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Who we are
President/Founder - Vanessa Martinez
Vanessa Martinez is an accomplished individual with a diverse background in performing arts and education. Her journey began as a child performer with various prestigious groups, such as the International Children's Choir, Long Beach Civic Light Opera, and the Young Americans performing group. She received recognition for her contributions to service with non-profit performing groups, being awarded the Bronze Congressional Award from Congress.
Having traveled the world with multicultural communities in Israel, Australia, and Europe, Vanessa developed a deep commitment to service and a passion for making a positive impact.
This dedication led her to pursue a career in teaching. Starting as a multi-subject teacher in 2001, she taught students from kindergarten to 6th grade in three Orange County School Districts. During her time as a teacher, she became an advocate for special needs students in her classrooms.
Vanessa's desire to support families and students with special needs motivated her to further her education. In 2009, she obtained her second teaching credential in Mild and Moderate education, allowing her to work as an education specialist. Around the same time, in 2009, she established a small consulting firm initially intended to help friends and family navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Her advocacy for families in her community grew, and as a result, she gradually expanded her consulting services. By 2022, Vanessa had built a large clientele of local families, prompting her to form a team of diverse individuals who share her vision of creating a stronger education system for all students. Her consulting firm, IEP Consultants of Orange County, now aims to make education practices accessible to all children while empowering parents to become effective advocates for their children's education.
Vanessa's life remains centered on her purpose and passion for serving others, advocating for special needs students, and supporting families in her community. Her continued advocacy work and dedication to a life of service demonstrate her commitment to making a positive impact in the field of education.
Vice President/ Co Founder - Alejandro Quirarte (MS, NCSP, LEP)
Alejandro Quirarte started working as a school psychologist in 2016 and has been a licensed educational psychologist in private practice since 2021. He has worked with thousands of scholars and learners as a professional school psychologist in a variety of grade levels and environments, including elementary school, intermediate school, high school, and young adults in both public and private school settings.
Alejandro has had the opportunity to work with a diverse population of students with a range of disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Delays, Multiple Disabilities, and students with Mental Health Conditions, such as Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders.
At the age of 18, Alejandro began his profession in teaching through an after-school program. Since that time, he has developed into an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist and a Behavior Consultant who works with children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In his capacity as a Licensed Educational Psychologist, Alejandro has carried out a variety of thorough psychoeducational assessments, functional behavior assessments, and assessments of suicidal ideation and threat.
Additionally, Alejandro has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in both individual and group therapy. The formulation and implementation of academic and behavior intervention plans, the creation of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) in cooperation with school teams, and the creation of Section 504 plans for students with special needs or physical restrictions are all areas in which Alejandro has extensive experience. Alejandro has a vibrant career in education and a wealth of knowledge to help all families.
Lead Psychologist - Dawn Konkol
Dawn Konkol is a (California Licensed) Educational and certified School Psychologist. She has worked directly with students, families, and educators in the California educational system since 1998, to identify eligibility and provide services for children aged 3 up to 22 years. She understands the complexities and the power of building strong relationships that work to discover data-based outcomes and solutions.
Dawn's formal education and practical experience has propelled her into specialized trainings with which she has provided individual, school-site, district level, and county-wide trainings in the areas of learning & socio/emotional disabilities and curriculum approaches.
Over the course of her profession, she has developed a passion for working with our youngest student scholars and families as they begin to navigate their educational career.
Her belief is that, together we can figure out how your child learns, define their strengths and weaknesses, and build positive goals that promote your child's unique learning and personal abilities.
School Psychologist - Golareh Ghazian
Golareh Ghazian is a passionate and dedicated school psychologist with eight years of experience in fostering the well-being and academic success of students. Her journey in psychology began with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from CSUN, followed by a Master's degree in School Psychology from Alliant International University.
During her time working with the Adult Transition Program at CVHUSD, she worked closely with the IEP team and outside agencies such as Regional Center, to ensure that students receive all the necessary support inside and outside of school.
She worked closely with outside mental health providers by creating an ongoing relationship in order to continue being informed in the student’s progress and areas of challenges in order to make sure the services provided at school, best fit the student’s current needs.
She conducted FBA’s to ensure the appropriate identification of areas of behavioral needs and followed through by monitoring the student’s progress as documented by staff observations. She has also had the privilege providing psychoeducational assessments for students K-12 and Adult Transition students 18-21 in order to identify any areas of disabilities.
During her years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with students in broad spectrum of Autism, provided support to students, school staff, parents, and the rest of the IEP team in order to ensure better understanding and working with some of the challenges faced in the school environment and to best support the students to access their educational, social, and emotional needs in the school setting.
When she is not working, you'll likely find her exploring new hiking trails, swimming, traveling, engaging in professional development opportunities, and spending quality time with her family and friends.