Kara K. Lyons, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist – Clinical Neuropsychology
PO BOX 460605
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33346
954.306.8819
kara@neurocognitiveconsultants.com
EDUCATION
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, 07/2006
PsyD in Clinical Psychology with specialized training in neuropsychology and school psychology
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, 04/2003
MS in Clinical Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, 05/2001
BS Major: Psychology; Minor: Education
CLINICAL LICENSURE AND CURRENT POSITIONS
2009 Licensed Clinical Psychologist, State of Florida PY 7947
2009-Present PRIVATE PRACTICE, Neurocognitive Consultants. Providing neuropsychological evaluation and consultation for children and adults to determine overall cognitive functioning for medical, vocational, and academic disciplines.
2014-Present CONSULTANT, NeuroBehavioral Institute. Coordination of outpatient testing services and provision of developmental, psychodiagnostic, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.
2013-Present CONSULTANT, CogState CT Clinical Trials. Providing consultation and training services for the clinical trial, entitled: “Phase IIA Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, 12-week, Parallel Group, Placebo-Controlled Proof of Concept Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of RO5285119 in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
2012-Present CONSULTANT, J. Olson Consulting. Responsible for training individuals on the ADOS and ADI for use in research and clinical trials.
2012-Present CONSULTANT, Nova Southeastern University. Responsible for confirming diagnoses of participants in two grant-funded studies examining vision testing, spectacle wear, and yoked prism prescribing in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
2014 Scripted Interaction Test (SCIT). L. Sterling, C. Kasari, J. McCracken; CogState (certification in progress).
2010 Postdoctoral Coursework: Neuroanatomy and Brain Cutting. Helen M. Bramlett, PhD; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Neurological Surgery.
2010 Postdoctoral Coursework: Foundations of Neuropsychology. Bonnie Levin, PhD; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Neurology.
2009 Attained research levels of reliability on the following Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis and phenotyping measures: Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
2006, 2008, 2009 Autism Diagnostic Observation System. Jennifer Olsen, PsyD; Presented at the University of Miami.
2008 & 2009 Autism Diagnostic Inventory, Revised (ADI-R). Jennifer Olsen, PsyD; Presented at the University of Miami.
July 2008 Autism Diagnostic Observation System – Toddler Module (ADOS-T). Susan Risi, PhD; University of Michigan.
2007 Screening Tool for Autism in Two-Years-Olds. Wendy Stone, PhD; Vanderbilt University.
PAST PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2012-2013 DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT, NeuroBehavioral Institute. Responsible for overall program development, coordination of outpatient testing services, clinical and administrative supervision, as well as provision of developmental, psychodiagnostic, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.
2010-2013 PEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST, Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Specialty Practice. Conducted neuropsychological evaluations assessing known or suspected brain dysfunction in children and adolescents in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Summer 2012 NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTANT. Conducted a neuropsychological evaluation in a federal case involving allegations of child pornography in an individual with Autism.
2008-2012 LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, University of Miami. Responsible for scientific coordination of all clinical aspects of nine inter-related projects funded by the NIH and Autism Speaks focusing on young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Primary responsibilities included conducting psychometric and diagnostic testing as well as structured diagnostic interviews to determine diagnosis. Trained staff and students in assessment strategies, supervised clinical work and report writing, and provided mentoring regarding research and professional development. Consulted with community programs to increase awareness of early indicators of ASDs.
Fall 2011 NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTANT, Conducted a neuropsychological evaluation for a class action suit involving carbon monoxide exposure.
Spring 2007 ASSESSMENT CLINICIAN, Gabrielle Berryer, Ph.D. Conducted psychological and psychoeducational evaluations to children and adults for a private practitioner to supplement professional training.
Fall 2006 ASSESSMENT CLINICIAN, Broward Psychological Associates. Administered psychological and neuropsychological evaluations to children and adults to determine overall cognitive functioning for medical, vocational, and academic disciplines.
Fall 2006 NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CONSTULANT, Conducted a neuropsychological evaluation under the supervision of G. MoscosoBerryer, Ph.D to facilitate proper sentencing following proceedings of a federal international fraud case.
