Stop guessing why your child is struggling - and start getting them the right support.
At John Brentar & Associates, we conduct in-depth psycho-educational evaluations that uncover exactly how your child’s mind works; their strengths, their challenges, and the specific strategies that will help them thrive.
We work with students school aged through adulthood.
What We Offer
Not sure which type of evaluation fits your situation?
Our initial consultation will assess which evaluation is needed or determine whether one is even needed.
All evaluations include: Parent intake, review of relevant records, parent and teacher input as appropriate, a feedback meeting, individualized recommendations, and a comprehensive written report.
Our Experts
John T. Brentar, Ph.D.
Founder & Clinical Child Psychologist
Dr. Brentar is a licensed psychologist with decades of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through psychological assessment and therapy. His professional interests include learning disabilities, executive functioning, ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, and other developmental challenges.
Dr. Brentar spent 13 years at Children’s Health Council after his post doctoral fellowship. There, he served as a staff psychologist, Clinical Director, and Clinical Training Director. In 1993, he joined Morrissey-Compton Educational Center on a part-time basis and was later named Executive Director in 2006. Dr. Brentar left Morrissey Compton in 2026 to start John Brentar & Associates.
Known for his thoughtful, compassionate approach, Dr. Brentar is deeply committed to helping individuals better understand their strengths and challenges while providing families with practical guidance and support. His extensive clinical experience, combined with his calm and collaborative style, helps clients feel understood, supported, and confident throughout the evaluation process.
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Brentar enjoys spending time with family and friends, travel, and continuing to mentor and teach the next generation of clinicians.
Our Location
51 Renato Court, Suite A, Redwood City, CA 94061
We believe every individual possesses unique strengths waiting to be unlocked. For over 30 years, we have walked along side children and families, offering guidance, clarity, and care as they navigate their learning and emotional paths from our home in Redwood City and surrounding area. We remain deeply dedicated to providing the support needed to turn obstacles into pathways for lifelong success.
Brooke Budelli, M.A.
Educational Specialist
Brooke Budelli brings over 25 years of experience in education, beginning as an elementary classroom teacher before transitioning into roles as a learning specialist and educational therapist supporting students with learning differences and executive functioning challenges. She later founded her own private practice, where she worked closely with students and families to build skills, confidence, and academic success.
For the past nine years, Brooke has partnered with Dr. John Brentar to conduct the educational component of psychoeducational evaluations. Together, they bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach grounded in trust, clinical expertise, and a shared commitment to understanding the whole child.
Known for her warm and engaging style, Brooke has a natural ability to build rapport with students, helping them feel comfortable and at ease from the moment they meet her. She believes the evaluation process should not only provide meaningful insight, but also support and strengthen a child’s self-confidence.
Outside of her professional work, Brooke is a proud mom of two high schoolers who enjoys hiking, tennis, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Is this right for your child?
You know your child best. An evaluation makes sense when, despite their best efforts and yours, something still feels “off” or harder than it should be. Consider reaching out if you notice any of the following:
• Homework takes hours, ending in tears and frustration
• Works hard but grades don’t reflect the effort
• Excels in some areas but struggles significantly in others
• Avoids school or complains of stomachaches on school mornings
• Says things like “I’m stupid” or “I hate school”
• Chronically disorganized, loses assignments, forgets to turn things in
• Struggles to follow multi-step directions or start tasks independently
If your child’s teacher has raised concerns, or if your instincts tell you they’re working twice as hard as their peers just to keep up, an evaluation can give you both the answers and a clear roadmap forward.
WHY THIS MATTERS
A student might be earning poor grades in math but an evaluation could reveal that their math reasoning is actually strong. The real culprit? Weak working memory or slow processing speed that makes timed tests nearly impossible to finish. That changes everything about how we support them.
Let’s Get In Touch
Not sure if an evaluation is the right next step? We’ll help you figure it out. During our initial consultation, we’ll listen to your concerns and point you in the right direction, even if that means referring you elsewhere.
Schedule a free consultation →