Brielle Mussomeli
Brielle MussomeliM.Sc
School Psychology
SEL instructor

Executive Functioning Specialist

“My mission is to meet every child where they are, using empathy, creativity, and connection to help them feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.”

Highlighted Services: Executive Functioning Coaching, Multidisciplinary Evaluations, Social-Emotional Learning Sessions

Brielle Mussomeli, M.Sc. is a School Psychologist at San Diego Kids First. She brings heartfelt dedication to helping children grow academically, emotionally, and socially. She earned her Master of Science in School Psychology from National University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from San Diego State University. With a strong foundation in both education and hands-on experience, Brielle is known for her empathetic, creative, and child-centered approach.

Before pursuing graduate studies, Brielle worked as a teacher’s assistant at Silver Gate Elementary, supporting students in one-on-one and small group settings. She worked closely with students with learning disabilities, which sparked her passion for School Psychology and her desire to advocate for children’s diverse needs. She went on to complete her School Psychology internship with Poway Unified School District, where she worked with both elementary and middle school students. During this time, she conducted comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for students with Specific Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavioral Challenges, and those with other mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions.Brielle’s prior experience also includes working in a school counseling setting utilizing trauma-informed and solution-focused modalities, and collaborating with families and school teams to support the development of IEPs and 504 Plans.

At San Diego Kids First, Brielle provides individual skill-building sessions with children and teens focused on tailored social, emotional, and behavioral goals. She provides parent coaching and support, and collaborates with the school team at the family’s request. She also conducts multidisciplinary evaluations in conjunction with the clinical team at San Diego Kids First . She is committed to building trusting relationships and creating safe, supportive environments where students feel heard and valued, and can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Brielle also brings a vibrant creative background to her work. A lifelong performer, she spent nearly a decade as a vocalist and live entertainer at LEGOLAND California. Her background in music and the performing arts helps her connect with youth through play, creativity, and emotional expression. Whether using music-based strategies or simply infusing joy into her sessions, Brielle blends her clinical training with her natural ability to engage and inspire young people. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, yoga, hiking, singing, and cheering on the San Diego Padres as a member of the Pad Squad.

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What Others Say About Us

I’ve been referring my patients to Dr. Pontillo for the past several years with the utmost confidence that she will care and understand their developmental needs. Dr. Pontillo always provided them with a balanced and age appropriate intervention to help not only the child but the family as a whole.

Chrystal de Freitas M.D., Pediatrician Carmel Valley Pediatrics

Dr. Pontillo is an exceptional, and one-of-a-kind child psychologist. I have referred many children of my patients to Dr. Pontillo and she has always given them the best care and attention. Referring a patient to another professional is a big responsibility. I always look for a colleague who is efficient, professional, experienced and one who is able to come up with a clear diagnosis. I keep referring to Dr. Pontillo because of her expertise, efficiency and especially her warm and caring personality that is extremely necessary when dealing with children. I very highly recommend Deborah Pontillo, Ph.D as a child diagnostician, developmental and behavioral specialist, and therapist.

David Kravetz, M.D., Professor of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, UCSD

I am a general pediatrician with a special interest in ADHD, spending about 20% of my clinical time caring for ADHD patients. I have known Dr Pontillo since 2005 and have an enormous respect for her clinical skills and insights. She is my “go to” psychologist for more complicated developmental issues and for diagnosis of subtle high functioning disabilities. Dr. Pontillo’s interest in her patients and her ability to clearly delineate developmental problems allows parents to move forward with establishing a treatment plan. She is an invaluable resource to the San Diego Pediatric community.

Nicholas Levy, MD, Medical Director, El Camino Pediatrics, V. Asst Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, UCSD