2004-2005 ASSESSMENT CLINICIAN, Jacqueline C. Valdes, Ph.D., P.A. Completed neuropsychological assessments for children and adults with suspected neurological impairment in a private practice setting. Referred clientele included medical, legal, and academic consults. Supplementary experiences included participation in a multidisciplinary preventative program for infants and toddlers at Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital Developmental Clinic as well as complementary training at Memorial Regional Hospital’s Memory Disorder Clinic to assess individuals who exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders.
2002-2005 ASSESSMENT CLINICIAN, Gabrielle Berryer, PhD. Evaluated a diverse population presenting with a variety of disorders for the purpose of determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Income. Assessment measures included a mental status examination as well as intelligence, achievement, projective, and objective tests.
Spring 2004 ASSESSMENT CLINICIAN, Neuropsychology Assessment Center. Administered neuropsychological evaluations to children with suspected neurological dysfunction.
2000-2001 TELEPHONE COUNSELOR AND TRAINER, Alachua County Crisis Center. Stabilized clientele presenting with a variety of disorders, who were unable to effectively cope with crises. Other duties included answering North Florida Suicide Hotline, Rumor Control, and United Way Information and Referral, assisting with after-hours emergency mental health services and victim advocacy, and supervision of trainees.
POST-DOCTORAL SUPERVISED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
2009-2011 PEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL RESIDENT, Patrick W. Gorman, PsyD, ABPP. Conducted comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations assessing the cognitive and behavioral affects of known or suspected brain dysfunction with standardized measures of intellectual, academic, neurocognitive, and emotional functioning. Referred clientele included children and adults from a variety of medical, legal, and academic consults.
2006-2008 AUTISM PROGRAM SPECIALIST, Peter Mundy, PhD and Daniel Messinger, PhD, University of Miami. Responsible for scientific coordination of four inter-related grant-funded projects.Conducted diagnostic evaluations of cognitive and developmental functioning, determined the presence of Autistic symptomatology, and measured emotional development of infants and young children. Professional activities comprise supervision of clinical aspects of the projects, including: participant screening; supervision of graduate and undergraduate research assistants; and data collection and analysis. Work collaboratively with other research scientists in the development of grant submissions, manuscripts for publication, and presentations of research at conferences and workshops.
PREDOCTORAL TRAINING
2005-2006 NEUROPSYCHOLOGY INTERN, Lewisville Independent School District/Our Children’s House at Baylor University Medical Center. Delivered neuropsychological services to children, families, and school personnel. Additional specialized training in neuropsychological assessment, rehabilitation, and intervention programming for children experiencing acute traumatic brain injury, various syndromes, and anoxic insults at Our Children’s House.
2004-2005 PRACTICUM STUDENT, Neuroscience & Behavioral Medicine, Miami Children’s Hospital. Provided neuropsychological services for in- and out-patient consults to determine brain dysfunction, assist in differential diagnosis, obtain baseline levels to monitor change over time, and assist in developing remedial intervention strategies. Additional experiences included weekly multi-disciplinary surgical conference presentations.
2003-2004 PRACTICUM STUDENT, Center for Group Counseling. Delivered psychological services, including Social Skills groups for children, couples’ therapy groups, adult therapy groups, caregivers’ support groups, and Alzheimer support groups, as well as psychological assessments across the lifespan. Supplementary activities included stabilizing clientele who were unable to effectively cope with crises, performing behavioral observations and teacher consultation for children in Head Start, and receiving extensive training in humanistic, client-centered approach to group therapy.
2002- 2003 PRACTICUM STUDENT, Children and Family Consortium at Easter Seals. Supplied psychological services to children in school and outpatient settings. Therapeutic experiences included behavioral observations, individual therapy sessions, social skills training, parent training, teacher consultation, and psychological evaluations. Further training consisted of the administration and interpretation of a full battery of psychoeducational measures for Broward County School System.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE
2002-2003 PROGRAM COORDINATOR, School Psychology Program, Nova Southeastern University. Facilitated the development and implementation of the Specialist Program in School Psychology by developing DOE and NASP program certification documentation as well as organizing faculty interviews, interviewing and selecting prospective students, and producing the program application, brochures.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
2010-2012 CONSULTANT, Nova Southeastern University. Responsible for confirming diagnoses of participants in a grant funded study investigating the relationship between convergence disorder and sensory processing patterns.
