About Wayfinder

Every child has a path. Sometimes they just need someone to help find it.

I'm Kristin Clouser, a California Licensed Educational Psychologist with more than 13 years of experience helping children, families, and schools understand learning and developmental differences.

My path to this work began as an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Cruz, when I worked as a classroom aide at The Bay School, a non-public school serving children with autism.

There, I saw firsthand how thoughtful, evidence-based support could change the trajectory of a child's life. I watched students develop communication, attention, and learning skills that opened doors to opportunities they—and their families—may not have imagined possible when they first entered the classroom.

That experience stayed with me.

Since then, I've worked with students and families across a wide variety of educational settings, including traditional public schools, online charter schools, Montessori, homeschool, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf programs.

I've worked with students with a wide range of learning and developmental needs and have helped families make sense of evaluations, navigate IEPs, and determine what kinds of support may help their children succeed.

I've also experienced this journey personally. As the parent of an autistic child, I know that advocating for your child can be complicated and exhausting. There can be uncertainty, conflicting information, difficult meetings, and moments when you simply don't know what to do next.

I believe that even in the depths of frustration, there is a way forward.

My job is not simply to give you a diagnosis or hand you a report filled with test scores.

My job is to help you understand your child.

What are their strengths?
How do they learn best?
What is getting in the way?
Why might school be so difficult?
What support might actually help?
And where do you go from here?

I approach every evaluation with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to seeing the whole child. I listen carefully to parents because you know your child in ways that no test can capture. I look beyond scores to understand the student behind them. And I believe you deserve information that is clear, useful, and meaningful—not simply a report filled with professional jargon.

Think of me as your wayfinder.

You may know that something isn't working, but not know exactly why.

You may have a lot of information but aren't sure how it fits together.

You may feel frustrated with the school system or uncertain about what your child needs.

I'm here to help you understand where you are, explore the path forward, and navigate the journey with you.