Meet the 2024-2025 SANDCASP Board!
President: Shawn Dee Hartless
Shawn Dee has worked as a school psychologist for 21 years. She is currently working in the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) at La Jolla High School. Shawn Dee graduated from San Diego State with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Pepperdine University, with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy, before receiving her PPSS at National University. She has a Marriage and Family Therapy license and is licensed as an educational psychologist, and she has previously worked in private practice. Recently, Shawn Dee has been Chair of the school psychologist Program Governance Team (PGT) at SDUSD and is currently a San Diego Education Association (SDEA) representative for school psychologists. Her professional interests are mental health/wellness, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices.
Shawn Dee enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, walking her dogs, and teaching spin classes. Additionally, her daughter attends the University of Michigan. Go Wolverines!
Past President: Celeste Garcia
Celeste has been a school psychologist for 18 years and is currently working with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) Juvenile Court and Community Schools. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in General Biology from the University of California, San Diego, and obtained her Master’s in Educational Psychology at Alliant International University. One of her passions is dyslexia, and she is a Barton Certified Tutor. This is Celeste’s fourth year with the SANDCASP Board.
Celeste and her husband have two children and two guinea pigs. In her free time, she enjoys camping with her family, visiting national parks, sewing, and yoga.
President Elect: Sarah Maloney
Sarah is a native Californian who has practiced throughout Orange County and San Mateo County, and then settled down in beautiful San Diego. She currently works with the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) in the elementary and preschool programs. Her career started at Chapman University in Orange County with a degree in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling. Sarah is in the process of obtaining her license as an Educational Psychologist. She has dedicated her practice to providing equity in education for all students, of all backgrounds and abilities. A particular focus has been combating the racial disproportionalities of students in special education with targeted early intervention services.
When Sarah is not working to support the students and families of San Diego County, you will find her at the dog beaches with her chocolate lab (Auggie), training for a triathlon, or sailing with her family.
Secretary: Adrienne Garcia
Adrienne is a 10th year school psychologist who recently made the move from a K-8 district setting to a charter high school independent study setting. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Alliant International University, and she has over 23 years of experience working with children (in both the foster-care and education settings). Some of her professional interests include mental health education/outreach, dyslexia, and crisis prevention/response, and she hopes to soon become an Licensed Educational Psychologist. Adrienne has been involved with SANDCASP since 2011 and is the winner of the 2023 SANDCASP Outstanding School Psychologist Award and the 2023 CASP Nadine Lambert Outstanding School Psychologist Award for Region VII.
As a San Diego native, Adrienne enjoys spending time at the beach, at farmers' markets, and frequenting local restaurants. Staycations and vacations are a must! Adrienne is also a Beatles fanatic and definitely knows her way around ANY kitchen.
Treasurer: Vania Knight
Vania is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with a private practice in San Diego. She has been working with children for over 20 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Child, Family, and Human Development from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in School Psychology from National University. She recently completed a post-graduate certification program in School Neuropsychology and achieved Diplomate status granted by the American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP). Some of her professional interests include genetic disorders, autism, dyslexia, and executive functioning.
Vania is originally from Bulgaria. She and her husband (from England) lived on 4 continents before settling in San Diego county for the past few years. They are proud parents of a 20-year old son who is a firefighter, two rescue dogs (Jessie and Cookie), and three rescue kitties (Ziva, Max, and Kimi). In her spare time, Vania enjoys traveling the world, baking, and volunteering at the local BMX track.
CASP Region VII Representative: Dorothy Guinter
Dorothy is entering her 17th year as a School Psychologist in the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD). For the past four years, she has specialized as an ERMHS School Psychologist, supporting students with significant social-emotional and behavioral needs. Dorothy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in School Psychology from National University. With over 20 years of experience working with children in various settings, Dorothy brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role.
This is Dorothy’s seventh year serving on the SANDCASP Board. Additionally, she is the Region VII Representative and Co-Chair of the Membership Committee for the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP).
Originally from Poland, Dorothy migrated to the United States with her family in 1986. She now resides in San Diego with her husband, 13-year-old son, 10-year-old daughter, a Border Collie puppy, and an adorable backyard chicken. Dorothy enjoys attending live music events, exploring the outdoors, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her favorite band is moe.
Board Member-At-Large: Ann Mellon
Ann has whole-heartedly enjoyed working within the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) since 2012. She began this journey by volunteering as a room parent when her son was in kindergarten. (He recently graduated from a SDUSD high school and is about to move into a dorm on a UC campus for the next phase of his educational journey. He had remarkable teachers preparing him for a bright future; they supported him with love as he navigated through.) Ann has the utmost respect for ALL teachers and staff working with our future. Her son's principal hired her as a professional expert (without a teaching credential) to instruct a video production class for their young Sandburg Tigers. Together, they produced weekly videos aptly named "Pawsitive News," focused on positive life skills (mutual respect, effort, honesty, etc.) and multicultural community events. Ann quickly realized that she had NO clue how to manage difficult behaviors in the classroom. She went back to school as a recently widowed mother to learn and is now entering her fourth year as a visiting school psychologist for SDUSD. She loves the experience of working with diverse students and providing strategies to overcome the challenges that life often gifts us. Her professional interest includes trauma-informed crisis intervention and prevention, particularly within at-risk student populations. Her personal passions gravitate toward the creative and visual arts. She appreciates hard work, good people, intricate humor, positive attitudes, inspiration, nourishing friendships, Irish Stew in Dublin, and making memories with family and friends. She is also grateful for you having read this far and welcomes building connections for the greater good.
