Curriculum Vitae 

Dr. Catherine J. Ward, PsyD, QME

Licensed Clinical Psychologist 

Clinical, Civil, & Forensic Neuropsychologist 

Qualified Medical Evaluator - CA Division of Workers' Compensation

 

VA Psychologist License # 0810004462 (expired) 

CA Psychology License #30926 

(619) 293-3994

contact@drcward.com 

www.drcward.com

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SUMMARY 

 

• Board-Eligible, Houston Guideline Fellowship-Trained clinical and forensic Neuropsychologist with over 15 years of experience in active forensic and clinical practice assessing patients with brain injuries, cognition and mood secondary to brain injuries, neurological and other medical issues, as well as psychological functioning for patients ranging from 3-103 years old. 

 

• Training program developer for 2-year Houston Guideline Neuropsychology Fellowship, APPIC certified Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Internship, graduate and undergraduate clinical and neuropsychology externship program, as well as practicum director for those studying clinical neuropsychology, medical psychology, developmental psychology, pediatric neuropsychology, behavioral psychology, and forensics.

 

• A nationally recognized expert in civil, criminal, military, and other courts for brain function, psychology, risk, and future needs. 

 

• Consulting neuropsychologist for 10 years to multiple federal/state agencies, inpatient physical rehabilitation and inpatient psychiatric hospitals, acute medical hospitals, and assisted living facilities. 

 

• College-level educator regarding neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, forensic psychology, assessment, and neuroscience. 

 

• Identified expert and “Friend of the Court” in the memory, interviewing, malingering/effort/false reporting, executive functioning, developmental delay, and needs of persons receiving services under the Lanterman Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

• Qualified Medical Evaluator for the Division of Workers’ Compensation. 

 

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CURRENT EMPLOYMENT 

Clinical & Forensic Neuropsychologist - Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, & Geriatric

May 2018 – Present West Coast Neuropsychology San Diego County, CA & Nationwide 

• Expert witness, qualified/accepted medical evaluator, and treating provider for neuropsychological and psychological functioning (e.g., memory, concussion/brain injury, complexity of neurological/medical conditions, psychological functioning complexities, development, learning, pediatric issues).

 

• Conduct evaluations of criminal and civil competence, ability to waive Miranda, risk for recidivism, autism, developmental delay, dementia, criminal intent, brain function, etc. 

 

• Conduct opioid pain management evaluations and spinal cord stimulator placement screenings. Neurofeedback and sensory exposure therapy are provided as needed. 

 

• Preparation for trial and deposition services, consultation on cases, 3D or other modeling provided if needed.

 

• Conduct evaluations for military members assessing TBI, PTSD, and other post-deployment or service issues. 

 

• Educational support and free training to physicians, legal teams, schools, the community, and families. 

 

Neuropsychologist - Adult & Geriatric

July 2023 - Present Liberty HealthCare Inc

    San Diego, Riverside, San Bernadino Counties, CA

• Expert witness and evaluator to provide competence re-evaluations for those who were already deemed incompetent to stand trial and are currently involved in a competence training program and/or psychiatric treatment facility for stabilization. 

 

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PRIOR EXPERIENCE 

 

Forensic Evaluator & ADA Compliance Evaluator - Adolescent, Adult & Geriatric

Nov 2021 - May 2022 Wellpath       Statewide

• Conduct various evaluations on incarcerated persons who were identified as potentially having one or more developmental and/or cognitive disabilities, which may qualify them for services under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

• Develop support plans based on the Americans with Disabilities Act for each person, as it applies.

 

Lead Neuropsychologist - Adolescent and Adult

November 2021 - April 2022 Foresight Mental Health, Inc   Nationwide

• Modified and brought the neuropsychology program into compliance and improved outcomes.

 

• Created a training program for neuropsychologists and clinical staff regarding ethics, testing skills, and interpretation, and provided consultation as needed. 

 

Clinical Neuropsychologist - Pediatrics

September 2020 – May 2021 West Neurobehavioral Services, LLC    Rancho Bernardo, CA 

• Conducted assessments evaluating developmental delay, autism, learning disabilities, mood, and cognitive functioning for clients four years old to 45 years old. 

 

Forensic Psychologist / Neuropsychologist - Adult & Geriatric

May 2019 – May 2021 Liberty HealthCare, Inc.       Statewide 

• Conducted cognitive, psychological, and neuropsychological risk assessments for the Department of State Hospitals. Patients were residing at Porterville Developmental Center with the plan to transition from long-term institutionalization back to the community, but clients were deemed “too dangerous to be in society.” 

