Clinicial Team
Danny Arias, M.A.
Danny Arias is a counselor at the Center for Developing Minds who works with preteens, teens and young adults. He uses many different approaches and adjusts counseling techniques based on the client’s needs. Danny prides himself on creating relationships built on trust with his students and understands that real progress can only be achieved when such a relationship exists. He has experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, self-regulating, attention, communication skills, stress, bullying, social media, academic and college planning. Danny also moderates classes at the CDM, including “Sprint to the Finish: Academic Coaching designed to help students get 'back on track' and finish the school year strong.” and “Train Your Brain: Individualized Mental Athletic Training for Aspiring Athletes.”
In addition to his work at the CDM, Danny is currently serving on the counseling staff at Junipero Serra High School. Prior to joining the CDM, Danny was also a school counselor at Archbishop Mitty and Archbishop Riordan High Schools, where he worked with a wide variety of students on various topics and skills. In addition, he partnered with SF Suicide prevention to create a mental health education program for high school teens. He also has experience working with younger students, having completed some of his internship at Loma Prieta Elementary and C.T. English Middle School.
Danny earned a B.A. from California State University, Chico, and his M.A. in counselor education at San Jose State University. Part of his masters program was completed in Lusaka, Zambia, where he worked with orphans dealing with drug addiction, serious health issues, developmental set-backs, educational and social skills deficiencies.
Along with his counseling work, Danny enjoys working with youth athletes to help them improve their mental abilities. He is passionate about sports and has coached basketball at the junior college, high school, and club levels.
Kathy Audet, M.A.
Kathy Audet is a child development specialist at the Center for Developing Minds who assists with Peer Playgroup sessions for young children. As a part of the CDM's Early Learning Clinic team, she is skilled in identifying children’s strengths and encouraging their use in order to better help them succeed.
Kathy has more than 20 years of experience working with children with special needs of all ages. Kathy was the Co-founder and former Director of Skylar Hadden School, as well as the former Director of Student Services at Kinship Academy. While working in leadership positions at special education schools, Kathy helped families develop individualized curriculum and evidence-based behavioral learning plans that were implemented at home and in the learning environment. She also brings the first-hand experience of raising and educating two special needs sons who are now adults.
Kathy holds a M.A. in Special Education with an autism certification from Santa Clara University.
Rachel Gilbert, M.A.
Rachel Gilbert is an Educational Specialist at the Center for Developing Minds. Rachel’s understanding of neurodevelopmental diversity and executive functioning drives her creation of engaging interventions and supports for children and their families. Rachel’s expertise is in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD to develop both the academic and social emotional skills needed for success at school, home and in the community. Rachel has a special interest in helping students develop reading comprehension skills and teaching personal organization and self-advocacy skills. Rachel works with children ages 4-14, providing creative therapy sessions that are fun, interactive and tailored to the individual needs of each child. She provides case management and collaboration among teachers, parents and clinical professionals.
Rachel brings many diverse experiences to the CDM, having worked in the fields of education and mental health for more than 20 years. She has been an educational advocate, learning specialist, special education coordinator, and most recently served as the director of school counseling at a school in Brooklyn, NY. Rachel has advanced training in using visual cues and supports to enhance the learning experiences of children with autism spectrum disorders. Rachel regularly provides training in these techniques to parents, mental health professionals, teachers and school administrators. Rachel enjoys organizing and facilitating social skills groups for children in elementary and middle school, and in addition to her work at the CDM, Rachel continues to co-lead online social skills groups with children in Brooklyn, NY.
Rachel holds a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from the State University of New York, College at Geneseo, and an M.A. in Counseling and Guidance from New York University. Rachel has received certification in TEACCH at the University of North Carolina and also holds certification in Restorative Practices from IIRP.
Rachel recently moved from New York City to Los Gatos, and is enjoying the nature and outdoor activities that California has to offer. In her free time, she can be found making ceramics and gardening.
Cassandra Harms, M.A., LMFT
Cassandra Harms is a therapist at the Center for Developing Minds providing counseling for children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 22 and their families. She uses a cognitive behavioral approach to working with youth struggling with anxiety, depression, behavioral and social problems. Cassandra also moderates several classes and groups at the CDM, including the popular "Let's Get Organized" and "Meltdowns to Shutdowns," which are offered periodically throughout the year.
