Overview

Dr. Margarita (Patty) Hernandez-Nuhfer is an Assistant Professor of School Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis in the department of Intervention Services & Leadership in Education. She joined 黑洞社区 as full-time faculty in 2023. Her research interests include fluency-based academic interventions, supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and addressing severe problem and verbal behavior. 

Information

Areas of Teaching Interest

CESP 914: Consultation

CESP 859: Curriculum Based Assessment and Intervention

CESP 855: Individual Intelligence Assessment

CESP 853: Ethics & Professional Conduct

CLES 723: Single Subject Design

 

Professional Experience

黑洞社区

School Psychology, Wichita, KS

Assistant Professor, School Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis Programs | 2023 - Present

Responsible for teaching graduate-level courses, utilizing applied learning strategies, supervising clinical field experience for graduate students, conducting research, advising students, serving on university and departmental committees, and engaging in community service.

Adjunct Faculty, School Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis Programs | 2020 - 2023

Responsible for teaching graduate-level courses on a part-time basis, and providing expertise in specialized areas of school psychology and applied behavior analysis.

Behavior and Learning Solutions, LLC

Pittsburgh, PA

Licensed Psychologist, Private Practice | 2021 - 2023

Provided evaluation, treatment and consultation for children, adolescents and young adults with developmental differences and/or behavioral challenges and their families. Provided diagnostic interviews, psychological testing as needed, outpatient treatment and consultation or coordination of care with community providers/resources. Provided independent clinical supervision for postdoctoral psychology fellows in Pennsylvania and Kansas. 

Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders @ UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

Pittsburgh, PA

Licensed Psychologist, Outpatient Clinic | 2019 - 2021

Provided evaluation and treatment of patients with a variety of neurodevelopmental, behavior and/or mental health concerns. Provided diagnostic interviews/assessments with patients and/or families, conducted appropriate testing as needed, and provided feedback and recommendations to patients, families, and/ or community agencies/providers. Functioned as a sub-specialist within the unit and provide specialty services for other programs. Coordinated with care teams to plan behavioral health treatment across levels of care. Provided clinical supervision for postdoctoral psychology fellow and practicum psychology graduate students.

Child Development Unit @ UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Developmental Medicine | 2018 - 2019

APA accredited fellowship. Conducted diagnostic evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in young children, consisting of record review, clinical interview, and assessment with standardized measures such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 鈥� Second Edition (ADOS-2). Assisted parents or other caregivers in connecting with the right level of intervention for their child. Additional responsibilities in providing outpatient treatment to children with ASD and their families at the Merck Outpatient Child & Adolescent Clinic 鈥� UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.

Minor Rotations:

    • Movements Disorders Clinic 鈥� Neurology Division
    • Behavioral Health Consultation Liaison 鈥� Inpatient Services
    • Pediatric Sleep Program 鈥� Pulmonology Division
    • Children鈥檚 Hospital Rehabilitation Unit.

Munroe Meyer Institute

Omaha, NE

Predoctoral Internship, Behavioral Pediatrics Primary Integrated Care | 2017 - 2018

APPIC and APA accredited internship. Conducted outpatient behavioral assessment and treatment for common developmental and behavioral problems, such as noncompliance, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), disruptive school/home behaviors, anxiety and mood-related concerns in primary care clinics. Provided outpatient behavioral management services for children with developmental disabilities and maintain pertinent documentation. Additional responsibilities in manuscript review and grant writing teams.

Minor Rotations:

    • Social Skills Groups Training
    • Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic 
Additional Information

Licenses and Certificates

Licensed Psychologist:  

  • Kansas, November 2021
  • Pennsylvania, October 2019

Licensed Behavior Specialist - Pennsylvania, February 2022

Licensed Behavior Analyst - Kansas, November 2021

Nationally Certified School Psychologist, March 2014

Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctoral, May 2013