SDKF Educational Psychology Department, SEL Instructor
“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.
What Others Say About Us
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.
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.
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.