Turning challenges into triumphs
Morrissey Compton is dedicated to taking an individual’s challenges and turning them into triumphs. If you have concerns about your child’s performance in school, behavior, and/or social-emotional functioning, our highly trained staff is here to help.
Mission Statement
To empower individuals at any age with learning and social-emotional challenges by providing diagnostic, therapy, and support services to help navigate their educational and mental health journey and fulfill their career goals.
Serving the Bay Area
Morrissey Compton Educational Center Inc. (MC) was founded in 1982 in Palo Alto, California by Patricia Morrissey, Ed.D. and Carolyn Compton, Ph.D. Government funding cutbacks were impacting school-based programs at that time, and Pat and Carolyn’s vision was to develop an organization that could provide tutoring, summer school, and diagnostic services for students with learning disabilities.
Clients Helped
Over 44 years in business, Morrissey Compton has worked with thousands of clients across all age groups to help them achieve their academic, social, and professional goals.
Team Members
Our team of experienced therapists, advocates, and dianosticians work together to create a comprehensive plan for success – now, and ongoing.
Our team
Meet the team behind your and your child's success
Ashley joined Morrissey Compton in the summer of 2010 as a Challenge School teacher and full-time Educational Specialist. She now serves as Managing Director.
Kate is a clinical psychologist specializing in treatment of children and families. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Psychology in 2009.
Kim Donellan is an Educational Therapist and has always been very involved in and very dedicated to helping children maximize their full potential.
Liz specializes in assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders and providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Sarah focuses on the challenges related to neurodevelopment, and provides services in both English and Spanish.
Dr. Zach Rosenberg is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in therapy and assessment for children and adolescents with depression, anxiety, and/or ADHD.
Edwige Gamache is a bilingual tutor for students in elementary school through college.
Dr. Nicole Heller is a Clinical Postdoctoral Fellow with a wealth of experience in school psychology and special education.
Dr. Chyou provides both therapy and psychoeducational assessment services.
Dr. Lydia Flasher is a licensed psychologist who brings 30+ years of clinical experience specializing in psychotherapy for children (10+ years), adolescents, families, and individual adults.
Robert offers educational therapy with a focus on Orton-Gillingham, as well as programs such as Step Up To Writing®, Making Math Real, and Social Thinking®.
Sandra Burke has been working with children and adults with communication difficulties for over 25 years.
Stephanie is an international educator with over 10 years of experience supporting students and school communities across Latin America and North America.
Kathy Kinkaid serves as our Business Manager where she keeps our daily operations running smoothly.
Jazmin joined MC in March 2026 as our front desk coordinator, she attends college and is currently studying for a degree in social work.
Allison’s clinical strengths include early language development, articulation and phonology, preschool and school-age receptive and expressive language delays, social skills, and literacy skills.
Erin is a certified as both a Resource Specialist and an Educational Therapist currently conducting academic assessments at Morrissey Compton.
Julie is passionate about supporting children in developing the skills and strategies they need to thrive as successful learners. She provides one-on-one, individualized educational therapy and academic assessments.
Bobbie conducts workshops for parents and teachers on ADHD and Executive Function for schools.
Values behind our work
Equity
We value all people. As a non-profit organization, we believe that all should have access to high-quality diagnostic, educational, and mental health support services, no matter your background or ability to pay.
Support
We are a lifelong resource. Learning and social-emotional challenges are continuous and ever-evolving. Therefore, we are dedicated to assisting individuals as needed throughout their self-empowerment journey, from diagnosis to career fulfillment.
Collaboration
We are community-focused professionals in mental health and education. As such, we share our knowledge and expertise with others including our referral partners. In turn, we learn from them in order to provide outstanding comprehensive services to our clients.
Advocacy
We believe in YOU. That is why we provide support services to promote self-advocacy toward empowerment.
Ethical
We take pride in our work and your privacy. We will always educate and serve others from a position of dignity and respect. As such, MC follows professional standards and we are HIPPA compliant.
Compassion
We serve from a place of understanding. With knowledge, encouragement, and motivation we are here to lend support every step of the way.
The Morrissey Compton Story
Founded in 1982 in Palo Alto, California, Morrissey Compton Educational Center, Inc. (MC) was established by Patricia Morrissey, Ed.D. and Carolyn Compton, Ph.D. to address the broad needs of children, adolescents, and adults with learning challenges, attention disorders, and emotional difficulties. At the time, government funding cutbacks were significantly impacting school-based programs. Pat and Carolyn envisioned an organization that could provide specialized tutoring, summer school, and diagnostic services for students with learning disabilities.
Over the years, Morrissey Compton expanded its services and expertise to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Today, the Center is home to more than 20 highly trained psychologists and educational specialists and provides a comprehensive range of services for children, adolescents, adults, and families, including diagnosis, treatment, consultation, educational therapy, skills groups, support, executive function coaching, tutoring, and advocacy.
In May 2014, following the redevelopment of its Park Boulevard office space in Palo Alto, where the organization had been located for 30 years, Morrissey Compton moved to Redwood City.
Morrissey Compton recognizes that financial circumstances can be a barrier to accessing needed services. Through the generous support of donors, the organization strives to make its programs accessible to clients with financial need and to provide assistance whenever possible.
After more than 40 years of service, Morrissey Compton Educational Center entered a new chapter in 2023, shortening its name to Morrissey Compton and undertaking a com prehensive rebrand. The organization introduced a new logo and website while also updating its Mission and Vision Statements to reflect its continued growth, evolving services, and commitment to the individuals and families it serves.
Do you or your child have a new diagnosis?
Do you need help understanding, navigating or prioritizing educational and/or mental health resources and recommendations provided by another professional? Please contact us to see how we can help.
