EVALUATIONS AND INTERVENTION PLANNING

Dr. Dama Walker Abshier earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, then a Master of Arts (MA), Education Specialist (Ed.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree all in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in School Psychology from the University of South Florida. Dr. Abshier provides therapy and psychological/psycho-educational evaluations in her private practice, Abshier Psychological Services, while completing her residency under the supervision of Dr. David Dupere, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Abshier is also a Project Consultant with Florida’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (FLPBIS) Project, where she provides technical assistance to school districts implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) in Florida. Dr. Abshier worked in Marion County Public Schools for 18 years in a variety of district-level leadership capacities coordinating PBIS, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), behavioral support team, health services, bullying prevention, Section 504, Code of Student Conduct, interim alternative educational placements, and providing professional development related to problem solving/response to intervention, MTSS, early warning systems, classroom management, verbal de-escalation, physical intervention, and PBIS. Dr. Abshier was the supervising administrator for the education of detained and incarcerated youth, home education, virtual school, teen parenting program with childcare, academic fast track for overage/unit-deficient middle school students, and provided contract management of four alternative schools. Dr. Abshier has experience leading a large school district (50+ schools serving over 40,000 students) in training and implementation of school-wide PBIS, planning at the district level, guiding leaders through classroom coaching related to the application of PBIS in the classroom, and leading district and school level work related to the Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF), integrating PBIS and school mental health initiatives. She enjoys utilizing her experiences to assist school districts in their efforts to maximize positive student outcomes for all. Additionally, Dr. Abshier is leading the current study for the Public Policy Institute of Marion County, “A Comprehensive, Coordinated, Community-Wide Child Development Study” to determine the interest in and feasibility of developing a Comprehensive, Holistic, Community-Based, Public/Private partnership designed to reduce the escalating violence in Ocala and Marion County. The PPI Study Team is focusing on the physical, social and spiritual needs of Pre K, elementary and middle school students and their parents, with the overarching goal of creating a community of productive and engaged citizens. Dr. Abshier also serves on the Board of Directors as Secretary for Hands of Mercy Everywhere (H.O.M.E), a residential home that provides accommodations as well as psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual care in a safe, secure, Christian environment for young women in the foster care system. Dr. Abshier has been a guest lecturer and adjunct professor at the University of Florida and an invited presenter at state, national and international conferences in her field. Dr. Abshier and Lance, her husband of 25 years, have three sons: Landon (21), Logan (18), and Laine (15).