2015-2016 OCASP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Ashley Stewart is currently in her fifth year as a school psychologist with the Huntington Beach Union High School district. She is assigned to the district’s Compass Center, providing educationally related mental health services (ERMHS) to students and their families throughout the West Orange County SELPA. After attending Washburn University in Kansas on a softball scholarship, Ashley completed her BA in psychology at California State University Fullerton, and her MA and PsyD at Alliant international University where she wrote and published her doctoral project on sports-related concussions.

Additionally, Ashley works as a lecturer at California State University Long Beach, and has presented at many district trainings on topics related to school mental health, including the DSM 5 and trauma-informed strategies in the classroom. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her friends and family, which include her two dogs, Snoop and Fozzie, traveling, hanging out at dog beach, trying new restaurants, good wine, and catching up on Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix…preferably with good wine. 

Dr. Tajara Ross currently works as a school psychologist in Santa Ana Unified School District. This is her 6th year as a psychologist but she has also worked in the field of education previously as a tutor, cognitive skills trainer, and subsitute teacher. Tajara attended UC Irvine for her undergraduate degree where she completed a double major in Psychology & Social Behavior, and Criminology, Law & Society. While at UCI she studied abroad for two years in Madrid, Spain and Paris, France. Tajara completed graduate school at Alliant International University in Irvine, lastly completing the doctorate program in Educational Psychology. Her favorite aspects of her job include working with students with ADHD, social-emotional issues, and students in crisis through PBIS. She is also an advisor for her high school's GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Club. She enjoys mentoring practicum students and interns and hopes to become a professor in the future to continue working with graduate students.

Jenna Wood works as a school psychologist for multiple sites within the Garden Grove Unified School District.  This is her sixth year with OCASP.  She completed her Master of Arts and Educational Specialist in School Psychology degrees at Chapman University.  In past years, she has presented journal review research on prevention and intervention for selective mutism with Dr. Randy Busse and ABA strategies applied within a three-tiered model at the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) Annual Conventions in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Her paper with Dr. Busse on selective mutism was published in the 2011 issue of Contemporary School Psychology.

Originally from northern California, Jenna received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development at UC Davis.  She has an extensive background in ABA with experience as a behavior therapist for children with autism and other developmental delays.  When she is not working, Jenna enjoys being a world traveler.

Giniena is currently in her sixth year as a school psychologist at Orange Unified School District. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UC Riverside and her Masters in Educational Psychology at Alliant International University. She got her start working with children with special needs at LOVAAS Institute for Early Intervention as a 1:1 Behavior Therapist for children with Autism. After her time as a Behavior Therapist, she obtained a position as an instructional assistant in Irvine Unified and Tustin Unified while completing her Masters degree. Soon after obtaining her Masters, she began working at Orange Unified and has remained there since. 

Giniena is currently living in Orange with her husband, her dog - Matix, and her baby boy, Brixton. In addition to enjoying her new little bundle and making sure he meets all his developmental milestones (#psychologistmomma), Giniena enjoys working out, eating GOOD food with family and friends, traveling, and watching sports. 

Arpita Mandal is in her sixth year as a school psychologist at El Rancho Charter School withinOrange Unified School District. She received her MA in Educational Psychology and PPS Credential in School Psychology from CSU Long Beach. Arpita received her BA in Psychology and Education from UC Santa Barbara. Go Gauchos!

Arpita has served on the OCASP board for seven years and is excited to continue another year serving as the Region IX Representative for CASP. In addition to her role as the school psychologist, she is currently her school site’s special education department chair. Arpita is a part-time lecturer in the school psychology graduate program at CSU Long Beach. In 2011, she co-authored an article in CASP’s journal, Contemporary School Psychology, discussing Tier III assessments, data-based decision making, and interventions. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, food, wine, and reading.

If you would like to contact Arpita, you may do so at arpita.k.mandal@gmail.com.

Anna Zois is a school psychologist in the Irvine Unified School District. She attended the University of California, Irvine where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Social Behavior. She then received her Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology with emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis at Azusa Pacific University. She has worked in Special Education as an instructional assistant and a behavior tutor for the past three years in Orange County. Anna completed her practicum and internship in Irvine Unified School District. Lastly, she is currently completing her fieldwork hours to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Erin Spillane is in her sixth year as a school psychologist. She works in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District with high school and adult transition students. Erin earned her B.A. in Psychology at UC San Diego and obtained her M.A. in Educational Psychology and PPS in School Psychology at Cal State Long Beach.

Erin initially became interested in school psychology while working as a reading tutor in low income schools in San Diego. She then went on to work with children and families as a one on one ABA therapist for children with Autism and as a substitute teacher. Currently, Erin supervises practicum students and interns at her school site. She also serves as the advisor for E-Club, a student led club that creates opportunities for special needs students to engage in social activities with a variety of peers. Outside of work, Erin enjoys traveling, trying new food, kickboxing, and going to the beach. 

This is Erin’s second year serving on the OCASP board and is excited to be part of this organization. If you would like to Erin, you may do so at spillanerin@gmail.com.

In her spare time, Tori enjoys traveling, hiking, snowboarding, watching sports and listening to live music. This is Tori's second year serving on the OCASP board. If you would like to contact Tori, you may do so at downi105@mail.chapman.edu.