Our Team » About Dr. Heather DeGroot
My Background
As a therapist I focus on strengths and what the family brings to therapy in form of resiliency, a desire to change, and desire to learn skills to change their lives for the better. For the past several years I have worked with children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. Currently I conduct evaluations of children to determine areas of strength in development, relationships and sensory areas. I have several years experience conducting evaluations to determine need for intensive services such as (Wrap Around) Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services. This year marks my first year of the DIR/Floortime certificate program.
I am a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania with experience working with children with developmental and behavioral issues, adolescents, adults with chronic mental illness, and conducting evaluations to determine diagnosis and acquire necessary services. I completed a Masters Degree and Doctor of Psychology degree at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA.
Work Experience
2005-Present
- Clinical Director, Licensed Psychologist
Delaware Valley Children’s Center, Newtown, Pennsylvania
Conduct developmental, biopsychosocial psychological evaluations of children 18 months to 18 years of age,
with developmental delays or diagnosis of Autism.
2004-2005
- Mobile Therapist/Behavior Specialist Consultant
Delaware Valley Children’s Center, Newtown, Pennsylvania
Designed behavior treatment plans to be administered by Therapeutic Staff Support and provided individual and family therapy. Children and adolescents diagnosed with various mental health issues, ranging from Autism to ADHD to Mood Disorders.
2002-2004
- Assessment & Evaluation Specialist, Intercommunity Action, Inc.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conducted Comprehensive Biopsychosocial Evaluations (CBE) within the agency, the Juvenile Justice Center and Family Court system. Supervised and trained students in the process of conducting intake interviews and CBE’s.
- AssPre-Doctoral Intern, Intercommunity Action, Inc.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conducting individual and family therapy for the children’s outpatient unit, conducted initial intake interviews,
and co-facilitated a weekly parenting group.
1998-2000
- Outpatient Therapist, Northwestern Human Services of Bucks County, Newportville, Pennsylvania
Responsibilities included conducting individual therapy with adults, adolescents, and children, administering intake interviews, and co-facilitating a therapy group for pre-adolescent children.
- Resident Advisor, Acute Respite Care Center,
Lenape Valley Foundation, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Facilitated group therapy and recreational activities for chronically mentally ill adults recently released from inpatient hospital settings.
- Mobile Therapist, Penn Foundation
Sellersville, Pennsylvania
Provided family and individual therapy for children and adolescents in the client’s home and coordinated with school personnel to improve the child’s performance in the school setting.
Trainings
2006
- Conducted training titled “The Effect of Autism Spectrum
Disorders on the Family and How we can Help” for BHRS personnel.
2007- Conducted training titled “ABC’s of Autism” for TSS’ working primarily with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Education
2003
- Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Chestnut Hill College
Specialization: Marriage and Family Therapy
- M.S. Counseling Psychology, Chestnut Hill College
Specialization: Human Services
1991
- B.A. Fine Art, Temple University
Volunteer Experience
1992-2005
- Volunteer, A Woman’s Place, Bucks County
AWP is an advocacy agency for survivors of domestic violence.
