About Melissa Ortiz Nolan

I have close to 30 years experience working with public schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and have been in private practice for over 17 years. I worked as a Program Supervisor, Lead School Psychologist, School Psychologist, Assistant Principal at middle and K-8 schools, and as a Program Specialist through the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA).  I oversaw special education departments, created special education programs, facilitated legally-involved meetings, worked with parents during the Mediation process, served during hearings as an expert Licensed Educational Psychologist, and helped parents work with Districts to develop settlement agreements.  I have conducted private evaluations, both within my own practice and within a Developmental Pediatrician's practice, specializing in assessments of students with suspected dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.  I have provided counseling for students, parents, and school staff throughout my career and counseled high school students during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.  I have been interviewed for Podcasts, spoken at conferences, and provided parent trainings related to my work. 

I am a member of the California Association of School Psychologists and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc.  I have my Advanced Advocate Training Certification.  I am a parent who knows how to determine your child’s primary learning needs, and who knows how to bring him/her the appropriate help. My personal experiences have committed me to assist those parents who seek answers that help their child grow academically and emotionally.

EDUCATION

• Masters of Arts in Administration and Public Policy from Stanford University
• Masters of Science in Counseling/School Psychology from California State University, Sacramento
• Bachelors of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Education from University of California, Davis