A message from Dr. Pontillo:

“ I am so deeply amazed, and proud of what San Diego Kids First (SDKF) has become. From my humble beginnings in my solo private practice in 2005 (right here in the Hacienda building!) -to where we are now (over 12 interdisciplinary specialists and growing!), I can truly say my mission to create a comprehensive, interdisciplinary clinic for children and families has been realized. I have so much admiration and respect for my fellow clinicians here at SDKF. They possess such outstanding talent, skills, and expertise, each bringing their own personalized training, background, professionalism, and expertise to the clients and families we see. Their combined knowledge, commitment, and dedication is what enables us to create a comprehensive, individualized, and impactful care plan for each child, teen, or family in a way that no single provider can. It is why I am so confident that each child, teen and family that walks through our door is welcomed into our family, and can get most, if not all, their needs met in one warm and caring place. It is also why I am committed to continuing this wrap-around approach, so that kids can truly maximize their potential focusing on the development and happiness of the whole child, and family.”

Dr. Pontillo is Owner/Founder and Director of San Diego Kids First (est. 2005) and Co-Founder/Co-Director of San Diego Behavior Solutions (est. 2021). She has over 25 years of education, training and experience in pediatric psychology and is regarded as an expert in the field of child and adolescent development, behavior, and learning.

Dr. Pontillo received her B.A. at the University of British Columbia (UBC), her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and completed a pre-doctoral internship at UCSD. She completed an Early Childhood (0-5y) post-doctoral internship at the Developmental Evaluation Clinic at Rady Children’s Hospital, where she continued to work 2 years following her licensure. Subsequently, Dr. Pontillo opened San Diego Kids First in 2005, with the passion of identifying children’s strengths as well as their challenges, enabling them to maximize their developmental potential.

Dr. Pontillo has enjoyed sharing her knowledge and expertise as Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor in the Dept. of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, UCSD and as Clinical Supervisor at Alliant International University. She continues that practice as a conference speaker, presenter, and public figure. She has been interviewed by San DIego Magazine, National Geographic, CBS-8, ABC-10, PBS SoCal, Francis Parker Magazine , and Fox News, and was featured in The San Diego Voyager. Click here for Dr. Pontillo’s media page. She has been a guest expert in several episodes of the Parent Savers Podcast, and has presented to numerous audiences comprised of educators, parents, and clinicians at organizations such as The San Diego Psychological Association, Rady Children’s Hospital Dept of Developmental Pediatrics, UCSD, San Diego Mom’s Blog Cares, The San Diego Diocese, Scripps Pediatrics, Father Joe’s Villages, San Diego Episcopal Community Services, Deep Blue Educators, Beth Am Preschool, the Jewish Community Center Nierman Preschool, A Home Within, various Head Start Preschool organizations and dozens of independent schools in the San Diego area. One of Dr. Pontillo’s most recent panel presentations was for community mental health clinicians sponsored by the San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Children Youth and Families (CYF) Council Training Academy Committee (co-panelists: Dr. Josh Feder, Dr. Bruce Liese, and Chelsea Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP). “ From Loneliness to Connecting and Belonging: I’ll be There” (2024).

Dr. Pontillo also has developed two downloadable video courses. The first is a video parent training course (entitled “Bright Stars”) for parents of highly intelligent children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder, which condenses the content of 4 – 6 of her individualized one-hour parenting sessions into an affordable downloadable program. The second is the ABCs of ASD, a video course designed for regular education teachers, providing tools and strategies to help their students with Autism Spectrum Disorder be successful in the regular education classroom. This program has been made available to several independent schools and preschools in the San Diego area.

Dr. Pontillo also volunteers her time at A Home Within, an organization committed to providing free therapy services to children and adolescents in the Foster Care System. Dr. Pontillo’s involvement includes providing educational training to volunteer therapists across the United States on evidence-based practices for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD, and the interplay between trauma and neurodivergence.

Dr. Pontillo’s specialties include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD/executive functioning, behavioral challenges, oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD)/ (PDA “pathological demand avoidance”), learning disabilities/differences, anxiety, emotional regulation skills training, social skills training, stress management, giftedness, and other child developmental delays or concerns. She specializes in working with Early Childhood (0-5y), School-Aged Children, and Teens and utilizes CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) and other short-term solution-focused, evidence-based interventions that produce measurable progress. She is an expert in diagnostic assessment, conducts both focused as well as comprehensive batteries, and develops concrete and individualized action plans for each child and family she works with. She provides consultations with schools, teachers, and other professionals and is often relied on as treatment team leader due to her experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Dr. Pontillo additionally consults regularly with all staff clinicians at SDKF to ensure that SDKF families receive the highest quality of care.

