Dr. Marci Schwartz | Founder & Chair of the Advisory Board

Marci Schwartz, Ph.D., LCSW received her MSW and Ph.D. from New York University. Dr. Schwartz has been providing counseling services for parents of children with developmental disabilities for over 20 years. She has offices in Mountain View and Los Gatos, California, and her private practice focuses primarily on parents of children with developmental delays including autistic spectrum disorders, nonverbal learning disorders and attention deficit disorders. The emphasis of her work is focused on helping parents better understand their children’s unique way of learning and interacting with their environment. She helps parents implement concrete strategies for their families that incorporate the specific learning styles of all the members of the family. She also focuses on helping parents address their emotional needs, such as issues around frustration, anger, sadness and worry regarding their children. You can learn more about Dr. Schwartz at www.marcischwartz.com.

Anna Cozzi | Program Director

Anna, a graduate of Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California, currently is working towards a Master's Degree in Psychology at Santa Clara University. Anna found her niche with junior high students while volunteering as a camp counselor for many years. Anna's experience includes serving as a substitute teacher in junior high and high school classes. Anna explains, "I believe that too many children get left behind because of issues outside the classroom environment. Most significantly, children are faced with many stressors at an age when keeping their spirits up is extremely important. More and more often, families need to go beyond the classroom to get the assistance that the youth need." Anna realizes that too much emphasis gets put on learning tasks so that the fun of having knowledge is often forgotten. Since Altitude is committed to providing fun and rewarding experiences that promote learning, she is proud to be part of the team!

Dr. Bonnie Schwartz | Clinical Director

Bonnie Schwartz, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist and a clinical pediatric neuropsychologist. She earned her doctoral degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at the Children’s Evaluation Center in Newton, Massachusetts. Dr. Schwartz has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with learning, developmental, and emotional differences, and their families. She also possesses expertise in the area of autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Schwartz has conducted individual and family therapy, parent training, social skills and therapy groups, as well as comprehensive evaluations in clinics, hospitals, day and residential treatment programs, and school settings. She has significant experience working with schools, as a clinician, outside evaluator, and a consultant. This has involved helping children and teenagers to cope within the school environment, collaborating with staff in the creation of programs to better assist students in achieving their potential, and supporting parents through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process. Dr. Schwartz has served as a behavior therapist in home-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs and within that context, taught ABA methodology to other providers, functioned as a consultant, and assisted with coordination of specialized services. In addition, she has worked with adults with learning and intellectual disabilities and with autism spectrum disorders, as an evaluator and a therapist, which has contributed to her fuller understanding of these challenges across the lifespan. Moreover, Dr. Schwartz is no stranger to the camp environment, where for many summers she has enjoyed being both a camper and a staff member, at camps in the Northeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States. In her role as Altitude’s Clinical Director, she feels very fortunate to be able to synthesize her love of camp with her clinical expertise.

Dr. Marci Schwartz | Founder & Chair of the Advisory Board

Marci Schwartz, Ph.D., LCSW received her MSW and Ph.D. from New York University. Dr. Schwartz has been providing counseling services for parents of children with developmental disabilities for over 20 years. She has offices in Mountain View and Los Gatos, California, and her private practice focuses primarily on parents of children with developmental delays including autistic spectrum disorders, nonverbal learning disorders and attention deficit disorders. The emphasis of her work is focused on helping parents better understand their children’s unique way of learning and interacting with their environment. She helps parents implement concrete strategies for their families that incorporate the specific learning styles of all the members of the family. She also focuses on helping parents address their emotional needs, such as issues around frustration, anger, sadness and worry regarding their children. You can learn more about Dr. Schwartz at www.marcischwartz.com.

Dr. Lori E. Bond

Lori E. Bond, Ph.D. received her doctorate in Psychology (School Psychology specialization) from the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education in 1992. She completed her training in the Department of Pediatric Psychology, Children’s Seashore House and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Penn Early Intervention Project at the University of Pennsylvania. While in Philadelphia, she was the Clinical Director of a multidisciplinary clinic serving young children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. Dr. Bond moved to the Bay Area in 1995 and from 1996-2006 she was a staff psychologist in the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Clinic and Infant-Young Child Departments at The Children’s Health Council (CHC). Dr. Bond’s clinical specialty includes the evaluation and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Julia Elman

As the mother of 2 boys, one typical and one with special needs Julia has seen what is possible and available in all aspects of both of her children's lives. To be successful at helping your child with special needs you must learn the systems available for your child and then to strategically navigate them- gently but firmly. In her 17 years as a parent of a child with special needs she learned to navigate the Selpa, the school system, the Regional Center, the health insurance system, a variety of privately available resources, mainstream resources that she was able to get modified for special needs, and special needs resources she was able to modify for her child's special needs. In some cases she helped existing programs expand, and in other situations she created new programs. Currently Julia volunteers actively in the special needs community, often helping mothers who are learning about their child's special needs for the first time. She is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and owns a Professional Organizing Business.