Board Member-At-Large: Antonio Hernandez
Board Member-At-Large: Jarrett Clifton
Jarrett is a Licensed Educational Psychologist, and he currently works as a School Psychologist within the Mountain Empire Unified School District (MEUSD). He has experience with all grade levels, from elementary to high school, including adult transition. He is committed to pursuing collaborative approaches to support students while also learning and affirming the diversity of families, communities, and school staff alike. In addition to SANDCASP, Jarrett is a part of the NASP Mentorship program and NASP Practice Model Committee as ways to help promote the field of School Psychology.
Jarrett graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Bachelor of Arts in General Psychology from North Carolina State University. He then moved to San Diego, CA, and completed his Educational Specialist degree in the School Psychology program at San Diego State University. Jarrett has served on the SANDCASP Board as a Board Member-at-Large and, most recently, as Treasurer. He was also the 2024 winner of the SANDCASP Ross Zatlin Mentorship Award. His professional interests include Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), School-Based Mental Health, and Multicultural Education. He works diligently to fold these concepts into his School Psychology service delivery.
Board Member-At-Large: Dr. Laura Mueller
Laura is the Program Director and an Assistant Professor for the School Psychology PPS program at the California School of Education at Alliant International University (AIU). Prior to accepting the position of Program Director in 2023, Dr. Mueller served as an Adjunct Professor for the Educational Psychology Master's and Doctoral programs at AIU for over 14 years. Dr. Mueller received her M.A. in School Psychology and Psy.D. in Educational Psychology from AIU and was honored with the “Outstanding Doctor of Education” award. She has experience as a School Psychologist, Behavior Specialist, Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) provider, and Program Specialist. She currently serves Poway Unified School District part-time as an ERMHS consultant. She has presented the results of her doctoral project on Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) throughout San Diego County and beyond for various groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics, San Diego County Office of Education, California Association of School Psychologists, and many others. In 2018, she partnered with Dr. Steve Fisher to research the implementation of a mindfulness curriculum at a San Diego County elementary school. She presented the resulting research at the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction in Rome in July 2018 and the work was subsequently published in the proceedings of the event.
Laura is the proud mom of 11 adult children, proud grandma of 5, and loves spending time with her husband and family whenever possible! Her favorite activities include hiking, going to the beach, bike riding, and vacations (ocean-involved vacations preferred)!
Board Member-At-Large: Megan Storey-Hallam
Megan has 20 years of experience working as a school psychologist in public, independent, and international schools. She currently holds the position of JK-12 Head of Student Success and Wellness at Francis Parker School. Megan has also worked in public health and as a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on child growth and development, parenting, and resiliency. She most recently conducted research on the impact of the pandemic on student learning, published in a chapter of the book Like No Other School Year: 2020, COVID-19 and the Growth of Online Learning. Her current professional interests include a focus on student and faculty wellness. Megan completed both an Ed.S degree in School Psychology and an Ed.D in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership at the College of William and Mary.
Personally, Megan enjoys yoga, running, and sailing. Her favorite pastime is traveling to new places with her husband and two children.
Board Member-At-Large: Melanie Armour
Melanie has been a school psychologist for 11 years and is currently working within the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) at Rancho Del Rey Middle School. Previously, she worked as a Behavior Assistant Paraprofessional with the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and had been a paraprofessional for 10 years prior to her school psychology internship. She graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology at National University in San Diego and then obtained her Master's in School Psychology at National University. Melanie has worked as a Professor at National University for the past 3 years and teaches internship, practicum, and assessment courses. This is Melanie’s first time serving as a board member for the SANDCASP Board.
Melanie and her husband have four children, ages 18, 12, 5, and 3. They have a dog, two cats, and a baby bearded dragon. In her free time, Melanie enjoys running, spa days with friends, hiking, and making memories with her family.
Board Member-At-Large: Misty Bonta
Misty is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) with a board certification in School Neuropsychology (ABSNP). She has additional certifications as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP) and Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). Misty also has advanced training in several research-based therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (such as TF-CBT & Neuro-informed CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Misty made the leap into private practice one year ago (owner of Get Psyched) where she currently provides training on School-Based Mental Health, diagnostic assessments, therapy, and consultation services. Misty LOVES helping other aspiring LEPs with their own business journeys and runs a monthly LEP Community Group to provide support to individuals across the state.
Prior to private practice, Misty has had over 17 years of experience working in various educational environments including public schools, continuation schools, juvenile halls, specialized programs, and charter schools. Misty has held various positions including School Psychologist, Special Education Administrator, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, Mental Health Program Manager, and Mental Health/Wellness Coordinator. Misty was also a teacher for a few years prior to choosing School Psychology as a career.
Personally, Misty enjoys many aspects of life including music, concerts, animals, nature, swimming, hiking, travel, art, comedy, movies, food, culture, and trying to make this world a better place one day at a time. She is also obsessed with Yosemite and hot sauce (& will dare anyone to a hot sauce challenge). Misty is a native Californian who has lived in several different parts of the state, but has lived in San Diego for the last 10 years. She grew up in Orange County and was born in Anaheim. She has been married for 19 years and has a dog named Hilo who loves going to dog beach. Misty is so appreciative of being able to have a career where she gets to do what she loves and is excited to serve on the SANDCASP board again!!!
Board Member-At-Large: Sarah Llorente
Sarah has 22 years of experience in School Psychology, working 18 of those years within the Chula Vista Elementary School District. Three years ago, she decided to move to San Diego Unified to be on the same break schedule as her twin sons. During her years in the field, Sarah has had the opportunity to work with preschool through high school aged students.
In her free time, Sarah loves spending time with her 11 year olds, gardening, hiking, camping, rollerblading, and doing yoga. This is Sarah's second year on the SANDCASP Board. This past year, she served on the Events/Awards and Media committees. A highlight of the year was attending CASP Legislative Days, where she was able to meet with legislators and staffers at the state capitol to promote School Psychology and some very important education bills. Sarah is looking forward to another meaningful year on the board!