 

Forensic Neuropsychologist / Psychologist - Adult & Geriatric

June 2018 – April 2020 The Columbus Organization, Inc     Tri-Counties, CA 

• Consulting forensic psychologist to the Tri-Counties Regional Center providing education to staff, family, and providers on cognitive needs and deficits of clients in the court system.

 

• Conducted risk assessments for elopement, sexual and violent predatory behaviors, competence to stand trial, and other court-requested assessments including those for persons with developmental delay.

 

• Expert witness when called upon as “friend of the court.” 

 

• Provided gratis education and training to local law enforcement and legal teams regarding cognitive impacts on behavior and other psycho-legal topics. 

 

Clinical & Forensic Neuropsychologist / Psychologist - Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, Seniors

Oct 2011- June 2018 Neuropsychology & Complementary Medicine     Fredericksburg, VA 

Forensic Division: 

• Conducted assessments for prosecution/defense/court including risk, diversion dockets (mental health, developmental delay, veteran), capacity, mental status, veracity of guilt admission/report, and psychological and neuropsychological functioning. 

 

• Consultant to the court and attorneys to assist in preparation for trial, case review, and additional medical and technical research. Evaluations were conducted in-office and while detained. 

 

Clinical Division: 

• Conducted independent medical evaluations, capacity evaluations, and clinical evaluations (e.g., concussion, mood, return to duty/work/play, post-traumatic stress, bariatric pre-surgical clearance, opioid management, personality disorders, and malingering) concerning personal injury cases and workman’s compensation. 

 

Training Division:

• Developed a pre/post-doctoral training program including pre-doctoral clinical psychology internship, externships, practicum, and post-doctoral fellowship consistent with board certification for neuropsychology, medical psychology, behavioral psychology, pediatric neuropsychology & psychology, and forensics. Provided didactics, training, onsite supervision, and compliance with required documentation for schools and other entities. 

 

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EDUCATION 

 

Aug 2010 – Aug 2012 Houston Guideline Approved Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology w/Forensics subspecialty 

Superior Court of the District of Columbia | Washington DC 

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital | Fredericksburg, VA 

Washington Medical Group | Washington, DC 

 

Aug 2009- Aug 2010 Pre-Doctoral Internship 

Mid-Atlantic Internship Consortium 

Washington Medical Group & Rehabilitation Center 

Aug 2006 – Aug 2009 PsyD Clinical Psychology 

Argosy University – Northern VA Campus | Washington DC 

 

Aug 2006 – Aug 2009 MA Clinical Psychology 

Argosy University – Northern VA Campus | Washington DC 

 

Sept 1995 – Oct 1998 MEd Guidance & Counseling 

City University of Seattle – Bellevue Campus | Bellevue, WA 

 

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ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES 

 

• Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing PESI Certification. 2020 

 

• Cultural Aspects of Forensic Psychology Evaluations (2019). California Regional Centers.

 

• The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation (4 days). Presented by John E. Reid & Associates. Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy. Feb 2018

 

• Assessing Individuals Charged with Sexual Crimes Presented by Dr. Mario J.P. Dennis, Director of Forensic Services, Virginia Center for Behavioral Rehabilitation, through the Institute of Law Psychiatry and Public Policy, Charlottesville, VA. April 2017. 

 

• Static-99R – Review of Coding rules for the Static-99R. Presented by Mr. Eric Madsen, M.A., C SOTP, Sex Offender Screening and Assessment Unit, Virginia Department of Corrections at the Institute of Law Psychiatry and Public Policy, Charlottesville, VA. April 26, 2017. 

 

• Juvenile & Adult Forensic Evaluation for Competency to Stand Trial and Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity approved by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Commissioner, provided through the Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. May 2011 

 

• Competency Restoration Provider Certification for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Commissioner. July 2011 

 

• Psychopathy and Risk Assessment (HARE, Static-99, Static-99R) by Adelle Furth, Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. April 2011 Advanced Competency Juvenile Restoration Training, presented by Jeanette Duval, LCSW from the Department of Behavioral Health DS Richmond, VA. July 2011 

 

• Juvenile Advanced Seminar: Psychiatric Screening and Neuropsychological Testing, at the University of Virginia, Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy, Charlottesville, VA. June 17, 2011 

