Kathy Sullivan, Ph.D., ABPP is the founder and Clinical Director of the Sullivan Center for Children. She holds a Diplomate from the American Board of Professional Psychology and is Board Certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. Dr. Sullivan received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University, her doctorate from the California School of Professional Psychology in 1980, and was licensed by the state of California in 1982. Dr. Sullivan has over twenty-five years of experience specializing in treatment of emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. Before opening the Sullivan Center, Dr. Sullivan practiced in a variety of children's inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. She was on the Medical Staff of Kings View Hospital for nine years, and between 1986 and 1989 she developed and served as Unit Chief for the first pre-adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in the San Joaquin Valley. She is a past President of the Fresno Area Psychological Association, and holds memberships in the American Psychological Association, the California Psychological Association, the Fresno Area Psychological Association, the American College of Forensic Examiners, and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. Dr. Sullivan is also listed in the National Register for Health Service Providers in Psychology.

Susan Napolitano, Ph.D.  has provided clinical services for over twenty years. After finishing her doctoral training in 1991, she completed a two-year Post Doctoral Fellowship at the Sullivan Center for Children. Dr. Napolitano specializes in Forensic and Clinical Psychology. Dr. Napolitano is a former expert reviewer for the California Board of Psychology and is a reviewer for the California Department of Mental Health’s, Forensic Services, Mentally Disordered Offender Unit. She has completed more than 1000 Mentally Disordered Offender Evaluations. Dr. Napolitano is also a Coach and Child Specialist with the Central Valley Collaborative Law Affiliates (CVCLA). She has provided court ordered Child Custody Evaluations for Family court since 1995. Dr. Napolitano currently serves as a Child Forensic Interview Specialist for the Madera Child Forensic Interview Team (CFIT). She was trained by the Child Abuse Training and Technical Assistance Centers (CATTA) in 2006 and serves as an expert witness in court cases involving sexual abuse of children and sexual abuse allegations. Dr. Napolitano serves on the Board of Directors of Infant of Prague Adoption Service and the Advisory Board of Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOS). She served as the Chief of Staff at Cedar Vista Hospital in 1999. Dr. Napolitano is a former adjunct faculty member of the California School of Professional Psychology. A Past President of the San Joaquin Valley Psychological Association (SJVPA), Dr. Napolitano also served as the Editor of the San Joaquin Psychologist from 1993 through 2001. Dr. Napolitano holds memberships in the American Psychological Association, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, the San Joaquin Valley Psychological Association and the National Register of Psychology providers. She received the SJVPA Distinguished Psychologist Award in 2000. 

David Fox, M.D. is Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1962 with a degree in Social Relations, and cum laude from Yale University School of Medicine in 1966. He completed his internship in Pediatrics and Child Development at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and did his psychiatric residency and fellowship at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center. He was on the faculty of Harvard Medical School from 1973-1977, and since 1977 has been on the Psychiatry faculty of the University of California at San Francisco. His professional experience is extensive, serving as the Associate Chief of Psychiatry at Valley Medical Center, and the Medical Director of the Renaissance Adolescent Center for Clovis Community Hospital, and was the director of Child and Adolescent Services at Cedar Vista Hospital. He also served as the Director of Psychiatric Training at Valley Children’s Hospital for 18 years. In addition to his position at the Sullivan Center, Dr. Fox is also currently a consultant to the California State Diagnostic School for Neurologically Handicapped Children. He holds certifications in Psychiatry-Neurology, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Fox is also the author of numerous publications.

Mark Barnes, Ph.D. is a senior clinician who has worked with children and adolescents since 1984.  He has been with the Sullivan Center since 1991.  He holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed psychologist.  He also holds a master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling.  Dr. Barnes has diverse experience in treating children, adolescents and their families in a variety of settings including hospitals, residential treatment centers, and day treatment and outpatient programs.  Dr. Barnes has a specialty in psychological testing, as well as the treatment of depression, attention deficit disorder, and developmental issues of adolescents.  He currently administers the training components at the Center including the APPIC internship and post-doctoral training programs.  Dr. Barnes also serves as a clinical supervisor to participating pre-doctoral interns and post-doctoral fellows. He also supervises students in training and pre-doctoral interns at The Psychological Services Center which is affiliated with Alliant International University as well as practicum students and Licensed Marriage and Family Interns through the Onsite Counseling Center at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary.  Dr. Barnes has served as adjunct faculty member at Fresno State University, the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University and is a consulting faculty member for the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary.

