Trained to think critically about your concerns

I received my undergraduate degrees at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Rochester. As part of my graduate training, I worked with Loisa Bennetto, Tristram Smith, and Suzannah Iadarola on a variety of projects related to understanding and improving the lives of people with autism.

I completed my clinical internship at the University of Rochester, University Counseling Center. In this role, I provided individual and group therapy to college age students with a range of presenting concerns. I also helped to implement a social skills group for students with autism and anxiety, and I served as liaison to the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

I completed a post-doctoral fellowship within the Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center. In this role, I provided individual therapy to caregivers of children with developmental differences and conducted autism diagnostic evaluations.  I also rotated within the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program under the supervision of Kimberly Brown.

I am board member of the Genesee Valley Psychological Association, AutismUp, and Flower City Down Syndrome Network. I remain active as a volunteer within the community in support of these great institutions.

In addition to this private practice, I also serve in professional capacities for the Rochester City School District, UPK Program as a Clinical Consultant and as Adjunct Faculty for the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Reflecting upon my graduate training

Kirch's First Miracle Kid

I love working directly with caregivers. Since its inception, I worked with Laura Silverman in the Behavior Intervention for Families clinic, which is an outpatient extension of the research conducted by Tristram Smith and colleagues at the RUBI Autism Network.

This systematic approach provides a foundation that enables caregivers to implement strategies to target specific concerns at home.

Each year, Golisano Children's Hospital chooses five children and families as Miracle Children throughout the departments of the hospital. Their stories reflect the "...genuine fighting spirit we all can learn from and be inspired by." Daniel is the first child chosen from the Kirch Developmental Services Center. It was an honor and joy to work with Fauna and Daniel during this part of their journey. Read Daniel's story here.