Specialist Internships

LCPS Psychological Services has two separate internship programs: a doctoral internship in health service psychology for doctoral candidates in school, child clinical, or combined psychology programs and a specialist internship program for specialist candidates in school psychology. 

Specialist Internships in Health Service Psychology

The deadline for submitting an application to the specialist internship program for the 2026-2027 school year is . 

In addition to completing an online application with the Department of Human Resources & Talent Development all applicants must submit the following materials electronically to Dr. Barrett or Dr. Green:

  1. A cover letter expressing why the applicant is interested in the LCPS internship program

  2. A resume or vita (preferred),

  3. Official graduate school transcripts

  4. Three letters of professional recommendation

  5. A psychological evaluation report redacted to protect confidential information

The applicant may include additional information (e.g., additional work samples, published papers, conference presentation materials) to highlight unique interests or skills.

Complete the online application with the Department of Human Resources & Talent Development:

Contact Us

If interested in more information about this program, please contact:

Charles Barrett
Ph.D., NCSP, Associate Director of Internship Training

Meghan Green
Ph.D., NCSP, Coordinator of Psychological Services

Specialist Intern Supervisors 

Erin Balanc, EdS, NCSP, Primary Supervisor, Certified School Psychologist
James Madison University, 2012
Professional Interests: social-emotional learning (SEL), crisis intervention, resiliency, assessment of English Learners (ELs).
Professional Affiliation: National Association of School Psychologists. 

Shoko Brown, MA, Primary Supervisor, Certified School Psychologist
Saint Mary’s College of California, 2014  
Professional Interests: trauma informed/sensitive schools, equity, social emotional learning (SEL), Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), behavior consultation. 

Heidi L. Buckner, EdS, NCSP, High School Rotation Supervisor, Licensed School Psychologist, Certified School Psychologist
Radford University, 1997
Professional Interests: counseling, treatment of anxiety, CBT, DBT, use of restorative practices and ADHD.
Professional Affiliation: National Association of School Psychologists. 

Joel Esslinger, MA, NCSP, Primary Supervisor, Certified School Psychologist
University of Delaware, 1994
Professional Interests: grief/loss group counseling, CBT with students and parents for separation anxiety, psychoeducational assessment and intervention for children and teens.
Professional Affiliation: National Association of School Psychologists. 

Taylor Gardner, EdS, Primary Supervisor,Certified School Psychologist
Radford University, 2019
Professional Interests: social emotional learning (SEL), self regulation and anxiety in elementary-aged students, pediatric oncology and its impact on education/social emotional development.

Anderea Mason, MEd, NCSP, High School Rotation Supervisor, Certified School Psychologist
Edinboro University, 2001
Professional Interests: executive functioning, developing growth mindset, cognitive evaluations of educationally marginalized students.
Professional Affiliation: National Association of School Psychologists. 

Kim McCartney, EdS, Primary Supervisor, Certified School Psychologist
James Madison University, 2008
Professional interests: cognitive assessment of English Learners (ELs), assessment of students with emotional disabilities.
Professional Affiliation: National Association of School Psychologists.

Required Experiences Supervisors 

Courtney Barti, EdS, NCSP, Preschool Rotation Supervisor, Certified School Psychologist
University of Colorado, Denver, 2007
Professional Interests: early childhood development, early identification of autism, dynamic play-based assessment, behavior support.

Allison Branick, MS, Advanced Educational Diagnostics Supervisor, Educational Diagnostician
Shenandoah University, 2010
Professional Interests: assessment and early intervention for struggling students; consulting with general education, special education, as well as English Learner (EL) teachers regarding instructional and behavioral needs of students; response-to-intervention (RtI) using a tiered approach; assisting school staff members with understanding the eligibility process.

Tricia Jenkins, MEd, (Special Education), Advanced Educational Diagnostics Supervisor, Educational Diagnostician
University of Virginia, 2006
Professional Interests: assessment, background investigation to reveal the history of the whole child, response to intervention (RtI), consultation with parents and teachers on how to best support the student academically and behaviorally.

Dana Lewis, MEd, (Special Education), Advanced Educational Diagnostics Supervisor, Educational Diagnostician
George Mason University, 1998
Professional Interests: assessment and early intervention for struggling students; supporting teachers in developing literacy interventions; response-to-intervention (RtI) using a tiered approach; consulting with teachers and parents regarding school/learning problems; mentoring new diagnosticians.