Get your assessment without the hassle of extended waiting periods.
Experience seamless and well-coordinated care, as our team works together to ensure all your needs are met efficiently.
We don’t just speak with you, we also communicate with any teachers, doctors or therapists who can help us get a well-rounded understanding.
Feel at ease in our warm and sensory-friendly atmosphere.
As a teaching practice, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of experts in Neurodiversity. Our Fellows work closely with our Licensed Clinical Psychologists, and bring their unique insights to every client they serve.
At Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services, Inc., we are a team with a passion and commitment to serving our community through outreach and individually tailored services. We strive to provide an inclusive, diverse, and accepting workplace, where professionalism and expertise are valued, supporting the growth of our providers through continuing education and professional development. We support people across the lifespan with learning and developmental differences through clarifying assessments, which provide a framework for understanding and allow for tailored interventions, to bridge from the evaluation to resources and services. We are dedicated to our community and our team is here to support and guide your family. We believe that by lifting up all in our community and supporting our care partners, we contribute to a more vibrant, healthy, and emotionally sustainable world.
We envision a world that celebrates neurodiversity, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Inclusive communities will embrace differences as strengths, providing tailored resources to empower those with learning and developmental differences. Our caring professionals will illuminate paths to growth through personalized assessments and interventions, serving as guides for individuals and families on their journeys.
We will foster an environment of lifelong learning, continuous improvement, and deep respect for the inherent worth of all people. Our diverse and expert team will embody an ethic of professionalism, collaborating to support each other and the success of every care partner.
Together, we will co-create a vibrant ecosystem of understanding, one that cherishes neurodiversity and emotional sustainability. In this equitable world, the unique brilliance within every mind can flourish.
We incorporate diverse perspectives, innovative techniques, and evidence-based practices to promote growth, resilience, and well-being for our clients, providers, and the community
We foster trust through empathetic listening and respectful engagement, maintaining a positive outlook even during moments of disagreement or conflict.
We work together harmoniously and synergistically toward shared objectives to foster teamwork, mutual respect, and open communication that contributes to a vibrant, healthy, and emotionally sustainable environment for all.
We prioritize empathy and support within collective interactions to foster understanding, alleviate distress, and support each person’s unique journey.
We cultivate a culture of lifelong learning, development, and growth that empowers the realization of one’s full potential.
Our team is our greatest strength. Led by Dr. Erika Frieze, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and inclusive practices, each member of our team brings a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and dedication to their work. Our assessments are conducted by a team of highly qualified providers, including Clinical Psychologists, Postdoctoral Fellows, Doctoral Interns, and Doctoral Level Practicum Students. All pre-licensed providers work under the direct supervision of a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Together, we are a cohesive team committed to providing the highest quality care.
At Bridges of the Mind, we are deeply committed to addressing the disparities in diagnoses and assessments for groups that are statistically underdiagnosed, such as women and people of color. We recognize the unique challenges and experiences faced by these individuals and strive to provide comprehensive, sensitive, and inclusive care. Our team actively seeks to amplify their voices, affirm their experiences, and ensure that their specific needs are met thorough assessments. By actively working to eliminate bias and incorporating a diverse range of perspectives, we aim to bridge the gap in accurate diagnoses and provide equitable support for all individuals in their neurodiverse journeys.
Dr. Allison Womack is a Licensed Psychologist with a passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals across all ages. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Victoria in 2006, followed by a M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of the Pacific in 2012, and her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Syracuse University in 2017. Additionally, she is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D).
With 20 years of experience, Dr. Womack has worked with children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and various mental health disorders in several settings, including homes, schools, behavioral clinics, and community programs. She has extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychological assessments as part of multi-disciplinary teams and consulting on behavior management strategies in school, home, and residential environments. Her work includes leading psychoeducational assessments and guest lecturing at universities. Dr. Womack has co-authored eight peer-reviewed publications and developed and implemented research projects leading to over 30 regional and international conference posters and presentations.
As the Clinical Director of ABA services across various sized mental health clinics in Sacramento for six years, Dr. Womack dedicated herself to understanding and affirming neurodivergent experiences. Through her assessments, she aims to help parents better understand and support their children in a compassionate and supportive manner. Dr. Womack also enjoys working with young adults and adults, helping them to understand themselves better and to live happier, more meaningful lives. She provides evidence-based recommendations that promote individual growth and self-understanding.