Cassandra previously worked as a therapist for Eastfield Ming Quong (EMQ) Addiction Prevention Services, conducting high school therapy groups that handle issues related to self esteem, stress management, anger management, drug use and abuse. She was also a clinician for the EMQ Child and Adolescent Crisis Program where she provided safety assessments for youth at-risk for harming themselves or others, consulted with families to create a safety plan and orchestrated appropriate psychiatric placements.
Prior to joining the CDM, Cassandra trained for several years at one of Seneca Center’s adolescent psychiatric residential programs and then she managed the at-risk adolescent unit and supervised and trained residential staff at the Santa Clara County Children’s Shelter. She also worked at Las Plumas Mental Health, where she provided a variety of school districts with at-risk assessments for students to ensure that their educational needs were met.
Cassandra is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned a M.A. in Counseling and a B.A. in Psychology, both from St. Mary’s College of California. She is an active member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Shiwani Juneja, MSN, FNP-C
Shiwani Juneja is a board-certified nurse practitioner at the Center for Developing Minds. She is passionate about expanding access to behavioral and neurodevelopmental care, and as a family nurse practitioner, her clinical care remains person-centered. She is currently completing comprehensive training in behavioral and developmental pediatrics at the Center for Developing Minds. She will provide care to children and adolescents struggling with behavioral issues and developmental delays.
Shiwani earned her B.S. in nursing from California State University, East Bay, and a M.S. in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree at University of California, San Francisco. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she practiced as a critical care registered nurse for several years. Shiwani is a member of the AANP and the AAP.
In addition to her work at the clinic, Shiwani is a mom to two children and has a personal connection to neurodiversity.
Damon Korb, M.D.
Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrician, F.A.A.P.
Author, Raising an Organized Child
Damon Korb, M.D., a board-certified behavioral and developmental pediatrician, examines the neurodevelopmental brain functions that determine how a child learns, behaves and socializes. As the clinic director for the Center for Developing Minds, he guides a team of child development experts that care for children and young adults who are struggling. With the recent publication of his award-winning book, Raising an Organized Child, Dr. Korb aims to provide parents with an assortment of tools to help their children develop the skills they need to thrive.
Dr. Korb has nearly 30 years of pediatric practice experience, including 25 years focusing on child behavior and development. He is on the Board of Directors for Parents Helping Parents, a past President for the Society of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, and a member of the Adjunct Clinical Faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Korb is a frequent speaker, having lectured to parents and professionals on a wide range of neurodevelopmental topics, and has provided advice on NPR, the Today Show, and other morning news programs, including stations in the LA, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. areas. He has contributed to articles featured in Parents Magazine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, OprahMag.com and Good Housekeeping.
Prior to creating the Center for Developing Minds, Dr. Korb established two other unique California clinics that continue to serve children with developmental variations. The many years of working closely with thousands of families -- and raising five children of his own -- has given him a unique perspective about what works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to parenting.
Dr. Korb completed his behavioral and developmental fellowship training at Center for Development and Learning, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Dr. Korb finished his pediatric internship and residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and earned his medical degree in 1994 from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, New York. Dr. Korb received a B.S. in psychobiology from the University of Southern California in 1990.
Cassie Korbfort, M.S.Ed.
Cassie Korbfort is a child development specialist at the Center for Developing Minds. As one of the primary clinicians in the new CDM Early Learning Clinic, Cassie’s focus is on early childhood development and parent coaching. She leads our Early Learning Classes, Peer Playgroups, Grown-Up & Me groups, and offers feeding support. In addition to her work at the CDM, Cassie is a creator of Diverse Minds, an educational program that promotes an acceptance and understanding of developmental diversity, and provides steps parents and teachers can take to be more inclusive of all individuals.
Prior to joining the CDM, Cassie worked in early childhood and childhood special education in California, Missouri, New York, and Virginia, where she practiced a variety of approaches within the field and partnered with families from many different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. By supporting children in schools, private practices, and research settings, Cassie is well-versed on effective educational and therapeutic practices. Cassie was a four-year volunteer at the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Hofstra University and participated in training for Milieu Communication Therapy, which complements her background in strengthening emerging developmental skills. She has also studied early print awareness and literacy skills, and worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in both school and community settings.
Cassie earned a B.S. in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, with a minor in Psychology, and her M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education with distinction, both from Hofstra University, New York.
Cassie is passionate about collaboration with other professionals, involving parents in their child's education and therapy, and being transparent with the techniques she uses when supporting a child's development.
Caitlyn McGinley, M.A.
