Supervisors

Meet Our Intern and Practicum Supervisors

Current Intern and Practicum Supervisors

Sean M. McGlaughlin, Ph.D., NCSP is the Psychologist Coordinator for the Deer Valley Unified School District. Dr. McGlaughlin supervises all levels of intern and practicum students He earned both his master's and doctorates in school psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He completed an APPIC internship in 2004 through the Nebraska Internship Consortium Professional Psychology and was assigned to the Omaha Public Schools. In 2012, his family moved from Nebraska to Arizona, and he began working for the Deer Valley Unified School District. Dr. McGlaughlin is both licensed and certified in the state of Arizona. He is a member of both the Arizona Association of School Psychologists and the National Association of School Psychologists. His research interests include specific learning disability identification, students who struggle with Math, cognitive assessment, autism spectrum disorders, and effective supervision of interns. When asked why he loves Deer Valley, Dr. McGlaughlin stated, “It’s about the strong community of school psychologists we have. Our team of psychologists is the best in the state!” Dr. McGlaughlin’s approach to supervision is generally developmental he feels it is important to meet an intern where they are and feels there is no one size fits all approach. Sometimes the supervisor has to serve as a teacher, sometimes as a counselor, and sometimes as a consultant. When not focusing on school psychology, Dr. McGlaughlin enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. They enjoy going to the movies, taking family trips, gaming, and the fine arts.

Patricia Coon, M.A. earned her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and completed the masters program in School Psychology at Ottawa University. Shecompleted her internship with Deer Valley in the 2011-2012 school year. Subsequently, she was hired and has been a full time psychologist with the district ever since. Ms. Coon began supervising masters/specialists level interns in the 2019-2020 school year. Ms. Coon is currently the school psychologist at Mountain Shadows, a pre-K-6 campus. She serves on one of the District's ADOS teams and was previously part of the pre-school assist team. When asked why she loves Deer Valley, Ms. Coon stated "one word - relationships! Our group is second to none. We have a diverse group with a vast amount of knowledge and experience." Ms. Coon's approach to supervision is generally integrative as she feels that each intern needs to be met where they are. In her spare time, Ms. Coon enjoys spending time with family and friends, and taking vacations that have nothing to do with School Psychology. Her most recent trip was to Mexico just prior to the Pandemic and she often escapes there in her mind when in need of R & R.

Danielle Girnius, Ed.S., NCSP has been a school psychologist with the Deer Valley Unified School District for the past seven years as well as three years a neighboring school district. Mrs. Girnius obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Special Education where she specialized in cross-categorical services. She then pursed her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Northern Arizona University followed by her School Psychology Post Master’s Certificate from Capella University. Prior to becoming a School Psychologist, Danielle was a special education teacher with over thirteen years of teaching experiences where she taught at both the middle and high school levels. In addition to Mrs. Girnius' position as a school psychologist, she is also an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University within the College of Education for the past twenty years. Danielle has supervised pre-practicum as well as masters/specialists level practicum students over the course of the past 8 years. Mrs. Girnius is also involved at the district level in which she serves on one of the District's ADOS teams for the past seven years. In addition, Mrs. Girnius also has been a member of the Flight Crisis Team for the Deer Valley Unified School District for the past 6 years. In her spare time, you will often find her cheering on her children at all of their various community based sporting events, which include football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball.

Heather Henderson, Ed.S., NCSP I began my career as a School Psychologist in the Deer Valley Unified School District in 2015, following graduation from the Masters/Ed. S. program in School Psychology at Argosy University. My experience as a School Psych primarily includes work at Pk-8th grade schools in both Title 1 and more affluent neighborhoods. I have also worked in both middle school and high school environments. I began supervising practicum students and mentoring new DVUSD psychologists this school year. I have enjoyed learning from and working with practicum students this school year and love discussing new trends in the field of School Psychology as well as helping others to develop and improve their skills. I also have a 14 month old toddler who brightens my day every time I see her!

Erin Vaughn, Ed.S., NCSP; University of Arizona-Welcome future School Psychologists! I started at Deer Valley USD as a practicum student. I quickly applied for an internship and started my School Psych career in 2020. Working at DVUSD has been a fantastic experience! I have had the opportunity to work with grades Prek-8th grade. Currently, I primarily work with grades Prek-6th grade in a Title 1 setting. The DVUSD School Psych team is supportive, knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly talented. I look forward to working with and learning from psych practicum students!

