Dr. Katina Lambros PhD, BCBA-D (she/her/hers)

My name is Katina Lambros and I am the Director of the School Psychology Program at SDSU in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology. I am a School Psychologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst specializing in eco-behavioral assessment-intervention for academic and socio-emotional problems in school-aged populations.  

I also have the distinct privilege of directing Project BEAMS- Behavioral, Emotional and Mental Health Supports in Schools: Collaborative Practices to Improve Special Educator & School Psychologist Training, a 5-year $1.25 million dollar grant funded by the Office of Special Education. This project co-trains school psychologists and special educators to serve diverse students with behavioral, emotional, and mental health challenges in partnership with public schools across San Diego County. My research, teaching and service focuses on three broad areas: (1) improving mental health services and positive behavioral support in schools with an emphasis on students with emotional and behavioral difficulties; (2) promoting the use of evidence-based practices and data-based decision making in schools; and (3) increasing access to school-based service use and culturally responsive services for diverse learners.

Dr. Bonnie Kraemer PhD, BCBA-D (she/her/hers)

My name is Dr. Bonnie Kraemer and I am an Associate Professor and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral in the Department of Special Education. I have been on faculty at SDSU since 2005. My areas of teaching and research are in severe intellectual disabilities and autism, with a specific focus on families, instruction, transition, quality of life, and applied behavior analysis. I have been the Project Director or Co-Project Director on two OSEP funded Personnel Preparation grants that focus on preparing teachers and master’s degree candidates in the areas of autism and secondary transition. Currently, I am the co-project director on Project BEAMS. BEAMS is an OSEP grant that cross-trains Autism masters candidates and School Psychology trainees with a focus on behavior and mental health. I was the Site Co-PI on a multi-site Institute of Education Sciences (IES) funded study of a comprehensive educational program for high school students with ASD, (CSESA). With a sample size of over 500 youth and young adults with ASD, their families, and school teams, this was the largest national intervention study examining evidence-based practices for high school and transition age students with autism that has ever been conducted. This Fall, I (along with colleagues at SDSU and UNC, Chapel Hill) am launching an IES funded Randomized Control Study that focuses on middle school students with autism. The focus of this intervention project is on social skills and executive functioning for 500 middle school students across two states (California and North Carolina).

Georgia Dickerson (she/her/hers)

My name is Georgia Dickerson and I am in my second year of the Masters of Special Education with an emphasis in Autism program. I am originally from Bellingham, Washington. I am very passionate about supporting my students in promoting independence, fostering emotional regulation skills, and using evidence based practices. My favorite part of working in the special education field is constantly learning from my students, colleagues, and mentors. I value building rapport with my students to ensure that school is a place where they feel cared for, respected, and safe. In my free time I enjoy going to the beach, camping, reading, and spending time with loved ones. 

Hyunji Kim (she/her/hers)

My name is Hyunji Kim and I am an intern in the School Psychology program. I was born in Seoul, Korea and I moved to the U.S. when I was 8 years old. I am Korean-American. I've always noticed how the education system does not celebrate and embrace individuals who do not fit the mold of a "model student." My passion is to show others that everyone has amazing qualities that we can all learn and grow from. I love how I can define what roles I choose to take on as a school psychologist - I can learn more toward an administrative role, a counselor role, an advocate role, and more! Some of my hobbies are golf, weight training, going on beach walks, reading with a view, and watching reality shows.

Marissa Chow (she/her/hers) 

My name is Marissa Chow, and I am a 2nd year graduate student in the school psychology program. I’m originally from the Chicagoland area and I am Chinese-American with roots in Burmese heritage. I’m passionate about providing a multitude of services to improve the mental health and behavioral support students receive. I also love amplifying the strengths of students for themselves and others to see. What I like most about my field is the multiple hats school psychologists can wear to support students, schools, and communities. Outside of school, I enjoy going to coffee shops, cooking, going on walks, and exploring new places!

Haidan Chen (he/him/his) 

My name is Haidan Chen and I am currently an intern in the School Psychology Program. I am from Xiamen, China and I came to the US when I was 7 years old. I love to play games, build computers, and watch anime (all activities that kids now love!). I have a huge passion for supporting student mental health by doing individual/group counseling, teaching SEL, and implementing school wide prevention programs. I love how this field is growing to include a wider range of services outside testing. I am excited about using everything that I am learning in this program to make a difference in the lives of my students.

