About

Kristin Makena, Ph.D.

I am a Licensed Educational Psychologist (CA #3575), Administrator, Adjunct Professor, and Researcher who has worked in the fields of psychology and education for the last 20 years. I have been teaching and guiding companies, districts and families through a strengths based approach that leads individuals through self-discovery into more positive and productive lives.

Vitae

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.