 

Dr. Linda Lotspeich

Linda Lotspeich, MD, MEd is a child psychiatrist who has worked with special needs children for over 30 years. She obtained BA and MA degrees in Education at the University of Cincinnati, for teaching children with autism and other developmental disorders. Dr. Lotspeich was a special education teacher for five years, before deciding to pursue a medical degree, at the University of Cincinnati, to study the neurobiology of autism. She came to Stanford University for resident training in pediatrics and psychiatry and later joined the faculty. She devoted her time to clinical assessments for children with autism as well as to research in the genetics and neuroimaging of autism. In 2005 Dr. Lotspeich spent two years developing and supporting clinical services for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Northern California Kaiser Permanente. She has since returned to Stanford to expand services, helping parents learn strategies that support their child’s development.

 

Stephanie Madrigal

Stephanie Madrigal received her Bachelors and Masters Degree in Speech Pathology from San Jose State University. She has worked as part of the team at the Social Thinking Clinic., in San Jose, for over nine years. The Center provides a range of services including social thinking groups, assessments, consultations and training's for clients ranging from ages 3- adulthood who present with social cognitive challenges. Her roles include seeing a caseload of students each week in group settings, providing direct consultation and training to local school districts. She is a very creative therapist incorporating her broad knowledge of therapeutic processes with humor and fun to impart information to her students. She provides day long social thinking workshops to parents and educators locally and across the country. She is part of the training team at the center and conducts mentor and internship training's for educators who are working in the field. Stephanie’s role has also recently expanded to product development with the development of a curriculum entitled, Superflex- A Superhero Social Thinking Curriculum and her latest comic book addition of Superflex takes on Glassman.

Dr. Sharadha Raghavan

Dr. Sharadha Raghavan is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist practicing in the SF Bay Area for the past 20 years. She is well trained in diagnosis and treatment of Child and Adolescent mental and neuro-psychiatric disorders including Autism, Tourette’s, ADD/ADHD and Asperger syndrome. Dr. Raghavan completed her Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry residencies at Stanford and UCSF respectively and has co-authored a paper on Arousal Regulation During Social Interaction of Autistic Children with Dr. Bryna Siegel while at Stanford. She is an MD (MBBS) from Madras Medical College, India. Dr. Raghavan is a member of CMA & SCCMA. In addition, she worked as the Lead Psychiatrist at Emergency Psychiatric Services at Santa Clara County Valley Medical Center before going into her private practice. Dr. Raghavan is well respected by physicians, pediatricians, therapists and her peers for her excellent care for her patients.. She feels a sense of satisfaction when her patients have normal lives inspite of their challenges at school, college or work. Dr.Raghavan has a longstanding interest in improving the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in children and adolescents.

Dr. Jill Rosenberg

Dr. Jill Rosenberg is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Cupertino. She works with children, teens, and families with who are living with depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, attentional challenges, autism spectrum disorders, and behavioral challenges that affect school and home. Dr. Rosenberg has provided individual, group, and family therapy in both public and private school settings. She finds deep fulfillment from working in private practice to help individuals and families overcome challenges and improve relationships. Dr. Rosenberg’s clients enjoy her office dog, Lucy who is always there to listen, provide support, and enjoys belly rubs.

 

David Tager

David Tager is the owner of Indian Head Camp in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Prior to being a camp owner / director, David worked with children for more than 20 years as a special education teacher, a director of special service programs and as an elementary school principal. He has also taught in a teachers’ training program at the graduate level at Adelphi University. David is a leader in the Camping Profession, having served on the board of directors of several professional organizations including the New York Section of the American Camp Association. David has also served as the president of the board of directors of a not-for-profit camp for economically disadvantaged youngsters and presently serves as an active member of that board. David is a graduate of Hofstra University where he received a BS degree in Teaching of Speech and Hearing Handicapped; an MS Degree in Special Education and a PD in Education Administration.