2009-2011 CONSULTANT, Florida International University. Conducted reliability administration and coding of the ADOS to determine group status of participants in a grant funded study examining attention and social orienting in children.
2010-2011 ASSESSMENT CLINICIAN, Florida Hospital. Conducted neuropsychological evaluations of adult patients with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus to investigate cognitive functioning pre- and post- lumbar drain and shunt placement.
2009 ASSESSMENT CLINICIAN, University of Miami. Conducted assessments with adolescents diagnosed with High Functioning Autism to investigate cognitive and adaptive functioning profiles in this population.
2007-2011 PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR, University of Miami. Investigated implications of cognitive, language, adaptive, and social factors as well as diagnostic stability within children at-risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
2006-2008 AUTISM RESEARCH COORDINATOR, Department of Psychology, University of Miami. Research endeavors included examining the broad autism phenotype, effective intervention, maternal sensitivity, correlates of language development, and attention factors related to young children. Professional activities comprised coordination and supervision of all research aspects of the projects, including: participant recruitment and retention; preparation of IRB materials and project reports; and data collection, management, and analysis.
2005- 2006 RESEARCH ASSISTANT to Alex Alexander, PhD, Lewisville Independent School District. Co-facilitated data collection and analysis in an investigation of the relationship between executive functions and emotional functioning in school-aged children receiving special education services.
2004-2005 RESEARCH ASSISTANT to Charles Golden, PhD, Neuropsychology Assessment Center, Nova Southeastern University. Administered neuropsychological evaluations to evaluate normal variation within the geriatric population.
2004-2005 RESEARCH ASSISTANT to Charles Golden, PhD, Neuropsychology Assessment Center, Nova Southeastern University. Reviewed and summarized literature discussing the Thematic Apperception Test to assist in the development of a more culturally acceptable measure.
2004-2005 RESEARCH ASSISTANT to Jacqueline C. Valdes, Ph.D., Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital Developmental Clinic. Facilitated data collection for a grant funded project evaluating the effects of prematurity on cognitive development by conducting clinical interviews, administering the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, and evaluating neurodevelopmental factors in an infant population.
2003-2004 PRINICIPLE INVESTIGATOR, Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University. Reviewed and analyzed longitudinal data of children who were admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at birth to determine the impact of birth weight and gestational age on their future cognitive development.
2003-2004 REARCH ASSISTANT to William J. Burns, PhD, Nova Southeastern University. Conducted a comprehensive literature review regarding medical factors that influence neurodevelopment. Further responsibility included data entry of neurodevelopmental factors and prematurity of children admitted into a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
2003 RESEARCH ASSISTANT to Ruby Natale, PhD and Susan Gold, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Miami. Participated in a collaborative, grant funded investigation by the United Way of Miami-Dade County and the University of Miami to examine the effectiveness of the Success by Six Program implemented in the Young Women’s Christian Association of Greater Miami – Gerry Sweet Child Care Center. Administered the Mullen Scales of Early Learning to evaluate effects of environmental enhancements on the cognitive development of infants to pre-school aged children.
2002-2003 RESEARCH ASSISTANT to Sarah Valley-Gray, PsyD, The Family Center, Nova Southeastern University. Administered the McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities to preschool children in a project investigating the correlation between ability scores and teachers’ identification of developmental delays.
2000-2001 RESEARCH ASSISTANT to Sheila M. Eyberg, PhD, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Florida. Supported an investigation of low-income families enrolled in the Alachua County Headstart Program utilizing a variety of instructional and educational activities teaching Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Specific responsibilities included telephone and individual assessments of participating families, interview transcription, and data management.