Laurie Rabens, Ph.D. is a senior clinician who has been with the Sullivan Center since the first year of its inception in 1989. She completed her undergraduate studies with a major in psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. After spending a year working and studying in Guadalajara, Mexico, Dr. Rabens began her graduate studies in clinical psychology at The California School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Rabens completed her pre-doctoral training through the University of California, San Francisco and a year of post-doctoral training working on the children and adolescents units at Kings View Hospital in Reedley, California. After finishing her fellowship, Dr Rabens became a member of the medical staff of Kings View and worked of the Children’s Inpatient Psychiatric Unit for several years. Since joining the Sullivan Center Dr. Rabens has been involved in a variety of professional roles including providing psychological assessment and treatment to children, adolescents and their families. Additionally, Dr. Rabens provides supervision to pre-doctoral students and holds a major role in program development for the center. Dr. Rabens has a special interest in organizing professional conferences for the Center and the Community. Her clinical specialty is the assessment and treatment of pre-school and young children.

Treon Hinmon, Psy.D., has worked in mental health services for children and families for over a decade.  He completed a B.S. in Psychology at Old Dominion University in his home state of Virginia on a full academic scholarship, earning recognition by the Psychology department as a distinguished graduate of the program.  He pursued doctoral training at the Fresno campus of the California School of Professional Psychology, with studies in child development and forensic psychology.  Dr. Hinmon has provided thousands of hours of services in evaluation, therapy, education, and behavior management.  His professional experiences include 4 years of service in residential treatment for abused children as a residential counselor, staff trainer, and program manager, as well as 2 years of service as an in-home counselor and program manager for a non-profit agency.  Dr. Hinmon joined the Sullivan Center staff in 2002 where he completed internship and post-doctoral fellowship.  He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2004 and was licensed as a Psychologist in 2006.  Dr. Hinmon provides a wide range of services for children, adolescents, families, couples, and adults including psychotherapy, behavior management, parenting support, and psychological evaluation.

Lisa Ganiron, Psy.D. has worked with children and their families since 2003.  She completed her undergraduate coursework at California State University, Fresno in 2003.  Dr. Ganiron received her degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in 2007 and completed state licensing requirements in April 2009.  Since joining the Sullivan Center for Children in July 2006, Dr.Ganiron has provided a variety of psychotherapeutic services to various populations, including individual and group therapies for children, adolescents, and adults, and psychological assessment.  Areas of clinical interest include anxiety, depression, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, and psychodiagnostic evaluation.

Marcelle Pratt, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.  She completed her undergraduate psychological degree at University of California, Los Angeles.  Dr. Pratt's graduate work was completed at the California School of Professional Psychology where she earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology with high honors.  Dr. Pratt joined the Sullivan Center for Children in 2006 where she provides psychotherapy and psychological evaluations.  Her practice includes children, adolescents, and adults.  She provides individual therapy, family therapy, parenting and co-parenting guidance, and couples therapy.  Her therapeutic interventions are informed by concepts of Relational Psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Family Systems.  Dr. Pratt supervises the Head Start Mental Health Observations program for the Sullivan Center.  In the community, Dr. Pratt serves as newsletter editor for the San Joaquin Valley Psychological Association.

In January 2007, Betsy Jost began working at the Sullivan Center for Children as a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). Betsy has had extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, initially working for many years as a public school teacher. While teaching, Betsy earned her Master of Science Degree specializing in Marriage Family Therapy at California State University, Fresno, graduating in December 2001. Betsy completed several internships, including: a county mental health agency working with children, adolescents, and families, and with a non-profit agency providing therapy for the general population, victims of child abuse, victims of crime as well as with adults who were court-ordered to work on domestic violence issues. In October 2005 Betsy became licensed with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Betsy is a current member of the California Associate of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). As a clinician with the Sullivan Center for Children, Betsy provides therapeutic treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Issues covered include adjustment disorders to severely emotionally disturbed.

