About NELDC
The New England Diagnostic & Learning Center (NELDC) is committed to providing expert neuropsychological, educational, psychological, and speech-language services to children and families. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to deliver comprehensive assessments, effective interventions, and strong advocacy support to promote each child’s optimal learning and development. With decades of combined experience, our professionals emphasize compassionate, individualized care tailored to every child's unique needs.
Our Staff
Susan Brefach, Ed.D.
Dr. Susan Brefach is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with children and families, particularly in neuropsychological, educational, and psychological evaluations. She holds an Ed.D. in Counseling Psychology from Boston University.
Her expertise includes assessments and advocacy for children with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral difficulties, and intellectual disabilities. Dr. Brefach has held various clinical leadership roles and is known for comprehensive evaluations and supporting parents in securing appropriate educational services, often providing expert testimony in special education hearings.
She is the author of "No Parent Left Behind: Navigating the Special Education Universe," a guide for parents navigating the special education process.
Dr. Laurie Cestnick, PhD
Dr. Laurie Cestnick is a clinical neuropsychologist and psychologist licensed in Massachusetts and Connecticut with nearly 20 years of experience. She specializes in neurodevelopmental disorders, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and traumatic brain injury.
Holding a PhD from Macquarie University, Australia, Dr. Cestnick has research and clinical training experience at institutions such as Harvard Medical School, MIT, and Stanford. She is recognized for her evolving cognitive models of dyslexia and blending scientific expertise with compassionate care. She serves clients from early childhood to adulthood and offers free initial consultations.
James Paicopolos, M.A. M.Ed
James Paicopolos is a school psychologist and educator licensed in Massachusetts. He completed his program in School Psychology at the University of Massachusetts and also holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education and Teaching from Bridgewater State University.
His expertise includes psychological-educational evaluations, advocacy, behavior and emotional issues, school neuropsychology, and Independent Educational Evaluations. He collaborates with professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, and social workers.
He has more than 25 years of practice and is licensed in Massachusetts in School Psychology and Special Education. James Paicopolos has expressed his role as a parent through his personal experience and professional insights, particularly related to neuropsychology and ADHD treatment.
He is one of the founders of the New England Diagnostic and Learning Center. As a parent, he has noted observing how his two oldest sons were very active during cognitive developmental leaps, leading him to explore the relationship between movement and brain growth. He also questioned the long-term effects of stimulant medication on brain development in children with ADHD. His writings reflect a perspective of being both a parent and a school psychologist deeply involved in understanding children's learning and behavioral development from both personal and professional viewpoints.
Kellie Fraser-Garcia, M.S., CCC-SLP, CEIS
Kellie Fraser-Garcia is a speech-language pathologist with over 18 years of experience working in public schools, outpatient clinics, Early Intervention, and rehabilitation centers. She specializes in diagnosing and treating a broad range of communication disorders in childhood, focusing on Childhood Language Disorders and Central Auditory Processing Disorders.
Kellie is known for her compassionate, individualized approach to therapy, tailoring interventions to each child’s strengths and learning styles. Her professional reputation combines dedication, thoroughness, and a warm personality with professionalism and humor.