In her free time, Dr. Womack loves spending time outdoors with her husband, two young children, and their dog. She is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all her clients.
Dr. Hernandez-Morin received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Counseling from San Francisco State University in 2007. She then received her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Alliant International University in San Francisco in 2015. During her time in her doctorate program, she maintained a focus on working with children and families at a community level. She received psychodynamic training from various community mental health agencies, including Head Start, Girls Inc. of Alameda County, Native American Health Center, and Ann Martin Center.
After receiving her doctoral degree in clinical psychology, Dr. Hernandez-Morin was hired as a full-time staff psychologist from her post-doctoral internship program, Ann Martin Center in Emeryville Ca. There, she provided outpatient trauma informed psychotherapy services to children and adolescents, both in-clinic and in schools. Dr. Hernandez-Morin also administered psychological evaluations to assess children’s cognitive and developmental functioning, providing comprehensive and culturally informed recommendations and feedback to families.
In 2019, Dr. Hernandez-Morin made a life-changing decision to leave the Bay Area and move to the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains where she could be closer to nature and grow her family. She received a generous education on rural community health by working as a clinician for El Dorado County providing outpatient behavioral health services to community members experiencing severe mental illness (SMI). After two years of very fulfilling work at the County level, Dr. Hernandez-Morin was ready to return to a clinical practice that included serving children, families, and conducting psychological evaluations. In March 2022, Dr. Hernandez-Morin opened her private practice in South Lake Tahoe where she continues to provide child centered play therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychological evaluations.
Dr. Emily Putnam is a Licensed Psychologist in the states of California (PSY35361) and Virginia (0810008137). She received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and Spanish from Appalachian State University. She then received her Ph.D. through the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, which involved studies at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Old Dominion University, and Norfolk State University. Dr. Putnam completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Virginia Beach Public Schools providing psychological services in a variety of school-based settings including pre-school assessment and day treatment programs. She then completed a post-doctoral fellowship focusing on assessment and diagnosis of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, intellectual disability, and specific learning disabilities at the University of Virginia’s Shiela Johnson Center through which she became a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellow. She has trained and worked in a variety of settings including public schools, university counseling centers, outpatient community clinics, and university-based clinics. Dr. Putnam has extensive experience conducting comprehensive neurodevelopmental, psychoeducational, and multidisciplinary team evaluations with clients of all ages from early childhood to adulthood. She is particularly passionate about working with neurodivergent girls and women and providing parents with tailored recommendations to best support their unique child. Her experience within the public school system also allows her to educate and support families with navigating special education and 504 processes.
In her free time, she enjoys all things active and outdoors from the beach to the mountains. She enjoys running, hiking in national and state parks with her husband, watching her favorite shows and movies, and long chats with her friends and family.
Dr. Adrianna Chaparro has earned her B.A. in Psychology and Human Development from Union Institute and University. She earned her an M.A.Ed. in School Psychology and received her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Alliant International University. She is a credentialed School Psychologist and Registered Psychological Associate. Dr. Chaparro has extensive experience in psychological testing with both adults and children. She has worked with adults in a private practice environment, addressing diagnoses such as ASD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, personality disorders, mood disorders, etc. Dr. Chaparro has worked with children in educational settings, offering support, interventions, and comprehensive psycho-educational assessments. She has a breadth of knowledge in providing comprehensive psycho-educational assessments and providing support in tailoring an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students. Dr. Chaparro also provided individual counseling to students within the K-12 setting. Through individual counseling, Dr. Chaparro helped target problem-solving, anger management, conflict resolution, positive coping skills, positive peer relationships, and social skills. She has collaborated with many professionals and stakeholders including speech and language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, emphasizing communication and relationship-building. Dr. Chaparro strongly believes that everyone has the resources to be successful, and she makes it her priority to identify those essential areas. When assisting patients, she prioritizes collaboration, understanding, and compassion, focusing on individual strengths and potential. Outside of her profession, Dr. Chaparro is a dedicated wife and proud mother of two wonderful daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family and three dogs, reading, and being near the ocean. Her clinical interests include autism, personality disorders, neuropsychology, and forensic psychology. Her work reflects a personal mission to give back to the community and help improve the lives of those around her.
