meet The Team
Our Leadership Team
Rebecca Branstetter. Ph.D.
Founder of Thriving Students Collective
Dr. Rebecca Branstetter, Founder
Rebecca Branstetter, Ph.D., is a California-certified psychologist and a licensed public school psychologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned her doctorate in Education at the University of California at Berkeley. She is the founder of the Thriving School Psychologist Collective and The Thriving Students Collective, whose mission is to bring mental health and learning support to schools and families.
A sought-after speaker and national media expert, Rebecca’s expertise has appeared in various publications, including Huffington Post, Washington Post, NPR, CNN, and Parents Magazine. She has also published several books and created online courses for parents and professionals on supporting struggling students, particularly those with attention and executive functioning challenges.
Sarah Hauser, M.A.
CEO
Sarah Eisenberg Hauser, CEO
Sarah is a passionate and tenured Executive Leader in the education technology industry, with extensive background in marketing, education and business. From working directly with students, public administrators, and members of the private sector, she brings over 20 years of sales, management, training, marketing, operational and customer success, and recruiting expertise.
Sarah holds a BA from UC Berkeley, an MBA in Marketing, and a Master's in Teaching from the University of San Francisco. She also completed a certification program at Columbia Business School in Building and Leading Effective Teams. Sarah resides in Oakland, California with her 3 amazing children and husband.
Mike Attia
VP of Operations
Mike Attia, VP of Operations
Mike’s journey into helping students overcome educational barriers started in 2007, when he started teaching SAT prep while getting his bachelor's in mathematics at UCSD. He spent the next 15 years of his career working in operations and management at The Princeton Review. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
Mike lives in Oakland, California. When he’s not at work, you can often find him in front of a piano, singing with his local community chorus or eating (food is the great love of his life).
Team Members
Amy Leung (Lee), M.S.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Amy Leung (Lee), M.S.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Amy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) and Credentialed School Psychologist (PPSC) with 20 years of experience serving individuals with learning differences and conducting psycho-educational assessments to identify learning profiles. She has a wealth of experience, offering scholastic and applicable solutions for individuals with learning disabilities, attention challenges, autism spectrum disorder, and social-emotional challenges in both educational and private settings.
Amy holds a M.S. in school psychology and B.S. in business administration. She is a certified BICM, aced the Autism Spectrum Disorders Professional Concentration Program at UC Davis, and completed the FBA/BIP Trainer of Trainer courses. Amy was a key leader in many of the school district’s leadership teams, including the Autism Spectrum Disorder Best Practices Leadership Team, the Cohort Leadership for Students’ Strengths/Weaknesses Patterns, and the Crisis Intervention Manual Project Team.
Anna Napawan, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Anna Napawan, ph.D.
licensed clinical psychologist
Dr. Anna Napawan is a licensed clinical psychologist, and she has worked and trained in a variety of settings including UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital and Clinic, Children’s Hospital Oakland, Ann Martin Center, and Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Napawan has experience in assessing giftedness, ADHD, ASD, and various learning differences. She used a collaborative therapeutic approach when conducting her assessments, which includes an in-depth clinical interview, school observations, standardized measures, and projective tests. In addition to Dr. Napawan's work, she enjoys learning to watercolor, embroidery, and caring for her 3 children.
Charity Plaxton-hennings, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Credentialed School Psychologist
charity plaxton-hennings, ph.d.
licensed clinical psychologist, credentialed School psychologist
Dr. Charity Plaxton-Hennings is a pediatric neuropsychologist, licensed clinical psychologist, and credentialed school psychologist. She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a Master's Degree in Public Health, a Master's Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Psychology. She completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital in Pediatric Neurodevelopment. She currently serves as a Director of Special Education. Dr. Plaxton-Hennings spent the first 8 years of her career as an Associate Professor at Azusa Pacific University and has since held several adjunct faculty appointments at many colleges and universities. She is certified as a trauma specialist and has an extensive background in crisis intervention, including serving for two weeks in New York following 9/11. Historically, she also worked in private practice conducting neuropsychological evaluations, therapy, organizational consulting and training. She currently serves as reviewer for the Journal of Contemporary School Psychology and serves in leadership positions on state and local organizations.
Christina Reilly, M.S.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Christina Reilly, m.S.