Dr. Pontillo lives with her husband, daughter, son, and two pets: our SDKF facility dog, Maple, who sometimes joins Dr. Pontillo in her clinic appointments, and Maple’s younger brother, Moose. Dr. Pontillo speaks Spanish and English and loves sushi and Indian food. When she is not working, she can be found on a 5K run (even though she admits she is as slow as a turtle!), taking long walks with her dogs, or visiting with her family and friends.

**Dr. Pontillo maintains a small caseload, working closely with a very limited number of concierge clients. If you are interested in more information on becoming a concierge client of Dr. Pontillo, please click here.

“As the Clinic Intake Coordinator at SDKF, I’m here to support you and your family through the intake process by gathering important information about your concerns and needs. I coordinate consultations with our highly specialized clinicians to ensure you receive personalized care that fits your unique situation. Having worked directly under Dr. Pontillo and our expert clinicians, I am excited to begin your family’s journey with our clinic and provide the best support every step of the way!”

Jenaya earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with a focus on Elementary Education from San Diego State University and brings over four years of experience in student teaching. Her work with children and adolescents from transitional kindergarten to middle school has fueled her passion for their overall development—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Currently, Jenaya is pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology and is excited to explore therapy, assessments, and consultation further. She also holds certifications in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) instruction and School Supports!

Under the mentorship of Kaydon Schanberger, our Director of the Educational Psychology Department, Jenaya is committed to fostering an environment where children thrive emotionally and socially. Together, Kaydon and Jenaya work to provide an engaging, positive space for growth through our Social/Emotional curriculum.

Jenaya is available for in-office sessions and looks forward to working closely with you and your family on your journey of learning and growth.

“Each child comes to me with their own unique story, their own set of circumstances. But what every child has in common is that each is the source of limitless opportunities for support, structure and success.”

Highlighted New Service: Dyslexia Screening

An Educational Therapist with more than 25 years of experience, Sheri is dedicated to meeting struggling students’ emotional, social, and academic needs. She works with a wide range of the pediatric population (and beyond), providing dyslexia assessments and targeted intervention to children and teens with ADHD, learning disabilities, executive dysfunction, and weak cognitive, auditory, or visual processing skills. With all her clients, Sheri’s mission is to provide each child with limitless opportunities for support, structure, and success.

What sets Sheri apart from other advocates is that she always has first-hand experience working with the child before requesting an evaluation or entering a school meeting. As a result, she can offer the school her informed observations, beneficial strategies, and specific recommendations unique to each child. Additionally, Sheri has held the unique position of working with IEP teams as both a school-employed Educational Specialist and a private Educational Therapist, quite literally sitting on both sides of the table. Over the years, Sheri has successfully secured specialized services and appropriate accommodations for hundreds of K-12 students in public and private sectors.

Sheri views each child from a holistic perspective, considering emotional, social, and behavioral issues that may impede learning. By exploring additional contributing factors, such as physical, sensory, speech, language, or processing delays, Sheri can offer the IEP team valuable information and feedback. Sheri starts by working with each student individually to identify the challenges that may impact or prevent academic success then formulates individualized and targeted recommendations for specific evaluations, treatment plans, and services.

Educational Advocacy is multi-faceted. Sheri’s services include: Parent meetings, Review of records, One-on-one educational therapy sessions with the child/teen, Writing a letter to the school requesting an evaluation, Providing referrals to private evaluators and specialists, Ongoing communications, and follow up with the parent and school, Parent coaching and consultation, Consultation with physicians, psychologists, SLP, OT, and school personnel, Administrative work/preparation for the meeting, IEP meeting-full participation, Debriefing immediately after the IEP concludes.

Sheri lays the foundation of success by creating a warm and trusting rapport with students, parents, teachers, physicians, and allied professionals. Sessions are individualized and specialized, integrating a variety of practical, creative methodologies along with evidence and brain-based therapeutic learning tools. In this way, Sheri prevents and circumvents the cycle of frustration, failure, and despair that affects so many children and their families—and replaces that cycle with joyful learning.

Sheri graduated with a B.A. in Child Development with a specialty in Child Mental Health. She went on to earn both Multiple Subjects and Special Education Teaching Credentials and a Master’s Degree in Psychology. 

“Together, we can create a supportive environment where your child feels appreciated, understood, and empowered to thrive.” 