Kimi Johnson (she/her/hers) 

I am Kimi Johnson and I am in my final year of the Special Education Masters with an emphasis in Autism. Throughout my life, I have lived in different cities throughout the country, attended multiple schools, and lived in many different diverse neighborhoods. While moving so much had its challenges, it has also given me great insight into the education system, various cultures, and perspectives of different people. I have lived in Oregon, Colorado, Maryland, and many cities in Southern California. I claim Oregon as my true home as my family resides there and I was born there. I am Japanese American, with my family and father still living in Japan. I was born in America, however, have been visiting Japan since I was a baby. I embrace my culture and love helping my students do the same with their diverse cultures and identities. 

I am passionate about behavior and am pursuing becoming a BCBA. I enjoy learning about behavior interventions and implementing them with progress monitoring. Behavior intervention plans are one way I support my students to reach their behavior goals so in turn can achieve their academic, social, and post-secondary goals. I love meeting like-minded individuals in the field who are all invested in changing our students' lives for the better and providing them with the support and education to live a fulfilled life. Outside of behavior and teaching, I enjoy fitness, trying new vegan restaurants, spending time with my family and animals, going to the dog beach and farmers markets, decorating my new home, and cooking. I mostly enjoy traveling and seeing the world and the cultures and communities within them.

Ujunwa Ukaegbu (she/her/hers) 

Hi, my name is Ujunwa Ukaegbu and I am in my third year within the School Psychology Program at San Diego State University. I’m originally from Sacramento, California and I also consider the Bay Area my home. I identify as Black or Nigerian-American. My interest in the field of school psychology began rather suddenly after my undergraduate studies. I had no idea the field existed until a mentor of mine introduced me to it after hearing about how interested I was in influencing the lives of children within the realm of education. I believe educators and caring community members can provide a more equitable means of learning and comprehensive support for students. What attracts me most about the field is the potential for School Psychologists to work diversely in their role because they “wear so many hats” and I like the idea of being able to provide services in more than one area. Outside of the school psych world, I like to binge-watch limited series on Netflix, try brunch spots, and (when the weather is just right) do outdoor activities!

Claire Dietrich (she/her/hers) 

My name is Claire Dietrich, and I am in my second year of the Special Education Masters Program with an emphasis in Autism. I grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and moved to San Diego in 2016 when I began my undergraduate studies at SDSU. I love working with high school and transition aged students with high-intensity behavioral needs as well as academic challenges. I appreciate reading current research and staying up to date on trends and information within and surrounding the autistic community. My favorite part of my job is working with a wide variety of unique and amazing students. I always feel like as much as I teach my students, they also teach me! In my free time, I enjoy binge watching TV shows, taking pilates/yoga classes, and training for my upcoming half marathon. When I am at home you can find me lounging with my two cats. :)

Maile Hoskins (she/her/hers) 

I am in my second year of the Masters of Arts degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism. I enjoy finding meaningful and reliable research studies that can be implemented into my own practice. My program has shaped me into a better educator when choosing an intervention program for my classroom and students. In this field, what I enjoy most is my students! I love being a teacher and being able to assist my students with working towards their goals! I enjoy practicing yoga, cooking, visiting my favorite restaurants or trying a new place, and traveling. I hope this summer to revisit Italy!

Mo Salamah (he/him/his) 

My name is Mo Salamah and I am an intern in the School Psychology program. I was born and raised in California but have lived in a few different states across the country. I identify as an able-bodied, cis-gendered, Muslim, Egyptian-American. My passion for School Psychology stems from my professional history working as a behavior therapist and my personal history having a family member on the spectrum. I love that in this field I am able to reach out and help students with behavioral, mental health, and educational needs. I enjoy watching students grow and collaborating with parents and other stakeholders in a holistic effort to do what is best for the student. In my rare moments of free time, I love heading to the beach, traveling, and going to escape rooms!

Elenie Anteneh (she/her/hers)

My name is Elenie Anteneh, and I am in my third year of the School Psychology program. I was born in Ethiopia and moved to Los Angeles when I was 17. My journey to becoming a school psychologist started in my senior year of college, where I was introduced to the field for the first time. I found the field aligned with my passion for directly working with children and making a positive, lasting impact in their lives. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves to achieve their full potential. Through the school psychology program at SDSU, I am able to learn to collaborate with other professionals and serve students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. In my free time, I like to cook and visit local museums.

Tawni Cerruto (she/her/hers)