Name & Titles and/or Affiliations: Sherry Flores, M.S., LEP, SCCASP President Sherry Flores is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and School Psychologist in Santa Clara County with a passion for supporting students to feel empowered so that they may reach their full potential in academics and in life. She strives to stay up to date with best practices by utilizing evidence-based practices, as well as collaborating with other professionals, so that she can provide students with the tools and strategies to reach their goals and help them feel empowered to be able to advocate for their needs. She is also trained in the Science of Reading Fundamentals through a course provided by SUNY New Paltz. Sherry continues to grow professionally where she is always exploring ways to develop and acquire the skills and knowledge to be efficient and thorough in assessment and intervention strategies. During her free time, she enjoys trying new things, such as going to the trending food spot or a change of scenery with hiking or visiting a different part of CA, as well as often finding her on new adventures with her dog. Why do you choose to volunteer at SCCASP? Early in my career, while new to the area, my NASP mentor—now a valued coworker—encouraged me to join SCCASP. This has provided an excellent platform for connecting with professionals and engaging in collaborative work, allowing me to learn from diverse ideas, styles, and approaches to assessment and data interpretation. What has been the most rewarding for you, what's your motivation, and/or what change are you hoping for (through SCCASP or your career)? The most rewarding aspect for me has been the opportunity to connect with and learn from a diverse group of professionals through SCCASP. As a lifelong learner, I am always looking to improve my practice and contribute to the advancement of our field. I am hoping to drive positive changes by strengthening community connections, providing opportunities for professional collaboration, and adapting to inclusive approaches to better support students. My goal is to foster a more interconnected network where School Psychologists and Licensed Educational Psychologists can exchange insights and strategies to enhance support systems that directly contribute to student growth and success. |
Name & Titles and/or Affiliations: Kimberly D. Noll, Ed.S., LEP, ABSNP, SCCASP President-Elect Kim worked as a school psychologist from 1996-2011 in the Berryessa and Santa Clara districts. She has been working as a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) in private practice since 2008 and transitioned to full-time private practice work in 2011. She previously served on the SCCASP board from 2002-2007 in various elected positions and has been supporting SCCASP in non-elected positions the past few years. Why do you choose to volunteer at SCCASP?: It helps me to stay connected with school psychs now that I'm in private practice, promote important legislation for our field, and collaborate with many amazing school psychs who are local leaders in the field. What is a fun fact you would like to share?: Education allowed me to have the career I wanted and to also live where I wanted. I hope to help make those same opportunities available for everyone. What has been the most rewarding for you, what's your motivation, and/or what change are you hoping for (through SCCASP or your career)?: I love the SCCASP and CASP work closely together to effect changes in our field, like changing the ED designation title and working to make it easier for out of state school psychs to apply for their LEP. Also, during nearly every assessment I conduct, I get to help people go from feeling that they just aren't smart enough to understanding how they learn and having a plan to help them navigate their personal path to success. That, and finding out later how much progress clients made after an evaluation, is one of the most motivating factors for me. |
Name & Titles and/or Affiliations: Katie Pettersen (she/her/hers), NCSP, LEP, ABSNP, SCCASP Past-President Katie is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Licensed Educational Psychologist currently working with Santa Clara Unified School District. Katie is an ardent advocate of student needs and serves on the district’s Equitable Practices & Inclusion Curriculum Task Force and then union’s Equity and Human Rights Committee. Katie is also passionate about policy related to special education and mental health, and regularly engages in advocacy at the California state capitol. Katie serves as Secretary of the Santa Clara County Association of School Psychologists (SCCASP) and Affiliate Representative on the CASP Board of Directors. Why do you choose to volunteer at SCCASP? I love being able to participate on the SCCASP board because it allows me to meet people who serve in the area, make new friends, and support others. What is a fun fact you would like to share? I started taking Woodworking classes through the Santa Clara Adult Ed program (open to anyone who lives in Santa Clara County) and have been having a blast! I am making a little free library to put out at my house. What has been the most rewarding for you, what's your motivation, and/or what change are you hoping for (through SCCASP or your career)? I am taking the School Neuropsych Program this year, to earn my Diplomate in School Neuropsychology. I am extremely excited for this opportunity and everything that I will learn that will support my practice and strengthen my assessments and recommendations! |
Name & Titles and/or Affiliations: Jennifer Rocabado, MS, LEP, ABSNP, SCCASP Past-Treasurer Jennifer has been a School Psychologist since 2000 after finishing her degree at CSU East Bay. She worked in the Evergreen School District in her early career before making the move to Saratoga Union School District in 2007 where she is today. Jennifer held various positions in SCCASP from 2001-2008 before taking a break to raise her two boys. When SCCASP resurfaced she was ready to jump back in and join the talented School Psychologists that make up the SCCASP Board. Why do you choose to volunteer at SCCASP? Volunteering helps me stay more connected with other school psychologists. The support is invaluable and helping the larger community with providing relevant and meaningful training feels like I’m giving back to the profession that has given me so much. What is a fun fact you would like to share? My running passion has evolved into a walking/ strolling/ hiking passion. What has been the most rewarding for you, what's your motivation, and/or what change are you hoping for (through SCCASP or your career)? I’m hoping to continue to share resources and mentor early career School Psychs. One day I hope to make the move to private practice. |