Highlighted Service: Developmental and Multidisciplinary Evaluations

Dr. Anna Basanty is a dedicated licensed psychologist who brings extensive experience in child and adolescent development, assessment, and therapeutic interventions. With a doctorate in School Psychology and a background in both educational and clinical settings, Dr. Basanty is passionate about helping children and families navigate challenges related to emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development.

Dr. Basanty completed her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and her doctoral internship at the Santa Barbara School Psychology Internship Consortium. She acquired specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed therapy throughout her supervised fieldwork. Dr. Basanty completed her post-doctoral fellowship in the residential treatment program at the San Diego Center for Children, where she led the clinical assessment team in providing neurodevelopmental and socio-emotional diagnostic assessments, as well as provided individual and family therapy for youth with diverse presenting concerns.

Dr. Basanty specializes in conducting comprehensive developmental and psycho-educational assessment, mood and behavioral therapy, and school-based consultation to maximize the developmental, social, emotional, behavioral, and academic potential of youth. Her work focuses on providing individualized care through comprehensive psychological assessments, including evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and mood or behavioral disorders. Clinically, she is skilled in using evidence-based therapeutic approaches (CBT/DBT) to support youth in developing healthy coping strategies and building resilience.

Her clinical philosophy is grounded in collaboration with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that your child receives individualized care tailored to their unique strengths and needs. Dr. Basanty works closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to develop holistic treatment plans that promote social, emotional, and academic success for her clients.

Dr. Basanty is passionate about involving families throughout assessment and treatment and helping them understand how to best support their child’s growth. She knows that every child is unique and believes in creating a warm, supportive environment where each child can feel understood and valued.

At San Diego Kids First, Dr. Basanty is honored to be a part of your family’s journey and looks forward to working with you to foster your child’s emotional growth, resilience, and success. In her free time, Dr. Basanty enjoys going to sports events, reading novels, and playing with her cat, Sushi.

“Wherever there is a child in need, there is an opportunity for kindness, for treating the child as an individual with unique strengths, and for making a difference.”

Highlighted New Service: Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Dr. Jordan Ko is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families in psychotherapy and assessment. 

Dr. Ko majored in Child Development at Tufts University. She completed her Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and her doctoral internship at UCLA Semel Institute. She acquired specialized training and experience in autism intervention and assessment at the UCSB Koegel Autism Center and UCLA Child and Adult Neurodevelopmental (CAN) Clinic.

Her 2-year postdoctoral fellowship took place at San Diego State University and the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center at Radys Children’s Hospital. She has experience in assessing and improving the social communication skills of young children, and served as the lead clinical trainer in San Diego, training therapists across California in a parent coaching intervention called Project ImPACT for Toddlers. 

Dr. Ko has a diverse background providing services to children and adolescents with various presenting concerns, such as autism, ADHD, behavior concerns, trauma, developmental delay, social skills, mood concerns, and anxiety. She utilizes a collaborative, strengths-based approach when working with children and families to partner with them to reach their goals. She aims to foster a safe space for clients to feel heard and validated, as well as build insight, skills, and confidence. Her goal is to provide culturally sensitive care that is informed by evidence-based practices, which are supported by research but tailored to the individual needs and values of each child and family.

She has experience with a range of evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy, parent coaching interventions (Project ImPACT, Parent Child Interaction Therapy), autism interventions (Pivotal Response Treatment), and social skills interventions (UCLA PEERS® for Adolescents, the UCSB START Program).

Dr. Ko has conducted research on interventions to improve social communications skills in toddlers through young adults with autism, as well as implementing interventions in community settings. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented her findings at international research conferences, including the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR).

Dr. Ko was born and raised in Southern California and enjoys cooking, tennis, and a variety of outdoor activities with her husband and rescue pup (a beagle- terrier mix). 

“Every time we ask questions of our children or recognize a teaching moment, we resist simply rescuing our children from their problems; instead, we teach them skills that will last them a lifetime.”

Highlighted New Service: Collaborative and Positive Co-parenting Skills 

Anna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience in Behavioral Therapy & Parent Coaching, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Behavioral Management for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and Depression.

Anna is a parenting specialist who focuses on positive co-parenting skills for collaborative and cooperative parents who are in the process of separating and/ or getting divorced. 

Anna Williams is certified through the International OCD Foundation BTTI to specialize in pediatric and adult OCD. She has been trained in cutting-edge treatment modalities, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Therapy.

Anna works with families, parents, children, and teens to produce lasting changes in the most naturalistic setting possible. She believes the parent-child connection is the most important intervention.  Anna is skilled and experienced in rebuilding this connection for healing. Anna provides Telehealth and in-office appointments. 

