towson University-Towson, Maryland
Bachelor of Science, Psychology May 1999
Clinical Concentration
Towson University-Towson, Maryland
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS
Licensed Psychologist Florida PY 7637 January 2008
American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health June 2008
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Nova Southeastern University Psychology Services Center July 2009-Present
School-related Psychological Assessments and Clinical Interventions (SPACI)
Assistant Director
SPACI offers comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for school-related academic, behavioral, developmental, and learning problems. As Assistant Director, provides and assists in the administration of clinic and the delivery of supervision to practicum students, interns and postdoctoral residents; training experiences for all trainees; and clinical services to clients in the Psychology Services Center’s (PSC) School-related Psychological Assessments and Clinical Interventions (SPACI) clinic. Provides crisis clinician coverage and coordinates day-to-day operations of this specialty clinic.
Nova Southeastern University Psychology Services Center July 2008-June 2009
School-related Psychological Assessments and Clinical Interventions (SPACI)
Acting Director
SPACC offers comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for school-related academic, behavioral, developmental, and learning problems. As director, worked with the Director of Clinical Services/Chief Psychologist to ensure the professional quality of services and training and optimal PSC operations. Monitored compliance of agency policy and procedures, data collection and chart documentation and supervise student coordinators. Maintained and monitored SPACI revenues and expenses and assisted in budget preparation. Marketed the SPACI program in the community at health fairs and other appropriate venues.
Nova Southeastern University Psychology Services Center September 2007-June 2008
School-related Psychological Assessments and Clinical Interventions (SPACI)
Assistant Director
Nova Southeastern University September 2007-April 2010
Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies
Staff Psychologist
Served as consulting and treating psychologist for the many programs housed within this comprehensive early childhood institute, including the Family Center Preschool, Family Center Infant and Toddler Program, The Parenting Place, Baudhuin Preschool, and Starting Right. Provided clinical supervision to practicum students and post-doctoral residents and consultative, clinical, and training services to staff and families. Assisted in the development of and served as chief psychologist of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Assessment and Diagnostic Clinic of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation Clinic.
Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center October 2004-June 2006
North Miami, FL
Program Coordinator: Special Needs Teen Group
Coordinated and facilitated a series of monthly social activities for teenage population with varying special needs.
Division of Early Childhood Education July 2004- September 2005
Department of Pediatrics
The Mailman Center for Child Development
University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
Psychometrician/Therapist
Completed assessments of cognitive, developmental, academic, adaptive, and social-emotional functioning to Head Start students from ages birth to 5 years. Communicated results via integrated reports and educational case staffings. Provided individual therapy, behavioral therapy, and family intervention to Head Start students.
Division of Early Childhood Education April 2004-July 2004
Department of Pediatrics
The Mailman Center for Child Development
University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
Intervention Teacher
Provided language stimulation therapy to Head Start students from ages 3 to 5 years in the form of both individual and group intervention to facilitate progress toward Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goals.
Gabrielle Berryer, Ph.D., North Miami, FL December 2002-September 2003
Assessment Clinician
Assessed and evaluated a diverse population of clients presenting with a variety of disorders for the purpose of determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Income.
Therapeutic After-School Program August 2000-July 2001
Way Station at Howard County, Columbia, M D
Child and Adolescent Facilitator
Managed a personal caseload of youth clients and assessed, developed individual rehabilitation plans, evaluated progress towards treatment goals, and communicated weekly with family, educators, and clinicians. Delivered daily social skills training in the form of therapeutic groups and off-site sessions within the school setting and the community. Responsibilities included designing psychosocial group topics and activities as well as recreational, dramatic, and artistic therapeutic activities. Parent training was provided to teach parents how to implement behavioral interventions.
POST-DOCTORAL SUPERVISED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida September 2006-August 2007
Psychology Postdoctoral Resident
Supervisors: Ralph. E. “Gene” Cash, Ph.D., Scott Poland, Ed.D., and Donna Nuygen, Psy.D.