![]() Name & Titles and/or Affiliations: Kelly Alves-Helsing, SCCASP Treasurer Kelly is a California native, born and raised in San Jose. Kelly began her career as a preschool teacher and worked in Head Start programs while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from San Jose State University. Life then took her in a different direction as she ran a successful dog care and training facility with her husband. However, her true passion lies in working with children, which led her back to the field of education. Motivated by her own children's needs, she discovered school psychology and the importance of providing quality educational and mental health support to all students. She returned to school and obtained a Master's degree in Educational Psychology and an Ed.S in School Psychology from Brandman University. While in school, she gained experience as a behavior therapist providing ABA services. She is currently employed as a school psychologist at Santa Clara Unified School District, where she continues to strive towards enhancing the well-being and academic success of all students.Why do you choose to volunteer at SCCASP? I decided to volunteer for SCCASP because I wanted to be a part of a group where I can enhance my knowledge, advocate on policy efforts, and connect with fellow school psychologists. I'm truly excited to be part of the SCCASP community, as it provides valuable opportunities for growth and collaboration. |
Name & Titles and/or Affiliations: M. Ricena Ljubojevic MS, MA, LMFT, LEP, SCCASP Treasurer-Elect M Ricena Ljubojevic is a School Psychologist employed within Santa Clara Unified School District for over 30 years. Ricena has worn many hats during her time in SCUSD including: MFT Intern, Health Education Liaison, PIP Counselor/Teacher, School Psychologist Intern, EMHI Grant Coordinator, and School Psychologist. She holds dual licenses, LMFT and LEP, and has a passion for working with students and families regarding wellness and mental health. Ricena is a California native and attended schools in Santa Clara County. She has been her district’s SCCASP liaison for the past 5 years. Why do you choose to volunteer at SCCASP? I admire my colleagues and look forward to learning more from them. What is a fun fact you would like to share? My family is from Croatia and I go there every opportunity I get. |
Name & Titles: Mahealani “Lani” Holcomb, School Psychology Intern, SCCASP Secretary Lani is studying to be a school psychologist. She will be earning her Master’s degree in Education and PPS credential in 2026. Lani is currently interning at Sunnyvale School District in Santa Clara County. Her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and sciences helped kick off her career in the field of special education. Lani is passionate about her studies and especially interested in promoting social-emotional learning for all students. Lani joined SCCASP in 2024 and attended her first NASP Convention this year in Seattle. She is eager to get more involved in her school psychology community by joining the SCCASP board. Why do you choose to volunteer at SCCASP? I wanted to get more involved in my field, broaden my networking, and meet fellow psychologists. What is a fun fact you would like to share? I’ve traveled to 15 countries and counting. What has been the most rewarding for you, what's your motivation, and/or what change are you hoping for (through SCCASP or your career)? As a school psychology intern about to graduate from graduate school, I look forward to the upcoming early years in my career as a school psychologist. I have found the students to be my motivation and learning about new advances in the field is most rewarding to me. I love all the SCCASP PD events that help me to learn more new information all the time. |
Members-At-Large |
Name & Titles and/or Affiliations: Lauren Balcaceres, SCCASP Awards Chair Lauren is a dedicated school psychologist with a passion for supporting students’ academic and emotional well-being. Lauren gained hands-on experience as a behavior therapist, specializing in ABA services, later practicing school counseling, before transitioning to her current role as a school psychologist. She has been practicing in the field for over four years servicing East San Jose and Campbell, focusing on creating supportive learning environments, implementing evidence-based interventions, and fostering collaboration among families, educators, and students. Why do I volunteer with SCCASP? I enjoy collaborating with other professionals in the field, participating in a small community of shared experiences, and contributing to the recognition and growth of excellence in school psychology. What has been the most rewarding for you, what's your motivation, and/or what change are you hoping for (through SCCASP or your career)? For this year - and well into summer 2025 I am to apply for my LEP, working part time for a school district and part time as an independent. I am very motivated and excited for the next to come. What is a fun fact you would like to share? I enjoy salsa dancing - I love taking lessons at Dance Blvd, and going to salsa night at Alberto’s in Mt. View. Name & Titles and/or Affiliations: Emily Bersaglia, PsyS, NCSP; CASP Region II Rep and Membership Co-Chair, SCCASP Historian Emily has been a school psychologist since 2009, serving students across three states (Virginia, Ohio, and California). She has found herself serving in various leadership positions district, particularly related to addressing issues of equity and disproportionality. Why do you choose to volunteer at SCCASP? I get to volunteer with some really awesome people! Volunteering helps me give back to a profession that I love. It also allows me to network and build out and up my school psych community! |