Anna received a Bachelor’s Degree from Cal State Monterey Bay and a Master’s Degree at Alliant International University School of Professional Psychology. She is an AAMFT Board-certified supervisor. Anna previously worked at Rady Children’s Hospital, where she specialized in depression and anxiety treatments for children and adolescents, frequently employing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Anna also treats ADHD, ODD, and other childhood mood disorders. She has worked with very severe populations of children who also possessed Co-Morbid diagnoses.

“I strive to create a warm, positive, and fun testing environment for my clients so they can work to the best of their ability and we can achieve the most optimal results.”

Highlighted New Service: Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Dr. Gamboa is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and young adults. She offers mid-day and after-school appointments for psychotherapy, counseling and consultation.  Dr. Gamboa contributes key expertise to the assessment team, particularly in standardized testing for children and adolescents with developmental and/or educational challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.

Dr. Gamboa received a B.A. in Psychology from La Sierra University and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego. She has broad experience working with children, adolescents and families, and is an expert in treating Anxiety Disorders, Anger-Management and/or Behavioral Challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Parenting, Family Relationships, Depression and Substance Use/Abuse. Dr. Gamboa has provided psychotherapy and assessment services in her role as psychologist at the San Diego Regional Center, Rady Children’s Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry, St. Vincent de Paul Villages, and the College Counseling Centers at USD and SDSU. Dr. Gamboa’s approach is primarily psychodynamic, but she also offers play therapy, family therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and attachment and affect regulation-based interventions.

When Dr. Gamboa is not in the office, she enjoys traveling, hiking, riding her bike, playing guitar and spending time with her friends and her large Bengal cat, Gilby.

Highlighted New Service: In-home behavior interventions

Nicolette is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has over 6 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She utilizes behavior analytic techniques to support children, parents and families to make meaningful changes and reach their family goals.

Nicolette received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University and a Master’s Degree in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She possesses prior experience providing behavior analytic services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Nicolette created personalized goals to support challenging behaviors as well as to increase skill acquisition across social, language, executive functioning and cognition domains. To foster the family unit as a whole, parent interviews were conducted alongside teaching parents to implement behavioral techniques in the home and community settings. Goal progress was also monitored by Nicolette using a variety of assessments to measure developmental milestones and skills. Nicolette is available for parent appointments via telehealth or in the Carmel Valley office. She also is available for in-home appointments for direct assessment and intervention with children and their caregivers.

Nicolette lives with her husband and one-eyed pup Tori in San Diego. In her free time she loves to dance, try new food, be at the beach and travel!

“My mission is to share the principles of Behavior Analysis to empower families and to help their children reach their full potential. Every child is unique. I take a personalized approach to ensure that the power of reinforcement is used only to enrich the lives of children while maintaining who they are as individuals.”

Highlighted New Service: Parent enrichment sessions and in-home behavior interventions

Alexandra Padilla is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst “BCBA” with over 6 years experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She specializes in providing behavior analytic and parent enrichment services to empower parents by supporting the entire family. She develops treatment plans as a team to ensure all learning and teaching opportunities embody individual family values.

Alexandra received a Bachelor’s Degree from San Diego State University and a Master’s Degree at Florida Institute of Technology in the field of Behavior Analysis. Before joining San Diego Behavior Solutions, Alexandra was a BCBA Supervisor at an ABA company. This role included a multitude of skills such as Functional Behavior Assessments, a variety of milestone/skills assessments, and parent interviews. She has experience creating individualized unique goals for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , children with other social or behavioral challenges, and their parents to support treatment gains across the home and community environments. Across treatment Alexandra was able to support parents with implementing the same skills that were being taught during 1:1 sessions such as teaching replacement behaviors to increase functional communication and decrease maladaptive behaviors. Alexandra is available for parent appointments via telehealth or in the Carmel Valley office. She also is available for in-home appointments for direct assessment and intervention with children and their caregivers .

She lives in San Diego with her husband and their mini Australian Shepherd Winston. Alexandra enjoys spending her free time hiking, camping and finding every Alpine lake and hotspring she can with her family!

“When faced with challenging behaviors, look for the corresponding strength, and focus on nurturing that gift while providing gentle guidance and coping techniques for the challenging areas. That is the essence of working with, instead of against, our children” – L.R. Knost

Highlighted New Service: In-Home OCD Treatment/Exposure Response Prevention

Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, Lauryn pursued academic studies in Psychology and Nutrition at Chapman University located in Orange County, California. After completing her studies, Lauryn embarked on a professional journey dedicated to mental health advocacy, where she gained experience with several subject groups.

