Dr. Surina Basho
Dr. Basho is a developmental psychologist who specializes in executive function differences in children, adolescents and adults. She started as a cognitive neuroscience researcher, studying the brains of children with dyslexia, then spent twenty years moving that science into classrooms, clinics and family life.
For ten years she directed the Executive Function Research Program at Morrissey-Compton Educational Center in Silicon Valley. In August 2024 she founded EF Thrive to focus on what she enjoys most: highly individualized work with each client, especially people whose needs don’t fit a single diagnosis.
- Ph.D.
- Child Development, Tufts University
- M.A.
- Psychology, San Diego State University
- Previously
- Director, EF Research Program, 2014–2024
- Based in
- Greater Sacramento, sessions online
Dr. Basho is a developmental psychologist, not a medical doctor. EF Thrive does not provide medical or psychiatric care, and works alongside your child’s doctors and therapists when needed.
Twenty years of executive function work
From brain-imaging labs to classrooms to one-on-one sessions, Dr. Basho has studied executive function, taught it, and helped people build it.
- 2002–2004M.A. in PsychologySan Diego State University
- 2005–2008Neuroimaging research on dyslexiaDevelopmental Language and Reading Research Lab (MGH/MIT), using MRI, fMRI, EEG and MEG to study how children’s brains learn to read
- 2006–2012Educational therapist and research associateInstitute for Learning and Development, alongside executive function psychologist Dr. Lynn Meltzer: assessments, one-on-one interventions and classroom research
- 2010Co-authorA chapter with Dr. Meltzer in Executive Function in the Classroom: Fostering Strategic Mindsets across the Grades and Content Areas
- 2012Ph.D. in Child DevelopmentTufts University, specializing in cognitive neuroscience and learning differences. Also taught at Harvard’s Mind, Brain & Education Summer Institute
- After the Ph.D.Challenge Success, StanfordResearch on how stress affects students
- 2014–2024Director, Executive Function Research ProgramMorrissey-Compton Educational Center, Redwood City. Clinical work, research on the cognitive profiles of students with EF differences, and training for teachers and graduate students
- 2015 & 2017Founder and chair, Executive Function & Learning ConferenceSanta Clara University, then Stanford University with the Graduate School of Education, for more than 240 educators, psychologists and researchers
- 2024Founded EF ThrivePrivate practice, working with clients online across the US and internationally
Selected talks
- Memory: a key executive function process in learningEF & Learning Conference, Stanford University, 2017
- Metacognition: the key to executive functionsNational Institute for Learning Development, 35th conference, 2017
- Slow processing speed and executive function difficulties31st Annual Learning Disability Conference, Harvard University, 2016
- Defining executive function across disciplines37th International Conference on Learning Disabilities, 2015
- From the “what” of learning to the “how” of learningWoodland School, Portola Valley, 2014
For schools and organizations
Dr. Basho also works with groups, not just individual clients.
- Professional development on bringing EF skills into the classroom
- Talks for schools, clinicians, organizations and ed-tech companies
- Research and project consultations on executive function
Ready when you are
Tell us a little about what is going on, for you or your child. Dr. Basho will reply to set up a first conversation.