GRANT FUNDING
PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR, Marino Autism Research Institute, “Diagnostic Stability and the Implications of Cognitive, Language, Adaptive and Social Factors in At-Risk Siblings”. This proposal aimed to examine implications of cognitive, language, adaptive, and social factors as well as diagnostic stability within an at-risk population ($10, 000, 12/2007-12/2008).
EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Summer 2008 INVITED REVIEWER; Autism Speaks Family Services Community Grants.
PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Coulter, R.A., Bade, A., Tea, Y., Fecho, G., Amster, D., Jenewein, E., Rodena, J., Lyons, K. K., Mitchell, G. L., Quint, N., Dunbar,S., Ricamato, M., Trocchio, J., Kabat, B., Garcia, C., &Radik, I. (2014). Testability of vision and eye tests in an examination protocol: How do children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder compare to typically developing peers? Optometry and Vision Science (in review).
Coulter, R.A., Bade, A., Tea, Y., Fecho, G., Amster, D., Jenewein, E., Rodena, J., &Lyons, K. K.(2013). Eye Exam Supports for Patients with Autism Spectrum: A Case Series. Optometry and Vision Science (in review).
Coulter, R. A., Amster, D., Bade, A., Tea, Y., Fecho, G., Jenewein, E., Rodena, J., Lyons, K. K., Mitchell, G. L., Quint, N., Dunbar, S., Ricamato, M., Trocchio, J., Kabat, B., Garcia, C., Radik, I. (2013). Parent Responses on a Visual Behavior Questionnaire: A Comparison of Responses for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with Those of Typically Developing (TD) Peers. Presented at 43rd Annual Meeting of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, Orlando, Florida.
Coulter, R.A., Tea, Y., Bade, A.,Fecho, G., Amster, D., Jenewein, E., Rodena, J., Lyons, K. K., Mitchell, G. L., Quint, N., Dunbar, S., Ricamato, M., Trocchio, J., Kabat, B., Garcia, C., &Radik, I. (2013) Vision testing of children and adolescents with ASD: What are we missing? Poster Presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR).
Baker, J. K., Messinger, D.S., Lyons, K.K., &Grantz, C.J. (2010). A pilot study of maternal sensitivity in the context of emergent autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Lyons, K. K., Schmid, A., & Gorman, P. (2010). Utility of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery in patients with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Poster presented at the 2011 International Neuropsychological Society (INS) Meeting.
Baker, J. K., Messinger, D.S., Ekas, N.V., Lyons, K.K., & Grantz, C.J. (2010). Mother-toddler interaction in the context of emergent autism.Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.In J. Baker & N. Ekas (Chairs), Parent-child interaction and the emergence of developmental disorders. Symposium accepted to the 43rd Annual Gatlinburg Conference, Annapolis, MD.
Grantz, C., Lyons, K.K., Celimli, S., Yoder, P., Stone, W., Carter, A., & Messinger, D. (2009). Early Communication Correlates of Language Development and Autism Symptomatology in Toddlers at-Risk for ASD. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR).
Celimli, S., Lyons, K.K., Grantz, C., Yoder, P., Stone, W., Carter, A., & Messinger, D. (2009). Parenting Stress as a Moderator of the Association Between Observed ASD Symptomatology and Related Parent-Reported Child Behaviors. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR).
Baker J. K., Messinger, D.S., Ekas, N.V., Lyons K.K., & Grantz, C.J. (2010, March). Mother-toddler interaction in the context of emergent autism. In J. Baker & N. Ekas (Chairs), Parent-child interaction and the emergence of developmental disorders. Symposium presented to the 43rd Annual Gatlinburg Conference, Annapolis, MD.
Messinger, D., Ibanez, L., Cohn, J., Mahoor, M., Haltigan, JD, Kelley, K.M., & Baker, J. (2009). University of Miami Sibling Study Measuring Infant Learning and Emotion. Presentation to the annual meeting of the NIH/Autism Speaks Baby Sibs Research Consortium, Miami Beach, FL.
Haltigan, J.D., McDonald, N., Messinger, D.S., &Kelley, K.M. (2008). Empathic Responding and Attachment Security in Young Children At-Risk for an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR). London, UK.
