About Gena L. Gear, Ed.S; LEP
Hearts and Minds of Napa is the culmination of two passions:
a life long journey of learning about the brain, mental health
and development, and working with children and families.I grew up in Tehama, California, and left the small rural community to join the Army where I was deployed to the Gulf War. I returned to the United States and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology through the University of Maryland.
My journey continued with the opportunity to work with children of mothers in a residential treatment facility in Fairbanks Alaska, as I earned a Master’s degree in Community and Counseling Psychology. My interest in helping children grew as I obtained my second graduate degree in School Psychology through the University of Arizona, Tucson. The bulk of my career has been engaging in rich experiences in public schools for over 15 years supported by continued education and exposure both related to the field of school psychology as well as the broader field of psychology (therapy based on attachment styles, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness) and training in a variety of assessments (neuropsychological, cognitive, assessments related to the evaluation of autism). The broad range of trainings and experience have been significantly helpful when assessing complicated and unique presentations of behavior and development in children. I’ve continued to fuel my passion for understanding the brain with the recent attainment of Diplomate in School Neuropsychology. This deeper understanding of the brain and development informs my assessments as well as recommending interventions based on a child’s unique set of strengths and weaknesses.
Through my time in public schools I’ve often wished that there was a better connection between the private mental health community and the school community. Often it seemed as if one industry really didn’t understand the other. My goal is to be the bridge between the two: Provide quality and comprehensive evaluations, as well as insight and support to families and their educational settings. I can’t think of any better way to engage in my two greatest passions!
Finally, my experience as a mother of two boys has given me the kind of education that can’t be taught in schools. My youngest was diagnosed with ADHD when he was in the 4th grade. I’ve sat on the other side of the table in many parent/teacher meetings. Feeling helpless with teachers as we are try to figure out how to get my very bright but very distracted son to turn in his assignments. I get it.
Credentials, Licences, Certifications, Memberships
- School Neuropsychology Institute Post-Graduate School Certification Program (Kids Inc) - Diplomate 2021
- University of Arizona, Tucson- EdS - 2005
- University of Alaska, Fairbanks - MA - 1997
- University of Maryland, College Park - BA - 1994
- License Educational Psychologist #4015
- School Psychologist - PPS - Current
- Diplomate in School Neuropsychology, ABSNP - #11027
Proud member of
- California Association of School Psychology
- National Association of School Psychology