The Whole Person Assessment (WPA) is a comprehensive report with the purpose of providing the transitional team the appropriate recommendations to support the individual with a successful transition from their current placement to the community. Each assessment takes into consideration the individual’s needs including medical, psychiatric, and behavioral in addition to their wants and desires. All of these factors are carefully reviewed by the WPA team in order to identify the appropriate recommendations to ensure the best quality of life for the individual.

The WPA Report will assist the regional center service coordinator, new placement administration and direct support professionals (DSP) with a concise idea of who they are supporting, how best to assist them in making a successful transition, and strategies for providing a stable, long term placement. The aim is to make the transition as easy as possible for all parties involved. In order for the individual to be successful in his/her community, the Whole Person Assessment will recommend strategies, services and accommodations, required by the individual.

Recommendations categories are:

  • Outcome
  • Transitional Strategies
  • Home
  • Direct Support Professionals
  • Medical
  • Psychiatric
  • Behavioral
  • Vocational/Educational
  • General Support Strategies
  • Therapeutic Services
WPA Consultants
Cristina Wilgenhof-Estrada

Cristina Wilgenhof-Estrada, LMFT

Cristina earned her master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in 2011. She has worked in the mental health field for over 10 years and has spent most of her career supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in various capacities. Her experience includes individual psychotherapy, behavioral assessments and therapy, and placement assessments including integral involvement in the Whole Person Assessment department at Stephanie Young Consultants. Cristina is committed to a strengths-based, person-centered approach, and she is passionate about advocating for all of her clients to receive the best supports possible to promote their successful involvement in the community as well as full, meaningful, and healthy lives.

Shannon Branson

Shannon Branson

WPA Interviewer/Writer

Shannon Branson has over 16 years of experience. She specialized in transitioning clients from the developmental centers and managing their services in a community setting. She is also a mother of two wonderful autistic children which gives her a unique perspective.

Chris Shilling

Chris Shilling

WPA Writer

Chris Shilling has spent over a decade supporting people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. He has worked with Stephanie Young Consultants completing Whole Person Assessments for over 5 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University.

Ben Cote

Ben Cote

LCSW, WPA Writer

Ben is a licensed clinical social worker who has more than twenty years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities. He has extensive experience working in special education with all grade levels, as well as non-profit social service organizations. In addition to writing Whole Person Assessments for Stephanie Young Consultants Ben is a practicing psychotherapist with a specialty in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The WPA gives not only a comprehensive report of our loved one, but will also facilitate consistency and cohesion when providing treatment on various levels (e.g. medical care, behavioral intervention, vocational skills). By having this assessment done we can rest easy and be confident knowing that we can reference our loved one’s needs at any time and share their experience in totality.
– Yvonne and Al Beck (Parents and Conservators)

The Whole Person Assessment process conducted by Stephanie Young and her team has become an integral part of the community placement process and as aided in ensuring that client’s needs are met in their new environments.
- Patricia A. Rambo (Forensic Specialist, San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center)