Jamie has worked with children in various settings since 2002. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento in 2005, an M.A. in Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology in 2007, and a Psy.D. in Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology in 2009.  She joined the staff of Sullivan Center for Children as a pre-doctoral intern in 2008 to complete the training required for her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. and continued her training as a post-doctoral fellow. Most recently, Jamie has officially become a licensed psychologist in the state of California.  Jamie was drawn to the Sullivan Center because of her passion for working with children and adolescents. She knew from her childhood that she wanted to work with children. Jamie says that what she likes most about working at the Sullivan Center is the variety of opportunities she has in both assessment and therapy. Jamie also has many interests outside of work. For one, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, she likes spending time outdoors, and she loves amusement parks! Other clinicians that work with Jamie have said that she is awesome to work with, her energy is infectious, she is an excellent team member, and a skilled clinician!  Jamie’s areas of interest include issues affecting children and families such as: illness, grief / bereavement, substance abuse, attachment, foster care, and developmental disorders.  While working at the Sullivan Center, she will be providing assessment, individual therapy, and group therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults under the supervision of Kathy Sullivan, Ph.D., ABPP.

David has worked with children and adolescents in differing capacities for 35 years.  His work has taken him to the inner-city and the wilderness, across the U.S., into Oregon and Washington, to Mexico and even to Korea.  David’s career focus changed slightly in 2005 when he again entered graduate school to work on a second Master’s degree, this time in counseling.  During his training for his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, David worked with children, adolescents, couples, and families at Alliant’s Psychological Service Center and also provided individual therapy for young adults through the counseling center at Fresno Pacific University.  He also helped to facilitate children’s grief groups through Hinds Hospice.  David graduated with his Masters of Arts degree from the MB Biblical Seminary on the Dean’s highest honors list in April 2008 and began his two-year internship at the Sullivan Center for Children in June of 2008.  He is editor of “Psyche Matters,” the newsletter for the Sullivan Center and works as a Child Specialist and Divorce Coach with the local Collaborative Practice group (www.divorcefresno.com).  David also serves as adjunct faculty with Fresno Pacific University, teaching in the psychology department and works with Hinds Hospice as a teen grief group facilitator and as an on-call chaplain.  He holds memberships in the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and in the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).

Anthony K. Lee, Ph.D., received his degree in Forensic Psychology - Clinical, from Alliant International University, Fresno.  He earned his honors B.A. in Music at Santa Clara University, his Master’s in Music — Piano Performance from the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston, and his M.A. in Forensic Psychology from Alliant International University, Fresno campus.  During his graduate studies at Alliant International University he co-facilitated substance abuse and family groups for the Sierra Education and Research Institute (S.E.R.I.) in Fresno.  He has also worked at Valley State Prison for Women in Chowchilla for his first practicum where he provided individual therapy services, conducted intake screenings for new inmates, and ran several groups including a coping skills group, stress and anxiety group, and a music and art therapy group for severely emotionally disturbed inmates.  He also worked at the Psychological Service Center in Fresno as part of the Child and Family Rotation where he performed screenings on new clients, conducted individual and family therapy, and did assessments.  He joined the staff of Sullivan Center for Children as a pre-doctoral intern in 2009 to complete the training required for his doctoral degree in Psychology.  In regards to research experience, Anthony has looked at risk assessment in female inmates suffering from increased levels of trauma and completed his dissertation which was a program evaluation of a relapse prevention program in the Central Valley for non-violent drug offenders for his dissertation.  Anthony is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Sullivan Center for Children under the supervision of Kathy Sullivan, Ph.D., ABPP.

Miriam L. Fishman, M.A. has worked with children in different capacities for the past 11 years. Miriam is a doctoral candidate at Argosy University, Washington, DC campus.  She earned her B.A. in psychology, and a criminology certificate, from Rutgers University, and her M.A. in clinical psychology from Argosy University, DC. Miriam’s previous clinical experience has included working at two inner city schools providing individual and group therapy for children as well as crisis management. In addition Miriam conducted psychological assessments at a private practice in Washington DC. In the past, Miriam provided individual and family therapy at a community mental health center and she is now currently working on completing her dissertation focused on the connection between depression in children and mothers.  Now that she has completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Sullivan Center, Miriam will remain on staff and will continue to provide individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological assessment under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Ganiron.