Worked exclusively with Nova Southeastern University’s University School (Pre K- 12) and the School Psychology Assessment and Consultation Center of the Psychological Services Center at Nova Southeastern University. Provided services to students in grades Pre-K through 12, including psychological and psychoeducational assessment, individual counseling and psychotherapy, and school-based intervention groups. Assisted in research-related activities and provided in-service training to various constituencies. Consultative services were provided to school staff to assist with the implementation of recommended accommodations, enhancement of learning outcomes of students, management of behavior, and development of Individualized Educational Plans. Provided case consultation to teachers and staff of the University School on a multitude of issues, such as curriculum delivery, classroom behavior management, and individualized accommodations and modifications to meet learning and behavioral needs of students.
PREDOCTORAL TRAINING
Department of Pediatrics September 2005-August 2006
The Mailman Center for Child Development
Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, Miami, Florida
Pediatric/Child Clinical Psychology Intern
Supervisors: Alisa Manulkin, Ph.D. and Ruby Natale, Psy.D., Ph.D.
Delivered psychological and consultative services to children, their families, and school personnel of Head Start centers throughout Miami through primary rotation. Provided full psychoeducational and psychological assessment batteries to a wide-age range of children and adolescents through Head Start and Psychological Assessment Services (PAS) rotations. Research activities included coordination of the evaluation of a collaborative Early Learning Opportunity Act research project, Community for Quality Early Learning and Literacy (C-Quell), whose partners included the Broward Early Learning Coalition, the United Way of Broward County, Family Central, Inc., the School Board of Broward County, Nova Southeastern University, the University of Miami, and Yale University. Completed an elective rotation delivering individual and family therapy within the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic, a multi-disciplinary clinic consisting of psychology trainees and pediatric residents. Completed developmental assessments and provided consultation to staff and families within an interdisciplinary early intervention program (Early Steps) for infants and toddlers ages birth through 36 months. Supplementary experiences included delivering consultation to pediatric residents and attendants through rotations in a general pediatric primary care clinic and a hematology/oncology services unit. Provided direct and indirect psychological services to both outpatient and inpatient pediatric patients.
Child Outpatient Program August 2003-August 2004
NSU Community Mental Health Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Practicum Student/Psychology Trainee
Supervisors: Yukari Tomozawa, Psy.D. and Sarah Valley-Gray, Psy.D.
Delivered psychological services to children, adolescents, and their families in an outpatient setting. Psychotherapy modalities included individual, family and group counseling. Assessment activities consisted of administering psychoeducational and psychological evaluations, interpreting results, preparing reports, and providing feedback. Designed and co-facilitated a social skills group, held at the Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies, entitled Friendship Builders.
Children and Family Consortium at Easter Seals August 2002-August 2003
Plantation, FL
Practicum Student/Psychology Trainee
Supervisors: Aharona Surowitz, Ph.D., Monica Dowling, Ph.D., and David Reitman, Ph.D.
Delivered psychological services to children and adolescents in school and clinical outpatient setting. Treatment modalities included individual, family, and group counseling. Provided teacher consultation, school readiness screenings, individual therapy, and social skills training groups at clinical placement within David Posnack Jewish Community Center, Early Childhood Center and Elementary School. Facilitated social skills group for males ages 10 to 12 years with autism spectrum diagnoses. Facilitated parent training series on the development of language and play skills in young children. Administered and interpreted full psychoeducational and psychological batteries. Supervised current practicum students’ administration of and interpretation of school readiness screenings.
Holy Spirit Elementary School, Baltimore, MD February 1999-May 1999
Undergraduate Intern in Group Dynamics
Supervisor: Tom Monahan, LCSW-C
Co-facilitated weekly therapeutic groups with 11 to 12-year-old males referred for oppositional behaviors and conduct problems including violence, substance use, and truancy.
Therapeutic Preschool at Forbush School October 1998-May 1999
Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD
Undergraduate Clinical Intern
Supervisors: Nancy Newman, LCSW-C and Jean Ayers, Psy.D.