Caitlyn McGinley is an educational specialist at the Center for Developing Minds who strives to help students develop interpersonal, intrapersonal, and cognitive skills through meaningful and pedagogical intervention for the modern classroom. Caitlyn provides executive function training and academic skill building supports for students of all ages. By consulting with parents, teachers and institutions, she provides students with effective case management and educational advocacy. Caitlyn also offers one-on-one assistance to high-school students struggling with the college application process and personal essays. Caitlyn's work in education, neuroscience, and sociology holistically triangulates to craft research-based supports centered on fostering academic and personal growth in the individual.
Prior to working at the CDM, Caitlyn was a graduate research associate with Stanford's Educational Neuroscience Initiative, and she was Stanford’s inaugural Wu Tsai Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Institute Fellow. She also served as the 3rd grade resident teacher at Hillbrook School, where she oversaw the afterschool homework lab for middle school students enrolled in the year-long executive function course.
Caitlyn holds a B.S. in Neuroengineering, a M.A. in Sociology, and completed the Honors Program in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University.
Joyia Moeller, M.A., LEP
Joyia Moeller is an educational psychologist for the Center for Developing Minds, with more than a decade of experience assessing cognitive, processing, and academic strengths and weaknesses in individuals from preschool through adulthood. Joyia also facilitates IEP meetings and coordinates the implementation of support plans, consulting with parents, teachers and outside agencies.
In addition to her work at the Center for Developing Minds, Joyia is currently a school psychologist at Sequoia Union High School. Prior to this, she was a psychologist at a number of school districts in bay area, serving students in grades from elementary to high school.
Joyia earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Davis, and a M.A. in School Psychology from Tufts University, Boston. In her free time, Joyia enjoys being outdoors with her family, reading and running.
Jennifer Rich, M.S., LMFT
Jennifer Rich is a therapist at the Center for Developing Minds providing relationship counseling for children and adolescents and their families. She has been in private practice for more than 13 years, specializing in treating individuals who have trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Her training is in brief therapy, cognitive behavioral, as well as family systems.
Jennifer previously worked for Alliance for Mential Health and the Adolescent Residential Center (ARC) as a trauma team leader. She also provided care in the Adolescent Day Treatment Center and the Outpatient Mental Health Center of the Santa Clara County Department of Mental Health, where she offered group therapy, as well as individual and family therapy.
Jennifer is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned a M.S. in Marriage and Family, and Child Counseling and a B.S. in Psychology, both from San Jose State University. She is an active member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Rebecca Thompson, M.A.
Rebecca Thompson is an Educational Specialist at the Center for Developing Minds. Rebecca assists students ages seven and up, as well as adults, in harnessing learning and behavioral science to make meaningful improvements to their executive functioning skills. She teaches clients about emotional regulation, time management, task initiation, self-advocacy, clear communication, efficient study skills, procrastination, self-compassion, prioritization, and a variety of other topics designed to help students discover and invent new ways of engaging with the world. Rebecca is passionate about working with students with ADHD and/or Autism, and enjoys helping them develop their metacognitive skills to live an effective, personalized ADHD/Autistic life. Her own ADHD diagnosis, along with those of her close family members, is a driving force behind her desire to improve the lives of her clients. She additionally provides case management to help families interface with teachers, schools, and other service providers.
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Rebecca has been teaching executive functioning since 2019, after working in case management for homeless veterans for two years. She has given talks and presentations to students and providers such as, “Empathy As a Skill Set,” “How to Make Every Class Interesting,” and “Navigating Textbooks and Lectures.” She has worked with a variety of populations, from college fraternities to elementary schoolers in low-income programs.
Rebecca has a B.A. in Sociology from U.C. Berkeley and is working on completing her thesis for an M.A. in Applied Research (Sociology) from Wayne State University. Rebecca is well-versed in understanding and interpreting social science research, which she utilizes to inform work with her clients.
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys video games, reading fiction and non-fiction, board games, Dungeons and Dragons, as well as a rotating list of disparate special interests.
Julie Tucker, M.A., LMFT
Julie Tucker is a therapist at the Center for Developing Minds providing counseling for families and children, adolescents, and young adults, between the ages of 5 to 26, and their caregivers. She is experienced in helping with anxiety, depression, parent-child relationship issues, social struggles and behavioral challenges. Her training is in cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment based and play therapies, and she takes a holistic approach to build skills, help people get unstuck, and strengthen resilience.
