Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Internships
Timeline
Generic
Catherine  Leong

Catherine Leong

Educational Psychologist

Summary

Experienced educational Psychologist who has a strong foundation in counselling, assessment, and intervention for students with diverse learning and socio-emotional needs. Skilled in leading multidisciplinary teams, developing inclusive education frameworks, and managing casework systems to ensure effective support for students. Adept at translating psychological expertise into organisational strategies, policy development, and staff training to enhance student well-being and performance. Have been balancing clinical insight with leadership responsibilities, driving data-informed decisions and fostering collaboration with educators, parents, and external agencies. Seeking to leverage psychological expertise and leadership skills in a managerial role to strengthen student care and institutional support systems.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

Educational Psychologist

ITE College West
09.2019 - Current
  • Consulted with counsellors, social workers and school heads to address complex issues related to student learning and development during annual matriculation exercises and throughout the year.
  • Conducted wide range of screening and diagnostic tests specific to school psychology and child development. Utilized formal and established testing protocols to evaluate educational, emotional and behavioural needs of students.
  • Compiled and interpreted students' test results along with information from teachers and parents to diagnose conditions and assess eligibility for learning accommodations and special services.
  • Empowered students by teaching coping skills and strategies for navigating personal challenges and obstacles.
  • Implemented targeted interventions (e.g., Behaviour Assessment System for Children- 3rd edition) for students struggling academically or socially, resulting in increased success rates.
  • Enhanced student learning by implementing evidence-based strategies and interventions.
  • Collaborated with educators, school administrators and external professionals in development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
  • Conducted group and individual counselling sessions for key issues.
  • Strengthened parent-teacher partnerships by facilitating communication regarding student progress and individual needs.
  • Collaborated with counsellors and social workers to help students grow in social and emotional capacities.
  • Served as a resource for colleagues seeking guidance on addressing mental health concerns among their student populations.
  • Assisted in the identification of mental health classifications, ensuring students received appropriate resources and support services. Prepare referral memos for external institutions.
  • Led staff training in common SEN classifications, positive behaviour support, and classroom observations.
  • Led workshops for parents to understand their child’s unique learning needs and develop strategies for supporting success at home and in the classroom.
  • Developed and led school-wide class talks to promote diversity and inclusivity within classrooms.
  • Developed and led social skills workshops adapted from evidence-based social skills programme for adolescents with ASD (i.e., The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills -PEERS®).
  • Supported school administration in the analysis of student data to inform resource planning.
  • Contributed to policy development aimed at improving educational outcomes for all learners within institution-level settings.
  • Established strong relationships with community organizations to provide additional resources and support services for students and their families.
  • Implemented prevention-oriented support groups for students with comorbidity of SEN and mental health concerns.
  • Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
  • Mentored new SENO officers from ITE and MOE, sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices from years of experience.
  • Conducted research on emerging trends looking at the SEN landscape within post-secondary populations, contributing to the overall improvement of school programs.
  • Used technology and demonstrated competency with online platforms for teleservice, virtual meetings and professional development.

Educational Psychologist

SPD Singapore
03.2018 - 09.2019
  • Led case filter meetings with a multi-disciplinary team comprising of paediatrician, occupational and speech therapists, and learning support educator to evaluate clients' intervention needs.
  • Provided targeted weekly intervention for clients to improve their overall advancement in the preschool setting. This included behaviour intervention and recommending strategies and additional resources to teachers and parents to support client’s developmental and educational needs.
  • Conducted comprehensive psychological assessments and complete report writing for clients requiring SPED school placements or mainstream school transition support.
  • Conducted workshops for parents to increase awareness about developmental disorders, managing behaviours, and understanding school readiness.
  • Provided professional development opportunities for educators on topics related to classroom observation, behaviour analysis and classroom management.
  • Mentored new educational psychologists entering the field, sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices from years of experience.

Psychologist

Feiyue Community Services
01.2017 - 02.2018
  • .Conducted formal and informal assessments to identify clients' learning and behavioral needs.
  • Provided classroom interventions to support clients' learning and development.
  • Collaborated with teachers and multidisciplinary therapists to develop and implement individualized educational plans.
  • Provided parental consultations and formal reports to support clients in securing appropriate school placements, including applications for SPED schools and support for mainstream school transitions.
  • Led psychoeducational workshops for patients and families, increasing understanding of school readiness, learning support and available resources.
  • Updated records and prepared reports to outline program actions, results, and recommended improvements.
  • Facilitated organisational wide events and seminars.