Rachel Viers, Psy.D., earned her degree in clinical psychology at California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International Univeristy – Fresno. She earned her B.A. in psychology, with a minor in sociology and a business certificate, at Indiana University and her M.A. in mental health counseling at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, part of Yeshiva University in New York City. While in New York City, she worked at a treatment center for learning disabilities associated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine, working with adolescents with learning disabilities and illiterate adults. Since moving to California, she has provided assessment and counseling services in a school district, assessment and case management services at The Diagnostic Center of Central California, as well as assessment and therapeutic, both individual and group, to children and adults at the Psychological Services Center at Alliant International University – Fresno. She completed her pre-doctoral internship last year at a nonprofit, community-based clinic in San Bernardino, CA. There she treated children, adolescents, adults, and couples, led therapy groups, provided crisis intervention and outreach. Rachel is currently a post-doctoral fellow at The Sullivan Center for Children under the supervision of Mark Barnes, Ph.D.

Melissa Griffith, M.A., is a pre-doctoral candidate in Forensic psychology at Alliant International University, Fresno. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fresno and her M.A. in Forensic Psychology also at Alliant International University, Fresno.  Melissa’s previous clinical experiences include, group facilitation for Sierra Education and Research Institute’s (SERI) Relapse Prevention Program under Proposition 36 and providing psycho educational groups, individual therapy, and psychological assessments at both the Madera and Tulare County juvenile Halls and Boot Camps.  She has also worked at the Central California Women’s Facility, in Chowchilla, California where she provided individual therapy, intake assessments, psychological assessments, pre-parole service planning, and co-facilitated group therapy. In addition, Melissa has worked at the Psychological Service Center in Fresno, California in the Child and Family rotation where she provided clinical services to children, teens, and families as well as performed psychological assessments through the Fresno County juvenile hall.  In regards to research experience, Melissa has worked with two psychology professors at California Sate University, Fresno focusing on social psychology and eyewitness identification. She has presented her research at the Western Psychological Association’s annual conference and as part of a research team, received an award for best student paper titled Visual Allocation in Simple and Complex Crime Scenes at the annual Society for Police and Criminal Psychology conference. Melissa’s master’s thesis concentrated on memory and eyewitness identification. Her paper was titled The Accuracy of Eyewitness Descriptions of a Motion Picture Stimulus. Furthermore, she has worked with an independent research team while at Alliant. Together they developed a research paper titled Sexual deviance and personality: How does society deem deviant sexual acts.  Currently Melissa’s research interests and dissertation focus on Incarcerated Youth and their opinions of mental health treatment. Her paper is titled Risk and Resiliency Factors Regarding Incarcerated Juvenile Offenders. While working at the Sullivan Center, Melissa will provide individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological assessment under the supervision of Dr. Mark Barnes.

Steve Castro, M.A., is a pre-doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University, Fresno. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fresno and his M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University, Fresno.  Steve’s previous clinical experiences include working as a student clinician at Fresno City College in the Psychological Service Department.  In addition, Steve has worked at the Psychological Service Center in Fresno, California in the Integrative Rotation where he provided clinical services to a vast population. He performed psychological assessments with incarcerated individuals at the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Center.  Steve also volunteered to work in the Child Assessment Rotation, in which he performed psychological assessments with children.  Steve has involved himself with a number of different research projects throughout the community, and has worked with quite a diverse population throughout his scholastic career.   While working at the Sullivan Center, Steve will provide individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological assessment under the supervision of Dr. Kathy Sullivan.

Jennifer Fanzo, M.A. is a pre-doctoral candidate at Argosy University, Orange County. She earned her B.A. in Psychology, with a focus in child development from California State University, Chico and her M.A. in Marriage, Child, and Family Counseling from the University of Phoenix. Jennifer’s previous clinical experience includes working at a university counseling center conducting comprehensive psychodiagnostic assessments for children and adults. In addition Jennifer worked with a hospice while completing her master’s practicum, providing individual, family, and group bereavement therapy. Jennifer completed a yearlong therapy practicum at an outpatient community mental health clinic for children providing individual and family therapy, in addition to assessing and providing treatment recommendations for children with ADHD. Professionally she has worked with children with Autism and other developmental delays for over 6 years, supervising in-home intervention programs in addition to providing developmental assessments and parent trainings. Jennifer is currently completing her dissertation which examines the effectiveness of early intervention and behavioral intervention programs on promoting language development in young children with Autism. While working at the Sullivan Center, Jennifer will provide individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological assessments under the supervision of Dr. Treon Hinmon.