Licensed educational Psychologist
Christina is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) who holds a Masters of Science in Counseling with a specialization in individuals with learning differences as well as mental health and behavioral needs from diverse populations.
With experience also working as a mental health clinician, Christina ensures each learner is viewed from a whole-child lens and brings her therapeutic background to her Educationally Related Mental Health assessments. When she is not working with students, Christina enjoys hiking with her German Shepherd, reading mystery novels eating sushi, and traveling.
Gina Beaman, Psy.D.
Director of DEI and Ethics
Gina Beaman, Psy.D.
Director of DEI and Ethics
Dr. Gina Beaman is a Licensed Educational and School Psychologist as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is also a Certified Learning Disability Specialist for the California Community Colleges.
Dr. Beaman has served in leadership roles with the California Association of School Psychologists as chair of the DEI and Ethics Committees.
Heather Miles, Psy.D.
Licensed School Psychologist
Heather Miles, Psy.D.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Dr. Miles is a Licensed Education Psychologist who has worked in the public school system for more than 25 years. She has experience as a General Education teacher, school psychologist, consultant to NonPublic Schools, and district liaison for students in Residential Treatment Centers. Additionally, she has worked as a Special Education Administrator, overseeing special education programming at more than 30 schools. She earned a double major at UCLA, with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Women's Studies, an M.S. in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles, and her doctorate in Psychology through California Southern University.
Through her work with students in NPS and RTC placements, Dr. Miles has gathered a unique level of experience working with youth who have significant behavioral and mental health needs. She is trained in Trauma Informed Care practices and Assessments and completed her doctoral dissertation on the unique mental health needs of adopted and foster youth. She places an emphasis on working collaboratively with the family, educational team, and additional community members to identify a set of supports and services that best fit each child's needs.
Dr. Miles lives in Southern California with her two teenage children. In her free time she plays the drums and enjoys hiking.
Javarte Bobino, Psy.D.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Javarte Bobino, Psy.D.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Dr. Javarte Bobino is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and credentialed school psychologist who holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Psychology. He completed a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He possesses years of experience working with youth and adults in a variety of settings. Dr. Bobino has been an adjunct instructor for Mills College, St. Mary’s College of California, Loyola Marymount University, and University of San Francisco. Dr. Bobino is native to the Bay Area and specializes in working with foster youth, developing mental health program initiatives, optimizing the learning atmosphere, student development, and promoting a safe learning environment.
Jenna Palacios, M.S.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Jenna Palacios, Ed.S., M.S.
Licensed educational Psychologist
Jenna is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and California credentialed School Psychologist with over 10 years of experience in education in different capacities for school districts in San Diego, San Bernardino, LA and Orange counties. She received B.A.s in both Psychology and Spanish from San Diego State University. She also attended graduate school for School Psychology at SDSU, earning an M.S. in Counseling and an Ed.S. degree in School Psychology. Jenna's areas of expertise and interest include bilingual assessment, culturally affirming and responsive interventions, preschool assessment/early childhood education, and inclusionary practices. She is most passionate about disability justice and is drive to ensure that disabled students thrive with equitable access and opportunities in all settings. Jenna takes pride in connecting with families and providing psychoeducation to empower them to be the best advocates for their children. In her free time, Jenna enjoys watercoloring, roller skating, pilates, meditation, reading and doing her own nails.
Laura lives in San Francisco with her husband and dog Larry. In her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, playing board games, and getting outside as much as possible: hiking, cycling, and going to the dog park.
Jennifer Rocabado, M.S.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Jennifer Rocabado, M.S.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Jennifer has been a Licensed Educational Psychologist and California Credentialed School Psychologist for over 20 years in the South Bay. She holds a BA in both English and Psychology from the University of San Diego and M.S. in Counseling with a specialization in School Psychology from California State University, Easy Bay. Recently, she received her Diplomate of School Neuropsychology certification.
Currently she is the Co-President of Santa Clara County Association of School Psychologists where she works to coordinate and facilitate collaboration and training opportunities to school psychologists in the Bay Area. When she is not assessing, teaching students (and parents!) about their brains and feelings, or writing reports, Jennifer enjoys time spent outdoors with her family, which includes her husband, two teen sons (14 and 16), and two dachshund-mix dogs.
