EVALUATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, &  INTERVENTION PLANNING

Dr. Dama Walker Abshier earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, then a Master of Arts (MA), Education Specialist (Ed.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree all in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in School Psychology from the University of South Florida.

In addition to providing individual, couples, and family therapy/counseling, Dr. Abshier conducts psychological/psycho-educational evaluations. Dr. Abshier is also a Project Consultant with Florida’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (FLPBIS) Project, where she provides technical assistance to school districts implementing PBIS in Florida and coordinates the implementation of a federally funded Model Demonstration grant. 

Prior to contracting with the University of South Florida and opening private practice, Dr. Abshier was a district leader in Marion County Public Schools for 18 years, coordinating PBIS, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), behavior support team, health services, bullying prevention, Section 504, Code of Student Conduct, alternative educational placements, and providing professional development related to problem solving/response to intervention, MTSS, early warning systems, classroom management, verbal de-escalation, physical intervention, and PBIS. Dr. Abshier was the supervising administrator for the education of detained and incarcerated youth, home education, virtual school, teen parenting program with childcare, academic fast track for overage/unit-deficient middle school students, and contract management of four alternative schools. 

Dr. Abshier is a past Public Policy Institute of Marion County research study chair and served on the Board of Directors as Secretary for Hands of Mercy Everywhere (H.O.M.E) for six years. She is also a past: Board member for Christian Counseling Associates and Belleview Christian Academy, PTO President at Eighth Street Elementary, Treasurer and President of the Florida Associaton of Student Services Administrators. Dr. Abshier has been a guest lecturer and adjunct professor at the University of Florida and an invited presenter at state, national, and international conferences in her field.

Dr. Abshier and her husband, Lance, have three adult sons.