Dr. Evans has a rich and varied career in the psychological and educational arenas spanning over 40 years and specializing in work with individuals who experience emotional, social, medical and learning challenges. She was educated at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, a Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities and Communication Disorders and a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology and Cultural Anthropology. She was the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships including designation as the outstanding student in the field of Education and Psychology. She has  previously worked as a special education teacher, college professor, author, consultant and psychologist in both Illinois and California.  She was initially a teacher of severely handicapped children in Evanston, Illinois.  From there she directed a clinic for aphasia and learning disabilities at Northwestern University.  She later served as Associate Professor of Special Education at Northeastern Illinois University.  Upon moving to Santa Barbara she worked as an administrator and program specialist for the Santa Barbara County Schools.  She was an Associate Professor and Head of Special Education at California Lutheran University and an adjunct professor at UCSB and Santa Barbara City College.  She also worked with dually diagnosed clients at the Devereux Foundation, served as a neuropsychologist at the the Rehabilitation Institute of Santa Barbara and provided mindfulness based stress reduction at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara and various other groups.  She has been in private psychological practice in Santa Barbara since 1988 and is currently the principle psychologist for the equine assisted psychotherapy and learning program, “Horse Wisdom for the Soul”. She is a professional member of the Santa Barbara County Psychological Association, National Association of Neuropsychology, Equine Growth and Learning Association, and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship.   Dr. Evans is the founder of the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Program and is a certified therapeutic riding instructor.  She is also actively engaged in Dressage for the disabled rider and a long term equestrian.  She was honored as the Santa Ynez Valley “Woman of the Year” primarily for her work with the disabled and disadvantaged. She has also served on numerous boards in the field of social services.

She is the author of numerous publications including a college textbook on Dyslexia. In addition to conducting workshops and lectures around the world, she also actively serves as a consultant to educators, parents and community groups.  She has presented her innovative work on cognitive modification and parenting at conferences around the world including Russia, Israel, Ireland and throughout the United States.