Messinger, D. Cassel, T., Ibanez, L. Haltigan, J.D., Acosta, S. & Kelley, K.M. (2008). Emotion, Attention, and Joint Attention in Infants at Risk for Autism. Symposium at the International Meeting for Autism Research, May 15-17, 2008, London.
Kelley, K.M., Ibanez, L., Haltigan, J.D., Acosta, S., McDonald, N., Grantz, C., Brewster, R., & Messinger, D. (2008). Sibling Studies Measuring Infant Learning and Emotion: A Longitudinal Study of Infants At-Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at the Marino Autism Research Institute Scientific Symposium, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Mahoor, M.H., Messinger, D., Kimijima M., Brewster R., Kelley, K.M.,& Cohn, J.F. (2008). Automatic Measurement of Smile Intensity. Paper presented at the Marino Autism Research Institute Scientific Symposium, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Messinger, D., Cassel, T., Ibanez, L. Haltigan, J.D., Acosta, S. & Kelley, K.M. (2007). Early Attention Shifting and Joint Attention Deficits in Infants at Risk for Autism. Symposium at the International Society on Infant Studies, March 27-29, 2008, Vancouver, Canada.
Alexander, A. I., Pedersen, L., Kelley, K.M., Novales, B.D., & Team, R. The Relationship Between “Everyday” Executive Functions and Adaptive Behavior.Oral presentation at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, August 2006, New Orleans, Louisiana. (Division 40: Blue Ribbon Recipient)
Kelley, K.M., Most, M., Burns, W.J., & Valdes, J.C. The Impact of Birthweight and Gestational Age on Future Cognitive Development. Poster presentation at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, August 2004, Honolulu, Hawaii.
COMMUNITY RESEARCH DISSEMINATION AND SERVICE
Fall 2011 FEATURED SPEAKER, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Neuropsychological Perspectives of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Spring 2010 FEATURED SPEAKER, University of Miami, Special Topics in Psychology Course: Autism
2010-2011 INVITED BOARD MEMBER, YMCA Young Children’s Advocacy Center, Broward County
Spring 2010 MEMBER, Young Children with Special Needs Council, Miami- Dade
Fall 2009 INVITED FACILITATOR, Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism, National Town Hall Meeting
Fall 2008 FEATURED SPEAKER, University of Miami, Psy Chi Research Panel
Summer 2008 FEATURED SPEAKER, Miami Children’s Hospital Early Intervention Services
Spring 2008 INVITED PRESENTATION, Marino Autism Research Institute Scientific Meeting for Investigators
Spring 2008 INVITED PRESENTATION, University of Miami hosted Community Psychologists’ Supervision and Continuing Education Group
Fall 2007 INVITED PRESENTATION, University of Miami hosted Community Psychologists’ Supervision and Continuing Education Group
Summer 2007 FEATURED SPEAKER, Miami Children’s Hospital Early Intervention Services
Spring 2007 FEATURED SPEAKER, Palm Beach Walk for Autism Research Kick-off Luncheon, Autism Speaks
TEACHING AND SUPERVISION EXPERIENCE
UNDERGRADUATE SUPERVISOR, University of Miami
Spring 2007-2012 Introduction to Research Projects
STAFF SUPERVISOR, University of Miami
Fall 2006- 2012 Juan Artigas, Ryan Brewster, Claudia Cardona, Whitney Gealy, Silviana Guerra, Maria Kimijima, Graduate Students
PROFESSOR, University of Miami
Fall 2008 Child and Adolescent Development
TEACHING ASSISTANT, Nova Southeastern University.
Spring 2004 Assessment of Young Children: Birth to 5 Years
Spring 2003 Psychoeducational Assessment
Fall 2003 Counseling Theories and Techniques
Fall 2002 Assessment: Intelligence Testing
HONORS AND AWARDS
2006 American Psychological Association Division 40 Blue Ribbon Award
1997-2001 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Recipient
1997-2001 Florida Merit Scholars
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Psychological Association (Div. 40)
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD)
Florida Psychological Association (FPA)
International Neuropsychological Society (INS)
International Society for Autism Research (INSAR)
National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN)
REFERENCES
Available upon request