psychologist in san luis obispo, therapist near pismo beach, behavior help, parent coaching, atascadero, paso robles, nipomo, santa maria, orcutt, behavior management

Hello! I’m Miriam…

educational PSYCHologist & behavior analyst

I’m a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP#4368) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA#1-12-10527) with over 15 years of experience. I provide premier psychological assessment, counseling, and consultation services in the San Luis Obispo area and beyond.

I have 25+ years of public speaking experience and 18+ years as an educator in public schools. I am trained in school psychology, applied behavior analysis, yoga, meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and trauma- and resilience-informed practices. I teach future special educators in the M.S. Special Education program at Cal Poly, SLO, host the Mindful Miri Podcast and am founder of The Association for the Wellbeing of Educators, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for teacher wellbeing.

I’m also the child of refugees, an avid Salsa/Swing/Bachata dancer, Yogini, and a Mom/Stepmom of 4.

At the core of my professional mission is the desire to help others thrive.

As a licensed educational psychologist and BCBA, I’ve dedicated my career to helping students, families, and educators overcome behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges. I believe that every child deserves personalized, compassionate support tailored to their unique needs—not just generic advice or long waitlists. My approach integrates psychology, behavior analysis, and trauma-informed mindfulness to create meaningful, lasting change at home, in school, and in life.

Whether you’re a parent seeking guidance, an educator needing practical tools, or a student looking for support, I’m here to help. Through psychological evaluations, counseling, and actionable strategies, I empower students and families with the tools they need to thrive.

Let’s work together to build a stronger foundation for success.

THE OFFICIAL STUFF

Throughout my education, I have had the privilege of engaging with a wide range of learning environments, the benefits of a traditional academic curriculum, and the rewards of experiential learning, each contributing to my growth and shaping my passion for promoting academic and personal wellbeing.

EDUCATION

  • Ed.S., School Psychology, California State University, Fresno, 2011

  • B.A., Art History, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2003

  • Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP#4368)

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA#1-12-10527)

  • 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (200 RYT)

  • 200-hour Certified Meditation Teacher (200 CMT - in progress)

EXPERIENCE

  • Adjunct Professor, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo 2024-Present

  • Founder, The Assoc. for the Wellbeing of Educators, 2023-Present

  • Program Specialist, San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, 2024-2025

  • PPS Credentialed School Psychologist

    • Santa Maria-Bonita School District, 2018 - 2024

    • Orcutt Union School District, 2012 - 2018

    • Central Unified School District 2010 - 2012

  • Yoga Instructor, Empower Yoga & Mindfulness, 2023-2024

psychologist, behavior analyst, psychological testing, adhd, autism, dyslexia, neuro miriam burlakovsky

Do you think we could be a good match?

Begin creating positive change and cultivating a thriving future.

We will work together to address obstacles, set meaningful goals, and develop a roadmap toward your personal and academic success.