Training and Experience

I am a Harvard trained neuropsychologist who has completed training rotations in many of Boston's leading hospitals. I began my journey in the field of special education and subsequently spent several years working in autism research at Massachusetts General Hospital's Lurie Center for Autism. In my predoctoral internship at TEAMCare Behavioral Health in Lancaster PA, I practiced psychotherapy and neuropsychological assessment with children and adults. I completed a two-year neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship through Harvard Medical School at McLean Hospital's Child and Adolescent Testing Service (CATS), evaluating children and young adults with learning, neurocognitive, social, and emotional challenges. I currently maintain an appointment at McLean Hospital as staff neuropsychologist and clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School. My private practice serves children, adolescents and adults with autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, depression, interpersonal challenges, mood and emotional dysregulation, personality factors, and academic and career concerns.

I employ a holistic approach to each evaluation that integrates findings with various areas of functioning and how that impacts an individual's daily life. For instance, emotional well-being can impact cognitive function and aspects of cognitive function can shape perspectives and interactions with the world. Deciphering how our challenges can be both cause and consequence of our vulnerabilities can be difficult. I bring warmth, empathy, and clear expectations that allow for productive and positive assessment experiences. I strive to make the assessment process both informative and healing.

Education

  • William James College, Newton MA: Doctor of Psychology, Neuropsychology Concentration (2018)

  • Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Cambridge MA: Master of Education (2008)

  • Grand Valley State University, Allendale MI: Bachelor of Science in Special Education (2006)

Training

  • McLean Hospital/ Harvard Medical School, Cambridge MA: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology (2018-2020)

  • Immaculata University/ TEAMCare Behavioral Health, LLC, Lancaster PA: Predoctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology (2017-2018)

  • Tufts Medical Center, Pediatric and Adult Neurology, Boston MA: Advanced Practicum in neuropsychology (2016-2017)

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Behavioral Neurology, Boston MA: Advanced Practicum in neuropsychology (2015-2016) 

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Boston MA: Practicum in neuropsychology (2014-2015)

  • The Guild for Human Services, Waltham MA: Practicum in clinical psychology (2013-2014)

Professional Positions

  • McLean Hospital, Child and Adolescent Testing Service, Cambridge MA:  Neuropsychologist; Clinical Instructor, Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry (2020 to present)

  • Massachusetts General Hospital, Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington MA: Senior Clinical Research Coordinator (2008-2013)

  • New England Center for Children, Southborough MA: Special Education Teacher (2006-2007)

Publications and Presentations

  • Koesterer, K. (January, 2017). Diagnostic role of autism observation schedule (ADOS-2) in clinic Settings: Strengths and limitations. Presentation, Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan, Boston, MA.

  • Henry, C. A., Nowinski, L., Koesterer, K., Ferrone, C., Spybrook, J., & Bauman, M. (2014). Low rates of depressed mood and depression diagnoses in a clinic review of children and adolescents with autistic disorder. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 24(7), 403-406.

  • Hazen, E., Stornelili, J., O’Rourke, J., Koesterer, K., and McDougle, C. (2014). Sensory symptoms in autistic spectrum disorders: A review. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 22(2) 112-124.

  • Schmidt, K., Zimmerman, A., Bauman, M., Ferrone, C, Venter, J., Spybrook, J., and Henry, C. (2013). Brief report: Asperger’s syndrome and sibling birth order. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 43(4) 973-977

  • Schmidt, K. (2010, June). Autism: Social and Communicative Predictors in Siblings: A Summary of Current Findings. Presentation, Lurie Center for Autism/LADDERS Research Think Tank Boston, MA.

  • Schmidt, K., Bauman, M., Ferrone, C, Venter, J., Henry, C. (2009, May). Asperger’s disorder and sibling birth order. Poster session, American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting San Francisco, CA.