Alisha R. Johnson, Psy.D.
Owner and Lead Forensic Psychologist
Dr. Alisha Johnson is the new owner and lead forensic psychologist at Bernatz Experts. She earned her doctorate from Pepperdine University and has built a distinguished career at both Metropolitan State Hospital and Bernatz Experts. At Metropolitan, she was recognized for her pivotal role in redesigning the Competency to Stand Trial program.
Dr. Johnson is also part of an elite panel that trains psychologists in violence risk assessment. At Bernatz Experts, she has managed a wide range of cases involving undue influence, capacity evaluations, and conservatorship, consistently providing detailed written reports and compelling expert testimony. From 2012 to 2023, she served as the lead forensic psychologist at the Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Forensic Center.
Founded by Dr. Susan Bernatz
Our History
Our founder, Dr. Susan Bernatz, was a nationally recognized expert in undue influence, capacity, and financial elder abuse for over 20 years. She began her expert witness work in 1997, and in 2006 developed and published the SCAM™ model and 4-bucket system™ for analyzing undue influence.
In 2007, she became a founding member of the Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Forensic Center (LACEAFC), where Bernatz Experts has served as the primary psychology consultant since its inception. In 2008, Dr. Bernatz launched a training program for associates at LACEAFC, and by 2014, her SCAM™ model helped shape California Probate Code (PC § 86 and WIC 15610.70). The court praised her “career-long experience,” “pioneering achievements,” and “impeccable credentials.” Though Dr. Bernatz passed away in 2021, her legacy lives on through the dedicated expert witness team at Bernatz Experts.
Meet the Team at Bernatz Experts
The team at Bernatz Experts is comprised of highly experienced forensic psychologists with backgrounds in clinical, legal, and academic settings. Led by Dr. Alisha Johnson, we provide objective, ethical, and comprehensive evaluations in areas such as capacity, undue influence, and risk assessment. Our experts are committed to professionalism, discretion, and the highest standards of forensic practice.
Dr. Christine You, Ph.D.
Neuropsychologist
Dr. You has dual B.S. degrees in Psychology and Statistics from Carnegie Mellon University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. She completed specialized training in neuropsychology at UCSF, the VA Palo Alto, NYU, and UCLA, where she served as Chief Fellow. Dr. You is a clinical faculty member at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, providing neuropsychological evaluations for the Neurobehavioral Epilepsy Program and the Medical Psychology Assessment Center. HIMS-certified by the FAA, she also conducts forensic evaluations for Bernatz Experts, focusing on undue influence, capacity, and elder abuse.
Dr. Siobhan Donovan, Psy.D. Q.M.D.
Psychologist and Qualified Medical Examiner
Dr. Siobhan Donovan has over 18 years of clinical experience and 13 years in forensic psychology. She has served as an expert witness in both civil and criminal cases. She has extensive experience in the state hospital and prison systems, including evaluations of sexually violent predators and mentally disordered offenders.
Dr. Donovan earned her Psy.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology and is the founder of a
private practice in South Pasadena, where she provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
Cynthia Moreno
Business Administrator
Our Practice Manager brings over 20 years of administrative experience to the practice, offering a steady foundation of professionalism, organization, and client-focused service. Cynthia ensures the practice runs smoothly and maintains the highest standards of integrity, discretion, and care.