Ke’Shana Griddine, Ph.D
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Ke’Shana Griddine, Ph.D
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Dr. Griddine is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) with 10 years of experience in the public schools. She earned her Doctorate degree from Indiana State University in Psychological and Guidance Services with a specialty in School Psychology. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University. In addition to her public school experience, she has provided services in alternative settings such as residential treatment and juvenile detention facilities. Her professional purpose is to provide information to support students and families as they navigate the education system.
Dr. Griddine has vast experience with psycho-educational assessments, individual counseling, group counseling, behavior interventions, and consultation with school teams. In the schools, she has facilitated counseling groups to support social-emotional development of female students at the high school and elementary school levels. She enjoys going to the beach, traveling, listening to podcasts, photography, and nature walks.
Laura Hansen, Ed.S., M.Ed.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Laura Hansen, Ed.S., M.Ed.
Licensed educational Psychologist
Laura is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and a credentialed school psychologist. She earned her Ed.S. and M.Ed. in School Psychology from the College of William and Mary and her B.A. from Villanova University. She has worked with youth and families throughout the Bay Area since 2015. Laura's goal is to support families through an approach that is student-centered, culturally-responsive, evidence-based, and strengths-focused. She has broad experience working with diverse learners with disabilities and difficulties that impact learning.
Laura lives in San Francisco with her husband and dog Larry. In her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, playing board games, and getting outside as much as possible: hiking, cycling, and going to the dog park.
Marianne Lapastora, PsyD
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Marianne Lapastora, PsyD
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Marianne is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and credentialed school psychologist in California. She holds a Master's Degree in Applied Developmental Psychology, a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology, and a Doctorate in Psychology. Marianne has worked as a psychologist in public schools for a decade and has also served as an adjunct faculty member in National University's Master's program in School Psychology. She embraces a neurodiversity affirming perspective and has special interests in ADHD, Autism, anxiety, and traumatic stress. She is additionally trained as a children's yoga teacher and enjoys teaching mindfulness to kids. Marianne also loves creating professional development and educational materials for teachers and parents in order to help them understand and support children's needs. When she is not assessing students, she enjoys gardening, watercolor painting, and learning new musical instruments.
Nicole Smith, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Nicole Smith, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Nicole has been working as a clinical/school psychologist, specializing in assessment, for the past eight years. Dr. Nicole grew up in Perth, Western Australia and moved to the US to attend Northwestern University. She played Division 1 Field Hockey and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Dr. Nicole received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and her Doctorate degree from Alliant International University in San Francisco. She enjoys traveling, reading (all things Harry Potter), watching movies, learning German, tap dancing, and adventuring with her five year old son.
Noelle Dumont, M.A.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
noelle dumont, m.a.
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Noelle Dumont is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with over 10 years in the field. She enjoys identifying the needs of the students she works with and including them in the intervention and recommendation process. She has experience with neuropsychological evaluations, working with diverse populations and promotes a growth mindset in all students. She has worked as a mental health clinician prior to becoming a school psychologist and brings a wealth of knowledge to her Educationally Related Mental Health Service assessments. Noelle enjoys solution based problem solving and the collaborative relationship with parents and schools. When she is not assessing students, she enjoys entertaining friends and family, Pilates and hiking with her two whippet dogs.
Steven Branstetter
Creative Director
Steven Branstetter
Creative Director
Steven first fell in love with photography at the age of 11, when his brother gave him a film camera. In the digital world, Steven creates images and videos that capture the essence of the Thriving Students Collective.
When he's not ridding the world of cheesy stock photography, you can find him enjoying mint chip ice cream with his wife and two daughters in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Vincent Hurtado, M.S.
Licensed School Psychologist
Vincent Hurtado, M.S.
Licensed School Psychologist
Vincent Hurtado is a Licensed School Psychologist with 19 years of experience in the field. He has worked with youth and families throughout the Sacramento area with focus on crisis intervention, psycho-educational assessments, suicide prevention trainings, behavioral interventions, and social emotional supports. Vincent earned his B.A. Psychology and M.S. in Counseling with a PPS School Psychology from the California State University, Sacramento. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his dogs, reading, visiting his family, taking spin and yoga classes.