Chastity Easley Bosley is a dedicated registered psychological associate with rich academic and professional experience. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University after getting her Bachelor’s and Master’s in psychology. With over 20 years of experience working with children, Chastity is committed to nurturing child development and the child-parent relationship. As a neurodivergent clinician with autism herself, she has insight into what families may be experiencing and is deeply empathetic. Her perspective integrates different therapy approaches to foster collaborative relationships with clients. She values comprehending clients’ experiences in their own words within their cultural context. Her clinical interests include emotion regulation, neuropsychology, attachment theory, and personality development. Beyond work, you can find Chastity enjoying nature, baking up a storm, crafting, and spending time with her beloved dogs and family. Chastity’s vibrant spirit and passion for helping others shine through in all that she does.
Dr. Isha Hammad is a postdoctoral psychology fellow. She earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Prior to this, she obtained her B.A. in Sociology and a certificate in African Languages and Literature from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Dr. Hammad has gained valuable clinical experiences in school, community mental health, hospital, and private practice settings, serving a diverse range of children, adolescents, and their families. She has conducted comprehensive psychoeducational and psychological assessments as part of multi-disciplinary teams for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disabilities (ID), learning disabilities, and related/co-occurring disorders. Additionally, Dr. Hammad is certified in Parent-Child Therapy (PC-CARE), an empirically-based dyadic treatment approach aimed at improving caregiver-child relationships and teaching new behavior management strategies.
Recently, Dr. Hammad completed her predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of California – Davis Children’s Hospital, within the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Department at the MIND Institute and the CAARE Center. Her internship included a focus on infant mental health and trauma. She conducted developmental assessments in a high-risk infant follow-up clinic and provided early ASD evaluations and PC-CARE therapy.
Dr. Frieze received her B.A. in Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2003. She then received her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Alliant International University in Sacramento in 2008. During her time in her doctorate program she also received her certificate in Infant Preschool Mental Health. Dr. Frieze’s clinical experience began as an in-home ABA therapist. She has been fortunate to work within school, clinic, and home settings conducting psychological assessments. Dr. Frieze’s postdoctoral training at Kaiser Permanente’s Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic allowed for the best foundation and training. For seven years she was one of the primary psychologists at the University of California, Davis MIND Institute, conducting clinical evaluations for neurodevelopmental disorders, regional center evaluations, and with the social skills program. Dr. Frieze spent two years as a staff psychologist at Dignity Healthcare in Woodland, California where she continued to conduct neurodevelopmental assessments for infants through early adulthood, before she opened her private practice. Her professional goal is to serve as many patients as possible in a timely fashion. Dr. Frieze’s waiting lists have been as long as 9 months for these types of assessments that are so needed in the community, therefore she felt driven to be in private practice full time, while continuing to serve the majority of the northern California regional centers as a vendor conducting limited scope assessments. Dr. Frieze is currently the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association Behavioral Medicine and Neuropsychological Chair. Additionally, Dr. Frieze is licensed in the state of Nevada (PY1105) as well as California (PSY22737). Dr. Frieze is research reliable in the best practice assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, Second Edition (ADOS-2), and all of her evaluations have been highly regarded in the community for the past 15 years.
Francesca Scardino is a doctoral practicum student working towards the completion of her PsyD at California Northstate University. She earned her Masters in Psychology from Grand Canyon University in 2021 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Arizona. Her previous clinical experience includes individual therapy where she worked primarily with adults presenting with ADHD, anxiety, life transitions, and depression in a variety of outpatient clinics. She has also worked with children in individual therapy presenting with life transitions and grief in an outpatient clinic. In both settings, Francesca provided empathy, and a safe space, and was able to utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions with her clients. She then continued her clinical experience working with nurses, medical assistants, physicians, and clinicians this past year at Communicare Health Centers. Working in the integrated care team helped build Francesca’s skill set and establish relationships with both her clients and colleagues. Currently, Francesca is training at Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services Inc. where she will continue to enhance her skill set in both assessments and individual therapy. Francesca hopes to continue to expand her knowledge in cognitive and neuropsychological assessments as she continues her educational journey.