Renee' Rios, Ed.S., NCSP graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2019 with her educational specialist degree in school psychology and graduate certificate in positive behavior support. She started in DVUSD as an intern and has been here since, mostly working at the high school level. She has been a member of the Arizona Association of School Psychologist and National Association of School Psychologists since her internship. During her time with DVUSD, she has completed Phase I of the Neurosequential Model of Education and been trained in the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines. Within DVUSD, Renee' is part of the Threat Assessment Review Team, School Psychologist Social Committee, and frequently participates in advocacy work. Her areas of interest include trauma, LGBTQ+, cultural responsiveness and researching anything that comes up!

Jaime Lavit, Ed.S. earned her undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico and her Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Ottawa University. She started her school psychology career as a practicum student with Deer Valley Unified School District in the 2018-2019 school year and has been here since. She contributes her loyalty to DVUSD to the relationships she has built and the amazing school psychologists she gets to work with. The school psychology group is diverse, supportive, collaborative, knowledgeable, full of experience, and create a positive work environment. Her experience is working with PK - 8th grade and within DVUSD, she is on one of the district's ADOS team, the Threat Assessment Review Team, and School Psychologist Social Committee. She is a member of the Arizona Association of School Psychologist and National Association of School Psychologist. Her goal is to continue to learn and grow as a school psychologist and focus on team collaboration and community partnership to create successful outcomes for students and families.

On a personal note, she is married and has three kids. In her spare time you can find her running, hiking, or cheering and supporting her kids at dance competition or sporting events, which include soccer and baseball. She leaves one final note and says, "welcome future school psychologists, I can't wait to work with you, share our experiences and learn and grow together".

Laura Rodi, Ed.S., NCSP: With 15 years at Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD)—5 as a school psychologist and 10 as a 1st-grade teacher—I chose DVUSD for my own children's education due to its commitment to excellence. I hold Bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice from American University and completed a Post-Baccalaureate program for K-8 Elementary Certification, including SEI and Early Childhood Endorsements. My Master’s in Educational Psychology from Argosy University and Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from Northern Arizona University led to my AZ School Psychologist Certification. At DVUSD, we prioritize the needs of children, and our psychologists provide unmatched expertise and support. My experience spans PreK-8th grade and high school settings. I also supervise first-year psychologists through the NASP-approved mentor/mentee program, oversee practicum students, and serve as a secondary supervisor for interns. I currently serve on the district’s autism evaluation team, threat assessment review committee, preschool evaluations, and summer evaluations. I also have had the privilege to train school districts across Arizona in crisis prevention and intervention with NASP’s PREPaRE curriculum. What I value most about DVUSD is the sense of community that permeates the district. Our psychology department fosters a supportive, collaborative environment that feels like family, ensuring every professional is empowered to succeed and contribute to student success.

Erin Bradley, PhD, NCSP, BCBA earned her PhD from the University of Arizona and MA from Arizona State University (but don't bring it up- she was disowned for attending ASU). She has been with DVUSD since her internship year in 2021 and has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the expansive, supportive, and knowledgeable team of school psychologists in the district. Dr. Bradley currently works with Prek-8th grade students in a Title 1 school setting and has experience working with adults and adolescents in the clinical setting. In her spare time, you can find her chasing after her son and spending time with her husband and two rescue dogs.

Ruthie Millett, Ed.S., NCSP I graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2021 with my Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology. I started in DVUSD as a practicum student, completed my internship year in DVUSD, worked one year in PUSD, and returned ”home” to DVUSD in the 2022-2023 school year where I have remained. My experience as a School Psychologist primarily includes work at PK-8th grade schools in both Title I and non-Title I schools. I have welcomed individuals who are considering the field of school psychology to shadow me in my role as a School Psychologist to provide insight as to what this job entails, which I am overjoyed when learning of their decisions to pursue the field. I began supervising practicum students and mentoring new DVUSD School Psychologists this year (2024). This field is ever evolving and I find I continue to learn new things every day from our incredible group of School Psychologists, Related Service Providers, and practicum students whom are still learning as they go through their program. I am a mother to three amazing boys who keep my days full of love, laughter, and baseball!

Amanda Diaz, EdS NCSP, is a school psychologist who’s all about supporting students and preparing the next generation of school psychologists. Amanda has a bachelors degree from Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Psychology and Criminal Justice. After a short time of working in behavioral health, Amanda completed an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from NAU in 2014. After spending one year in another district, she has been a psychologist in the Deer Valley Unified School District since 2015. She is currently serving on the social committee, is an executive board member in DVEA and has served on the Threat Assessment Advisory Team previously.