 

• Juvenile & Adult Forensic Evaluation: Principles and Practice & Advanced Juvenile Case Presentation for the DBHDS Commissioner – Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. May 2-6 2011 

 

• Psychopathy, Violence & Risk Assessment, Structured Professional Judgment, HARE PCL90 – presented by Adele Furth at the University of Virginia, Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy, Charlottesville, VA. April 2011 

 

• Evaluating Individuals Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity – Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Dec. 4, 2010 

 

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HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS (Current and/or past) 

 

• Mary Washington Medical Center and Affiliates, Fredericksburg, VA 

• Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, Fredericksburg, VA 

• Snowden Community Psychiatric Hospital at Fredericksburg, VA 

• HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Fredericksburg, VA 

 

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PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL AFFILIATIONS 

 

• San Luis Obispo County Medical Reserve Corps 

• National Register of Health Service Providers 

• National Academy of Neuropsychology 

• American Psychological Association 

• American and International Red Cross 

• Team Rubicon & Team Red, White, and Blue 

• AMPSurf 

• Mary Washington Medical Center Neurosciences Center of Excellence, Board of Directors (prior)

• Brain Injury Center of Fredericksburg, Board of Directors (prior) 

 

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POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP 

 

Post-Doctoral Fellow 

Aug 2010 – Aug 2012 Neuropsychology & Complementary Med, Inc  Aug 2010 - Aug 2012 Washington Medical Group & Rehabilitation   Aug 2010 - Aug 2012 HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Apr 2011 - Aug 2012 

Superior Court of the District of Columbia Aug 2010 - Apr 2011 

 

Rotations: 

• Outpatient: Washington Medical Group & Rehabilitation Center, Washington, DC 

  • Conducted clinical and civil forensic brain injury assessments on adults with medical, neurological, and psychological impairments. 

 

• Participated in grand rounds and didactics focused on neuro-medical, medico-legal, and neuropsychiatric topics. 

 

• Provided psychological assessment as well as psychotherapy to patients and their families who were diagnosed with depression, PTSD, personality disorders, and anxiety. 

 

• Forensic: Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 

  • Conducted court-appointed neuropsychological forensic evaluations for use in determining capacity to stand trial, sexual predator status, mental status/psychological evaluation, psychosexual evaluations, and behavioral prediction and risk. 

 

• Inpatient: HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Fredericksburg, VA. 

  • Conducted bedside assessments on patients with acute/sub-acute medical and psychiatric disorders. 

 

• Provided in-service training for staff focused on cognitive and behavioral interactions, stroke neurophysiology, how culture and age affect rehabilitation and expectations, and detection of effort/malingering. 

 

Grand Rounds & Disorder, Case and Topic Reviews 

• Neuropsychology, neurosurgery, stroke, medically complex cases, and brain injury case reviews (weekly) at Washington Medical Group and Rehabilitation Center, P.C., & Mary Washington Hospital 

 

• Geriatric Neuropsychological Case and Topic Reviews & Grand Rounds (weekly) at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Fredericksburg, VA. 

 

• Pediatric-Geriatric Neuropsychological Case and Topic Reviews (intermittent) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Brain Injury & Sports Concussion Institute Neurocognitive Assessment Laboratory Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Science Charlottesville, VA. (Aug 2010- Oct 2011) 

 

• Forensic Interviews: The good, the bad, the ugly (weekly) at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Washington DC 

 

Lecture/Training/Dissection: 

• Neuroanatomical Dissection: Human Brain and Spinal Cord at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI. July 19-21, 2012 

 

• Neurological Disorders – American Academy of Neurology Lecture Series. June 1-30, 2012 

 

• Cognitive Neuroscience and Traumatic Brain Injury by the University of California at Berkeley 15 Lectures Series. May 1-30, 2012 

 

• Cognitive Rehabilitation & Compensatory Skills Development – Mastering Captains Log – Brain Train, Richmond, VA. May 4-5, 2012 

 

• Neurofeedback qEEG – Brain Train, Richmond, VA. Apr 19-21, 2012 

 

• Metrowest Neuropsychology Podcast Series. March 1-24, 2012 

 

• Neuropsychology and Art: Examining the effects of mental illness and injury on art and using the art itself to form hypotheses about what happens in the brain during the creative process. New York University Lecture Series. February 12, 2012 

 

• Suicidality and Prescreening Community Services Board Evaluator Pre-Admission Screener Certification Training – Rappahannock and Rapidan Community Services Board. Oct 5, 2010 

 

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PRE-DOCTORAL TRAINING 

 

Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Intern - Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric

Sept 2009-Aug 2010       Mid-Atlantic Internship Consortium/Washington Medical Group PC

      Washington, DC

•  Conducted full and brief neuropsychological and psychological evaluations and screens. 

