Sydney Snyder, B.S.
Northern Arizona University
I am a current school psychologist intern at Las Brisas Elementary and a student in Northern Arizona University’s School Psychology Education Specialist program. I earned my BA in Secondary Education from ASU in 2022 before pursuing a career in school psychology.
I completed my practicum in DVUSD and chose to stay for my internship! The DVUSD supervision model provides a great balance between independence and support, allowing me to gain confidence as I learn the job! While DVUSD supervision encourages independence throughout internship, DVUSD's experienced school psychologists and great resources ensure that I always feel supported.
I am super grateful to be part of the DVUSD school psychology community as I continue to grow my skills and confidence!
Joscelyn Santos-Kenda
Northern Arizona University
Hi! I am a current school psychologist intern this year at Stetson Hills K-8th School in DVUSD and in my final year at Northern Arizona University in the School Psychology Ed.S program. I started in DVUSD during my practicum year and chose to continue working in DVUSD because of how much I enjoyed my practicum experience. I am grateful for the support DVUSD offers as an intern as well as how well organized the program is from having a primary supervisor, secondary and intern group supervision. I chose to stay in DVUSD to have a more hands-on experience, their collaborative environment, and diverse school settings. Internship year comes with new experiences and challenges and in each one I am certain that school psychology is still for me! I love the collaboration aspect with teachers, admin, related services and other psych’s when working on a student’s case. As a school psychologist intern, each day looks different for me. This ever-changing environment keeps me engaged and motivated, allowing me to continually adapt and grow in my practice!
If you are looking for a school psychologist group that is SO supportive and open for support when needed DVUSD is the right place.
Andrew Horvath
Northern Arizona University
I began my teaching career in 2011 and have worked in a diverse range of classrooms, supporting numerous students and families along the way. Now in my final year of graduate school, I am thrilled to be completing my internship at Deer Valley High School in DVUSD. My professional goals include providing culturally responsive support to all families in the community. In addition to earning my Ed.S degree, I am also working towards a Positive Behavior Support (PBS) certification to ensure a comprehensive approach to my work. DVUSD has an incredible and dynamic team of psychologists and leaders, and I am confident that I am working with the best!
Cassandra Craig, Ed.S., NCSP
Northern Arizona University
Current DVUSD Psychologist
Hi! I am a current school psychologist intern this year at Desert Mountain School in DVUSD and a student in North Arizona University’s Ed.S. program. I earned my M.S. in General Psychology from GCU in 2019 before pursuing a career in school psychology. I have an interest in promoting trauma-informed practices in schools along with effective family-school collaboration in order to prioritize student well-being and help campuses feel safe for all. My current campus services developmental preschool students through the 8th grade. I chose DVUSD for my internship because of the well-rounded experience the district provides with a cohort of other interns along with various levels of supervision. I have really enjoyed working with both my primary and secondary supervisors so far this year along with group supervision to learn from the other interns. The supervision model at DVUSD has really helped me gain confidence and allow me the independence and autonomy that I need to develop my skills as a future psychologist, while providing all of the support, connectedness, and guidance that I need along the way. The school psychologist team here is truly so supportive, welcoming, and collaborative. I am very excited to be a part of the Deer Valley family and continue to grow my skills in internship this year.
Katie Caravantes, Ed.S.
Ottawa University
Current DVUSD Psychologist
I'm a school psychologist intern at Sunset Ridge School in Deer Valley Unified School District. I started as a dual-certified teacher in Arizona and now I’m furthering my passion for Special Education by achieving my specialist’s at Ottawa University. I strive to challenge myself daily and provide out-of-the-box support for students. School Psychology allows me to assess and evaluate individual students while providing teachers with intervention strategies. I’m able to work with teachers and parents to support a student's success. This degree is not just for me but for my family and those students who have given up on education. I choose DVUSD for the multiple learning opportunities and the hands-on experience. My supervisors and campus staff have been beyond supportive and knowledgeable.
Megan Olson, Ed.S.
Northern Arizona University
Current DVUSD Psychologist
I am a graduate student in my final year at Northern Arizona University in the School Psychology Education Specialist program. Currently, I am completing my internship at Mirage Elementary School, which services developmental preschool students through grade six. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a School Psychology Intern at DVUSD. I choose DVUSD because of the wealth of opportunities and hands-on experience you can receive in the district.