Melinda Appleby, M.A. is a Psy.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University.  She earned her B.A. in Psychology at San Jose State University and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology at University of San Francisco.  She also completed specialized training at Alliant in Infant-Preschooler Mental Health. Her dissertation focused on various factors related to the academic achievement level of students in a specific special education program.   Her clinical experience to date includes working with a diverse population of children and families in a variety of settings.  She was a counselor at a non-public school for 6 years providing individual and group therapy to students designated as emotionally disturbed and/or developmentally delayed.  She also conducted IEP assessments.  She was involved in a Head Start program for a year working therapeutically with preschool children, their teachers, and parents.  She provided alcohol and drug counseling to both adults and adolescents in an outpatient clinic.  She worked within a correctional facility providing therapy services to youthful offenders.  Most recently she worked with young children and families providing therapy in an outpatient setting.  Here at the Sullivan Center, she will be providing individual, family, and group therapy as well as conducting psychological assessments under the supervision of Dr. Kathy Sullivan.

Jo Ann Pflughoft, Secretary

Jo Ann Pflughoft worked as a secretary in New York for over 12 years at Weyerhaeuser and BK Lighting.  She left New York following the events of 9/11 and joined us in 2002.  Jo Ann is a proud mother and grandmother and a hard worker.  “She has a keen mind and a quick wit,” says one of the staff.  “Her smile is a warm welcome when arriving to work in the morning.”  Her position here is rather complex and can be defined in many ways.  Her numerous roles at the Sullivan Center are better described by staff as “what doesn’t she do?”  She is a “jack-of-all trades” here as well as in her personal life (can you say “general contracting skills”?).  If a staff member needs anything, Jo Ann is one of the first to assist in any way she can.  A crucial role she fulfills at the Sullivan Center is that she acts as a liaison between our clients and therapist.  She is often the first voice heard and the first face our clients see when they visit the Sullivan Center.  According to our staff, JoAnn makes a great first impression and has a warm personality.  One of the psychologists has said that she makes him a better therapist. 

Mary Young joined our group in January 2004. Mary is responsible for scheduling Dr. Fox’s appointments and managing the prescriptions. She can be found at the second window after entering our main waiting room.

She has greeted Sullivan Center patients since the day we opened back in July of 1989.  For 10 years she was a one woman show in running the office.  She was receptionist, secretary for all of the clinicians, did all the scheduling, billing, and typing, payroll, and served as office manager and personal assistant to Dr. Kathy.  As we became larger she helped train office staff, served as office manager, was an assistant to Dr. Kathy and Psyche, and did everything in her power to make the Sullivan Center what it is today.  Diana was the first employee of the Sullivan Center and entered semi-retirement this Spring.  Her previous job was as the Assistant to the Clinical Director of Kingsview Hospital in Reedley.  Diana has the most unique of personalities. She is hilarious without even trying, and when anyone is emotionally down, Diana’s heart is huge. It is difficult to believe that 22 years have gone by, and that Diana won’t be here every day.  But now she will get to step back a bit and get a chance to spend more time with her other interests as well.  She has a wonderful family – great children and grandchildren -with whom she will get to spend more time.  She is also embarking and volunteering on a mission of devotion with her church that is near and dear to her heart and will keep her busy many hours of the week. We’ll miss her daily presence but those of us here on Saturdays will continue to be blessed by her presence.

Linda Rios is our Patient Account/Intake Coordinator.  She has been working in medical billing for over 30 years and has been at the Sullivan Center for Children since 2004.  Prior to coming to the Sullivan Center she worked at a doctor’s office where she was in charge of all accounts receivable and billing.She is generally the initial contact person for individuals who have been referred to the Sullivan Center.  After receiving basic information about each referral, Linda contacts insurance companies to inquire about individual, group, and/or family insurance plans and benefits for therapy.   She also fills out referral forms with contact information, which she then passes on to the clinicians so that an intake can be scheduled and therapy can begin.  Linda has been described by her coworkers as being dedicated and committed to our clients and the Sullivan Center.  She is known for being a “wiz with the billing and insurance,” as well as for her “fantastic memory” and her “sharp sense of humor.”  If you are interested in beginning therapy or if your insurance is changing, Linda is the person to talk to.  She’ll work hard on your behalf to see that you may access all possible benefits due to you from your insurance company.