Brenda Thurnher, Ed.S School Psychologist
123 Redbud Dr. Beaver Falls,PA
Summary
Dedicated School Psychologist with over a decade of experience conducting assessments, interpreting results, and collaborating with stakeholders to address students' academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and cognitive needs. Proven track record in consultation and program development to foster inclusive and supportive learning environments. Experienced in working in districts across Mahoning and Columbiana County with a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. Seeking to utilize expertise and passion for student well-being to contribute effectively and promote academic success.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Psychologist
East Liverpool City School District
East Liverpool, OH
08.2024 - Current
- Streamlined case management processes by creating an organized system for tracking student progress and interventions.
- Facilitated 5+ student risk assessments, ensuring timely interventions for at-risk students while maintaining a safe learning environment.
- Selected, administered and scored psychological tests.
- Utilized formal and established testing protocols to evaluate educational, emotional and behavioral needs of students.
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
- Led Manifestation Determination Review meetings on 10+ students within a timely and informed fashion based on student disabilities and needs.
School Psychologist
Educational Service Center Of Eastern Ohio
Canfield, OH
06.2013 - 07.2024
- Completed over 600 educational psychological evaluations to identify barriers to learning and develop strategies to address them to children and adolescents in a variety of K-12 school settings
- Mentored and supervised 4+ school psychology interns and practicum students, empowering them to excel and secure employment in educational settings
- Incorporated Google Forms, Q-Interactive, and other applicable applications to optimize and streamline building processes
- Consulted with teachers and parents to gain in-depth understanding of students.
- Contributed as a team member and developer to the Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) teams and served on teams earning a bronze-level distinction in PBIS for 3 years
- Conducted functional behavioral assessments (FBA) to identify underlying causes of challenging behaviors and create effective behavior intervention plans accordingly
- Conducted group and individual counseling sessions for key issues.
School Psychologist
Life Skills Center of Youngstown (NexStep)
Youngstown, OH
08.2011 - 06.2013
- Performed student assessments on students from high school through age 21 in accordance with referrals, interpreted results, and communicated findings following established procedures
- Collaborated with inner-city parents, school staff, and external agencies to address mental health, behavioral, social-emotional, and educational concerns
- Contributed to Response to Intervention Team (IRTI) efforts by defining roles and crafting customized academic and behavioral management strategies for students
- Maintained meticulous records and documentation, including psychological and developmental histories, for each student in caseload within prescribed time frames
- Served as a liaison between families, school personnel, community agencies, and other professionals involved in the care of students with special needs or disabilities.
School Psychologist
Stambaugh Charter Academy
Youngstown, OH
11.2010 - 06.2013
- Served as a consultant to the charter school administrators, teachers, and other staff regarding psychological matters and services within the district, providing expertise and guidance
- Observed and assessed classroom behavior and performance to develop effective behavioral strategies aimed at supporting challenging pupils in the classroom
- Conducted over 100 psycho-educational assessments and utilized culturally sensitive tools to assess diverse student populations
- Interpreted assessment results, leveraging information to advise and consult with teachers, principals, administrators, and other personnel
- Determined educational requirements for special needs children, ensuring the implementation of individualized treatment and educational plans; continuously assessed needs and progress
School Psychology Intern
Quaker Valley School District
Sewickley, PA
08.2009 - 06.2010
- Completed a program evaluation on the district's LANGUAGE! Live by Louisa Moats Reading Intervention program
- Performed 5 Functional Behavioral Assessments, implemented interventions, monitored progress, and modified interventions accordingly
- Facilitated Monthly Response to Intervention Team (IAT) meetings at the elementary and middle school levels
- Coordinated services with classroom teachers, special education teachers, and administration
- Acted as a liaison between school personnel and external agencies to ensure appropriate referrals and resources for students and families
Education
Ed. S. - School Psychologist
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA07-2010
M.Ed. - Educational Psychology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA08-2008
Bachelor of Science - Psychology And Anthropology
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA04-2007
Skills
- Positive behavior supports
- Collaborative Problem-solving
- Verbal and written communication
- Special education expertise
- Regulatory compliance
- Trauma-informed practices
- Academic intervention strategies
- Solutions-focused
Certification
- Comprehensive Crisis Management Trainer (9/2024)
- Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) (3/2025)
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), Certified 10+ Years
License
Ohio School Psychologist, LSP.00447
Professional Organizations
Northeast Ohio School Psychologist' Association (NEOSPA), Member
Timeline
School Psychologist
East Liverpool City School District
08.2024 - Current
School Psychologist
Educational Service Center Of Eastern Ohio
06.2013 - 07.2024
School Psychologist
Life Skills Center of Youngstown (NexStep)
08.2011 - 06.2013
School Psychologist
Stambaugh Charter Academy
11.2010 - 06.2013
School Psychology Intern
Quaker Valley School District
08.2009 - 06.2010
Ed. S. - School Psychologist
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
M.Ed. - Educational Psychology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science - Psychology And Anthropology
University of Pittsburgh