Registered Psychologist

Dyslexia Association of Singapore
05.2016 - 12.2016
  • Conducted thorough psychological assessments using various testing methods to provide accurate diagnoses and inform treatment strategies.
  • Developed customized treatment plans for clients, addressing their unique psychological needs and goals.
  • Conducted active research (i.e., Programme evaluation of Reading Comprehension) and supervised research assistants undertaking the project.
  • Formulated interventions to support educational therapists who worked with children needing intensive remediation due to comorbidities.

Trainer

Red Element Health International
05.2015 - 12.2016
  • Conducted mass assembly health talks in secondary schools on the topic of emotional management for youths. The talks were outlined and funded by Health Promotion Board, Singapore.
  • Conducted talks for corporate companies to promote motivation, satisfaction and socio-wellbeing within workplace.
  • Conducted community-based talks for the elderly in community centres (CCs) and resident committees (RCs). The talks were outlined and funded by the Health Promotion Board and the People's Association.

School Support and Behavioral Interventionist

Private Hire
04.2015 - 12.2016
  • Assisted students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
  • Conducted assessments on students to determine individual needs.
  • Applied proven strategies to improve students' learning, sensory and perceptual motor skills.
  • Increased student success by conducting functional assessments to identify the underlying causes of problem behaviors.
  • Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve students social and academic performance.
  • Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
  • Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.

School Psychologist Policy

Ministry of Education
02.2013 - 04.2015
  • Provided School Service Delivery which involved conducting comprehensive psychological assessments to identify students' needs, facilitating tailored support plans.
  • Conducted functional behavioral assessments to identify underlying causes of challenging behaviors and create effective behavior intervention plans accordingly.
  • Compiled and interpreted students' test results along with information from teachers and parents to diagnose conditions and assess eligibility for special services.
  • Coordinated with school's SENOs to ensure comprehensive support for students with complex needs.
  • Fostered positive behavioral changes in students, implementing behavior modification techniques and social skills training.
  • Advanced school's inclusion initiatives, ensuring that diversity and individual differences were respected and celebrated in school community.
  • Reduced incidents of bullying through implementation of school-wide positive behavior support systems.
  • Supported students' transition to higher education by offering guidance and psychological assessments that informed their educational choices.
  • Facilitated parent-teacher case conferences. Served as a liaison between families, school personnel, community agencies, and other professionals involved in the care of students with special needs or disabilities.
  • Facilitated interdisciplinary meetings to assess goals and progress.
    Supported the transition process for students entering new educational settings, ensuring smooth integration and appropriate accommodations.
  • Assisted in crisis response efforts, ensuring timely interventions for at-risk students while maintaining a safe learning environment.
  • Maintained accurate records and documentation in accordance with state regulations, ensuring confidentiality and ethical practices across all professional activities.
  • Contributed to developing and reviewing policies in psycho-educational support, student placement decisions, intervention frameworks, and teacher training requirements.
  • Provided professional inputs and administrative support to the National Examinations Branch (SEAB), supporting students requiring access arrangements during national examinations.

Psychologist (Youth Rehabilitation)

Ministry of Social and Family Development
05.2012 - 02.2013
  • Administered risk and needs assessments (e.g., SAVRY, YLS/CMI, HCR-20) for juvenile offenders.
  • Facilitate group sessions in anger management, impulse control, social skills, and relapse prevention.
  • Delivered cognitive-behavioural and psychoeducational interventions for youth on probation and in custodial care.
  • Collaborated with correctional officers, probation officers, and social workers to recommend case management and reintegration plans.
  • Prepared structured psychological reports to guide court recommendations and custodial rehabilitation strategies.

Project Manager

National Institute Of Education
01.2007 - 09.2011
  • Conducted literature reviews and assisted in designing research protocols for educational studies (e.g., Self-determination theory to understanding motivation).
  • Collected, cleaned, and analysed quantitative and qualitative data from surveys, assessments, and interviews.
  • Prepared reports and presentations summarising research findings for academic and policy stakeholders.
  • Assisted Principal Investigators in grant proposals, ethics applications, and research documentation.
  • Mentor research assistants and interns, providing guidance on research methodology and data analysis.
  • Collaborated with internal teams and external partners to ensure research compliance with NIE and MOE standards.
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.

