Madeline Falcone, LMFT, CBP

Owner/Founder, Psychotherapist (California MFT License #24414)

Madeline founded Falcone Institute over 30 years ago, following 18 years as a K-12 Special Education teacher in San Diego area schools. From her time in the public school system, Madeline was inspired to develop a more comprehensive approach to helping individuals integrate their learning and emotions. After earning her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and receiving her MFT License, Madeline transformed her vision into action – creating a comprehensive, holistic therapeutic practice specializing in fostering academic and personal skill development. 

As an insightful and inspirational educator and therapist, Madeline masterfully applies her experience and knowledge while working with children, adolescents and their families. With more than forty years of experience and a passion for continued learning, Madeline has collaborated with hundreds of individuals, families, educators, and healthcare professionals to provide an individualized, heart-centered, and intuitive approach to healing and learning.

Sierra Still, MS, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Therapist
California SLP License #33356

Sierra joined the Falcone Institute team in April 2022. She provides skilled evaluative and therapeutic speech and language interventions, including social pragmatics and executive functioning, to build upon the skills a child already possesses to increase their level of confidence in communicating in a variety of settings. Sierra earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Colorado, Boulder and Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University.

Marilyn Buehler, BA

Psychoeducational Coach

Marilyn joined Falcone Institute in February 2021 while finishing up her senior year at USD. She earned her BA in Psychology and a Minor in Business Administration in May 2021.

Ben Chan, BS

Psychoeducational Coach

Ben earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, as well as minor in Business, from UCSD in June 2020. After collaborating with peers to provide online tutor services during the Covid-19 outbreak, Ben joined Falcone Institute in August 2021.

Carly Diffenderffer, BS

Administrative Coordinator

Carly joined Falcone Institute in November 2021, offering extensive administrative and client care experience in the medical field and various other customer service roles. Carly facilitates client communication, scheduling, and billing, in addition to optimizing operational and administrative processes. Carly earned her BS in Human Biology from UCSD in 2020.

Kristin Harris, MBA

Executive Director

Kristin joined the Falcone Institute team in 2013 after spending over ten years volunteering in numerous capacities through local school districts and other non-profit organizations. She earned a B.A. in Social Ecology with a Minor in Psychology, and later her MBA, from U.C. Irvine.