Dr. Leah Benazzi is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist specializing in Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), function-based behavior support, data-based decision making and consultation with educators and families. Dr. Benazzi attended University of Oregon, receiving her MS in Special Education in 2003 and PhD in 2005. She has worked in the Beaverton SchoolDistrict for 20 years as a School Psychologist, and more recently as a Behavior Consultant working with students, families, advocates, and attorneys.
In addition to her work with school-based stakeholders, Dr. Benazzi has provided training and professional development to certified and classified staff and administrators. Recurring training topics include FBA and developing function-based behavior support, implementing evidence-based interventions for challenging behavior, de-escalating students to decrease physical aggression, understanding and addressing the impacts of trauma, and utilizing a problem-solving approach to assessment and intervention.
During the 2022-2023 school year, Dr. Benazzi took a leave from Beaverton School District tohelp launch the newly formed Portland cohort of the University of Oregon’s School Psychology graduate program. Her work included teaching assessment courses, advising students, and serving as a university supervisor for school-based practicum.
Dr. Benazzi has presented at national, state and regional conferences, including the NationalAssociation of School Psychologists (NASP), Northwest Positive Behavioral Interventions andSupports (NWPBIS), the Oregon School Psychology Association (OSPA), the WesternPsychological Association (WPA), the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), and the CaliforniaAssociation of School Psychologists (CASP). In 2023, Dr. Benazzi was named OSPA’s OregonSchool Psychologist of the Year.
Publications
Benazzi, L. (2021). [Review of the book Conducting school-based functional behavioral
assessments, by M.W. Steege, J.L. Pratt, G. Wickerd, R. Guare, & T.S. Watson].
Communiqué, 49(7), 38.
Benazzi, L., Horner, R., & Good, R. (2006). Effects of behavior support team composition on the technical adequacy and contextual fit of behavior support plans. Journal of Special Education, 40(3), 160–170.
Nakayama, N. J., Benazzi, L. R., Davis, C. D., Kidd, K., Sterling, L., & Albin, R. (2003, Summer). Functional assessment information and confidence in behavior intervention procedures. OSPA Bulletin: Newsletter of the Oregon School Psychologists Association
Benazzi, L., Davis, C., Kidd, K., Nakayama, N., & Sterling, L. (2003, February). Demographics of school psychologists at the 2002 OSPA fall conference: A reflection of national trends? OSPA Bulletin: Newsletter of the Oregon School Psychologists Association.
Benazzi, L. R. & Mercier, J. L. (2003, February). Preparing for the NASP 2003 convention: Using The Blueprint to guide professional development in improving outcomes for all students. Communiqué: CQ Extra.
Honors and Awards
- 2023 Oregon School Psychologist of the Year – Awarded by the Oregon School Psychology Association (OSPA).
- 2003 Student-Initiated Research Grant – Awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, funding a 12-school, year-long. study.
- 1999 Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
- 1999 The Emory Kimbrough, Jr. Prize recognizes the most outstanding graduate in Sociology and Anthropology.
- 1997–1999 The Sidney M.B. Coulling Scholarship is awarded to students with a sense of honor and integrity who demonstrate the greatest promise for academic achievement.
- 1998–1999 Paul Mason Shuford II Scholarship
Presentations
Benazzi, L. & Thompson, T. (2024). Tools for De-Escalating Behavior with Brain-Aligned Interventions. (Required training for all Special Education classified staff). Beaverton School District: Beaverton, OR.
Benazzi, L. & Thompson, T. (2024). Behavior Support’s Top 40 . (Required training for all Special Education classified staff). Beaverton School District: Beaverton, OR.
Benazzi, L. Fong, J., & Iakovidis, M. (2023). School Psychologists as Leaders in Behavior Support: Collaborating with Colleagues to Reaching the “Toughest” Kids. Presentation at the Oregon School Psychology Association (OSPA) Conference in Bend, OR.
Benazzi, L. Fong, J., & Iakovidis, M. (2023). Implementing Tier One Interventions: Partnering with Colleagues to Support All Students. Presentation at the Northwest Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (NWPBIS) Conference in Portland, OR.
Benazzi, L. & Thompson, T. (2022). Practical and Evidence-Based Interventions for Challenging Behaviors. (Required training for all Special Education staff). Beaverton School District: Beaverton, OR
Benazzi, L. & Thompson, T. (2021). Proactive Strategies for Intensive Behaviors. (A training for all secondary administrators). Beaverton School District: Beaverton, OR.
Academic Credentials
PhD, MS Special Education, University of Oregon.