Dr. Kristi Clarke in green dress sitting on a gray chair against a pink background.

About Me

Hi — I’m Kristi Clarke.

I’m here to help children feel understood and safe, giving them the tools they need to grow into confident adults.

My goal is to uncover their strengths, support their challenges, and empower families with practical strategies that create lasting change.

Who I Work With

Motivated parents

Who are looking for clear next steps to address their child’s challenges, so they can reduce stress and have more time to focus on their relationships and personal or professional goals.

Families

Who are seeking hope and direction as they navigate their child’s needs.

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How I Can Help

Gain a better understanding of your child’s unique needs.
Access education and training tailored to your family.
Develop a customized behavior plan.
Help you prioritize the next steps for your family.
Support you in advocating for your child, ensuring they receive the proper resources both at home and in their school environment.

My Approach

I take a holistic approach that blends my clinical psychology background with my behavioral training.

I believe that every child deserves to be understood, and their families deserve to build strong, meaningful connections. Unlike some behavior analysts who may take a rigid approach, I emphasize the importance of understanding behavior in a thoughtful, data-driven way. I offer both home and school observations to gather information that might be overlooked, helping families better understand their child’s needs.

My experience in inpatient facilities and group homes has given me a deep appreciation for how autism and genetic disorders impact both children and their families. I've seen firsthand how challenging behaviors can strain family relationships, and I’m committed to supporting both children and parents through this journey. My work as a behavior technician in graduate school taught me that progress may be gradual, but each step forward is meaningful.

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Dr. Kristi Clarke giving a high-five to a child in a cozy room with a table holding toys and a lamp in the background.

Assessment

I focus on understanding the motivations behind children's behaviors during assessments. By using techniques like behavioral momentum, I foster cooperation and engagement during testing sessions.

One of my pet peeves is when other professionals "give up" on motivating a child, which can lead to missed insights.

I also have a strong understanding of insurance requirements, especially regarding autism diagnoses, which helps me advocate for families.

Through my work with diverse populations—including children with physical limitations and those using alternative communication devices—I’ve learned that while assessments can’t always be standardized, the qualitative data we gather provides invaluable insights into each child’s unique potential

One of my favorite parts of the assessment process is the feedback session.

I love empowering parents and teens with practical, actionable recommendations that can lead to real-world improvements. My experience with evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as programs like the Secret Agent Society social skills training, informs my assessment recommendations. I also believe in creative, hands-on interventions (like incorporating chickens to address a bird phobia!) that make a real difference in kids’ lives.

I’ve worked with children and teens across all developmental stages, from preschool to college, and I’m passionate about helping families implement effective strategies that fit their unique needs.

Group meeting with Dr. Kristi Clarke presenting at a table with a poster about reinforcements and consequences behind her.

Parenting Workshops

My experience with group work began during graduate school, where I facilitated therapeutic sessions for young victims of abuse and their siblings. Since then, I’ve run groups for children and teens with autism and co-led groups for their siblings.

I co-facilitated Secret Agent Society groups, a social skills program for upper elementary and middle school students, and found great value in supporting both parents and children together. My parenting workshops combine social support with practical skills training, helping families move from crisis management to proactive coping. I love working with small groups to provide each family with personalized attention and a supportive environment.

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Fun Facts About Me

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I enthusiastically volunteer at events to raise awareness for a local animal rescue. (I share my home with two dogs, six bunnies, and a guinea pig!)
I’ve embraced adventure, having lived in an RV twice to travel across the country and explore national parks.
As a proud homeschool mom to two daughters, I balance my work and personal life with creativity and dedication.
I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and enjoy diving into the magical world of Hogwarts.
Fun fact: I grew up next door to the creator of a well-known psychological test, which has added an interesting twist to my own psychology journey!