Vindia G. Fernandez, Ph.D. ABPP-CN | PSY28365
Founder and Clinical Director
Dr. Fernandez is a Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist and the Director of Pediatric Neuropsychology at the Lifespan Assessment Through Integrated Neuropsychology Clinic (LATIN-C) at UCLA. She earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Houston, where her research focused on the neuroanatomical markers of dyslexia. She subsequently completed an APA-accredited internship and a postdoctoral fellowship at the UCLA Semel Institute.
With specialized expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions—including autism, epilepsy, ADHD, and learning disabilities—Dr. Fernandez works with children, adolescents, and young adults. Her clinical approach is informed by her work with the UCLA PEERS® Program and a dedication to social skills training for neurodiverse youth. In 2017, she founded the Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology to expand access to culturally and linguistically appropriate evaluations for the Latino/a community.
Elina Veytsman, Ph.D. | PSY34449
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Elina Veytsman is a licensed psychologist and the Director of Training at the UCLA PEERS Clinic. She facilitates social, career, and dating skills programs for neurodivergent youth and their parents, while training professionals and educators in these evidence-based models. In addition to her role at UCLA, she provides private coaching for teens and young adults.
Dr. Veytsman earned her Ph.D. in School Psychology from UC Riverside, focusing on the transition to adulthood for youth with developmental disabilities. She completed her doctoral internship at The Help Group, specializing in diagnostic assessments and parent training. With over 12 years of experience, Dr. Veytsman is dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals and their families achieve their social, professional, and independence goals.
Jesús Barreto Abrams, Ph.D. | PSY 33388
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Jesús Barreto Abrams is a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in the assessment of Spanish-speaking and Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals across the lifespan. He earned his Ph.D. from Gallaudet University, where he focused on Deaf and hard-of-hearing populations, and holds a graduate certificate in early intervention studies (ages 0–3) with expertise in language acquisition and early intervention.
Dr. Barreto Abrams completed an APA-accredited internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and a postdoctoral fellowship in lifespan cultural neuropsychology at the UCLA Semel Institute. His clinical work centers on the impact of neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions—such as ADHD, autism, and epilepsy—on academic achievement. In addition to his clinical practice, he is a sign language interpreter and a veteran educator, having taught over 50 courses in psychology and disability studies.
Yessica Rodríguez, Ph.D. | PSB94028791
Psychological Associate
Dr. Yessica Rodríguez is a trilingual psychologist specializing in cultural neuropsychology and the support of Deaf and hard-of-hearing populations. After earning her Ph.D. from Gallaudet University, she completed advanced training at Johns Hopkins/Kennedy Krieger Institute and a fellowship at the UCLA Cultural Neuropsychology Program.
A former NIH MBRS-RISE Chief Scholar, Dr. Rodríguez has a deep foundation in research regarding young children’s language and cognitive development. Her clinical practice serves diverse communities, providing therapy and evaluations in Spanish, English, and ASL. Throughout her work with immigrant and neurodiverse families, she remains a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and healthcare accessibility.
Stephanie Torres, Ph.D. | PSY35353
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Stephanie Torres is a bilingual (English-Spanish) and bicultural clinical neuropsychologist. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Houston and completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, where she specialized in pediatric neuropsychology.
Her clinical expertise includes supporting patients with neurodevelopmental concerns—such as autism and learning disabilities—and cognitive challenges related to complex medical histories. Dr. Torres’ work sits at the intersection of culture, cognition, and lifespan development, with a professional focus on identifying and addressing inequities in brain health and cognitive outcomes.
James Yang, Ph.D.
PEERS Certified Provider
Dr. James Yang, a postdoctoral fellow at the UCLA PEERS® Clinic, specializes in improving the educational and employment outcomes of neurodivergent youth. After earning his Ph.D. in Human Development and Psychology from UCLA, he has focused his career on the roles that adaptive functioning and soft skills play in long-term independence.
Dr. Yang currently leads the PEERS® for Careers research program and facilitates clinical groups for young adults. With a background in teacher training and student self-determination, he combines clinical expertise with evidence-based research to provide comprehensive, individualized interventions for adolescents and young adults navigating transitions to adulthood.
Guadalupe Heredia, B.S.
Administrative Assistant
Guadalupe is a UCLA graduate with a B.S. in Psychobiology and an alumna of the Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences (PEERS). Her experience working with children includes serving as a mentor and educator through Hearts Over Hands and participating in the Association of Students in Child Development. Guadalupe is currently working toward her goal of pursuing a Ph.D. in clinical child and adolescent psychology.