Center for Divergent Connections’ Purpose and Vision

Our Center’s Purpose

The Center for Divergent Connections uses the power of interpersonal neurobiology, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming practices to provide treatment, training, and research with the disabled community.

Our Center’s Vision

To impact to neurodivergent and disabled communities by providing local and global treatment, training, and research that celebrates and honors their unique contributions. To promote a world in which resilient, self-determined individuals are supported by authentic, compassionate, and connected communities.

Neurodiversity Affirming

Clinical Approaches

Neurodiversity Affirming

We celebrate individual differences and how each person interacts with the world. Our goal is to use a strengths-based approach to help each person to recognize their own value and to embrace their difference in neurobiology.

Trauma Informed

Clinical Approaches

Trauma Informed

We recognize the impact that traumatic experiences have on people, especially for those who are neurodivergent. We seek to integrate knowledge and understanding of trauma into all levels of service, as well as teaching the community how to promote safety for our clients.

Interpersonal Neurobiology

Clinical Approaches

Interpersonal Neurobiology

We value safety in relationships. Above all, we ensure that the relational process comes first when helping to regulate and relearn new patterns.

Providers

Kelley Krueger, Ph.D, BCBA (Senior Clinical Director)

Dr. Kelley Krueger, PhD, BCBA is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 17 years of experience working with neurodivergent populations. Dr. Krueger is the Senior Clinical Director of Neurodevelopmental Services, Southern California Region for Pacific Clinics and the Center for Divergent Connections. She started her career as a behavior therapist and instructional aide before receiving her B.A. in Psychology & Social Behavior at University of California, Irvine. She went on to earn her M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychological Studies in Education at University of California, Los Angeles under the mentorship of Dr. Connie Kasari.

Dr. Krueger is passionate about supporting neurodivergent populations to achieve self-determined, authentic, and enriched lives. She uses a strengths-based, neurobiologically-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approach to assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Krueger’s primary research interests include promoting engagement and communication development in minimally verbal autistic populations, augmentative and assistive communication systems, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.

Sabrina Thakur, LMFT, RPT-S (Associate Director)

Sabrina is a Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor who specializes in working with young children ages 2-12.  Sabrina is passionate about using developmentally appropriate approaches when working with young children and families with a history of complex trauma. She provides a safe and non-judgmental environment in which your child can explore feelings, solve problems, and try new approaches. She works closely with each parent to carefully evaluate your concerns for your child and to develop a treatment plan that meets your child’s individual needs.

Sabrina has extensive training and expertise in trauma therapy, including certifications in EMDR, Safe and Sound protocol, Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System). These modalities can be integrated into your child’s therapy sessions based on their individual needs throughout the course of treatment.

Sabrina is dedicated to advocating for the needs of the neurodivergent community and best practices in the mental health profession. She enjoys providing play therapy supervision and professional consultation to mental health providers. She also enjoys speaking opportunities within the community. Sabrina previously served as president and founding board member for the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals and as a board member for California Association for Play Therapy. She is excited to continue to share her love for trauma-informed, neuro-diverse affirming practices through the Center for Divergent Connections.

Contact

Address: 870 North Mountain Avenue, Suite 206, Upland, CA 91786
Email: CenterforDivergentConnections@pacificclinics.org
Phone: (909) 266-2810