/ Counseling, Therapy, and School Psychology/ Heather Birch

Heather Birch

School Psychology Adjunct Professor

Heather is a school psychologist who obtained her Educational Specialist degree in 2016 from Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. Heather currently works as a comprehensive building based school psychologist in Beaverton School District. In the past two years, she has also been a behavior consultant for the district. Heather’s professional interests are in the comprehensive role of a school psychologist, building MTSS related school systems, and supporting students, staff, and families with unexpected behaviors.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys time with her family, reading, baking, kayaking, and taking walks with her husband.

Publications

Benazzi, L. (2021). [Review of the book Conducting school-based functional behavioral
assessments, by M.W. Steege, J.L. Pratt, G. Wickerd, R. Guare, & T.S. Watson].
Communiqué, 49(7), 38.

Benazzi, L., Horner, R., & Good, R. (2006). Effects of behavior support team composition on the technical adequacy and contextual fit of behavior support plans. Journal of Special Education, 40(3), 160–170.

Nakayama, N. J., Benazzi, L. R., Davis, C. D., Kidd, K., Sterling, L., & Albin, R. (2003, Summer). Functional assessment information and confidence in behavior intervention procedures. OSPA Bulletin: Newsletter of the Oregon School Psychologists Association

Benazzi, L., Davis, C., Kidd, K., Nakayama, N., & Sterling, L. (2003, February). Demographics of school psychologists at the 2002 OSPA fall conference: A reflection of national trends? OSPA Bulletin: Newsletter of the Oregon School Psychologists Association.

Benazzi, L. R. & Mercier, J. L. (2003, February). Preparing for the NASP 2003 convention: Using The Blueprint to guide professional development in improving outcomes for all students. Communiqué: CQ Extra.

Honors and Awards

2023 Oregon School Psychologist of the Year – Awarded by the Oregon School Psychology Association (OSPA).
2003 Student-Initiated Research Grant – Awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, funding a 12-school, year-long. study.
1999 Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
1999 The Emory Kimbrough, Jr. Prize recognizes the most outstanding graduate in Sociology and Anthropology.
1997–1999 The Sidney M.B. Coulling Scholarship is awarded to students with a sense of honor and integrity who demonstrate the greatest promise for academic achievement.
1998–1999 Paul Mason Shuford II Scholarship

Presentations

Benazzi, L. & Thompson, T. (2024). Tools for De-Escalating Behavior with Brain-Aligned Interventions. (Required training for all Special Education classified staff). Beaverton School District: Beaverton, OR.

Benazzi, L. & Thompson, T. (2024). Behavior Support’s Top 40 . (Required training for all Special Education classified staff). Beaverton School District: Beaverton, OR.

Benazzi, L. Fong, J., & Iakovidis, M. (2023). School Psychologists as Leaders in Behavior Support: Collaborating with Colleagues to Reaching the “Toughest” Kids. Presentation at the Oregon School Psychology Association (OSPA) Conference in Bend, OR.

Benazzi, L. Fong, J., & Iakovidis, M. (2023). Implementing Tier One Interventions: Partnering with Colleagues to Support All Students. Presentation at the Northwest Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (NWPBIS) Conference in Portland, OR.

Benazzi, L. & Thompson, T. (2022). Practical and Evidence-Based Interventions for Challenging Behaviors. (Required training for all Special Education staff). Beaverton School District: Beaverton, OR

Benazzi, L. & Thompson, T. (2021). Proactive Strategies for Intensive Behaviors. (A training for all secondary administrators). Beaverton School District: Beaverton, OR.

Academic Credentials

PhD, MS Special Education, University of Oregon.