Ryan Grimm – Behavioral Specialist

Hey Everyone! I am a doctoral student at UC Santa Barbara. This is my second year at Camp Altitude! I’ve been working with kids with special needs for 10 years, so of course, that’s one of my main interests. And I feel incredibly lucky to be doing this work! When I’m not working, I enjoy working out, cooking (even though I’m not that good at it, but that’s ok), reading, and watching TV. I don’t have any pets right now, but I grew up with dogs, and hope to get another dog someday who will be named “Porkchop.” I also love the outdoors and nature, and most of my vacations are going camping in new places. I’m extremely excited about camp! I think our campers will have the time of their lives meeting new people and trying new activities. Being able to be a part of that will mean I’ll also have the time of my life! I never got the chance to go to any camps when I was a kid, but I was a camp counselor for 8 years throughout high school, college, and a little after college. I’ve worked at camps designed for children with special needs as well as other camps. I look forward to being back at Camp Altitude because after last year, and Weekend Altitude, I know it is going to be a great time!

 

Lindsey Amos – Counselor

Hi! I'm from Oak Park, California. I'm currently studying Psychology at UC Santa Cruz. This is my second year at Camp Altitude, in addition to Weekend Altitude! I couldn't be more excited to be back! Besides being a student at UCSC – and loving Camp Altitude – I love hiking, playing piano and guitar, reading, listening to music, going to the beach, and working with kids. I have two cats, Chloe and Rylee, that I’m pretty obsessed with and I wish I could bring them with me to camp! I haven’t had many other camp experiences; I only went to one other camp on Catalina Island for a few days when I was in 7th grade. Ever since then I’ve wanted to be a camp counselor but I never really had the opportunity, until now! I think summer camps, like Camp Altitude, provide great opportunities to build close friendships and share unforgettable experiences. I’ve been looking forward to coming to camp snce last summer and I can’t wait to meet everyone!

 

Sarit Fassazadeh – Counselor

I am ecstatic to be working for Camp Altitude for my second summer! Some of you may remember me from Weekend Altitude, too. I am a recent graduate with a BS in psychology from UC Santa Cruz. I am an Israeli, Persian who loves to dance, read, and take long hikes. I’ve got a knack for accents and I love to just have fun! I have been involved in theater for most of my life by attending competitions and play productions. I’ve also dabbled in improv because I love to make people laugh. I’m really looking forward to working with Camp Altitude because I’m excited to try something new and to be able to learn as well as provide campers with a summer they will never forget. Camp has always been a place for personally growth and independence. Attending camp as a child enabled me to become more open and friendly with others. It taught me the value of the self and helped me become a more confident person. I’m hoping that by working at Camp Altitude, I will be able to pass on such personal achievement to the upcoming campers as well as many more. Let the fun pursue!

 

Lisi Tegtmeyer – Counselor

Hi! I am from Pasadena, Ca and currently attend Santa Clara University. This will be my 2nd year at Camp Altitude, and I did the Weekend Altitude program, too! I love to travel and go hiking. At camp you will see that I love soccer and doing funny skits. I had the most WONDERFUL time at camp last summer, and could not be more excited to return! Camp is all about trying new things in a fun, supportive environment. Last year I made lasting friendships and had a blast developing my creative potential in all of the fun games and activities Camp Altitude has in store. I cannot wait to see both familiar and new faces this year! I have gone to various camps since I was 7 years old, and have loved the opportunities they have given me that I can’t find elsewhere. I have assumed the role of camp counselor for the past three years, and have made it my goal to ensure that campers have as much fun at camp as I had when I was younger.

 

Cassandra Williamson – Reprieve Staff

Hi All! I am from San Jose, CA and I work as a substitute teacher in special education for SCCOE. I have a B.A. in Child Development and a M.S. in Psychology and have worked with students with special needs for 4.5 years. This will be my second year at Camp Altitude and I hope to see some familiar faces from last summer, and from Weekend Altitude! Some things I would like to share with you is that I love spending time with my family - I am the 5th of 7 and we all live within 15 minutes of each other. I have 3 beautiful nieces, ages 10 years, 4 years and 4 months old. I love to dance and currently take Hip Hop and Belly Dancing. When I think about camp I become really excited. I look forward to all of the many stories and adventures these two weeks will hold. I am really excited to have been given the opportunity to work at a camp such as Camp Altitude. My first camp experience was in 6th grade when I went up to Oregon and stayed at Camp Tadmore. I was a camper at Hume Lake Christian Camps from 7th grade through College. I worked at Hume Lake Christian Camps for 3 months when I was 19 as Guest Services Night Crew. I was a counselor at Hume Lake Christian Camps for a week each summer from 2000 to 2007 with Jr. High-ers and High School-ers. Last but not least, I was a science camp counselor for a week in 2004. So, you can see that I have had quite a bit of camp experience. You can come to me with any concerns about camp and I will be able to help you. Whether you want to chat, or are feeling a bit homesick, you can count on me to help… I’ve been there!