Meet Charmaine, a dynamic individual who has been an integral part of the Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services, Inc. team since August 2020. Prior to joining our ranks, she dedicated a decade to nurturing her family and running the cherished family venture, FlansDigital. Alongside her husband, she managed the delicate balance of parenting two daughters while providing a supportive and loving daycare haven for both family and friends.
With a deep-rooted commitment to community, Charmaine is a prominent figure in the West Sacramento social fabric. Her involvement as a Parent Teacher Organization Board member at a local elementary school showcases her devotion to fostering educational excellence. Moreover, her role as a Board member for the River City JR Rugby Team underlines her dedication to youth development. In addition, she has extended her support as a youth soccer and volleyball coach, leaving an indelible mark on the young minds she engages with.
But her commitment doesn’t stop there. Charmaine is an enthusiastic volunteer, actively participating in a range of social groups that uplift the community. Her involvement speaks volumes about her character and her genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her.
With a well-rounded skill set, Charmaine effortlessly blends her extensive experience in Property & Casualty Insurance, Sales, and Office Management. Her innate knack for connecting with people, paired with her professional acumen, creates a formidable force that propels her endeavors to new heights.
In every facet of her life, Charmaine exemplifies unwavering dedication, boundless energy, and a sincere desire to contribute. Her journey from a devoted home manager to a multifaceted professional is a testament to her versatility and drive. As a highly personable and talented individual, Charmaine continues to inspire and uplift, leaving an indelible mark wherever she goes.
Meet Manar, a dedicated professional with a rich and diverse background in the medical field. With 13 years of experience ranging from hands-on patient care to intricate analysis and billing processes, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her work. After a fulfilling break of 6 years to raise her three children, Manar’s passion for the medical industry led her back to her calling.
In January 2021, Manar embarked on a new chapter by joining Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services, Inc. Her innate drive to make a positive impact on people’s lives aligns seamlessly with the mission of the organization. Having been an integral part of the West Sacramento community since 2011, Manar deeply values the tranquil and family-oriented atmosphere that surrounds her.
Manar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from CSU Sacramento, which serves as a testament to her academic excellence and commitment to staying informed in her field. She possesses an unwavering enthusiasm for staying updated on the latest advancements in medicine, medical technology, and medications, allowing her to provide the highest level of care to her patients.
With a wealth of experience, a compassionate heart, and a strong desire to make a difference, Manar is an essential asset to both her workplace and her community. Her journey exemplifies her dedication to personal and professional growth, making her a source of inspiration for those around her.
Meet Kelli, a dedicated professional with a heart full of compassion and a mind fueled by a passion for making a difference. Her journey into the realm of psychology began in high school when she embarked on a transformative course that delved into the intricacies of the human mind. It was during this time that Kelli’s calling to work with individuals, both young and old, diagnosed with intellectual disabilities was ignited.
Throughout her summers, Kelli eagerly immersed herself in various summer programs, eagerly absorbing knowledge and experience while working with children. In 2015, she proudly graduated from CSU Stanislaus with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, marking a significant milestone in her pursuit of understanding and helping those in need.
Kelli’s professional odyssey led her to a dynamic role as an ABA tutor, where she tirelessly worked to support children within both home and school settings. Her dedication to fostering growth and development in these young minds shone brightly, setting the foundation for her impactful career. Not content with just one avenue of expertise, Kelli also ventured into the realm of social work, extending her compassionate touch to adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities.
The story took a new chapter with the arrival of motherhood. Kelli chose to temporarily step away from her professional endeavors, embracing the role of a devoted mother, nurturing her son in the comfort of home. This period not only reinforced her innate nurturing qualities but also provided her with valuable insights into the complexities of family dynamics.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kelli finds solace and joy in outdoor escapades, the enchantment of movies and shows, and the warmth of quality time spent with her cherished family and friends.
In October 2022, Kelli embarked on a new adventure, joining the esteemed team at Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services, Inc. With enthusiasm in her heart and a vision for growth, she eagerly anticipates contributing her unique blend of experience and compassion to the organization’s mission. As Kelli’s journey continues to unfold, her dedication to enhancing the lives of those touched by intellectual disabilities remains a driving force, a beacon of hope guiding her forward.
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