Dr. Natasha Ferrell
Dr. Natasha Ferrell is an academic leader and school psychologist with over 20 years of experience in education. Currently, she serves as the Associate Dean of Student Success in the School of Education and an Associate Professor. Since becoming a credentialed school psychologist in California in 2009, Dr. Ferrell has focused on supporting diverse learners, particularly students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Her expertise includes assessing academic and behavioral needs, consulting on effective interventions, and fostering inclusive educational environments. Dr. Ferrell has designed and taught courses on applied behavior analysis, social-emotional learning, consultation and collaboration, behavioral assessment, and research methods.
Her research centers on culturally responsive practices related to schoolwide positive behavior interventions and supports (SWPBIS), mental health, and social-emotional learning. She investigates the disproportionate rates of exclusionary discipline practices affecting BIPOC students through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens using a problem-solving ethical dilemma framework (Armistead, Williams, & S. Jacob, 2011).
Dr. Ferrell actively contributes to the field, presenting her research at state, national, and international conferences. Her work has been published in the Journal of Behavior Education and The Oxford Handbook of School Psychology, among other educational and psychological publications.
Education History
2009 - Ph.D. in School Psychology, University of California, Riverside
- Dissertation: "Evaluating the Relationship Between Treatment Integrity, Social Acceptability, and Behavior Outcomes within a School-Wide Positive Behavior Support System"
2006 - M.A. Education, University of California, Riverside
- Thesis: "Comparing Individual Behavior Plans from Schools with and Without Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support: A Preliminary Study"
2002 - B.A. Psychology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Area of concentration: Social Psychology
Scholarly Activities
2023
- Journal Article on Assessing learning in a graduate degree school psychology program, E-Leader International Journal
2020
- Book chapter, Building capacity to support culturally responsive social-emotional learning practices in schools.
2009
- Member, National Association of School Psychologists
Professional Experience
2024 - Associate Dean of Student Success, University of Massachusetts Global
- Associate Professor/Program Chair – School Psychology
2016 - Associate Professor / Adjunct Professor, National University
2011 - Instructor, University of California Riverside Extension
Education History
2009 - Ph.D. in School Psychology, University of California, Riverside
- Dissertation: "Evaluating the Relationship Between Treatment Integrity, Social Acceptability, and Behavior Outcomes within a School-Wide Positive Behavior Support System"
2006 - M.A. Education, University of California, Riverside
- Thesis: "Comparing Individual Behavior Plans from Schools with and Without Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support: A Preliminary Study"
2002 - B.A. Psychology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Area of concentration: Social Psychology
Scholarly Activities
2023
- Journal Article on Assessing learning in a graduate degree school psychology program, E-Leader International Journal
2020
- Book chapter, Building capacity to support culturally responsive social-emotional learning practices in schools.
2009
- Member, National Association of School Psychologists
Professional Experience
2024 - Associate Dean of Student Success, University of Massachusetts Global
- Associate Professor/Program Chair – School Psychology
2016 - Associate Professor / Adjunct Professor, National University
2011 - Instructor, University of California Riverside Extension
Related Programs
Educational Psychology, PPSP Credential, MA
Educational Psychology, PPSP Credential (ABA), MA
Educational Psychology, PPSP Credential (Autism), MA
Educational Counseling, MA
Applied Behavioral Analysis, Certificate
Special Education (Applied Behavioral Analyst), MA
Special Education (Autism), MA
Special Education (Teaching & Learning), MA
Extensive Support Needs, EdSp Teaching Credential
