About Melissa Ortiz Nolan

I have over 30 years of experience working with public schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and have been in private practice for over 17 years. Throughout my career, I have served as a Program Supervisor, Lead School Psychologist, School Psychologist, Assistant Principal at middle and K–8 schools, and as a Program Specialist through the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). My work has provided me with extensive experience supporting students, families, and school teams across a wide range of educational, emotional, and learning needs.

I have overseen special education departments, developed specialized educational programs, facilitated legally involved meetings, worked with families during mediation processes, served during hearings as an expert Licensed Educational Psychologist, and helped parents collaborate with school districts to develop settlement agreements. My background provides me with a deep understanding of both the educational and legal aspects of special education and accommodations.

I have conducted private psychoeducational evaluations both within my own practice and within a Developmental Pediatrician’s practice, specializing in assessments of students and adults with suspected dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, executive functioning challenges, and other neurodevelopmental differences. I also provide updated evaluations for college students, graduate students, and adults seeking accommodations in higher education and on standardized examinations.

In recent years, my work has also focused on innovation within the field of psychology. I was the co-creator and CEO of Assessment Assist AI, a platform developed to support psychologists through secure AI-assisted report writing technology. The purpose of the platform was to thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence into psychological practice in a way that supports clinical integrity while reducing administrative burden for clinicians.

Assessment Assist AI was acquired by PAR (Psychological Assessment Resources) within its first year. Following the acquisition, I continued working with PAR to provide trainings, conference presentations, and consultation to psychologists across the country on the evolving role of AI in assessment and report writing practices. I have presented at conferences and trained psychologists throughout the United States on topics related to psychoeducational assessment, report writing, ethical AI integration, special education law, dyslexia, advocacy, and the future of psychological practice.  I have also been interviewed for podcasts and invited to provide trainings for parents, educators, and school-based teams.

In addition, I taught graduate-level courses in special education through the University of California, Santa Cruz Extension and the University of San Diego Division of Continuing Education. In recognition of my work in the field, I was nominated and selected as a mentor School Psychologist through the California Association of School Psychologists.

I am a member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP), and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), where I earned my Advanced Advocate Training Certification.

As both a professional and a parent, I understand how overwhelming it can feel when a child or young adult is struggling academically, emotionally, or socially. My personal and professional experiences have strengthened my commitment to helping families gain clarity, identify meaningful supports, and move forward with confidence.

Education

  • Master of Arts in Administration and Public Policy — Stanford University
  • Master of Science in Counseling/School Psychology — California State University, Sacramento
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Education — University of California, Davis

Credentials

  • Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP #2496)
  • Tier I and Tier II Administrative Services Credential
  • Pupil Personnel Services Credential — Specialization in School Psychology
  • Advanced Advocate Certification — Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)