Meet The Board of Directors

President

Cecilia Valdovinos, M.S., NCSP, LEP

Cecilia Valdovinos is a bilingual Licensed Educational Psychologist at Petaluma City Schools. She graduated from the University of Oregon with her masters degree, and has been a practicing educational psychologist with students in grades Pre-K through 12 in public schools. Cecilia has a special interest in child development, effective parenting, curriculum/program evaluation, intervention planning, and systems change. Her favorite things about being an educational psychologist are working directly with students, and being a problem-solver through assessment, consultation, and collaboration with her teams. 

President-Elect

Zenia Lemos Horning, M.Ed, NCSP, LEP 

Zenia Lemos Horning entered the field of school psychology in 1998 after graduating from the University of Washington with a masters degree in educational psychology. In 2004, she became a licensed educational psychologist and then received her school administrator credential in 2013. She has worked in districts both in southern and northern california and is currently the lead psychologist and program specialist for Healdsburg Unified School District. In addition to her employment as a school psychologist, she serves on the CASP board as the Region 1 Representative and is a member of the mental health and membership committees. This school year, she is also enrolled in the school neuropsychology institute and plans to receive her diplomate certification in school neuropsychology at the end of this school year.

Past President

Linda Beth Ginsberg, M.A., MAE, LEP

Linda Beth Ginsberg is a school psychologist with Petaluma City Schools. Over the course of a long and varied career in education, she has worked with students from preschool through college and is currently serving happily at the elementary level. Linda Beth enjoys her role as a "learning detective" in helping students, staff and families understand and support each child's unique strengths and challenges. She has done additional training in positive psychology and the science of well-being. Once upon a very long time ago, Linda Beth was an anthropologist and she brings that cross-cultural perspective to understanding school, family and community systems.

Membership Chair

Annalise Puentes, Ed.S, NCSP, LEP

Annalise Puentes is a Licensed Educational Psychologist in Sonoma County. She has worked as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) since graduating from Chapman University in 2010. Annalise enjoys the challenge of working as a team to help students from Preschool through age 22. She co-owns EmpowerED Educational Psychology Services with her colleague Bethany Deniz and works throughout the county.  After working in both Southern California and Indiana, Annalise agrees that Sonoma County is the best place to be! 

Secretary

Bethany Deniz, Ed.S, NCSP, LEP

Bethany Deniz is a Licensed Educational Psychologist dedicated to supporting the academic and emotional growth of students. Since 2009, she has used her expertise to serve and advocate for students in Sonoma County. What Bethany loves most about Educational Psychology is that it allows her to help stakeholders gain an understanding of a student’s strengths and needs, to empower them to become confident learners. She co-owns EmpowerEd Educational Psychology Services with her colleague Annalise Puentes and provides assessment, consultation, and training services to students, families, and districts.

Co-Treasurer

Suzanne Merideth, PPSC, NCSP

Suzanne Merideth is a Program Specialist at the Sonoma County & Charter SELPA. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) with two decades of experience working in special education. She has worked with student populations from preschool up to adult programs.  She is also a cadre member with Positive Environments, Network of Trainers (PENT) and Embedded Instruction, and she is also a Pyramid trainer. Suzy has held many leadership positions with SCASP and has been an active member since moving to Santa Rosa in 2003.

Co-Treasurer

Steve Powner, PhD, NCSP

Steven J. Powner is a school psychologist at Rincon Valley Union School District. He graduated with his Doctorate in School Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado. He gets to focus his work with elementary students who call him “Dr. Steve.” His training includes an emphasis in understanding the impact of pediatric traumatic brain injury on students as well as supports these students need. His professional experiences also include providing crisis support to schools dealing with grief as well as the after effects of extreme violence. He has a particular passion for teaching and enjoys any chance to teach whether it be a college course, convention presentation, training, or even a quick question by a parent walking out of a meeting.

Social Media Co-Chair

Matthew Park, NCSP

Matthew Park is a graduate of the School Psychology program at San Francisco State University and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). He has been working in the field of School Psychology since 2006.  Matthew is currently the lead School Psychologist in Santa Rosa City Schools and supports both West Side Elementary School District and Alexander Valley Union School District and has worked with all age groups Pre-School through 21. Matthew has also worked as a School Psychologist in Southern California and Cleveland, OH. 

CASP Region 1 Representative

Leslye Charlesworth, Ed.S

Leslye Charlesworth has been practicing school psychology since 2005 and graduated from the University of Denver with an educational specialist degree in school psychology. She has worked in both Colorado and California and currently works in Healdsburg Unified School District where she conducts psychoeducational and 504 assessments, provides educationally related mental health services, and works collaboratively with MTSS teams to promote positive outcomes across the district.  

Social Media Co-Chair

Julia VanderVennet, PhD, LEP

Bio coming soon!