Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn Castillo-Fundora.
Evelyn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my parents. They’ve always pushed and encouraged me to follow my dreams. As far as the professional path I chose, from an early age, I have been fascinated by the mind and how it works.
Growing up, I would watch the way people around me behaved and wonder why they acted a certain way. I always knew I wanted to be in the field of psychology; however, what drew me towards working with children was when my cousin Tiffany was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Her behavior and performance engaged my curiosity in the complicated behavior of children. Fast forward 15 years, I still stay completely fascinated and intrigued with every case and how each child is different however unique and very special.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?Struggles? Not really, I love my job! Each child and family I meet has different needs, so my job is varied! One day I will be working with an adolescents and their emotional needs, the next day evaluating an academic concern, and on another day running intervention groups. Everyday is a different day!
I wouldn’t say opening my practice was a smooth road, but it hasn’t been rocky either- it’s what’s expected. Like any new place of business, you have to make a name for yourself by setting yourself apart from the competition.
My biggest concern though is knowing I have the future of the youth I work with in my hands. One wrong move can make or break them. I don’t want to break them, lol! My husband always tells me I can’t save everyone…but I can try!!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about My School Psychologist, Inc. – what should we know?
My School Psychologist, Inc. was created in hopes to foster the motivation and inspiration back into our youth and community. I am a devoted advocate for the community, in hopes to make society a more functional, supportive place.
There are quite a few things that I feel set me apart from other practices making my practice and I unique and special. My goal with every parent that contacts me is to make a long-lasting impact and providing the assistance the family needs, to see the progress and growth they are asking for.
Although I’m a child psychologist, while working solely with the child can be very beneficial, I’ve come to realize it only results in short-term positive changes. The child is just one piece of the puzzle, in order to see a lasting positive change, you need to connect all the pieces. So I try to work with the entire family rather than just the child/adolescent in isolation.
I also try to collaborate closely with all the other influencers in the child’s life; such as schools, doctors, therapist, etc. This part to me is extremely vital in ensuring that my work is as effective as possible. I also feel through the years my style has flourished to be somewhat unique yet practical. Although I’m skilled and well trained in evidenced-based strategies, my approach to intervention is far from textbook. I’m a working mom of two rambunctious boys with a lot of energy. While evidenced-based interventions are wonderful and very effective, I understand how difficult it may be to implement them and maintain them daily.
After meeting the families I work with and getting to know them, I try to learn what their parenting style is and then recommend interventions that are realistic for the family to follow through with. Definitely becoming a mother has played a big role in my success with my clients.
Also, I think that my honesty and sense of humor makes me more personable to the parents and the children. Kids are pretty quick at detecting an individual’s motives and genuineness and are even quicker to reject those who may come across as questionable.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Definitely, Miami is populated with over a million people and so much diversity. So yes I do feel Miami is a great place to start a business in my field of child psychology… there are kids everywhere, ha ha ha!!!
Pricing:
- Gifted Evaluation-$280
- Full IQ test -$350
- Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation starting at $350
- Intervention Rates range from $35-75/hr
- Other service rates vary based on concerns
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myschoolpsychologistinc.com
- Phone: (305) 302-4776
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @myschoolpsychologistinc
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MySchoolPsychologistinc/
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