Catherine Pinnola

MS, CAGS, NCSP

Independent School Psychologist

Serving families in Palm Beach and Broward County, Florida

Hello and Welcome!

I’m Catherine Pinnola

After practicing as a School Psychologist for over 15 years across 5 states on the East Coast, I have seen how challenging it can be for families to navigate the Special Education system. I founded Gold Coast Psychoeducational Associates in Boca Raton, Florida to pursue my passion of aiding parents and educators in supporting students to succeed in school and beyond.

Guided by my deep belief that all children can learn and thrive at school, my mission is to help families navigate the evaluation and IEP process using my expertise.

In my role as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist & FL Licensed School Psychologist, I proudly offer comprehensive evaluations, collaborative consultations, counseling, and advocacy services to families across the Gold Coast of Florida.

Florida currently has one of the most significant shortages in the nation of School Psychologists, leading to delays in getting your student the help they need and are entitled to. Let me help cut through some of the red tape and delays.

Gold Coast Psychoeducational Services can help you navigate the Special Education process from start to finish. I can help identify your child’s strengths, needs, and necessary services to make school the best it can be.

Whether you’re looking for a consultation to discuss academic or behavioral concerns, a comprehensive Exceptional Student Education (ESE) evaluation to determine eligibility for Special Education services, want a second opinion on your child’s current Individualized Education Program (IEP), need an advocate to help you collaborate with the school to get what your child needs, want counseling for your child, or you are unhappy with your school’s current evaluation, services, or long wait list, I can help.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES

How I Can Help

At Gold Coast Psychoeducational Associates, I understand the multifaceted challenges students, parents, and educators face. My comprehensive suite of services is designed to address these challenges head-on, ensuring every learner's unique needs are met.

  • Comprehensive testing provides a deep understanding of a student's cognitive, academic, and social-emotional strengths and challenges. Knowing a student's strengths, needs, and present levels will help your school tailor interventions and support.

  • Talking through your concerns, reviewing existing documentation, collaborating with the school team, and coming up with new ideas to overcome challenges are all possible through my expert consultations.

  • At an impasse with your school? Let me step in to help navigate the red tape. I can be your advocate to ensure your child receives the resources, accommodations, and supports they are entitled to. I bring a collaborative approach and fresh ideas to the table, along with deep knowledge of Special Education law and procedures.

  • Experiencing challenges at school can be the root cause of, or the result of, emotional problems. I offer individual counseling to help students navigate their difficulties, build resilience, and look forward to a brighter future.

  • Parents are indispensable support in a child's learning process. I offer resources, guidance, and training to equip parents with tools to encourage their child's academic and social-emotional growth.

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEP) are the guiding documents supporting students with disabilities on their journey toward success. I can assist with IEP development, implementation, and review. As a student's needs evolve, updating this document is crucial to achieving adequate yearly progress and growth toward grade-level.

  • An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is testing paid for by your school, but completed by a private school psychologist. If you disagree with the school evaluation’s conclusions, and believe that their evaluation is incomplete or incorrect, you can request an IEE. I can be your independent evaluator to assess your student thoroughly and objectively.

  • Does your student have a diagnosis of some kind, but is not in need of modifications through Special Education (ESE)? Just a little extra support to level the playing field for them? Then a Section 504 Service Agreement might be the right solution. I can provide consultation or evaluation to determine need and ensure proper accommodations are put in place.

Reach out to learn more about how my expertise can be utilized to support your child’s educational journey. Together, we will chart a course to a brighter academic future.

Testimonials