About Dr. Cora Palma

I am Dr. Cora Palma, a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP 3887), veteran school psychologist, and parent. I have spent my career at the intersection of education and mental health, committed to helping children and families thrive in the school setting.

For over 15 years, I served as a school psychologist—where I worked closely with students, families, and educators to address learning, developmental, and emotional challenges. I went on to serve as Director of Mental Health Services for a California school district, led the Families and Schools Together program at The Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and have taught graduate students in School Psychology and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling at Chapman University. My research has included trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and tools for parents and educators to support students who have experienced trauma.

While my professional journey has given me a deep understanding of the educational system, being a parent has shown me another side of the story. Even as an expert, I’ve experienced how daunting, confusing, and overwhelming it can feel to navigate special education or 504 services for your own child. That dual perspective—both professional and personal—drives the way I support families. I know the system inside and out, but I also know what it feels like to sit on the other side of the table as a parent. That experience has shaped my private practice.

The focus of my practice is on supporting families as both a professional and a parent who “gets it.” I provide trauma-informed psychological-educational assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), and consultation that help families make sense of the process, understand their child’s needs, and feel confident advocating for the right supports.

My goal is to bridge the gap between schools, providers, and families—bringing clarity to the system and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. My approach is always multidisciplinary, emphasizing communication and collaboration among families, schools, and providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for children, helping families feel seen, supported, and empowered as they advocate for their child, while supporting schools and professionals in practices that truly serve students.