About Dr. Silva
Dr. Silva is the founder of PNBC. She is a CA-licensed psychologist who is board-certified in clinical neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). She primarily conducts neuropsychological evaluations that are used to provide treatment recommendations as well as education about cognitive and behavioral changes to patients and their loved ones. She has particular expertise with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), strokes (CVA), and neurodegenerative conditions/dementia.
In addition to clinical work, Dr. Silva performs civil forensic work as well as workers’ compensation evaluations and treatment. She can provide expert witness testimony as a neuropsychologist or psychologist. She has been certified as a qualified medical evaluator (QME) since 2013. Dr. Silva also performs independent medical evaluations (IME) for a variety of referral reasons, most typically answering questions regarding fitness for duty. Her conclusions are based on objective data and the empirically-validated scientific literature. She has been retained as an expert witness by both defense and plaintiff attorneys.
She is also HIMS-certified and can provide neuropsychological and psychological evaluations for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). She is also a qualified BAP provider for the Baseline Assessment Program (BAP) of the National Football League (NFL).
Dr. Silva has held national, state, and local board positions with: California Psychological Association- Neuropsychology Division 8 (Neuropsychology), the Hispanic Neuropsychological Society, and San Diego Psychological Association. She is also a practice sample reviewer for the American Board of Professional Psychology- Clinical Neuropsychology, and has also served on committees for the National Academy of Neuropsychology.
Her past clinical experiences have included: Working in an inpatient neuro-rehabilitation units for Sharp Healthcare, and conducting pre-surgical evaluations for bariatric patients, organ transplant candidates (liver, kidney, heart, lung), epilepsy patients, and spinal cord stimulator candidates at the University of California- San Diego, where she underwent her post-doctoral training.
Aside from neuropsychological evaluations, Dr. Silva has extensive experience with treatment of mental disorders using a primarily cognitive-behavioral approach, as well as elements from dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and insight-oriented strategies. She obtained a certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living through e-Cornell in 2020 in order to learn more about the impact of nutrition on overall health, and integrate that with her knowledge of neuropsychological conditions.
Dr. Silva is fluent in Spanish.
“My approach to evaluations is with compassion and objectivity. I maintain transparency regarding what to expect with evaluations, and my conclusions are ultimately based on objective data and science. As a clinical psychologist who then specialized in neuropsychology, I place equal importance in evaluating both the cognitive and psychological factors that may be affecting a person. I strive to tailor treatment recommendations that are specific to each person that I have the privilege of evaluating. As the owner of PNBC, my goal has been to build a team of dedicated and specialized clinicians that can provide the highest level of care to our patients.”
Education and Experience
License and Certifications:
Diplomate, Clinical Neuropsychology (#7373)
American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)
Qualified Medical Evaluator
State of California
HIMS-Certified
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
CA License: PSY22738
Formal Training and Education:
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology
University of California, San Diego
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Neuro-Rehabilitation
Fullerton Neuropsychological Services/St. Jude Medical Center
Psychological Internship
Central California Psychology Internship Consortium/Synchrony of Visalia
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
Florida Institute of Technology
Master’s in Psychology (M.S)
Florida Institute of Technology
Bachelor’s in Psychology (B.S.)
University of Maryland
Professional Memberships:
American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN)
California Psychological Association (CPA)
San Diego Psychological Association (SDPA)
Hispanic Neuropsychological Society (HNS)
National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN)
International Neuropsychological Society (INS)
Board Positions
Chair, CPA Division 8 (2022-2024)
Secretary, HNS (2019-2021)
Treasurer, CPA Division 8 (2018-2020)
Member-at-Large, HNS: 2014-2016
SDPA Neuropsychology Committee Co-Chair: 2015-2016
Secretary, CPA Division 8 (Neuropsychology): 2013-2015