Meet Our Interns
2023-2024 Current Specialist-Level Interns
Crystal Macias
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.
Katie Caravantes
Ottawa University
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
Northern Arizona University
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.
Cassandra Craig, M.S.
Northern Arizona University
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.
Former Specialist-Level Interns 2018-2023
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 former 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.
Troi Rhodes, Ed.S. Northern Arizona University
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.
Jaime Lavit, Ed.S. Ottawa University
Current DVUSD Psychologist
Hi! I am recent graduate of Ottawa University (May, 2020). I graduated with a Specialist's Degree in School Psychology. I am married to my husband, Scott and we have three wonderful children.I completed my practicum, internship, and now I am a full time employee with Deer Valley Unified School District.The 2020-2021 school year has brought on some challenges; however, my passion to provide support to both my campuses for students, teachers, parents, and staff has not waivered. It is with the continued support from DVUSD, and my colleagues that have allowed me to continue to make a difference!Together we are #Extraordinary!
Current DVUSD Psychologist
I completed the Ed.S program through University of Arizona. For my internship year I was placed at Bellair Elementary School. This campus served grades preschool to 6th grade. I had an experienced supervisor that was knowledgeable, supportive, and provided me with multiple learning opportunities. My supervisor also helped me gain the confidence to become independent when I was ready. The best part of my internship year was developing a close bond with my fellow interns. We were able to collaborate with one another and develop a support system outside of supervision.
Current DVUSD Psychologist
Hello. I am a former DVUSD teacher who is now a psychologist in the district. I began teaching in DVUSD in 2010, and continued this path until I completed my internship in Deer Valley at a K-8 school (Stetson Hills School) during the 2019-2020 school year. In 2017, I earned my Master of Arts in Educational Psychology, and then in 2020, I earned my Ed.S. from NAU. My internship year was amazing! I learned more that year, than I had in all of my previous years of school. Not to mention, I formed some amazing bonds with the other interns and supervisors.. I can't say enough good things about the district or the psych intern program. It has prepared me beyond belief even in these difficult times. I am committed to our DVUSD students and the field of psychology, and I feel like I could have never gotten to where I am today, without my DVUSD family supporting me all the way.
Ruthie Bowman, Ed.S. Northern Arizona University
Current DVUSD Psychologist
I am in my final year at NAU in their School Psychology, Educational Specialist Master’s Degree program, looking forward to graduating in May 2021. I completed my practicum primarily at Desert Sky Middle School sharing time at Mountain Shadows Elementary School, which are both in the Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD). I had very knowledgeable supervisors during my practicum whom I felt provided me with a great insight to the field, expectations, demands, and helped build my confidence entering into my internship. I am currently completing my internship at Greenbrier Elementary School, which services developmental preschool students through the sixth grade. I am grateful to work with one of my prior practicum supervisors during my internship. I feel the knowledge, support, guidance, and continued learning opportunities are immeasurable! In addition to the support of my supervisor, the school psychologist team in DVUSD have been AMAZING and available to help when called upon. To make matters even better, the internship cohort I am on this journey with are just fantastic, and we are able to consult with one another and share experiences and gain additional insight from one another.
Jose Sainz-Cortez, Ed.S. Ottawa University
I initially chose DVUSD for my practicum because I wanted to get out of my zone. I wanted to experience a different culture and work with a different population. With my practicum experience I felt welcomed and supported by the school psychologist group. They were willing to help me expand my experiences and my knowledge. I then decided to continue with the DVUSD family for my intern program. I continued to feel supported and kept being reassured that I was doing the right thing. This is why I continue to choose DVUSD because of the support I continue to receive in hopes of helping me become a one of a kind School Psychologist.
Bryan Putzke, Ed.S. University of Arizona
Hello! I am a former intern who attended the University of Arizona's School Psychology Ed.S program. I completed my second year practicum experiences at Paradise Valley and Dysart, and attended my final internship year with DVUSD. Despite the unique challenges of starting an internship in 2020, I am well supported to ensure my success during this year of training. Specifically, the training program and community within DVUSD is extremely welcoming and eager to help support me throughout my learning. I truly feel apart of a team when working alongside my supervisors, fellow interns, and employed school psychologists within the district.
Sara Eley, Ed.S. Northern Arizona University
Graduate Program: Minnesota State University, Moorhead
About Me: I love working in the Deer Valley Unified District because of all the opportunities there are to grow professionally. If you have a special interest, there is always an opportunity to work and grow in that area. For example, I love working with preschoolers, so I am able to be on the preschool evaluation team.
Renee’ Rios, EdS, NCSP (back)Graduate Program: Northern Arizona University
Current DVUSD Psychologist
About Me: I am originally from California and went to Northern Arizona University for my bachelor’s in psychology. At the time I interviewed as an prospective intern, the way the internship program was structured was side-by-side and we could participate on different teams (ex: preschool). I wanted as much exposure as I could get so I thought this sounded great. My interview went well and I really clicked with one of the psychologists who interviewed me; she ended up becoming my mentor. I stayed with Deer Valley past my internship because the psychologist group is supportive, we have a lot of professional development opportunities, there is a stipend for your NCSP, and the pay is one of the higher in the valley. There’s a wide range of opportunities here to try different settings and teams so you can really find your groove while knowing you’re supported.