Assisted educators and clinicians in Level-V-school serving children with emotional and behavioral disturbances. As intern, was responsible for assisting with assessment, design, and implementation of behavioral interventions for children ages 4 through 6 years.
Villa Maria Therapeutic After School Program January 1998-May 1998
Timonium, MD
Undergraduate Clinical Intern
Supervisors: Susan Dame, LCSW-C and Lin Hargrove, LCSW-C
Assisted with the design and implementation of behavior modification techniques and therapeutic interventions, including in vivo therapies and psychosocial groups. Presenting problems included behavioral, emotional, conduct disorders, and sexual trauma.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL Fall 2006-Present
Adjunct Faculty Instructor
Programs: Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
Doctoral Program in School Psychology
Specialist Program in School Psychology
Course: Practicum in School Psychology: Advanced Interventions
Program: Doctoral Program in School Psychology
This practicum is designed for candidates to develop further competencies in the areas of assessment, consultation, and intervention with expanded populations in varied settings.
Course: Practicum in School Psychology: Applied Skills
Program: Specialist Program in School Psychology
The purpose of the practicum is to provide the school psychology student with a comprehensive field-based experience in the areas of assessment, consultation, and intervention planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Course: Integrated Report Writing
Program: Specialist Program in School Psychology
The primary goal of this course is for the student to write a well-integrated and meaningful psychoeducational report and learn the art of providing feedback to parents, teachers, and other professionals. Emphasis is placed on understanding the legal issues involved in report writing within the school setting.
Course: Projective/Objective Personality Assessment
Program: Specialist Program in School Psychology
This course provides an introduction to the theory, administration, scoring, and interpretation of the major projective assessment measures. Objective measures are also utilized and the student receives an introduction to integrating materials for the purpose of writing psychological test reports.
Course: Teaching of Psychology
Program: Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
This seminar focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching undergraduate and graduate psychology. Examination of models of course construction, teaching pedagody, and assessment of learning are explored. Students create an individual philosophy of teaching with a focus on identity development, both as a psychologist and educator. Didactic training is complemented by experiential opportunities for teaching in a variety of formats.
Course: Assessment of Low Incidence Populations
Program: Specialist Program in School Psychology
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the assessment of low incidence populations. Exceptionalities explored include Visually Impaired, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Dual Sensory Impaired, Physically Impaired, Traumatic Brain Injured, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, as well as chronically medically ill and low-incidence childhood-onset psychiatric disorders.
Course: Assessment: Intelligence Testing
Program: Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology and Specialist Program in School Psychology
The administration, interpretation, and communication of results of major intelligence tests are the focus of this course. Emphasis is placed on the many aspects of interpretation and report writing, including diversity issues.
Course: Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
Program: Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
This course provides a comprehensive examination of specific disorders and problematic psychological states during childhood and adolescence. An emphasis is placed on the description, theoretical conceptualization, and etiology of the disorders.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE
Specialist Program in School Psychology August 2002-August 2005
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Program Coordinator
Assisted with the development and implementation of the Specialist Program in School Psychology. Facilitated the preparation of DOE, NASP, and SACS documentation. Assisted in Department of Education (DOE) approval process and program and curriculum planning. Created and managed testing budget, as well as ordered testing equipment, textbooks, and resource materials for main campus and off-campus sites. Served as a liaison between specialist students and program administrators. Assisted with the production of program applications and brochures, course syllabi, and program handbooks. Wrote articles in Center’s newsletter to inform staff and students of program activities. Designed program promotional materials. Enhanced professional relations with statewide trainers, legislators, practicing professionals, and administrators. Obtained and compiled literature on best practices in school psychology.
RESEARCH
Levine, R., Cunningham, K., Friedland, E., Barnes, N., Chancey, L., Packer-Muti, B., Cash, G., & Duong, L. (2011-2012). Empowering Teachers: Differentiated Teaching for Positive Outcomes. Nova Southeastern University’s Chancellor’s Faculty Research and Development Grant ($10,000).