 

• Conducted biofeedback, neurofeedback, and cognitive rehabilitation for patients with chronic pain, cognitive disorders, and anxiety-related disorders. 

 

• Participated in rounds with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other medical professionals. 

 

• Provided psychological assessment as well as psychotherapy to patient families and patients diagnosed with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

 

Neuropsychology Psychometrist -  Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric

May 2009-Sept 2009 Neuropsychology in Burke     Burke, VA

• Conducted comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations on children, adolescents, adults, and seniors with ADHD, dementia, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, etc. 

 

Doctoral Clinical Psychology / Neuropsychology Extern - Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric

July 2008-May 2009 Neuropsychology in Burke     Burke, VA

• Conducted comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations on adults and seniors with ADHD, dementia, brain injury, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Axis I & II disorders. 

 

Doctoral Clinical Psychology Extern - Pediatric 

May 2008-July 2008 Hospital for Sick Children: HSC Pediatric Center   Washington, DC

• Administered psychological and developmental assessments for inpatient and outpatient children (2 days to 18 years old). 

 

• Provided feedback and short-term therapies for parents regarding diagnoses and grief. 

 

Doctoral Clinical Psychology Extern - Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric 

July 2007-May 2008 Fredericksburg Counseling Services       Fredericksburg, VA 

• Conducted educational, psychological, and developmental assessments. 

 

• Provided individual therapy for uninsured individuals & families below federal poverty guidelines. 

 

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OTHER APPLICABLE APPOINTMENTS

 

Director of Disability Support Services & Learning Labs

2001-2002 California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks, CA

• Oversaw and began the process for University-wide ADA compliance, obtained grant money to develop a software lab for students with various needs, daily review of psychological/neuropsychological reports and applications for university compliance.

• Created the first-ever Orientation for Students with Disabilities and their Families

• Created the first-ever Disabilities Awareness Day (10/13/2002) including an information fair and speakers: 

  • Keynote speaker Richard Alarcon (Majority whip of State Senate) and SB288 Worker’s Compensation Reform Act for California, will discuss how the bill impacts employers.

  • Michael Bradbury, former Ventura County District Attorney, and CLU Regents to speak on “Changes in Workman’s Comp and Short–Term Disability Laws”. 

  • Alan Leno, President of Leno and Associates and a member of the National Association of ADA Coordinators Board of Directors, will address issues concerning return–to–work policies in California and how human resource representatives can make the transition smooth for both employees and employers. 

  • Eve Hill, Director of the Western Law Center for Disability Rights discusses employment issues to avoid litigation, hiring practices, and realistic workplace accommodations. 

 

Guidance Counselor & Director (Elementary School, Middle School, High School)

1995-2001 Brevard County School District Melbourne & Palm Bay, FL

• Created the first-ever training manual on how to be a guidance counselor, published by the county

• Reviewed needs of students with disabilities, exceptionalities, and those were were college and vocational-bound. 

• Coordinated all state-wide and county testing.

• Created from inception, a program for pregnant mothers and their children (e.g., worked with compliance for buildings, bussing, educational requirements, training, staffing, etc)

• Assisted with emergencies, training, etc for staff. 

• In-school therapies were provided, such as parenting courses, working with legal needs, and planning for graduation and compliance. 

 

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ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS 

 

Adjunct Faculty 

Aug 2012 – June 2017 The University of Mary Washington | Department of Psychology Undergraduate Teaching Assignments: Biological Psychology, Psychopharmacology 

Adjunct Faculty 

Sept 2010 – Oct 2016    Germanna Community College | Department of Social Sciences/Nursing 

Undergraduate Teaching Assignments: Development Through the Lifespan 

 

Adjunct Faculty 

Aug 2008 – Mar 2011 Kaplan University | Department of Psychology 

Undergraduate Teaching Assignments: History & Systems of Psychology, Child & Adolescent Growth and Development, Current Issues in Psychology, Biological Bases of Behavior 

 

Adjunct Faculty 

Mar 2005 – 2011 The University of Phoenix Online & Overseas 

Graduate & Undergraduate Teaching Assignments: Measurement Evaluation, Ethics in Research, Action Research, Applications of Research, Child and Adolescent Development, Lifespan Development, Cognitive Psychology, Statistics in Psychology, Psychology of Personality, General Psychology, History and Systems in Psychology, Diversity and Cultural Factors in Psychology, Biological Bases of Psychology, Psychological Tests & Measures, and Ethics in Psychology. 