DVUSD is a family. All of the school psychologists in this district are happy and willing to assist you with any problems or questions you may have. One of the best parts of my internship so far is my intern cohort. Having this cohort creates a system in which we are all able to support and collaborate with one another.
Overall, my school psychology internship has been an enriching experience and has provided me with a strong foundation for a career in education. I am excited to continue learning and growing in school psychology and look forward to positively impacting the lives of the students I serve.
Justine Villarin
Northern Arizona University
Current DVUSD Psychologist
As an international student, being a school psychologist intern at Inspiration Mountain School and working with K-8 students has been an enriching opportunity. I chose Deer Valley Unified School District for my internship because of its exceptional training model, where my journey has been supported by insightful supervisors who are always just a call or text away and ready to offer guidance whenever needed. The administrators and Special Education team at my school have been nurturing, allowing me to grow in my role as I work toward completing my degree at Northern Arizona University.
The DVUSD training model has been key in preparing me for a career in school psychology. The collaborative support of my cohort has been valuable as we share experiences and learn together. This internship continues to increase my confidence while developing the independence necessary to excel in this field. I am very excited to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the students and families I serve!
Kim Levesque, M.Ed.
Eastern Washington University
Current DVUSD Psychologist
I am a former school psychologist intern at Norterra Canyon School in the Deer Valley Unified School District and a student in Eastern Washington University’s Ed.S. program. I could not have made a better choice than DVUSD for my internship year. My supervisors and colleagues are both supportive mentors and exceptional practitioners. The entire team of psychologists is warm, welcoming, and always ready to share their experience and expertise. I appreciate the PreK-8th grade setting, where I can work with students at various developmental levels. DVUSD’s supervision and training model has provided me with many opportunities to develop my professional knowledge and practical skills; I feel confident that I will be well-prepared at the end of this experience.
Isabella Dasilva-Vivancos, Ed.S.
Ottawa University
Current DVUSD Psychologist
I am a student at Ottawa University completing my internship at a K-8 school in DVUSD. I started in DVUSD during my practicum and chose to continue working in DVUSD because of how much I enjoyed my practicum experience. I felt supported by my supervisor and received hands-on experiences that I would not have received elsewhere. Working as an intern in the district has granted me a good balance of support and independence to grow my skills as a psychologist so I can be prepared for my post-grad experience. DVUSD is a large district, but the support you receive from your supervisor and other psychologists in the district makes it feel personable and allows you to gain experience in all areas of the school psychology practice.
Current DVUSD Psychologist
I am currently a former intern for DVUSD and current psychologist. I was a part of Northern Arizona University's Ed.S. program for school psychology. I am a born and raised Phoenician, and grew up in the Deer Valley Unified School District. As a K-12 student in DVUSD, I had great teachers who had been a part of the DVUSD family since the 80's and 90's and teachers who were also once DVUSD students themselves! In starting my undergrad in teaching at Northern Arizona University, I knew I wanted to be a part of and continue the DVUSD family! The Deer Valley internship program offers an array of training you can partake in, excellent supervision, and opportunities to challenge you that will help develop your practice as you transition from being a practicum student to an intern.
Ruthie Millett, Ed.S. Northern Arizona University
Current DVUSD Psychologist
Current DVUSD Psychologist
Crystal Macias, Ed.S.
Northern Arizona University
I am a graduate student in the EdS School Psychology program. Formerly, I was an elementary/middle school teacher, in Arizona, for eight years. For three of those eight years, I worked at a Native-serving school that taught culturally responsive practices. So when I was searching for internship programs, I was intentional with my research. I chose Deer Valley Unified School District because of their amazing child-centered programs, inclusion, and PBIS programs. I also chose DVUSD because of its wonderful reputation of quality supervision. Since my time here, I know I made the right decision. Not only is the district well established but the internship program exceeds my expectations. All of the psychologists are wonderful, graceful, and have strong integrity.
Jose Sainz-Cortez, Ed.S. Ottawa University
Bryan Putzke, Ed.S. University of Arizona
Sara Eley, Ed.S. Northern Arizona University