About

Kristin Makena, Ph.D.

Every stage in life gives us the opportunity to learn and grow. My greatest joy is working with students and families to witness and support their own journey of growth! Through my own learning, private practice, teaching, and work with school districts I have been gifted the opportunity to see a variety of assessment and therapeutic modalities to support clients.

I have been in the field of educational psychology for 20 years as a senior school psychologist, administrator and administrator for one of the largest school districts in the country.

My doctoral degree was in integrated mental health with a research focus on how individuals move through the change process.  This has led to teaching and guiding individuals, companies, districts, and families from a strengths-based approach that leads to discover into more positive and productive lives. 

I also work as an undergraduate and graduate Adjunct Professor for multiple universities with my current passion teaching positive psychology at CalPoly University, San Luis Obispo. I also teach law and ethics, consultation, and practicum classes for school psychologists at the graduate level.

I am a Licensed Educational Psychologist through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. I have earned recognition as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and completed a post-graduate training as a Diplomat in School Neuropsychology through the American Board of School Neuropsychology. I have been certified in Trauma Treatment, a Clinical Services Provider for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder through strengths-based interventions, mastery course training in Executive Functions, and received clinical training in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Autism assessment from the University of California, San Diego.  

Child Development Professor

Dr. Makena has been a guest speaker in my child development class and her knowledge base helped the student teachers to feel confident and ready to handle the many day to day crisis events and traumatic experiences our children are exposed to daily. She is culturally sensitive and astute to the needs of our families.

 

Director of Early Learning

Kristin’s collaborative and consultative approaches support the power of group contributions that create connections not only with her staff, but other administrators and community members.

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Kristin was instrumental in helping move the district from some very old habits and practices to recognizing the need to truly shift towards inclusive education. Kristin is a compassionate and knowledgeable leader and your district will benefit from her commitment to the work and to students.

Executive Director - Research Non-Profit

One thing that greatly impresses me about Kristin is her sensitivity to the diverse needs of students who may not fit the traditional student profile and her desire to reach them and help them succeed. We need more people in education who have the abilities that Kristin has to meet students where they are and help them succeed not only academically but also in life.

Community Advisory Council Member

Dr. Makena is dynamic individual.  She leads by example, works tirelessly for students, collaborates well with staff and parents, and always acts with integrity.  It is rare to find such a person.  It is an honor to work alongside her.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Makena is truly known for her compassion and commitment to helping students succeed and shaping them into highly competent and skilled future school psychologists. I have observed her ability to pull diverse groups together to harness collective energy towards a common purpose. Dr. Makena has the unique ability to develop exceptional vision and thus generate the enthusiasm required to carry it out. Dr. Makena is truly known for her compassion and commitment to helping students succeed and shaping them into highly competent and skilled future school psychologists. I have observed her ability to pull diverse groups together to harness collective energy towards a common purpose. Dr. Makena has the unique ability to develop exceptional vision and thus generate the enthusiasm required to carry it out.

Director of Student Services

Kristin is an extremely intelligent and talented individual that has been an incredible think partner for me, helping to grow professionally in my interactions with her.