 

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MILITARY SERVICE 

 

Intelligence Instructor/Analyst, Shop Chief and Collections 

Apr 2002 – Oct 2002 United States Navy         Sarajevo, Bosnia with NATO Allies 

• Trained and conducted intelligence gathering, interrogation, interviewing, deception detection, and reporting of multi-source intelligence to NATO collections teams & US Special Forces

 

Military Liaison for US, Turkish & British Embassies 

Oct 2001 – Apr 2002 United States Navy     İncirlik, Turkey 

• Liaison to UK, Turkish, and US embassies for intelligence information coordination.

 

• Combat search and rescue intelligence coordinator. 

 

• Evaluated, screened, and provided all-source intelligence data between national-level assets and local authorities. 

 

Intelligence Specialist, Second Class 

Mar 1999 – Jan 2004 United States Naval Reserve   Jacksonville & Miami, FL 

• Information gathering for drug interdiction and counter-terrorism assignments. 

 

• Intelligence analysis aboard the USS Coronado for battle group certification before Middle East deployments. 

 

• Collaborated with the Defense Intelligence Agency for collection training. 

 

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RESEARCH 

 

Principal Researcher 

2021-Present Concussion and effects on the ability on the capacity of decisionmaking.  

2020 - Present Soft signs of concussion and long-term quality of life outcomes with and without treatment. Retrospective study.

 

Poster Session 

October 2014 Case Study: Neuropsychological Outcomes for a 4.1 megabase deletion of 3q22.1-3q22.3 in One of Two Identified Patients in the World (submitted for publication – Poster Presentation at National Academy of Neuropsychology Convention, San Diego. 

 

Dissertation 

2009 – 2010 Title: Mind-body Intervention Pilot Study with Obese and Overweight Women. Longitudinal pilot study comparing effects of two mind-body interventions. Committee: Lisa Lilenfeld, PhD [Chair] & George Stricker, PhD 

 

Student Reviewer 

2007 – 2008 Journal of Pediatric Psychology Reviewed articles addressing various pediatric issues including parent and child sleep problems, the needs of supportive families when a child is hospitalized, interventions for families when addressing medical and sleep problems, and child sleep patterns affecting chronic medical and psychological conditions. Supervisor: Lisa Meltzer, PhD 

 

Research Assistant 

2006 – 2007 American School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University Data collection/statistics and interpretation for identifying successful pre-determinants in cultural competence in clinical psychology programs. 

 

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INVITED PRESENTATIONS 

 

• California Society of Industrial Medicine and Surgery

  • Brain Injury Signs and Symptoms.  (08/2023)

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• Commercial Attorneys of San Diego (CASD)

  • Neuropsychology for Legal Teams (10/2022)

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• San Diego Public Defender’s Office & Web to the State

  • Neuropsychology & Criminal Cases. (07/2022)

 

• San Diego Injury Network.  

  • Soft signs of concussion are often unnoticed but have longer-term quality-of-life implications. (2022)

 

• Mary Washington Hospital Community Outreach through Neuroscience Center of Excellence. 

  • Coping with brain health and decline. (05/2018)

 

• Brain Injury Association of Virginia Annual Conference. March 2017 

  • Brain Injury & Family Systems: Reality of TBI, Family Adjustments, and Self-Care? 

 

• Emergency Room and First Responders National Training Program. 

  • TBI: Mild to Severe: Injury, testing, expectations. March 2013. 

 

• HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. July, August, September, and October 2012. 

  • Cognitive and Emotional Sequelae Secondary to Stroke. 

 

• Neurosciences Center of Excellence. July 2012.

  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment: Research and Practical Uses. 

 

• Hydrocephalus Support Group. Fredericksburg, Virginia. September 17, 2011. 

  • Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Impacts and Outlook of Hydrocephalus. 

 

• Mary Washington Medical Center, Grand Rounds. April 2015 

  • Neuropsychology and Brain Injury: How do medical and psychiatric providers collaborate?