Currently working with PreK-6 students at a Title I campus, Amanda loves diving into assessments and finding ways to help kids thrive. She is excited about training practicum students, getting them ready for their internships, and helping them tackle tricky situations with confidence.

When not at school, Amanda is busy raising two sons and enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.

Former Intern and Practicum Supervisors

Kathleen McGorray, M.A. is entering her 23rd year in the field. Mrs. McGorray graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1995 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice. In 1997, Mrs. McGorray earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology. Mrs. McGorray practiced her first 8 years in an inner city, K-8, school district in Phoenix, AZ. While working in her previous school district, her responsibilities included the oversight of placements and evaluations of the district’s ED-P school and alternative placements within and outside of the district. Other responsibilities included counseling, trainer for the Second Step Violence Prevention Curriculum, behavior intervention planning, coordinating intakes, and collaborating with families and outside agencies. Mrs. McGorray was an active member of the district’s Best Practice Committee, Crisis Response Team, Threat Assessment Team, and Special Services Administrative Team. In the summer of 2005, Mrs. McGorray accepted a school psychologist position in the Deer Valley Unified School District. For the past 15 years, Kathleen has been the full time psychologist at Hillcrest Middle School. She has been has been a site supervisor for school psychology interns since its inception in the 2008-2009 school year.
On a personal note, Mrs. McGorray is a wife and mother of 2 teenagers who have attended school in DVUSD. Kathleen enjoys spending time with her family and friends and traveling whenever possible.

Michelle Cassavaugh, M.Ed.-Michelle Cassavaugh earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts –Lowell and a masters degree in School Psychology from Ottawa University. She has over twenty years of experience working with children and adolescents in various settings such as public schools, residential treatment and juvenile justice facilities. She has extensive training in positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), emotional and behavioral disorders, and trauma. She is Phase I certified in Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and working on Phase II while being a trainer for others. Ms. Cassavaugh is a newly assigned internship supervisor this year and enjoys working with school psychology students and interns and furthering the profession. Ms. Cassavaugh loves working for the Deer Valley Unified School District and is so grateful to be part of such a hardworking, collaborative, and close team of psychologists!

Nicole Turner, Ed.S.-Welcome Future Psychologists! I have been a school psychologist with Deer Valley USD for the last ten years. Prior to coming to Deer Valley USD, I worked for the Creighton Elementary School District for 5 years. I obtained my Education Specialist Degree (EdS) from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon after graduating from Arizona State University with a focus in education and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am a member of the Flight Crisis Team at DVUSD and provide supervision for new and upcoming School Psychologists. Working in Deer Valley USD has been an incredible experience! I have the opportunity to work with our preschool age students through high school. Our focus on team collaboration and partnerships is key to building successful outcomes for our student and families. The community of psychologist and related service providers is incredibly talented and knowledgeable. The opportunities for growth, professional development, and leadership are endless.

Cherylee E. Hirsch, Psy.D., - is a proud alumnus of the University of Arizona and Argosy University. She earned her Psy.D. from Argosy University in 2011. Dr. Hirsch completed her Predoctoral Internship in Professional Psychology under the primary supervision of Dr. Neil S. Stafford, Psy.D. and under the secondary supervision of Dr. Marshall Kane, Ph.D. She was a member of the Arizona Psychological Training Consortium. Her dissertation was titled: Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety-Based School Refusal Behavior: A Critical Review of the Literature. Dr. Hirsch has practiced school psychology in the Deer Valley Unified School District for the last nine years. She has spent eight of those years at Desert Sky Middle School. One of the many highlights of her practice is sharing her love and knowledge of school psychology with her practicum students. Over the past several years, Dr. Hirsch has had the honor of mentoring several practicum students who have since graduated and are currently in practice.
Dr. Hirsch grew up in the Pacific Northwest. She left the cold and rain for the warmth and beautiful sunshine to attend the University of Arizona. She met her husband, Steve, her freshman year. Dr. Hirsch has two grown sons that are married and both have children. She is particularly proud of them. They both have completed their Ph.D.’s. Dr. Hirsch has a passion for travel and spending time with her grandchildren.

Dahana Zamora, Ed.S., NCSP--Greetings Future Psychologists! I have worked as a School Psychologist with DVUSD, for the past five years, with a total of nine in education. I received my BA in Psychology from University of AZ, MS in Cultural Psychology from Walden, MA in Educational Psychology, and finally rounding out my degrees with an Ed.S. in School Psychology at Argosy University. I am a member of the Flight Crisis Team at DVUSD and provide practicum supervision for new and upcoming School Psychologists.

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