“My greatest hope for my clients and their families is that they leave with a sense of hope and a direction,” shares Cari Kokotovich, Psychological Evaluation Program Manager at NYFS. “I want them to have a clear path forward and know they can always return for support or guidance when they feel stuck or need ideas for their next steps. I want kids to understand their amazing and unique brains and see their whole selves, not just the hard parts.”
Since joining NYFS this year, Cari has led the development and expansion of the psychological evaluation program. This includes securing a grant from the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation to support its growth. Passionate about her work, Cari values being part of the NYFS team and looks forward to increasing access to testing for the community. “There is a significant need for psychological evaluations, and I’m excited to do this in an agency that is so intentional about being trauma-informed and culturally aware,” she adds.
Cari strongly believes in the power of assessments to provide a holistic understanding of an individual. “I truly enjoy helping children and their families find the language to better understand how their brains work,” she shares. “I strive to provide a holistic picture that highlights their amazing strengths and offers insights into what might be impacting their experiences at home or school.” By encouraging children and their families to actively participate in the process—asking questions and sharing valuable information—Cari ensures the assessment experience is collaborative, empowering, and meaningful.
Learn more about Psychological Evaluations at NYFS and how to get started here.
