Neurodiverse Family Group

Dr. Hilya is a pediatric psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children and teens to better understand their social, emotional, and learning needs. Her mission is to uncover the reasons behind a child's challenges and collaborate with parents to implement meaningful supports that foster growth and maximize potential. Dr. Hilya provides psycho-educational evaluations to identify learning, processing, or attentional issues, as well as autism, and uses her insights to tailor recommendations for each child's unique needs.

In addition to evaluations, Dr. Hilya maintains a small therapy caseload, where her knowledge of brain-behavior relationships informs her approach to supporting children. She helps children develop self-management skills and offers strategies to address mood disorders, anxiety, low self-esteem, or disruptive behaviors. Dr. Hilya also assists families in navigating school-based supports through collaboration with educators and attendance at IEP meetings.

Dr. Hilya earned her bachelor's degree from UCLA, her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and completed post-doctoral training in psycho-educational evaluations. In private practice since 2010, she is also the proud mother of two young daughters, which deepens her appreciation for the humbling journey of parenting.

Marcy Dann, Ed.D. is a board-certified educational therapist with over 39 years of clinical practice experience who specializes in providing consultation for parents of twice-exceptional (2e) children. Dr. Dann consulted with families at Bridges Academy since 2003 creating individualized learning profiles using a strength-based, talent focused approach. Dr. Dann has a strong background in higher education as instructor, coordinator, and supervisor. She is currently co-instructor of CDL 513/613, Complexities of Twice Exceptional Learners, at Bridges Graduate School. Dr. Dann's gifts, talents, and passions aside from her profession include being an artist, an avid reader, and a world traveler. www.dannrevolution.com

Dr. Danika Maddocks, PhD, is a parent coach and founder of The Gifted Learning Lab, offering guidance to families raising intense, gifted, and twice-exceptional (2e) children. With over 15 years of experience across roles including educator, assessment provider, school consultant, researcher, and therapist, she blends professional insight with personal experience—having grown up gifted and 2e herself and now parenting an intense gifted 2e child.

Dr. Allison Carter is a Licensed Psychologist with nearly two decades of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. With a doctorate in health psychology, her training spans individual, family, and child psychotherapy, with advanced expertise in trauma-informed care, stress management, and crisis intervention.

In her practice, Dr. Carter focuses on child, adolescent, and family therapy as well as adult psychotherapy, particularly for those navigating trauma, anxiety, or domestic violence recovery. Her approach integrates cognitive-behavioral, psychosensory, and family systems interventions, often incorporating art, role-play, and collaborative strategies with parents and teachers. Known for her approachable style, Dr. Carter believes strongly in the potential for growth and healing at every age, and she works to create environments where children and adults feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Sharon is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 14 years of experience specializing in the needs of children and adolescents. She uses art, play therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to create a safe space for young clients to express themselves in ways beyond words. Sharon's approach helps parents gain deeper insights into their children's experiences and implement positive changes at home to support their needs.

Sharon is extensively trained in Trauma-Focused CBT and Gestalt Play Therapy, and her expertise spans a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, family conflict, and parenting challenges. In addition to her work with children, she enjoys helping couples strengthen their relationships by fostering healthy communication and deeper connection, which positively impacts the entire family.

Sharon brings warmth, acceptance, curiosity, and honesty to each client and family. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University.

Christine Henry is an expert Art Therapist with over 16 years of experience providing outpatient services to children, adolescents, families, and adults. Bilingual in Spanish, Christine values culturally sensitive care and acknowledges the diversity of families in Los Angeles. She is committed to cultural humility, offering a Queer Affirming/LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent safe space.

Christine specializes in working with neurodivergent adults, including those on the Autism spectrum, helping them find balance and integrate their authentic selves through techniques focused on self-compassion, reflection, and small, positive changes. With children and families, Christine emphasizes that “children aren’t giving you a hard time, they’re having a hard time,” using individualized art and play therapy to enhance emotional regulation, communication, and coping skills. She also supports parents in strengthening parenting skills and fostering healthy attachment.

Certified in several Evidence-Based Practices, including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP), Christine also holds a Certificate in Play Therapy. A self-proclaimed Geek Therapist, she incorporates videogaming, pop culture, and technology into her sessions, using these tools to connect with clients and build healthy relationships.

Christine earned her Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Redlands, and a post-graduate Certificate in Play Therapy from UC San Diego Extension. She also provides clinical supervision for therapists pursuing licensure.