Meet Our Group
The school psychologists in our practice have over 90 years of combined experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. We invite you to learn more about the school psychologists in our group below.
Patrick Hughes
Patrick earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida, and his Masters and Specialist degrees in School Psychology from the University of Florida. He is licensed (SS 873) and certificated (FL# 619558) in the state of Florida. He has 30 years of experience as a school psychologist and has worked for the Diocese of St. Augustine, Duval County Public Schools, and Nova Southeastern University. Pat has served in several leadership roles, including lead psychologist, School Psychology Coordinator, Section 504 Compliance Consultant, and is considered an expert in ADHD. Patrick has conducted numerous professional development workshops for peers and school staff, is well versed in Section 504 law and guidelines, and is currently is the chair of the Section 504 Advisory Committee. Patrick is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP), and was a charter member of the Northeast Florida Association of School Psychologists (NEFASP).
Faye Nussbaum
Faye obtained her Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from Georgia Southern University. She holds certification (FL# 549966) and is licensed (SS 874) in the state of Florida, as well as certified in the state of Georgia.
Faye was employed as a secondary mathematics teacher for three years at the beginning of her career prior to completing her degree in School Psychology. Possessing over 40 years as a practicing school psychologist provides Faye with a wealth of knowledge and skills for working with children, adolescents, and families. For the majority of her career, She served as a school psychologist in the Duval County Public School System, was the Section 504 Compliance Consultant for the district, and provided assessment services for private schools in Jacksonville. She retired from the Clay County School System in 2019, where she conducted psychoeducational assessments, served as a member of the Intervention Team, consulted with teachers and parents, and serve as a supervisor for school psychology interns.
Faye is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP), and was a charter member of the Northeast Florida Association of School Psychologists (NEFASP). She is also a member of the International Dyslexia Association.
Laura Smith
Laura obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Masters and Education Specialist degrees in School Psychology from Florida State University. She is certificated (FL# 767458) and licensed (SS 955) in the State of Florida. Laura has over 25 years of experience working with children and their families, and is proficient in the evaluation of children and adolescents with learning, attentional, and behavioral challenges. Laura also has extensive experience evaluating children with varying exceptionalities, or those students considered as having special needs (e.g., developmental delays, cognitive impairments, visual, hearing, motor, and/or communication impairments, etc.). Prior to evaluating these unique students, Laura works very closely with parents and teachers to determine the best approach in assessing the student’s abilities. Laura is currently employed by the Duval County School System, and has served in leadership roles, conducted professional development workshops for colleagues, and has supervised interns over the years. She is also a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP), and was a charter member of the Northeast Florida Association of School Psychologists (NEFASP).
Independent Contractors
Caren Jones
Caren is currently working with our practice as an Independent Contractor. Caren earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Florida State University, and her Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She is licensed by the State of Florida (SS 1026). Caren has 15 years of experience in working with a variety of children with diverse challenges. Caren began her career working as a School Psychologist for six years within Duval County Public Schools. She served schools and students both on the North side of Jacksonville and within private schools through the Parentally Placed Private Schools Team. After obtaining her license, Caren pursued her goals beyond the public school setting, and focused on working with families in the private sector and gaining research experience. These experiences led her to employment within the medical field. Caren worked for the University of Florida Health in the Division of Developmental Pediatrics, and then worked within the Division of Neurology’s Neuropsychology Clinic at Nemours Children’s Specialty Care. Through these varied employment opportunities, Caren discovered a passion for working with young children and their families, and gained valuable experience in the realm of development, behavior, and autism. Caren is committed to providing a positive experience for children, as well as offering guidance and support to their families. Caren is a current member of the Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP).