Sheinberg, N., Kabot, S., Parker, R., Brett Gordon, A., Cunningham, K., & Schrot, E. (2009-2010). A Comparison of Two Models of Parenting Support for Families with Children with Autism. Nova Southeastern University’s Quality of Life Faculty Community-Based Applied Research Grant ($10,000).
Levine, R., Barnes, N., Newman, W., Krasky, D., Friedland, E., Dunbar, S., Cunningham, K., Barrera, G., Chancey, L., & Kay, S. (2007-2008). Learning Differences: Training Personnel to Facilitate Competence. Nova Southeastern University President’s Faculty Research and Development Grant ($10,000).
DISSERTATION COMMITTEES
Bruder, L. (2012). Effects of depression and anxiety disorders in children on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Nova Southeastern University.
Driest, J. (2012). Teachers’ Judgments Related to Emergent Literacy Skills in Preschoolers. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Nova Southeastern University.
PRESENTATIONS
Kostolitz, A., Mcgregor, S., Levine, R., Jones, K., Cash, G. (2012). Critical Thinking Skills: Can Learning Disordered Kids Learn Them? Research presentation at the Annual Conference of the Florida Association of School Psychologists, Orlando, Florida.
Kostolitz, A., Pilelsky, R., & Cunningham, K. (2011). Critical Thinking and Its Impact on Academic Success. Skill building session at the Annual Conference of the Florida Association of School Psychologists, Orlando, Florida.
Rothenberg, A., Mackelprang, J., Regan, K., Valley-Gray, S., Nierenberg, B., Ray, S., Fins, A., & Cunningham, K. (2008). Empowering Future Faculty: Graduate Training in the Teaching of Psychology. Student research presentation at the Annual Conference of the Florida Association of School Psychologists, Orlando, Florida.
Valley-Gray, S., Cash, G., Cunningham, K., & Driest, J. (2008). Continuing Education: Fostering Lifelong Learning for School Psychologists. Round table discussion at the Annual Conference of the Florida Association of School Psychologists, Orlando, Florida.
Benmeleh, E., Shapiro, L., Cunningham, K., & Valley-Gray, S. (2008). Latino Preschool Students: Sociocultural Factors Affective Emerging Literacy. Student research presentation at the Annual Conference of the Florida Association of School Psychologists, Orlando, Florida.
Christiansen, H., Cgioia, C., Cunningham, K., & Valley-Gray, S. (2006). Results of the 2006 Internship Standardization Process: Lessons Learned. Round table discussion at the Annual Conference of the Florida Association of School Psychologists, Orlando, Florida.
Cunningham, K., Valley-Gray, S., & Templeton, R. (2005). School Psychology Standardized Internship Application Process. Round table discussion at the Annual Conference of the Florida Association of School Psychologists, Hollywood, Florida.
PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS
Cunningham, K. & Hopkins, J. (2006). Early Language and Literacy Classroom Observation (ELLCO): Administration and Interpretation. Workshop at Family Central Inc., North Lauderdale, Florida.
COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Cunningham, K. (2009). Early Warning Signs of Autism and the Importance of Early Intervention. Invited lecture at the Barnes and Noble Bookfair supporting Nova Southeastern University Mailman Segal Institute’s Programs for Children with Autism, Plantation, Florida.
Cunningham, K. (2007). The Psychologist as a Primary Care Consultant (2007). Invited lecture for the Nova Southeastern University Internship Consortium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Krasky, D. & Cunningham, K. (2007). Empower Your Child to be a Successful Learner. Invited presentation at Mary Help of Christians Catholic School, Parkland, Florida.
Krasky, D. & Cunningham, K. (2007). Empower Your Child to be a Successful Learner. Parent presentation, Plantation, Florida.