Lauryn has grown her knowledge through a variety of different certifications and relevant job experiences. Some of her specialties include Behavioral Intervention, Mindfulness, Equine-Assisted Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Lauryn has worked with young adults and children of all ages to help them with Behavioral Management for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety and Depression, and PTSD.

Working side by side with Anna Williams LMFT, Lauryn will broaden her practice to provide families with in-home Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), which is the leading empirically validated treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). ERP is shown to significantly reduce debilitating and impairing symptoms of OCD, and Lauryn is excited to make this treatment modality available to families in-home, where the most dramatic gains can be realized. Bringing hope, independence, and restoration of relationships between loved ones, she is excited to bring individuals a sense of empowerment and mastery over their anxiety.

Lauryn grew up in Palm Springs, California, and enjoys hiking, yoga, camping, and spending time at the ranch. She grew up riding and competing in equestrian sports, which she now does for leisure. Lauryn also has a puppy that loves to go on runs and adventures with her.

“I’m so grateful to have spent the past few years growing with the San Diego Kids First team. I’m passionate about this amazing organization and am inspired by each clinician’s hard work and dedication. I’m thrilled to work alongside Dr. Pontillo and look forward to providing the best level of care for each of our families.”

Highlighted Services: Developmental Assessments for Children and Adolescents

Brooke is a dedicated and compassionate doctoral student specializing in child and family psychology. She obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, where she is also pursuing her doctoral degree. Brooke also holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Psychology from the University of California, Davis.

With extensive experience working with children and adolescents in various settings, Brooke is committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. She utilizes a collaborative approach in her practice, ensuring that all perspectives are considered to help clients achieve their unique, individualized goals.

Brooke works directly under Dr. Pontillo, the director and founder of San Diego Kids First. In this role, she administers developmental evaluations to children, helping them uncover their strengths and unlock their true social, emotional, and academic potential.

Brooke is currently available for in-office assessment appointments only.

In her free time, Brooke enjoys going to the beach, listening to podcasts, exercising, and traveling.

Emma is a practicum student at San Diego Kids First. She has a bachelors degree in clinical psychology and a minor in industrial/organizational psychology. Emma is currently completing her doctorate at Alliant International University. She is from Washington state and graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2022.

Emma’s previous experience includes working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and adults in crisis homes. Currently, she provides individual assessments and therapy to young children under the supervision of our San Diego Kids First Director, Deborah Pontillo, Ph.D. In Emma’s free time, she enjoys going to the beach, skateboarding and hiking with her labradoodle.

“Maple is loved by so many clients here at San Diego Kids First. Maple is amazing with the kids; cuddling, playing games and participating in sessions. She provides a calming support, often sensing and responding to a child’s innermost feelings before a clinician. She patiently participates in games like headbands (pictured here!) wearing the headband and making the children smile. She will also curl up on the couch or beanbag with the blanket and support a child processing big emotions. She is able to break down barriers with the children who are reserved and ground children who are easily elevated or easily triggered. One day in the office, I had a client; although this doesn’t happen often, hesitant to come in. When I shared we had a friend joining us-Maple-the little girl immediately changed her tune, her face lit up and she burst though the door. The children ask where she is and request her to join, she quickly has become the office celebrity.  Maple is also a calming influence on our full time therapists who work tirelessly providing support to children and their families . Maple makes the rounds , intuitively picking each and every office to go to and greet each clinician one by one , as if she wants to be sure no clinician is left out ♥️. We are so appreciative to our donor , to Patricia at Love Heels, and to Cynthia at Talakiridge Labradoodles for making such a profound impact on so many children , families and providers!”

Meet Maple, our San Diego Kids First Love Heels Facility Dog! We could not be more thankful for Cynthia Williams at Talaki Ridge Labradoodles for matching us with Maple, and Patricia Dibsie at Love Heels (and her generous sponsors), for providing us with training and certification to allow Maple to be a facility dog!

Maple is trained to accompany Dr. Pontillo in her professional duties which include individual in-person sessions, as well as volunteer opportunities in San Diego Schools, Head Start Programs, and in other community projects. 

San Diego Kids First contracts with Linda Griebel at Griebel Billing Services in order to provide monthly super bills for out of network benefits, to all our families with PPO plans. If you would like to take advantage of this free service, please call Linda at 619-889-4513, mention San Diego Kids First, and provide her your insurance information. 

Linda has been a bookkeeper for mental health professionals since 1987. She has been a wonderful asset to the San Diego Kids First team since 2005 and we are so grateful to her for providing such a wonderful and unique service to our families!