Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Psy.D, is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in assessment and diagnosis of autism and other developmental disabilities. She has been with Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) since 1995 and has supported several service lines before becoming Chief Clinical Officer of ESSC’s Autism Therapy Services.
In that role, Pompa-Craven has built a staff of more than 1,500 and a service program that provides applied behavior analysis and speech, physical and occupational therapy services to over 19,000 autistic individuals and their families.
Pompa-Craven believes that early diagnosis and treatment are key to success for people with autism and to increasing life quality for individuals and families. Her research publications and areas of interest surround outcomes, assessment and staff retention. She works to share that message and additional learning with a wider population and is passionate about bringing services and equity to diverse and underserved communities.
Pompa-Craven has contributed her expertise through research and article publications, conference and university presentations, meetings, trainings and workshops. A sought-after expert on autism, she has participated in broadcast and print interviews and consulted on movies, children’s programming and books.
Pompa-Craven earned her Doctor of Psychology and master’s degree at Pepperdine University and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA.
She has been presented with Pepperdine University’s Wave of Service Award, Graduate School of Education and Psychology’s Alumni Award and has been a commencement speaker. She is also a recipient of the Los Angeles Times Magazine DEIA Award.