Passionate about experiential learning, Julie often incorporates movement, story, play, expressive arts, and mindfulness in the structure of her practical skill sessions. She is currently developing the CDM’s first horticultural therapy (gardening) group.
Previously, Julie worked for Bay Area Clinical Associates, working closely with psychiatrists and educators to provide therapy and support families and their children’s mental health needs. Prior to this, she worked for EMQ Families First (now Uplift) with struggling children and families in the foster care system. She also had her own private therapy practice.
Julie is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned her B.A. in Communications from Santa Clara University and her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary, San Jose. She is a certified EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association) mental health practitioner. She is an active member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the California Association of Play Therapists.
Lettie Villavicencio, M.A., LMFT
(Martha) Lettie Villavicencio is a therapist at Center for Developing Minds providing attachment-based counseling for children and their families. Lettie specializes in treating children, ages 2-12, who have trauma, depression, anxiety, and behavioral and social issues. Her training is in art and play therapy, family systems, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Lettie brings a broad range of previous experience to the clinic that benefits her current CDM clients. In addition to working with adults and children for years in private practice, Lettie was a preschool teacher for 15 years. She also served at a variety of non-profit agencies over a span of 14 years, including working for Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC) as a Clinical Supervisor. Other organizations she assisted include Edgewood Center for Children and Families, StartVista, and Jewish Family and Children Services (JFCS), where she provided strength-based counseling for children ages 2-17. She provided consultation to parents and teachers, collaborating to identify the meaning of a child’s behavior so caregivers could effectively respond to the children’s need for a sense of belonging.
Lettie is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a M.A. In Montessori Education, both from Notre Dame de Namur University, and a B.A. in Fine Art from San Francisco State University. Lettie is an active member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Randy Yates, M.A., LEP
Randy Yates is a Licensed Educational Psychologist at the Center for Developing Minds, with more than twenty-five years of experience supporting students encountering cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and developmental barriers to learning. Randy provides psychoeducational evaluations that give insight to students, parents, and teachers, allowing for adaptive and flexible acquisition of knowledge and skills in school and beyond.
Randy believes that neuropsychological test results, parent and teacher observations, and school performance are best interpreted through the child - not the other way around. Randy’s practice is rooted in the belief that children develop a unique set of knowledge and abilities shaped by the interplay of the cultural, social, and motivational contexts of their surroundings.
Prior to joining the CDM, Randy served as a district, county, and charter school psychologist and he volunteered his clinical services at the Mustard Seed School, an emergency school for homeless children. Before becoming a school psychologist, Randy worked with students whose emotional and behavioral struggles necessitated placement in a residential school in a Northern California wilderness program and California Pacific Medical Center. Randy also assisted students attending international schools in Tokyo, Japan, and Seoul, South Korea.
Randy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist, School Psychologist, and School Counselor. Randy earned his B.A. in Applied Psychology from Long Beach State University and his M.A. in School Psychology from San Francisco State University.
Clinic Staff
Justin Cubbage
Justin helps with a variety of administrative systems at the clinic, including client report coordination, contracts, wait list management, as well as client scheduling and billing.
Prior to starting at the clinic, Justin worked for several years in the rock-climbing industry, coaching youth athletes.
Justin has B.S. in Business Information Systems and E-Commerce from CSU Monterey Bay. In his free time, he continues to enjoy rock climbing and coaching some of his previous students, as well as playing basketball and getting outside to soak up the sun.
Aliana Deveza
Aliana helps coordinate the administrative support systems provided to clients and clinicians. She manages clinic billing and purchases, a variety of human resources tasks, and implements specific clinic projects and marketing efforts. Over the years, she has worked with children and families in a variety of settings and is eager to continue that path here at CDM.
Aliana has a B.A. in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family and two dogs.
Kevin Korb
Kevin oversees the CDM's administrative and electronic medical record systems. In addition to managing a variety of special projects for the clinic, he is tasked with the development of new procedures and auditing of ongoing operations for accuracy and effectiveness.
Kevin has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern California. In his free time, he enjoys gardening and performs ping pong exhibitions.
Nicole Squires
Nicole provides administrative support to the clinical team and manages patient inquiries. Having worked with children for more than ten years as a nanny, she is now enjoying helping families to register and get the care they need from CDM clinicians.
Nicole has a B.S. in Theater with a minor in Environmental Studies and Musical Theater from San Jose State University. In her free time, she likes to sing, bake, draw, garden, watch anime, and enjoy time with her husband and cats.