Learn the why…
Learn the how…
About Me
Hi — I’m Kristi Clarke.
I’m here to help children feel understood and safe, giving them the tools they need to grow into confident adults.
My goal is to uncover their strengths, support their challenges, and empower families with practical strategies that create lasting change.
Who I Work With
Motivated parents
Who are looking for clear next steps to address their child’s challenges, so they can reduce stress and have more time to focus on their relationships and personal or professional goals.
Families
Who are seeking hope and direction as they navigate their child’s needs.
My Approach
I take a holistic approach that blends my clinical psychology background with my behavioral training.
I believe that every child deserves to be understood, and their families deserve to build strong, meaningful connections. Unlike some behavior analysts who may take a rigid approach, I emphasize the importance of understanding behavior in a thoughtful, data-driven way. I offer both home and school observations to gather information that might be overlooked, helping families better understand their child’s needs.
My experience in inpatient facilities and group homes has given me a deep appreciation for how autism and genetic disorders impact both children and their families. I've seen firsthand how challenging behaviors can strain family relationships, and I’m committed to supporting both children and parents through this journey. My work as a behavior technician in graduate school taught me that progress may be gradual, but each step forward is meaningful.
Assessment
I focus on understanding the motivations behind children's behaviors during assessments. By using techniques like behavioral momentum, I foster cooperation and engagement during testing sessions.
One of my pet peeves is when other professionals "give up" on motivating a child, which can lead to missed insights.
I also have a strong understanding of insurance requirements, especially regarding autism diagnoses, which helps me advocate for families.
Through my work with diverse populations—including children with physical limitations and those using alternative communication devices—I’ve learned that while assessments can’t always be standardized, the qualitative data we gather provides invaluable insights into each child’s unique potential
One of my favorite parts of the assessment process is the feedback session.
I love empowering parents and teens with practical, actionable recommendations that can lead to real-world improvements. My experience with evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as programs like the Secret Agent Society social skills training, informs my assessment recommendations. I also believe in creative, hands-on interventions (like incorporating chickens to address a bird phobia!) that make a real difference in kids’ lives.
I’ve worked with children and teens across all developmental stages, from preschool to college, and I’m passionate about helping families implement effective strategies that fit their unique needs.