Serafina Chimienti
Apple Valley,CA
Summary
Education professional and attorney with expertise in school psychology, special education, and child support law. Proven track record in developing compliant IEPs, conducting psychoeducational assessments, and drafting legally defensible reports. Bilingual in Spanish, dedicated to collaborating with families and educational teams to advocate for student success.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
School Psychologist
Barstow Unified School District
Barstow, CA
07.2024 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive psychoeducational assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services.
- Interpret assessment data and prepare legally defensible reports in compliance with IDEA and California Education Code.
- Participate in IEP meetings, collaborating with parents, teachers, and administrators to develop appropriate educational plans.
- Provide consultation on behavioral interventions and support plans (FBA/BIP).
- Ensure procedural compliance and documentation aligned with due process requirements.
Adjunct Faculty Member
La Sierra University/School Psychology of Behavioral Health
Riverside, CA
07.2024 - Current
- Developed engaging curriculum for diverse student populations.
- Delivered lectures on advanced topics in subject area.
- Delivered course lectures using modern technology to enhance student comprehension.
- Engaged with colleagues in scholarly activities at professional conferences.
Child Support Attorney
County of San Bernardino (DCSS)
Loma Linda, CA
01.2019 - 07.2024
- Represented the County in child support hearings, handling high-volume calendars in family court.
- Interviewed clients to assess financial, legal, and family circumstances.
- Drafted legal documents including motions, stipulations, and orders.
- Negotiated agreements and advocated effectively in contested matters.
- Collaborated with judicial officers and opposing counsel to resolve cases efficiently.
Science Instructor / STEM Program Lead
Options for Youth
Victorville, CA
10.2019 - 07.2020
- Developed and led a STEM program and student club, increasing student engagement in science learning.
- Provided individualized academic support through office hours and mentoring.
- Taught classes in both in-person and virtual formats, adapting instruction to diverse learning needs.
- Secured over $1,500 in external funding through grant writing for student research projects.
Attorney / Owner
Law Office of Serafina Chimienti
, California
06.2005 - 12.2018
- Operated solo legal practice specializing in estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate matters, providing personalized legal solutions.
- Drafted comprehensive estate planning documents, including revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives.
- Advised clients on asset protection, trust administration, and probate procedures.
- Facilitated client consultations, clarifying complex legal concepts to ensure client understanding and informed decision-making.
- Maintained full responsibility for case management, client relations, and compliance with California legal standards.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - School Psychology
La Sierra University
Riverside, CA06-2027
Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential - School Psychology
La Sierra University
Riverside, CA06-2024
Master of Arts - Education
University of Redlands
Redlands, CA01-2019
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
Southwestern University School of Law
Los Angeles, CA06-1999
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Loma Linda University
06-1994
Skills
- Legal Research & Writing
- Courtroom Representation
- Psychoeducational Assessment
- Data Analysis & Report Writing
- IEP Development and Compliance
- Client & Family Communication
- Collaboration with School Districts & Agencies
Additional Qualifications
- Bilingual: English/Spanish
- Extensive experience working with children and families in educational and legal settings
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills
Timeline
School Psychologist
Barstow Unified School District
07.2024 - Current
Adjunct Faculty Member
La Sierra University/School Psychology of Behavioral Health
07.2024 - Current
Science Instructor / STEM Program Lead
Options for Youth
10.2019 - 07.2020
Child Support Attorney
County of San Bernardino (DCSS)
01.2019 - 07.2024
Attorney / Owner
Law Office of Serafina Chimienti
06.2005 - 12.2018
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - School Psychology
La Sierra University
Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential - School Psychology
La Sierra University
Master of Arts - Education
University of Redlands
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
Southwestern University School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Loma Linda University