Cunningham, K. (2003). Psychoeducational Assessment: Methods and Measures. Presentation to the Child Outpatient Program at Nova Southeastern University Community Mental Health Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
PAPER PRESENTATIONS
Weinberg, L., Evans, B., Jones, K., Cash, R., & Mittenberg, W. (June, 2013). The Effects of Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Children on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition. Paper presentation at the 11th Annual Conference of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, Chicago, Illinois.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Cantrell, C., Cunningham, K., Cash, R. E., & Valley-Gray, S. (2012). CHIPS (Collaborative, Hierarchical, Intensive Programmatic Supervision): A Tiered-Model for Supervision of Psychology Trainees. Poster presentation at the National Conference for Contemporary Issues in School Psychology Education and Training, Philadelphia, PA.
Camejo, S.T., Cantrell, C., Tilluckdharry, N., Valley-Gray, S., Waguespack, A., Cash, R.E., & Cunningham, K. (2011). Creating a Doctoral Program in School Psychology: Lessons Learned. Poster presentation at the Trainers in School Psychology (TSP) 2011 Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.
Cantrell, C., Mackelprang, J., Valley-Gray, S., Cunningham, K., & Cash, R. E. (2010). CHIPS (Collaborative, Hierarchical, Intensive Programmatic Supervision): A Model for Training. Poster presentation at the National Conference on Contemporary Issues in School Psychology Education & Training, Chicago, IL.
Brown, K., & Cunningham, K. (2009). Peer-Mediated Play: Improving Social Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Peers. Poster presentation at the Annual Conference of the Florida Association of School Psychologists, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Shapiro, L., Benmeleh, E., Bruder L., Marocco, L., Henry, L., Cunningham, K., Valley-Gray, S., & Cash, R. E. (2009). Bilingualism and Emergent Literacy: What School Psychologists Need to Know. Poster presentation at the Annual Convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, Boston, Massachusetts.
Shapiro, L., Benmeleh, E., Driest, J., Bruder, L., Marocco, L., Garcia, J., Cunningham, K., Valley-Gray, S., & Cash, R.E. (2009). Teacher Expectations Regarding Preschoolers’ Academic Performance. Poster presentation at the Annual Convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, Boston, Massachusetts.
Cunningham, K., Cash, R. E., Valley-Gray, S. (2008). Nova Southeastern University’s School Psychology Assessment and Consultation Center: An Innovative Training Model. Poster presentation at the Trainers in School Psychology (TSP) Conference of the Annual Convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, New Orleans, Louisiana
Cunningham, K., Valley-Gray, S., Templeton, R., & Cash, R. E. (2006). Standardized School Psychology Internship Application Process: Advice from the Trenches. Poster presentation at the Annual Convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, Anaheim, California.
PUBLICATIONS
Snyder, J., Cash, R. E., Valley-Gray, S., & Cunningham, K. (2010). Continuing education: Fostering lifelong learning. In J. Kaufman, T. Hughes & C. Riccio (Eds.), Handbook of education, training, and supervision of school psychologists in school and community (Vol. II, pp. 245-262). New York, NY: Routledge.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Student Life Achievement Awards Alumnus of the Year Finalist 2010
School Psychology Professor of the Year 2008-2009
Magna Cum Laude 1999
Honors College Graduate 1999
Golden Key National Honor Society Inducted 1998 Dean’s List Spring 1996-Summer 2000
Presidential Scholar 1995-1999
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE WORK
Psychology Postdoctoral Residency, Clinical Training Committee: 2009-Present
Interdisciplinary Council for the Study of Autism, Clinic Subcommittee: 2008-2010
Internal Review Committee, Academic Program Review:
External Member: Fall 2011
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Member 2005-Present
Program Reviewer: 2010-Present
National and State Credentialing Committee: 2008-2009
Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP): Member 2002-Present
Executive Board Member
Newsletter Co-Chair: 2010-2012
Professional Development Committee: 2003
Training and Credentialing Committee: 2002, 2004-2009
Awards Committee: 2002
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Board of Program Reviewers: 2010-Present.