Assistant Psychologist

AWWA TEACH ME Services
02.2006 - 12.2006
  • Administer assessments for clients with disabilities, presenting with learning or behavioural difficulties under supervision.
  • Implement intervention plans, including social skills, emotional regulation, and coping strategies.
  • Observe classroom behaviours and provide actionable recommendations to teaching staff.
  • Prepare reports on assessments and progress for multidisciplinary meetings.
  • Support family engagement sessions, providing psychoeducation and guidance.
  • Cofacilitated psychoeducational workshops aimed at parent support for children and youth physical disabilities.

Education

Master of Counselling - Education And Counseling

Monash University
Singapore
10.2023

MA Applied Psychology - Educational Psychology

Nanyang Technological University
Singapore
12.2011

BA Psychology (Honours) - Psychology

Murdoch University
Australia
11.2004

BA Psychology - Psychology

University of Queensland
Australia
07.2002

Diploma - Electrical Engineering

Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Singapore
05.1998

Skills

Assessment & Evaluation

  • Proficient in psychological, cognitive, and behavioural assessments across child, adolescent, and adult populations
  • Skilled in diagnosing learning difficulties, developmental disorders, and socio-emotional challenges
  • Proficient in functional assessments, educational testing, and vocational readiness evaluations
  • Ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable recommendations for interventions and policy
  • Intervention & Counselling
  • Individual and group counselling for academic, emotional, behavioural, and social challenges
  • Development and implementation of evidence-based intervention programmes (CBT, social skills, trauma-informed approaches)
  • Expertise in learning support plans and differentiated instruction strategies
  • Guidance in career readiness and vocational transitions for students with diverse needs

Programme & Policy Development

  • Design and oversee institution-wide inclusive education policies and student support frameworks
  • Lead initiatives to enhance learning outcomes, wellbeing, and retention
  • Advise leadership on SEN, educational psychology, and inclusive practices

Leadership & Team Collaboration

  • Supervise and mentor junior allied staff
  • Lead multi-disciplinary teams including teachers, therapists, and external partners
  • Facilitate professional development and training in SEN, mental health, and learning support strategies

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Collaborate with parents, caregivers, educators, and external agencies for holistic student support
  • Deliver workshops, training sessions, and presentations for staff, students, and stakeholders
  • Advocate for student needs and policy improvements at institutional or governmental level

Research & Evidence-Based Practice

  • Conduct and supervise research in educational outcomes, cognitive development, and intervention efficacy
  • Translate research findings into practical strategies and institutional policies
  • Proficient in data analysis, program evaluation, and report writing

Professional & Ethical Practice

  • Uphold ethical standards in assessment, counselling, and reporting
  • Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
  • Apply culturally sensitive approaches for diverse student populations

Technical & Digital Skills

  • Familiar with psychometric testing software, student data management systems, and learning analytics
  • Competent in digital learning tools and assistive technologies for inclusive education

Affiliations

  • Singapore Psychological Society - Singapore Registered Psychologist, Membership Number: , Date Joined: 04/2016
  • Singapore Psychological Society - Full Member, Membership Number: , Date Joined: 08/2015
  • British Psychological Society Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU) - Test User Educational qualification, Membership Number: , Date Joined: 07/2014

Internships

  • Revive Counselling- Intern Counsellor, Date Joined: 10/2023, Date Left: 06/2024
  • ITE College West - Intern Counsellor, Date Joined: 06/2022, Date Left: 06/2024
  • Xingnan Primary School and Northlight School - Intern Psychologist, Date Joined: 08/2009, Date Left: 03/2010
  • KK Women's and Children's Hospital - Intern Psychologist, Date Joined: 02/2009, Date Left: 08/2009

Timeline

Educational Psychologist

ITE College West
09.2019 - Current

Educational Psychologist

SPD Singapore
03.2018 - 09.2019

Psychologist

Feiyue Community Services
01.2017 - 02.2018

Registered Psychologist

Dyslexia Association of Singapore
05.2016 - 12.2016

Trainer

Red Element Health International
05.2015 - 12.2016

School Support and Behavioral Interventionist

Private Hire
04.2015 - 12.2016

School Psychologist Policy

Ministry of Education
02.2013 - 04.2015

Psychologist (Youth Rehabilitation)

Ministry of Social and Family Development
05.2012 - 02.2013

Project Manager

National Institute Of Education
01.2007 - 09.2011

Assistant Psychologist

AWWA TEACH ME Services
02.2006 - 12.2006

Master of Counselling - Education And Counseling

Monash University

MA Applied Psychology - Educational Psychology

Nanyang Technological University

BA Psychology (Honours) - Psychology

Murdoch University

BA Psychology - Psychology

University of Queensland

Diploma - Electrical Engineering

Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Catherine LeongEducational Psychologist